Hi there. Been lurking here and 120 for quite a while, and my ride is finally worthy of a build thread. Bought my 4Runner in May 2012 after about 3 years of saving. I love it, and that's a complete under-statement.
Here's the dealer pic right after I purchased it, bone stock with 72k miles.
After a few months and a few off-road/camping trips I put on some 265/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers. A significant upgrade, as the stock size was too small for my taste. The TGs are great off road. Snow, mud, rocks... I have not been stuck yet.
A pic with the new tires at Coyote Flats, outside of Bishop, CA.
While I was saving for the lift I built a cargo drawer. I wasn't sure if i would like it, but it's so useful I don't think I could do without it now.
I used 28" drawer slides purchased from Amazon, and included 2 locking compartments in the back (seats have to be folded down to get at these).
I designed it to be level with the wheel wells in the back, and consequently the height puts Saba Dog at a good level.
This is the last stock pic before a friend and I installed the lift. This is at Burbank City landfill. It's gnarly road to get here, and I used to have to walk.
Put the lift on using the "no spring compressor method." After MUCH (another under-statement) consideration I decided on the following suspension components: Bilstein 5100's all around (fronts at 2.5 setting), FJ springs on the front, Toytec Superflex rear coils, Light Racing UCAs, Spidertrax, and Energy swaybar bushings. The ride is improved from stock and I gained much needed ground clearance.
Here's a level pic after the lift settled.
And here's a few flexing
I also plasti-dipped the grill, logos, and a few other things, and added the TRD decals.
Next up will be sliders, skids, and a proper roof rack... but I'm not holding my breath
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2003 4Runner SR5, V8, 4WD
A few mods...
@LostInTheWoodsT4r on IG
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