A_S_R's Build Thread

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Haven't really decided. I'm trying to fight the urge of new tires and possibly wheels. Mine only have 20-25k miles. I love the size I've got now, it fits my needs perfectly, but I really want a wider 33" tire.

I'm really wanting some performance mods, intake and possibly an exhaust. If nothing else, I'm at least going to do a drop in filter.

I'm probably going to upgrade my rear suspension soon as well. I've got my stock air bags maxed out (I can go higher, ride really suffers though). I'm running OEM 4runner Tokico shocks in the rear. I'm planning on swapping to Superflex coils and some type of longer shocks (unsure which). Once this is done, I'll probably add a top plate spacer to the front to gain a little more lift (slightly under 3" now, would like to be over).

I'd like to add some driving lights, gotta decide how I want to mount them first. Been looking at LED's, they're sweet but also big money. I'm definitely going to be doing something for reverse lights, again, haven't decided what.

That sounds more like a wish list than a mod list, but just several things I've been looking at lately. I've gotta make a decision, I've really been considering picking up a 1st gen to toy with and leave my 03 as is for a daily driver. As much as I'm driving, I can't really afford to do anything that'll have a huge affect on gas mileage. I've also considered buying another Mustang (really miss my last one) for a daily driver and this would allow me more freedom with the 4runner. We'll see where it goes, I change my mind way too often.

While I'm reminiscing, here's what I sold to get my current 4runner. I actually had a 97 4runner I traded for the Mustang. 96 Mustang Cobra, factory mystic paint, 1 of 2000 made. Had all the basic mods done, intake, exhaust, gears, shifter, etc.

 

[snowbrdr033]

Nice 'Stang ARK! I like it and am thinking of doing some of your most recently named items on your "wish list" in the next few months. I'm looking at some sort of new intake/drop in filter and want to work on some sort of LEDs on the reverse and/or work on improving my front headlights.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks! Really looking into the Volant, but may try a drop in filter first. As you mentioned, there's a possibility of LED rear's. I'm pretty happy with the front lights, HID low beams really help. I'm probably going to order HID fogs and HID's for the Camry pretty soon. I've looked at these, mounting them somewhere in the rear for reverse lights, and would also have them where I could manually switch them on.

LED Auxiliary Lights - ADVrider

 

[snowbrdr033]

Those LEDs are sick!!!! That would definitely "brighten up" the rear of the runner, hahah. I may look into that. I would also like to improve the output of my fogs, but am unsure of what I should do. Buy the XFE Sylvania bulbs, install an HID kit? (btw, I do not have any HIDs as it stands right now).


Here's the Volant CAI you'd probably be looking at, if you get one. It seems like a decent price, eh? I really want one, but am hesitant to mess with an oiled filter/deal with the possibility of screwing with the MAF sensor (I dealt with a K&N oiled drop in on my 3rd gen). Ideally, I'd like to find a CAI kit that has a dry filter, but so far I've been unsuccessful in my searches. I may end up doing the same as you & just trying a drop-in filter until I figure out what I want to do.

2005 Toyota 4Runner Volant Cold Air Intake - 1170+ Reviews - Best Price, Videos & Dyno Results on Volant Intake Systems

 

[Dougtoms01]

I love that Mustang. It must have been hard to part with
Best regards, Doug

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yep, that's the one I'm looking at, they've got great prices and always have discount codes as well. I'm in the same boat, really want to avoid a wet/oiled filter. I would like to find out if there's a dry filter that would fit the Volant, if so I'd be sold. If not, I'll just swap in a AFE dry filter.

I love my HID's, made a huge difference.

I loved the Mustang, but it was the first car I had. Just not practical at all for my uses, and not the type of car you need for a daily driver. I hope to have another one some day, or possibly a newer one. They made one in 2004 that's very similar, factory color changing paint job and also factory supercharged.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Just found this, only issue is their cross reference doesn't list the 4runner. Might be an option though.
Volant Air Filter - Volant Replacement Air Filters with Donaldson® PowerCore® Filtration Technology

 

[snowbrdr033]

I'd be willing to bet that the filter you linked up can be somehow rigged to fit on the intake. I'm surprised it didn't cross match with the 4R. Maybe there's a way to get around that, or possibly call the manufacturer & find out if it fits or can be altered to fit.

 

[Casper421]

Ark, check out afe drop in filter. Its dry and only around $50. I like mine after i tore out the HCF. Ive also wanted a 1st gen for a while, for a trail rig/fun toy and keep the 07 as is. The GF's 96 tahoe is ****ting the bed and were looking at 99-02 4runner so i might have to hold off on the trail rig for now.

I say work on the rear suspension once you get some mod funds. I love the superflex coils. What shocks would you run with the superflex?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Did you notice any increase in performance with just the drop in? Any sound increase (hear the aftermarket intakes are loud, which I don't mind, just curious). Also, did you ever get the swaybar relocate/positioning clamp installed? Did is solve your issues?

This has really got me going, going to try to get on the ball with a few of these minor mods. Next paycheck I'm considering the AFE filter, swaybar bushing upgrade, and possibly the HID's. I'm hoping if I order HID's for the wife's ride, I might can get by with ordering some parts for the 4runner as well.

I'd probably run 5100's to match the fronts. I've been toying with the idea of the Bilstein 5160's. I like the valving better, have been reading excellent reviews, they have slightly more travel, and something about the remote reservoir just grabs me. Only downside is they're twice as much as the 5100's, not sure it's worth it.

 

[Casper421]

Did you notice any increase in performance with just the drop in? Any sound increase (hear the aftermarket intakes are loud, which I don't mind, just curious). Also, did you ever get the swaybar relocate/positioning clamp installed? Did is solve your issues?

This has really got me going, going to try to get on the ball with a few of these minor mods. Next paycheck I'm considering the AFE filter, swaybar bushing upgrade, and possibly the HID's. I'm hoping if I order HID's for the wife's ride, I might can get by with ordering some parts for the 4runner as well.

I'd probably run 5100's to match the fronts. I've been toying with the idea of the Bilstein 5160's. I like the valving better, have been reading excellent reviews, they have slightly more travel, and something about the remote reservoir just grabs me. Only downside is they're twice as much as the 5100's, not sure it's worth it.

I put the filter in after the lift and tires, trying to compensate for the 33's so i didnt see much increase in power. I took out the HCF and i noticed a bit more response and sound. I like it; cant say if it helped MPG due to it being 20 degrees in the morning and im wasting gas warming up my truck. Its definitely worth the $50 for the sound and the "little" pick up when im merging on the freeway in the morning! Ive had full CAI's on my previous titan and xterra and i think the drop in does the same for cheaper.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

That's the general opinion I've gotten after reading on here. Will be placing an order soon, going to try to hold out, maybe they'll have some sales going for black Friday.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

You'll be happy with the bushing upgrade, I love it on my truck, one of the best mods on my truck (For what I do with it anyways). As far as the filter goes get a filter drop in and call it a day. If you do go for the intake get the volant and avoid the k&n.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the input. Let's just say that I still like to think I'm in the Mustang from time to time, so improved cornering and any other benefits the bushing upgrade provides will be well worth it. I plan on ordering these in the next couple of weeks.

Also, just placed my order for the AFE Pro Dry drop in filter, should have it in/installed by this weekend. Can't wait, really hope it makes a difference. At almost 160k miles and not knowing when the OEM filter was replaced, I'm sure whether there are any gains or not, it's time to replace the filter. I'll post an update once I get it installed.

 

[snowbrdr033]

Which bushing upgrade in particular are you going to be getting? I've looked at these from time to time on different sites. I think they weren't too expensive, maybe 30-40$ or so. When I finally do some suspension upgrades, I will probably put those in myself.
Would it benefit me at all if I got them before doing anything else and putting them on? Is it fairly easy with basic tools?

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Its fairly easy on the front, but the rear was a little harder. I had a tough time getting the rear brackets to line up, but if you have a friend that will smooth out the process. I would recommend a addco sway bar but it will take away some if not alot of off road worthiness. I have the rear installed and I have the front on order. The rear addco tamed a little bit of the rear end play that the 4runner has at slow speed corners when powering out of it. I would love to see how the front one improves. I went to LC engineering for my bushing upgrades.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Let me know how the Addco sway bar works out. I was under the impression that it was a nice upgrade on the v6, but not really on the v8 since the v8 has a larger swaybar from the factory. I'm looking at Prothane greaseable bushings, for front/rear sway bar and rear end links it looks like it'll run about $60 shipped. From what I hear, even in stock form they take quite a bit of body roll out.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

AFE filter has been installed as well as pulling the HCF. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations, but have been very pleased with the results so far. Too soon to tell about any improvement in gas mileage, and can't say that I've noticed any improvement in power. However, I will say it seems to run much smoother, especially in the upper rpms. Things such as cruising at 65 on the interstate and then jumping up to 70 to pass is much smoother than previously.

Also took some time to address some other issues. Had my 5100's on for about 7 months, never got an alignment. Finally got that done. I decided that I wasn't happy with the lift, rear wasn't high enough. I adjusted the rear up another 3/4", looks much better IMO. Will try to post some pics once weather around here clears up.

Just placed an order for the greasable Protane swaybar bushings and Energy end link bushings. Hope to get these installed over the holidays.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Weather has been pretty bad around here lately, haven't had a decent day for pics. Here's a couple I snapped earlier today showing the new stance with the rear raised.

 

[Dougtoms01]

Looks great A_S_R, I like it a lot. Keep us posted on the bushing and link upgrades. I'd like to know more about these. Best regards, Doug