BrianSD_42 Photo Journal Build Maintenance Thread
 

BrianSD_42 Photo Journal, Build and Maintenance Thread


Instagram: briansd_97r


Hello. I decided I wanted to finally do a build/photo thread so here it goes. If you are reading this and enjoy then please say hi via a comment.

I've owned my 4Runner for over 10 years now. I originally purchased it (pure stock) in 2003 with about 67K miles on the odometer.


How she sits today: May 2019

https://i.imgur.com/CRMDF7H.jpg



https://i.imgur.com/ttyX0uL.jpg




Jan 2018, Alabama Hills, CA
https://i.imgur.com/1G9tfg9.jpg




May 2015, Canyonlands National Park, Utah (near Moab)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/903/r0faAM.jpg



December 2014, Big Bear Lake, CA

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/901/vsT7d5.jpg



Feb. 2014, San Diego, CA, Newly installed 1" Body Lift and 285x75x16 (33") Tires

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/834/4qnv.jpg



Feb. 2017, Anza-Borrego
4K JPEG Image > Imgur Link
Forum >
http://i.imgur.com/p3P5nPe.jpg



This was my 4Runner in August 2011
3" Sonoran Steel 1.2 Lift, 265x75x16 31.5" Tires, No Body Lift

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/837/620w.jpg



Intro
* I bought this beauty in 2002 with ~ 68,000 miles
* Vehicle: 1997 4Runner Limited; 4x4 w/ eLocker; Black with dark grey trim; Leather interior; sunroof
* The original owner was a soccer mom who never took it off road; it had a stroller in the back when I test drove it; near mint condition
* I got a great deal on it at the time. It was only 5 years old and I bought it for $18,000 which was KBB private party low
* At the time I bought it I was still in the US Navy "seeing the world"
* The oldest pictures I have of the 4Runner are from about 2004, right about the time I got out of the service after 6 years active duty.
* Up until 2004 the only mod I installed was a pre-runner bar and some PIAA lights. I was mostly enjoying life in Sunny San Diego.



>>>>>>> Direct Links <<<<<<<

Stereo Upgrade
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ost767748.html

Painting Fender Flares Matching Black, Professional Job
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post815183

TYC Headlight Upgrade
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post815203

Satoshi Grill Mod
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post815208

ARB Front Bumper + BudBuilt Skid Plate
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post833638

Painting the Factory Rear Bumper
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post836773

Toyota Tundra Exhaust Tip
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post843747

Painting Rear Brake Drums Silver
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post843947

Toyota Factory 5-Star 4Runner Wheels, Powder-Coated Black
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post849344

First Retrofit, Lexus Projectors from TRS
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post873667

Anza-Borrego Day Trip 1/1/12
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post949208

Wheel Spacers Mod
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post980345

Palomar Mountain Feb. 2012 Day Trip
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1024254

Anza-Borrego Spring Day Trip, April 2012
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1055065

Savage Offroad Rear Bumper
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1129837

Trimmed Front ARB Bumper
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1131243

Extended Front Sway Bar Links
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1137203

FX-R 3" Projector Retrofit Project
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1310692

Palomar Mtn Snow Trip Report, Feb 2013
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ml#post1310698





>>>>>>> Some of my other threads <<<<<<<<

3rd Gen 2013 Southern California (SoCal) Roll-Call Thread
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ll-thread.html

Modified Storage Compartment mini-mod
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ed-carpet.html

FX-R 3" HID Retrofit How-To
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...unner-org.html

How to Search Toyota-4Runner.org Far More Accurately Than Standard Method
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-to...rd-method.html

3rd Gen 2013 Southern California SoCal Roll Call Thread
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ll-thread.html

Satoshi Grill Mod Build Thread Pic Heavy
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...pic-heavy.html

Brian's 2014 Duplicolor 3rd Gen Wheel Painting - A How To Story
Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...how-story.html



// 06-05-14 RE-POST OF ALL PICTURES IN PROGRESS, FIXED SIZE ISSUES //

:music:

Looks good, can't wait to see the rest!

so purdy,

I Liked my Alpine when I had it. it stopped spitting out the CD when i wanted to change music. now i have a new deck from old truck to install in my runner that has the USB connector so I dont have to change CD's any more.

how does that flowmaster treat you? what model?

I am at the fence post deciding on what to put on mine. dont want it to loud though adn dont want to looks MPG either.

Nice write up so far. The UCSC campus is amazing and I sometimes go up there just to walk around in the redwoods. I like that you included maintenance as well. Just so people know what to expect. Looking forward to the updates.

