Time to start a proper build thread instead of updating my old introduction thread.
In November of 2012, I bought a 2002 Sport Edition 4WD in Thundercloud with about 118,000 miles on it. It was a stock (aside from a remote starter), two owner vehicle located in El Paso. I flew out and drove it the 600 miles home, averaging 21 mpg - a real shock.
It was clean when I got it, but I'm anal about my vehicles. There was some typical deferred maintenance to take care of, but it came with a stack of records and it appeared to have been loved.
It's a normal 2002 Sport - Sport Package, sunroof, roof rack, rear air deflector, running boards, rear heater and tow hitch. It also had Toyota hood, moonroof and window deflectors.
I'm not new to 3rd gens. Back in 2000-2003, I had a 2000 Limited 4WD (Imperial Jade two-tone with the locker, great truck!). I've long regretted selling it. Figured now was the time to pick one up as a mild project.
The 2002 will go off road a bit. I was on the inaugural CO4RJ back in 2001 and I really want to take this 4R on the same trails.
Day Two (bought it the evening before... this was in Van Horn, Texas, at the hotel where I spent the night on my way back to Dallas.
Acquired 11/28/2012 with about 118,000 miles.
Done So Far
December 2012
- removed bug deflector
- removed vent visors
- removed running boards (sold!)
- removed faux front skid plate (sold!)
- decent detailing job
- installed grab handle on driver's side roof
- wheels balanced, alignment performed
- new front rotors (AC Delco)
- HVAC fan motor greased with white lithium grease
January 2013
- new front sway bar end links and bushings
- 99 springs acquired
- new KYB shocks and mount acquired (will install soon)
February 2013
- 99 springs, KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, KYB front strut mounts installed.
- GM auto dim mirror with compass/temp installed
- cleaned OE roof rack using Mr. Clean Magic Erasers... oxidation gone! Much easier than expected.
- clay bar and wax (least fun thing I have done so far!)
- lubed driveshaft
- oil change with Valvoline 5w30 Max Life
- got the factory remote fob to work again (apparently my RS3200 setup is still functioning despite the remote starter!) Tip: GO SLOW with the instructions found in the sticky at the top of this forum.
- AndyMod 2.0. Got the switch from my local Toyota dealer for $8 - part #PT297-89013-SW. I like that the bag says "Made in United States," but the switch says "Assembled in Mexico"
- Hubcaps/wheel centers repainted
- Added FJ-style 4 Wheel Drive badge
- Mild off road trip to Bridgeport OHV park
March 2013
- Power steering flush. I used these instructions, but I used a siphon I got from O'Reilly instead of the baster. I took me probably half as many "tries" as it took him, probably because the siphon is more effective than the baster. Definitely a messy job either way.
- Added an aux input to the factory audio system using these instructions. I have it exiting through the ash tray, so the wires can be hidden when not in use.
- touched up surface rust on brake drums with POR-15 semi-gloss.
- put grease on driver's window track. Quieter, but still kind of loud. Sounds like a regulator might be in my future.
- Automatic transmission flush (did not replace filter at this time)
- Throttle body cleaning
- Throttle cable adjustment
April 2013
- Highland mudflap install
- Rubber mats acquired
- Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport center armrest mod - detailed here. Works great, might be too tall for me, though. Because the 99+ 4Runners have the "shelf" armrest, I had to use longer screws than he did.
May 2013
- removed Passport armrest - too high for me.
- Acquired Husky liners
- new Sylvania light bulbs (front headlamps)
- Moog rear sway bar end link install (both sides)
June 2013
- Hit 120,000 miles (told ya'll I don't drive it often! 2,000 miles in 6 months)
- JVC Bluetooth head unit install
- Replaced scuffed front passenger side wheel with clean used wheel (from 65,000 mile wrecked 4Runner)
- New blower motor (TYC 700061) - bought online for $45. Works great. No more squeaking on low. I tried lubing the old motor, but it never got substantially better.
August 2013
- Alignment
September 2013
- Swapped out crummy Auto Zone front brake pads for Wagner ThermoQuiet pads. Stopping power is excellent!
October 2013
- hit 121,000 miles
- Replaced dented bumper with straight, good shape one acquired from forum member.
- Replaced cracked LH tail lamp with clean used OE unit.
- Ordered steering rack bushings and door check for driver's side.
December 2013
- Replaced driver side door check/stop.
- Swapped stock wheels/tires for 17" GX 470 wheels and Goodyear Wrangler AT/S take-off tires (from new 2013 Silverado). Sits a little higher, seems to ride a little quieter too.
February 2014
- Replaced steering rack bushings. HUGE difference.
- Bought Weathertech rubber floor mats.
March 2014
- Wheeling trip to Bridgeport.
To Do (in no particular order)
- aux trans cooler
- Transfer case and diff fluid flushes, although there's some debate on whether this is a good idea.
- driver's door window regulator
- bolt-on sliders. Thinking about Rocky Road. I like how unobtrusive they are.
- Extend rear diff breather
Most recent photo From March 2014 trip to Bridgeport, Texas, OHV park.
