4ever4running's 2002 4Runner Build

[4ever4running]

Hey guys, I have been a member of YotaTech for about 3 years but I just recently found T4R and I wanted to share my build thread and hopefully get some advice for future mods.

It is still a work in progress but it has definitely come a long way.

2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - V6, Automatic

SUSPENSION & DRIVETRAIN

• OME 882 Heavy Duty Coils
• LX450 8.5 Wrap Coils
• OME Nitrocharger 90004 Struts
• KYB Monomax Shocks
• ToyTec Stainless Steel Extended Brake Lines
• Custom Extended Rear Sway Bar End Links
• Removed Front Sway Bar
• 1.5" 4Crawler Body Lift
• Yukon 4.88 Gears
• Yukon Grizzley Rear Locker

WHEELS & TIRES

• 33X12.5R15 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R's
• 15X8 Unique Series 96 Steel Wheels (3 3/4" Backspacing, -19mm Offset)
• Full Sized Spare

OFF-ROAD & ARMOR

• Shrockworks Front Plate Bumper
• Engo EPF10000S Winch (Synthetic Rope)
• Viair 400C On-Board Air Compressor
• 48" Hi-Lift Jack
• 5 Gallon Jerry Can
• AndyMod 2.0
• Extended Rear Differential Breather

LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL

• 2 Hella Rallye 4000 Euro Beam Driving Lights
• 2 PIAA 510 Ion Crystal Fog Lights
• 4 PIAA 520 All Terrain Pattern (ATP) Lights
• Blue Sea 5026 - 12 Circuit Fuse Box
• Stinger 100 Amp Circuit Breaker

EXTERIOR

• Sport hood
• Durabak Bed Lined Hood and Rocker Panels
• Clear Corner Lenses
• Satoshi Grille
• Firestik 4' CB Antenna with Outdoor Logic Mount
• Blacked Out Emblems
• Plasti-Dipped Rear Bumper
• LED Corner and License Plate Lights

INTERIOR

• Cobra 19DXIV CB Radio
• Wet Okole Seat Covers
• Weather Tech Digital Fit Floor Mats
• Blue LED Gauge Mod
• Blue LED Feet Lights
• White LED Map and Dome Lights
• Contura II Rocker Switches
• Sony Xplod Head Unit with Ipod Cable
• 2 Orion 800W 10" Subwoofers
• A-Pillar Gauge Pod
• Oil Pressure Gauge
• Transmission Temperature Gauge
• Voltometer Gauge
• Pro Clip Garmin GPS Mount
• Custom Cargo Storage Drawers
• Fire Extinguisher
• Trauma First Responder Kit
• Maglite Mount

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

• Deckplate Mod
• B&M 70268 Transmission Cooler
• Thermal Bypass for Transmission Cooler
• 18" Magnaflow Muffler
• Spectre HPR Air Filter

Fluids

• Oil: Mobile 1 High Mileage 5W-30 in the winter, 10W-40 in the summer
• Oil Filter: Purolator Pure One
• Transfer Case: Royal Purple 75W-90
• Front Differential: Royal Purple 75W-90
• Rear Differential: Royal Purple 80W-140 (To quiet down the locker)

WAITING TO BE INSTALLED...

• Panhard drop bracket

FUTURE MODS

• Whitson Metalworks Full Length Roof Rack
• Safari Snorkel
• Airaid Intake Tube
• Rock Sliders (4Xinnovations)
• Bud Built, Skidrow, or Savage Skid Plates
• CBI Rear Plate Bumper with Swingout Tire Carrier
• Bushwacker Fender Flares
• 35X12.5's MTRs (or Other MT Tire)
• 16X8 Wheels
• Tundra Brake Upgrade

LINKS TO MODS

• Viair 400C On-Board Air Compressor Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...nning-s-2002-4runner-build-6.html#post1111495
• Blue Sea 5026 - 12 Circuit Fuse Box and Stinger 100 Amp Circuit Breaker Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ning-s-2002-4runner-build-10.html#post1274182
• B&M 70268 Transmission Cooler and Thermal Bypass Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...nning-s-2002-4runner-build-2.html#post1059056
• Cobra 19DXIV CB Radio Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...nning-s-2002-4runner-build-3.html#post1078483
• LX450 8.5 Wrap Coils and KYB Monomax Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...nning-s-2002-4runner-build-8.html#post1209030
• Contura II Rocker Switches Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ning-s-2002-4runner-build-10.html#post1259187
• How to Clock an Engo EPF10000S Winch: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ning-s-2002-4runner-build-10.html#post1269640 http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1263173-post144.html
• Wireless Winch Remote Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ning-s-2002-4runner-build-12.html#post1307931
• Remote Winch Control Box Install: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ning-s-2002-4runner-build-12.html#post1318288
• Rust Prevention - 3M Rubberized Undercoating: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ning-s-2002-4runner-build-13.html#post1323390

Here is how she sits today - 7/6/13 at Meadow Knob (George Washington National Forest)

 

[4ever4running]

And here is how she got there...I apologize ahead of time for the long posts but these are re-posted from YotaTech.

Here are some pics from the first couple weeks I had it.

The previous owner tried to paint the wheels black. I think it is safe to say that the guy didn't know what he was doing because this is what they looked like.

Needless to say, the crappy paint job had to go. So I talked to Christian at Rimpainter.com and he put together a semi-gloss black kit for me to repaint the wheels the right way. I think they came out great!!

Shortly after I bought the truck my friend gave me 2 Orion 800 watt subs that he took out of his car that he totaled. Since I got the subs for free and I wanted to put them to good use, so I bought a sub box, amp, and a new deck. The install wasn't bad at all and I was able to do just pretty much all of it myself. The only thing I needed help with was wiring the actual subs to get the proper resistance. I went with a Sony Xplod 1000 watt class D amp and a Sony Xplod head unit with a build in Ipod cable and Ipod controls.

While browsing eBay I found a cold air intake for $100 so I pulled the trigger. I just couldn't justify paying 2-3 times more than that for a brand name like AEM or K&N. The filter it came with was pretty crappy so I bought a Spectre filter and matching connector from my local auto parts store. I also ordered up matching wire coverings to add a few accents and tie everything together. While I was at it I also replaced the spark plugs with E3 plugs and installed new NGK spark plug wires. Replacing the spark plugs is 10X easier once the stock airbox and other intake parts are removed.

I was looking for other mods on the internet and that's when I stumbled across YotaTech. Needless to say my list of mods got a whole lot longer...I found a thread about replacing the lights behind the gauges with LED's and I knew that had to be my next mod. I chose blue LED's because they matched my Sony head unit.
Here is how mine came out

After I did the LED mod on the inside, I decided that it was time to do something on the outside to make the truck look a little cleaner. So, I decided to paint the lower valance, mudflaps, and all the other gray plastic pieces. The gray just looked off to me so I took everything off, cleanded the pieces thoroughly, and sprayed them with some black spray paint. While I was doing the gray plastic pieces, I also decided to do the grille because I am not a big fan of chrome. So I removed the grille, cleaned it, scuffed it up, and painted it black. I think everything came out pretty good. In hindsight I should have used Krylon Fusion on the plastic pieces because some of the paint is starting to peel and flake off. I might just have to repaint them...

After I painted the plastic pieces, I went a little eBay crazy. I bought clear corner lights, clear bumper lights, and some new Xenon headlights. I love the really clean look!!

 

[giantsfan]

Sick build bro. Subscribed

 

[4ever4running]

Then it was time for a lift! I found a guy on YotaTech selling his old lift so I picked it up for a pretty good deal. The lift is a Revtek 3" spacer lift up front and OME 890 springs in the back. I also replaced the shock and struts with Pro Comp ES3000's when I installed the lift. EDIT: In hind sight, I definitely should have saved up and gotten a higher quality lift, but at the time the lift was more for looks rather than functionality...When I upgrade to aftermarket bumpers, I am going to swap out the spacers for coils or coilovers.
Front:

Rear:

I also wanted my 4Runner to sound more like a truck so I had an 18" Magnaflow muffler installed. I am really happy with the way it sounds! It has a nice deep throaty sound and is not ricey at all. I don't have any pics of when I first installed it but here are some recent pics.

I installed a grill guard (that I found on eBay for about $300) and a window banner "4Runner" decal.

Mounted a Maglight, fire extinguisher, and first response first aid kit in the cargo area for emergencies. I used Quickfist clamps to mount the flashlight and fire extinguisher and they are awersome!

Mounted a Hi-Lift jack on the factory roof rails with some modified round tube mounts

Installed a gauge pod with an oil pressure gauge and voltometer. I followed this writeup on 4runners.org: 4Runners.org - Adding an Electric Oil Pressure Gauge. Thanks Bob_98SR5!

November and December were busy months for upgrades...First and most importantly, NEW WHEELS AND TIRES!! I found some 15" steelies on Craigslist for $150 and when I went to Goodyear to get my current tires mounted on the new wheels, they had a set of 33X12.5R15't that a guy ordered and never picked up. So they gave me a killer deal and I couln't resist....

I was sick of the old grill so I did a Satoshi grill mod and I mounted up some PIAA 520 ATP's to the grill guard.

In late November, I found a scooped hood on Craigslist. The PO tried to paint it himself and ended up failing miserably and didn't want anything to do with it anymore so I picked it up for $125!! I ended up sanding all the old paint off, priming it and coating it with Durabak. I also did the rocker panels with Durabak. Here is a thread I started with more details about the hood: Found a Scooped Hood on CL, what next? - YotaTech Forums.

 

[4ever4running]

Sick build bro. Subscribed

Thanks man! There is plenty more to come so stay tuned...

 

[SJC]

Sub'd. Sweet runner i like how the rocker panels and hood are. Very clean look

 

[Hepar]

Great build. I like the blacked out sport hood. Fits your ride perfectly.

 

[twitchee2]

nice build man. How do you like those E3 spark plugs?

 

[phailing101]

Beautiful ride man.

I am building my white '00 T4R and it's rare to see a proper white one like yours!

 

[madbomber08]

Good looking ride but how did you get 15s to fit with the stock brakes?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Good stuff. I like what you have done!

 

[BrianSD_42]

Nice truck!


I would probably paint the hood white to match the body & ditch the 4Runner across the front windshield only because it would look a lot more "clean" which is my preference.

 

[4Running Daily]

Nice truck!


I would probably paint the hood white to match the body & ditch the 4Runner across the front windshield only because it would look a lot more "clean" which is my preference.

Says Mr. Clean

 

[BrianSD_42]

Says Mr. Clean

LoL. ... Says the guy (4RunninDaily) with the cleanest, newest paint job on the forum!

 

[4Running Daily]

F.

OP I dig the TRD Emblem in the hood scoop. Nice touch.

 

[JadatheRottweiler]

nice build

your truck started off with some ricey mods, but hey to each its own

I like the subtle color theme, good stuff!

 

[3rdPedal97]

Nice 4runner!! The black/white combo looks good, need some time and money to start my build ha

 

[4ever4running]

Sub'd. Sweet runner i like how the rocker panels and hood are. Very clean look

Great build. I like the blacked out sport hood. Fits your ride perfectly.

Thanks! I am really happy with the way that it came out and it has held up great so far!

nice build man. How do you like those E3 spark plugs?

The E3's were pretty standard. I didn't see the increase in fuel economy or performance that they advertise so more recently I went back to OEM plugs.

Beautiful ride man.

I am building my white '00 T4R and it's rare to see a proper white one like yours!

Thank you! I appreciate the compliments!

Good looking ride but how did you get 15s to fit with the stock brakes?

My 4Runner actually came stock with 15" wheels instead of 16's so I didn't have any trouble getting them to fit. I have seen guys with factory 16" wheels who have taken an angle grinder to the brake calipers to grind them down enough to make 15" wheels fit though.

Good stuff. I like what you have done!

Thanks!

Nice truck!


I would probably paint the hood white to match the body & ditch the 4Runner across the front windshield only because it would look a lot more "clean" which is my preference.

Thanks! I don't think I will be painting the hood anytime soon because it would be a PITA to get the Durabak off and smooth out the surface to prep for paint. I have been considering taking off the windshield banner, but I would probably replace it with a different one :

F.

OP I dig the TRD Emblem in the hood scoop. Nice touch.

Thanks! I just wated to do a little something different.

nice build

your truck started off with some ricey mods, but hey to each its own

I like the subtle color theme, good stuff!

Thanks! I couldn't agree more haha. I got the truck when I was 19 and was more concerned with how it looked rather than how it performed. I have done away with some of the "ricey" mods and have definietly shifted to more off-road performance mods.

Nice 4runner!! The black/white combo looks good, need some time and money to start my build ha

Thanks man! Yeah I hear ya man, it has taken me about 4 years and who knows how much money to get mine to where it is now.

 

[3rdPedal97]

Thanks man! Yeah I hear ya man, it has taken me about 4 years and who knows how much money to get mine to where it is now.

I'm starting to piece together all the suspension parts I need, so far found the 3" OME lift kit (rear springs & front spacers). Just looking to get the front shocks/springs and rear shocks so I can install all at once ha. Always looking for deals though

 

[hugo2go]

Great build you have going there.
Also gave me a great idea for a new intake.