Glad to see you finally got a build thread going man. That picture above is my favorite one. I can't count how many times my instrument cluster has looked like that after a weekend of fun on dirt roads (and worse, where you could barely see the gauges). To me that photo really captures an example of getting out there and enjoying your 'Runner.

The truck is coming along great. Awesome detail in the thread so far, and I'm looking forward to the rest of your updates.

5 years ownership – maintenance done 2003-2008

:bounce:

I am going to include maintenance and costs in this thread because I want readers to get an idea of the maintenance that is expected for these vehicles. Yes, a 4Runner engine can run for 300k but expect to spend $500+ a year fixing things. For most of the time I have owned the truck, I have had other people work on it. I have done some small things myself such as starter and eventually the suspension but for the most part I had to take it somewhere. Part of the reason for this is because I was in the Navy and had no garage and limited knowledge of auto mechanics.



Rough estimate on miles, some of it is from my log, the rest is from memory
100,000 miles ------- Warranty replacement of factory coils
110,000 miles ------- Spark plugs, change diff fluids
110,000 miles ------- $350, Timing Belt and water pump [done at Naval Exchange, used non-Toyota parts :( ]
120,000 miles ------- $650, Re-build rear axel seals and redo rear brakes (ruined by axel seal fluid) at dealer
130,000 miles ------- $350, Valve cover gasket and belts
135,000 miles ------- $280, Replace front brake pads and machine rotors @ Midas
135,000 miles ------- $280, Rear axel seals go again :(, dealers fault, they agree to redo for parts only
138,000 miles ------- $100, Re-surface rear drums and adjust brakes; this time I go to The Truck Shop in San Diego

I decided to switch mechanics at this point. No more stealership, no more Midas. I started going to a local shop “The Truck Shop” in San Diego. Reason: you can talk to the owner; they know what they are doing; good prices & honest.

139,000 miles ------- New spark plug set
July 2008 ------------ Fuel filter replaced
Aug. 2008 ----------- New exhaust: Flowmaster with tundra resonance silencer
Aug. 2008 ----------- $400, Lower Ball Joints replaced (luckily they started to ruin my tires => detected the failure)
Summer 2008 ------ $350, Steering Bushings, replaced with poly ones
Summer 2008 ------ $550, Install rebuilt steering rack => like new again
Sept. 2008 ---------- $550, Complete front brake rebuild – upgraded front brakes to Brembo slotted & cross drilled rotors with performance pads. Installed via The Truck Shop in SD. I still have factory limited calipers but this setup is awesome, my truck stops so hard the tires will shred.
Sept. 2008 ---------- $150, Tranny Pan drain plug starts to leak; spot weld repair, this is much cheaper than a new pan.


Cracked Head CYL #3
:( Post 771701 --> http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post771701

Back Story
 

2004 (back-story)


2004 - Day trip out to Anzo Borrego Desert in Southern California

Truck is still 99% stock in this pic. Shortly afterwards I add a pre-runner bar and PIAA lights.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/834/klcbo.jpg


Shot of the rear; notice I still have on the running boards

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/838/iukx.jpg



Cruising around Anzo Borego

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/845/tqoqj.jpg





Custom Rocksliders

Several years go by without any strong mods. Eventually in 2006 I get out of the Navy and besides going to college, I start messing with my truck.

On of the first mods I decided to do was to add Custom Rocksliders, pictured below.

These were fabricated and welded on for a total of $400 by The Truck Shop in San Diego, CA

I like these sliders a lot, they are pretty beefy and were built.



http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/1870/img1743cn.jpg







2008 – At this point I had moved to Santa Cruz, CA to go to school using the GI-BILL.

University of California, Santa Cruz has one of the nicest campuses and is pretty close to the beach and ~4 hours from Sierra Nevada.
The closest off road park is Hollister, CA which is about 1 hour east.



2008 – A bunch of MODs added

At this point I had some decent mods:
* Sonoran Steel System 1.2, ~ 3” Lift
------ Tundra coils; Tokiko struts; Landcruiser coils
* American Eagle Alloy Wheels
* 265x70xR16 BFG AT/S tires
* Pre-Runner Bar
* PIAA 520 Fog Lights
* Lund Deflector
* Custom Rocksliders
* Stickers that add 20HP



1st trip to Hollister, CA

The Hollister park has a lot of really great trails and these pics don't do it justice. 95% of the time I was behind the wheel so I didn't really snap that many cool pics.