In November of 2012, I bought a 2002 Sport Edition 4WD in Thundercloud with about 118,000 miles on it. It was a stock (aside from a remote starter), two owner vehicle located in El Paso. I flew out and drove it the 600 miles home, averaging 21 mpg - a real shock.
It was clean when I got it, but I'm anal about my vehicles. There was some typical deferred maintenance to take care of, but it came with a stack of records and it appeared to have been loved.
It's a normal 2002 Sport - Sport Package, sunroof, roof rack, rear air deflector, running boards, rear heater and tow hitch. It also had Toyota hood, moonroof and window deflectors.
I'm not new to 3rd gens. Back in 2000-2003, I had a 2000 Limited 4WD (Imperial Jade two-tone with the locker, great truck!). I've long regretted selling it. Figured now was the time to pick one up as a mild project.
The 2002 will go off road a bit. I was on the inaugural CO4RJ back in 2001 and I really want to take this 4R on the same trails.
Day Two (bought it the evening before... this was in Van Horn, Texas, at the hotel where I spent the night on my way back to Dallas.
Acquired 11/28/2012 with about 118,000 miles.
Done So Far
December 2012
- removed bug deflector
- removed vent visors
- removed running boards (sold!)
- removed faux front skid plate (sold!)
- decent detailing job
- installed grab handle on driver's side roof
- wheels balanced, alignment performed
- new front rotors (AC Delco)
- HVAC fan motor greased with white lithium grease
January 2013
- new front sway bar end links and bushings
- 99 springs acquired
- new KYB shocks and mount acquired (will install soon)
February 2013
- 99 springs, KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, KYB front strut mounts installed.
- GM auto dim mirror with compass/temp installed
- cleaned OE roof rack using Mr. Clean Magic Erasers... oxidation gone! Much easier than expected.
- clay bar and wax (least fun thing I have done so far!)
- lubed driveshaft
- oil change with Valvoline 5w30 Max Life
- got the factory remote fob to work again (apparently my RS3200 setup is still functioning despite the remote starter!) Tip: GO SLOW with the instructions found in the sticky at the top of this forum.
- AndyMod 2.0. Got the switch from my local Toyota dealer for $8 - part #PT297-89013-SW. I like that the bag says "Made in United States," but the switch says "Assembled in Mexico"
- Hubcaps/wheel centers repainted
- Added FJ-style 4 Wheel Drive badge
- Mild off road trip to Bridgeport OHV park
March 2013
- Power steering flush. I used these instructions, but I used a siphon I got from O'Reilly instead of the baster. I took me probably half as many "tries" as it took him, probably because the siphon is more effective than the baster. Definitely a messy job either way.
- Added an aux input to the factory audio system using these instructions. I have it exiting through the ash tray, so the wires can be hidden when not in use.
- touched up surface rust on brake drums with POR-15 semi-gloss.
- put grease on driver's window track. Quieter, but still kind of loud. Sounds like a regulator might be in my future.
- Automatic transmission flush (did not replace filter at this time)
- Throttle body cleaning
- Throttle cable adjustment
April 2013
- Highland mudflap install
- Rubber mats acquired
- Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport center armrest mod - detailed here. Works great, might be too tall for me, though. Because the 99+ 4Runners have the "shelf" armrest, I had to use longer screws than he did.
May 2013
- removed Passport armrest - too high for me.
- Acquired Husky liners
- new Sylvania light bulbs (front headlamps)
- Moog rear sway bar end link install (both sides)
June 2013
- Hit 120,000 miles (told ya'll I don't drive it often! 2,000 miles in 6 months)
- JVC Bluetooth head unit install
- Replaced scuffed front passenger side wheel with clean used wheel (from 65,000 mile wrecked 4Runner)
- New blower motor (TYC 700061) - bought online for $45. Works great. No more squeaking on low. I tried lubing the old motor, but it never got substantially better.
August 2013
- Alignment
September 2013
- Swapped out crummy Auto Zone front brake pads for Wagner ThermoQuiet pads. Stopping power is excellent!
October 2013
- hit 121,000 miles
- Replaced dented bumper with straight, good shape one acquired from forum member.
- Replaced cracked LH tail lamp with clean used OE unit.
- Ordered steering rack bushings and door check for driver's side.
December 2013
- Replaced driver side door check/stop.
- Swapped stock wheels/tires for 17" GX 470 wheels and Goodyear Wrangler AT/S take-off tires (from new 2013 Silverado). Sits a little higher, seems to ride a little quieter too.
February 2014
- Replaced steering rack bushings. HUGE difference.
- Bought Weathertech rubber floor mats.
March 2014
- Wheeling trip to Bridgeport.
To Do (in no particular order)
- aux trans cooler
- Transfer case and diff fluid flushes, although there's some debate on whether this is a good idea.
- driver's door window regulator
- bolt-on sliders. Thinking about Rocky Road. I like how unobtrusive they are.
- Extend rear diff breather
Most recent photo From March 2014 trip to Bridgeport, Texas, OHV park.
Last edited:
