Before you guys cringe at the generic topic, I've been reading and searching for days now

I've been searching for a decent '99+ 4Runner for three months now with no luck. Today I finally put a deposit down on a 2002 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 Limited. I'll be starting another thread with pics when I take delivery next Wednesday; the purpose of this thread is to address the modifications I'm planning on performing to turn this into my ideal rig.

The reason I sold my '97 BMW 540i 6-speed to seek out a 4Runner is that I need something I can use as a business vehicle during the week and then take to the beach or woods on the weekend. That said, I'm obviously not going to be doing anything too extreme.

Below I'll list the modifications I have planned for this in the order which I plan on completing them. I'd really appreciate your suggestions, comments, and feedback.

Winch - Warn M8000

Four weeks ago, my brother (who knows I'm planning on putting a winch on the 4Runner I'm planning on purchasing) calls me and tells me his friend wrecked his truck before he got a chance to install the winch he bought for it, a Warn M8000. The thing is brand new in the box (still stapled shut), and I picked it up for $400.

Front Bumper - ARB Bull Bar

This was a very tough decision, which front bumper to go with. The ARB and the TJM both look good (my opinion of which looks better changes hourly) and seem to be of the same build quality. That new one by Shrockworks is in a whole different league, but it's way too much money. I'd still be debating as to which I should get if not for 4wheelparts and their sale + free shipping. I got the ARB Bull Bar for $665 shipped to my door, which was enough incentive for me to choose it over the TJM.

CB Radio - Either Cobra 19 DX IV or Uniden Pro 520 XL

I want something that will match the interior, perform well, and offer the features I need. I'm calling a reputable CB shop tomorrow to ask them which of these two radio's they recommend, then I'm going to have them do a performance tune-up. I believe for an antenna I'll use one of those Firestick tunable antenna's I've been hearing good things about. I'll also be wiring up a PA speaker.

Tires - Undecided (but I have an idea)

I'd like to run 295/75R16's on the stock 5-spoke wheels. Everyone here seems to be in love with the Nitto Terra Grapplers, so I thought maybe I'd give those a try, but I haven't made a final decision yet. Though I want to get a quality tire, I can't afford to spend the extra $$ required for the higher end stuff. I plan on doing a lot of road driving, quite a bit of sand stuff, and some dirt/mud.

Lift Kit - Undecided (need help guys! :think: )

<--- This is me when it comes to the lift kit options of the 3rd Gen 4Runner.

First of all, I don't like the *idea* of a body lift. I put an emphasis on idea because I don't know as much as I probably should before making an educated decision either way. I've seen some which seem to leave a gap between the body and the bumper, something I definitely do not want. Then I've seen some which don't appear to have that issue and look great. If I can't get away with running 295's without a body lift, please let me know. I might, however, want a 1-2" lift for a bit better clearance (and because most that I've seen with them look badass).

As for the actual suspension lift, it seems there are two main 'camps': people who purchase pre-made kits (Sonoran Steel) and people who put together their own kits by sourcing the parts themselves. I had a Tacoma a couple years back with a 3" front spacer/rear coilpack that seemed OK, but I've since read that it'd be best to not use spacers.

From what I've read on here and elsewhere, the Sonoran Steel kits are very nice. I'm thinking the 1.1 might be the kit for me, but I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. This picture on their website says this 4Runner has the 1.1 kit and it's running 315/75R16's, so will I be OK with the 1.1 and 295's? Is this 4Runner really running just the 1.1 with no body lift?

http://www.sonoransteel.com/System_1_Demo_001.jpg

If any of you have any other ideas, please let me know.

Gearing - Undecided

I'm not sure, but I think it's going to be best to regear in order to maintain the driving characteristics of the stock drivetrain with the larger tires, correct? If I'm running 295's, what ratio would you guys recommend to retain stock power/gas mileage?

Stereo Head Unit/Navigation/Communications - Pioneer Avic Z2

This is for my business :banger:

This does it all, plus some. Navigation, DVD, MP3, Bluetooth, Voice Command, etc.




Sliders - Undecided

I've seen quite a few I really like, just need to do some recon and track down the make/model.

Under Armor/Skid Plates - Budbuilt

When I get the $ I plan on ordering a complete set. Do I need it? I'm not sure, but I'll definitely feel better knowing it's there when I go play in the woods.


So far, this is what I have planned. I'd really like to hear your input and suggestions!

Wow, you definitely got yourself a list! That's good though, looks like you've done your research.

Everything you've listed thus far looks like some good choices. Here's my .02

Tires - Nitto TGs. I'm running a set of 265/75s and have really enjoyed them thus far. The price was great too - 4 tires shipped to my door for $454.

Although, with the tire size you are wanting to run on stock rims, you may rub the Upper A's. If rubbing occurs, you have 3 options: Get a set of shaved Upper As (Sonoran Steel can shave you stock ones), add wheel spacers or simply get a wider set of rims. The stock Land Cruiser rims are a very popular rim to run on the 4Runner. A few other wheel choices out there that are good too.

Lift Kit - Sonoran Steel...bar none. I've got the 7.1 and love it. A lot of guys are running the 1.1 and swear by it. Steve carries some great products.

Body Lift - You may end up having to run at least a 1". Although, 1" isn't bad. I plan to add one soon.

Sliders - Stubb Sliders. Great sliders IMO. Sonoran Steel now sells them.

Gears - 4.56s or 4.88s. Depends on your situation. You'll need to do a good bit of research on this. What ever size you decide on, go with Precision gears.


Looking forward to the build! Good luck

If you go with a body lift you might as well forget the front ARB bumper, unless you want to spend more money to have it modified to fit with a 1"-3" body lift.

Thanks for the replies guys

Anyone else care to comment?

If I were you I'd get a shockworks bumper..

I would, if I could afford it

I agree with what ILL said about your body lift. To me a BL would be a pain to lift my tjm and tow hitch. With the adjustments to the to the brackets to accomodate a BL you might be close or surpass a shockworks bumper. IMO I would get as big a tire that would fit w/the either the LC rims or the LTD 5 stars. Although a quite a few guys run wheel spacers, IMO it would be a pain to have to keep up with makeing sure they are torqued properly. You will need to regear with the bigger tires, what ratio IDK. Curious where are you going to install the CB with that big of a head unit? Otherwise your 4runner will be very capable, especially if has the elocker.