Alex’s Golden Pearl OEM+ 3rd Gen Build

[Alex3rdT4R]

Hey all,

I picked up a limited 4wd golden pearl 3rd gen a couple of months back and have been loving it so far. My dad had one in the early 2000’s and sold it and I’ve wanted one ever since.

I got it with 238,000 miles at an auction sight unseen and a lot of service records (non paper, only through the Toyota owners website). After buying it, I found that it had a couple of AARP stickers on the windows, which is a major plus because that points to an older owner who hopefully would not have abused it. It drives wonderfully aside from a potential driveline hum while driving (this was fixed with a diff fluid change!).

The suspension feels very tight, engine feels strong, and most importantly the body is very clean with all matching VINs on panels, and ZERO signs of rust underneath or on the body. The interior is also very, very clean, which I am very happy about. The limited options such as electronic climate control and heated seats have helped out this past brutal winter.

I am planning on keeping this build OE+, meaning that I want to keep it looking stock, but I do want to improve a number of things that will improve off-road ability, and that will ensure I keep the engine running strong to 500,000+ miles (one can dream, right?)

Here is a crappy photo that I took once I got it. I will update with more pics soon.

To do list:
1) BFGoodrich KO2s - DONE (Wrangler DuraTracs)
2) Bilstein 5100s - DONE
3) 99 tall coils - DONE - want to upgrade to OME springs
4) OEM E-locker retrofit - Not done
5) Supercharger - Probably will never happen.. (edit: IT HAPPENED!)
6) Hilux Surf Field Monitor Unit - DONE

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

So I’ve been debating on what to do first in terms of tires/suspension.

Right now my 4Runner has the common Costco Michelin tires on it with decent tread left. My suspension doesn’t sag and sits very level actually. I replaced the rear struts with Gabriel’s back in October for the time being. The front struts are oem and ride nice.

I’m planning on heading to Colorado for a little road trip soon but want to make sure that my 4Runner can handle a decent trail. Nothing too crazy, but I want to test out it’s stock limits.

With that said I have two options right now. I can either buy some KO2’s but leave my suspension stock. Or I can buy Bilstein 5100’s and 99 tall coils (most likely will go MOOG) and then keep the Michelin tires.

What do you all think is the better option for me right now, tires or suspension?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[shadow247]

If you aren't planning to add bigger tires after the lift, then put the tires on first. Tires will do a lot more to improve the off-road capabilities than a more inches of ground clearance. You can't go anywhere without traction!

 

[TCMach]

If you aren't planning to add bigger tires after the lift, then put the tires on first. Tires will do a lot more to improve the off-road capabilities than a more inches of ground clearance. You can't go anywhere without traction!

Agreed. Stuff the biggest ones you can find on it. Biggest thing with trails is going to be clearance. Even in stock form you'll find you can go more places than your running boards and front bumper agree with.

What trails are you thinking of running in CO? Unless you are real late season most of the higher passes are going to still be closed after the winter we had this year.

 

[Hepar]

If it is a 2000 limited, someone swapped (and painted) an 01-02 grille onto it. Obviously not a big deal (and I personally like the looks of that grille more), but it is a potential flag for an area that may have had some previous damage.

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

If it is a 2000 limited, someone swapped (and painted) an 01-02 grille onto it. Obviously not a big deal (and I personally like the looks of that grille more), but it is a potential flag for an area that may have had some previous damage.

Its actually a 2002, the only year that they made the Golden Pearl. It's pretty rare from what I've read, and it has a lot of paint matched parts like the rear license plate bracket and front grill like you mentioned. Its no accident verified through carfax and a visual inspection. All VIN stickers are in place and match.

Its a unicorn in its own way, yeah its not a 5 speed with an elocker, but its a very good looking 4runner. The pic I added doesnt do the color justice. I'll have to add some more later.

Agreed. Stuff the biggest ones you can find on it. Biggest thing with trails is going to be clearance. Even in stock form you'll find you can go more places than your running boards and front bumper agree with.

What trails are you thinking of running in CO? Unless you are real late season most of the higher passes are going to still be closed after the winter we had this year.

I'm aiming for BFGoodrich KO2's in 265/75/16. I'll hold off on the Bilsteins and 99 talls for now then.

Thanks for the heads up. Not sure on the trails yet, but I will be staying near Fort Collins, so most likely anything near there that will be open. I'll be headed there in mid-July.

 

[Hepar]

Its actually a 2002, the only year that they made the Golden Pearl. It's pretty rare from what I've read, and it has a lot of paint matched parts like the rear license plate bracket and front grill like you mentioned. Its no accident verified through carfax and a visual inspection. All VIN stickers are in place and match.

Yeah, I realized I glanced at the 2000's comment and took that as the year of your rig. And the front bumper is painted too. Just an FYI. Hopefully your vin # doesn't end in 71399.

I'd reconsider the 265's in the BFG's. They only come in an E load and that tends to be overkill on these rigs.

 

[TCMach]

I'm aiming for BFGoodrich KO2's in 265/75/16. I'll hold off on the Bilsteins and 99 talls for now then.

Thanks for the heads up. Not sure on the trails yet, but I will be staying near Fort Collins, so most likely anything near there that will be open. I'll be headed there in mid-July.

I'll echo what [MENTION=56396]Hepar[/MENTION] said. E range will be brutal. Its brutal even with more sidewall. You can get duratracs in load range C and that will be much more comfortable.

Lived in Fort Collins for almost 7 years. Great place with lots of stuff to do. Like you said, should be good around there snow wise too.

 

[OrRunner]

This should help you decide- my 02 golden pearl running KO2s with 2 inch lift in front and 3 in rear

My vote is to go with the tires in 265/75/16

 

[Hepar]

I may be taking back what I said about the grille. Been curious about that color and it looks like all of them were color-matched over the entire rig! I think that makes it the only one to have that across the entire vehicle. Learn something new everyday.

But I stick by my statement about the front bumper being painted. That should have black accents in the middle of it and not entirely white.

 

[OrRunner]

I'll echo what [MENTION=56396]Hepar[/MENTION] said. E range will be brutal. Its brutal even with more sidewall. You can get duratracs in load range C and that will be much more comfortable.

Lived in Fort Collins for almost 7 years. Great place with lots of stuff to do. Like you said, should be good around there snow wise too.

You’re correct on the rough ride with e rated tires on street, IMO it’s worth it if you wheel for puncture resistance, sidewall strength and ability to air down low with no issues. You can also get them with 3 mountain peak snowflake rating for snow driving

 

[OrRunner]

I may be taking back what I said about the grille. Been curious about that color and it looks like all of them were color-matched over the entire rig! I think that makes it the only one to have that across the entire vehicle. Learn something new everyday.

But I stick by my statement about the front bumper being painted. That should have black accents in the middle of it and not entirely white.

You’re correct, the lower grill in the center bumper is black

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

I may be taking back what I said about the grille. Been curious about that color and it looks like all of them were color-matched over the entire rig! I think that makes it the only one to have that across the entire vehicle. Learn something new everyday.

But I stick by my statement about the front bumper being painted. That should have black accents in the middle of it and not entirely white.

Yeah the front bumper was repainted because it had a ton of rock chips in it. The shop who painted it just painted the whole bumper by accident. I'm going to paint that middle part black eventually I just havent had time yet.

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

Yeah, I realized I glanced at the 2000's comment and took that as the year of your rig. And the front bumper is painted too. Just an FYI. Hopefully your vin # doesn't end in 71399.

I'd reconsider the 265's in the BFG's. They only come in an E load and that tends to be overkill on these rigs.

Whats up with that VIN?

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

This should help you decide- my 02 golden pearl running KO2s with 2 inch lift in front and 3 in rear

My vote is to go with the tires in 265/75/16

Nice, my soon to be twin of my 4runner aside from the lift! I'm definitely going to get the tires now!

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

Here’s some more pics of the 4Runner.

Just installed weathertech in-channel wind visors and a bug deflector up front!

Before install, hood is open so that’s why there’s a gap.

After install

After a quick drive through car wash. Not bad for almost 250,000 miles!

Forgive the un-vacuumed interior.

After I bought it, it had AARP stickers which point to an older person owner the car which is hopefully a good sign. It drives great and the undercarriage is pretty much rust free!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hepar]

Whats up with that VIN?

It was when I thought the grille and license plate cover had been painted after the fact. I just happened to be browsing Bring a Trailer after seeing your rig and another Pearl 4Runner was on their site. I remember how you mentioned that you bought yours at auction, so I clicked on it to see if it may be the same one being I thought the painted grille was odd to see on both yours as well as the one on their site. It ended up being an apparent mess of an auction with a bunch of hidden history being found out about the rig and the auction ended up being pulled. One of the members even found out that the clean title was questionable and dug up accident pictures of the 4Runner. It wasn't pretty. So, I was keeping my fingers crossed that yours was not that one. I'm glad that it doesn't seem to be the case!

Dig yours and the all-white. It's gorgeous!

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

Wow, glad its not the same car. I actually got mine off of a website called Copart, they auction cars for insurance companies but this 4runner was donated vehicle with a clean title. I guess the previous owner bought a new one and wanted the tax write off. I triple checked everything on the car before I bought it and looked at service history as well through toyota.com. I got pretty lucky to be honest.

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

It was when I thought the grille and license plate cover had been painted after the fact. I just happened to be browsing Bring a Trailer after seeing your rig and another Pearl 4Runner was on their site. I remember how you mentioned that you bought yours at auction, so I clicked on it to see if it may be the same one being I thought the painted grille was odd to see on both yours as well as the one on their site. It ended up being an apparent mess of an auction with a bunch of hidden history being found out about the rig and the auction ended up being pulled. One of the members even found out that the clean title was questionable and dug up accident pictures of the 4Runner. It wasn't pretty. So, I was keeping my fingers crossed that yours was not that one. I'm glad that it doesn't seem to be the case!

Dig yours and the all-white. It's gorgeous!

Wow, yeah I just went and read that auction thread on BAT. Holy smokes thats crazy haha, you werent lying!

 

[phattyduck]

When I bought it, it had ARP stickers which point to an older person owner the car which is hopefully a good sign. It drives great and the undercarriage is pretty much rust free!

I hope you are meaning AARP - "Association of American Retired Persons", not ARP - "Automotive Racing Products"
:thumb:

-Charlie