Testing out the flex; 4Runner pulled through Hollister park with no problems (if it had been raining might have been different story)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/842/3f9im.jpg


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/841/ifoqx.jpg



Stepping foot in the baby SUV playpen!

Notice the lift level, the SS 1.2 has been installed ~ 18 months in this picture and SAG is minimal.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/841/r51zg.jpg



Post trip assessment, back when I only had 169,000 miles on my 4Runner


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/834/i9xyo.jpg





Upcoming posts / mods:

* New headlights
* New 99 corner lights
* Satoshi Grill Mod
* ARB bumper
* Fog light switch retrofit
* Bilstien shocks
* Bud Built Skid
* Sand & paint rear bumper
* K&N cold-air intake
* Full car stereo retrofit: deck, amp x 2, speakers, subs.
.
.
Let me know your thoughts, I'll be updating as I get spare time
.
.
:bat:

@BigFishAllDay
 

@MTDewX8 - Thanks!

I don't know the model flowmaster but as I understand it there are not many options for this truck. I suggest calling a parts distributor or calling flowmaster for the best model. Also, I don't think your choice in exhaust will affect your MPGs. I think the best thing is to combine the exhaust with an intake mod such as the deckplate mod or K&N Cold $ Air intake.

I am kind of bummed about the Alpine, it was 7+ years old but had everything I needed. I plan to replace it with a Kenwood Excelon x995 once I save up the $.



At SCRunner
Yes the campus is pretty awesome, its right in the middle of a forest!

I am going to include the maintenance so people know what to expect, just like you said. I think I had every "common" 4Runner issue to date but I love my truck and it is still a great buy. Despite maintenance costs I haven't had a CEL since I've owned it.



At BigFishAllDay

Yeah, I finally got around to it. The thing is that formatting the text and uploading the pics takes awhile. I finally just sat down for an hour and did it.

That pic is pretty representative of what we go through as owners.
Process: mod car, wash and detail car, go offroad .. truck interior fills with dirt, repeat.

I'm debating if I should raise the struts to the next level. I will drop you a line on your thread.

Your 4runner's coming along very nicely, especially with the addition of some armor from your list of upcoming and future mods.

Are you finding the Tokico rear shocks to be a bit harsh that's why you're contemplating on switching to Bilsteins?

And thanks for replying on my thread...I'm very honoured by your compliment.

PICS - Alpine Head Unit, Amp & Infinity Kappa's | Stereo Upgrades [moved]


Today I would like to talk about a few Stereo Mod's I've done. I put these speakers in over 2 years ago but last week I had my door panels off and thought I would take some pictures.

The panels are really easy to remove for anyone who hasn't done it before.

I needed a new stereo because my beloved 2003 Alpine MP3/CD Radio finally died last month. *It is pictured below

I ended up buying a really kick-@ss used Alpine MP3/CD Premium Head Unit on EBAY for $200. *It has a born on date of 2005



********* System Overview *********

1. Sound Deadening Mod - Roofing Material

2. Alpine Stereo CDA-9835

3. Infinity Kappa 6.5 Component Set

4. Alpine 75W RMS x 4 AMP

5. Ran new 14 (or 16g?) wires from the amp under the seat to all 4 doors (this is highly recommended by me)




********* Alpine CDE-HD149BT Stereo | Installed Feb. 2014 (3 of 3) *********

This one:
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

* 4V Pre-outs (x6)
* No tilt :(
* Decent screen
* HD Radio Tuning Built In (sounds great!)
* High Quality (2013 version) BlueTooth Audio
* Nice big clear buttons
* 109db Signal to Noise ratio ~ translation: amazing audio quality :)
* 3.5mm direct-wire audio input




http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/128...0/801/9ei7.jpg




******** Mounted my Nexus 7 (v2) Tablet *******

I used simple velcro to hold it in place

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/842/pctgh.jpg




******* Wiring Install Pictures | How To *******


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/841/bcy7.jpg



http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/844/jtt2.jpg





******* Speakers, Sound Deadening, and new wiring ******


Front Door Panel | 6.5" Infinity Kappa Speaker Set


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/844/7t95.jpg


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/844/z0mjl.jpg




Infinity Cross-Over Box - This comes with the speaker pair - Install in the door using 3M Double Stick Hardware Tape

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/838/aq93.jpg




Rear Speakers | 6x9 Kappas | Note: Don't do this, go with 6.5", my magnet is too big and prevents the window from going down all the way!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/844/oh73.jpg



Here you can see the sound deadening material I used as a base layer. It is the cheap roofing material.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/837/itda.jpg


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/841/1xrxn.jpg




Installing The Front Tweeters

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/841/13kso.jpg




Installing the 2nd Layer Of Sound Proofing Material | Ensolite foam @ $20 yard | I bought 2 yards

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/842/hozs6.jpg


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/834/m6766.jpg


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/845/95hvi.jpg

:bluejump:

RE: Tokikos

Actually the Tokikos rode like a dream with my SS 1.2 and I can pretty much say the same about the Bilsteins .. the ride is great.

I just upgraded to an ARB + Bud Built Skid. This extra weight caused me to worry about my front struts and sag so I called Steve at Sonoran Steel and he recommended I upgrade to the Bilsteins. He allows this if you already bought a kit.

So $250 later I have two Bilsteins ready to install. I had hoped to put them up on CL since they only had 40k on them. Well the left one was leaking (seeping) so that plan was shot.

I was kind of disappointed but it happens. Toyota doesn't make parts, they just certify out to whatever parts manufacturer wins the annual bid. If you stick with Toyota you are going to get a good part better than Kragens but they still fail.


:beer:


@blcktpgsr - I haven't posted pics of the new fenders yet. I have them back on and they look great. The factory grey began to fade and finally I started searching the threads for a black on black limited truck when I came across your thread.

End of story - the black flares look bad@ss and I will post this week. I try to have my posts formatted well and it is time consuming.
.

Alright:cheers:now post up some pics! Did you get the ARB from 4Wheel parts?

My thoughts? Niiiiiiiice.

Thank you for the comments ...


Journal Update: Late Summer 2008


Fender Flares: My flares are still factory grey at this point. Shortly after this trip they start to fade pretty fast. Eventually in 2011 I give them a refresh (so stay tuned).


I decided to go back to Hollister state park again. This time I have upgraded my exhaust.

Flowmaster Muffler: $200
Tundra Resonance Silencer (free from my mechanic)
Basic pipe & chrome tip
Installed price: $300-$350 as I recall.


Hollister Hills State Park - OHV
Hollister Hills State Park (link)

The park is really awesome. Here are some pics.

# Some more pics of me testing out the flex
I have no front sway bar. It broke shortly after the lift install. I hope to put it back on soon but with Tundra links.


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/842/bqcju.jpg


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/842/hvqp.jpg




# Two videos of the trip - (Be sure to switch to 480p)



Here are two videos of the trip. I have posted these vids on at least 1 other thread regarding exhaust. I don’t have a lot of video .. I am usually the driver.


Video #1 – Hill climb through soft silt.
The road is very steep and the ground is 4-8” of soft silt. I had to turn on the locker and then we went up with no problems.

Steep Hill Climb @ Hollister (25 seconds)
-----> YouTube - Hill Climb 1st Attempt <--------------------------------
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PcldxlCC2xE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



Video #2 - This video is of a really short but very* steep hill climb.
That angle just doesn’t do it justice.

Short Hill Climb @ Hollister(30 seconds)
-----> YouTube - 01 Hill Climb short but great <---------------------------
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z79tbBDau8w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



BONUS VIDEO - This is what the park looks like. I would ignore the audio it is pretty lame.
.... the video screenshot is taken at 3:00 on the video ...
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GbQdYFEsU_Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



:)



Journal Update: Winter 2009


Skip forward to 2009


Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park Website

Here are some pics of my trip to Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree is a really great park. We didn’t really hit any of the serious 4x4 trails on this trip since it was just us and no other vehicle. The park is really big, really mind blowingly big.


* My truck with my sister is sitting in passenger seat.

* Sunset in the park!

* I had recently painted the skid plate red. I kind of like the look, it is the only red on the truck.

* Love this pic! Some people can’t stand 31” tires but I think they look pretty decent and I don’t want to move up to 33s.
The tires in this pic: 275x70xR16 with Eagle Alloys wheels.


1.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/841/sokkx.jpg

2.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/843/zs8ft.jpg


3.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/843/gbpol.jpg

4.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/845/dv6lc.jpg

5.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/841/d20a0.jpg

6.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/844/wzkio.jpg


7.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/843/kueb.jpg

8.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/834/3pcm3.jpg




:police:

my next post will be from 2011; finally getting caught up to my sig pic.

:thumb:

Lookin good man! That last pic really does look sweet! :artist2: