Best mod done for less than $250?

Gray wire mode on the e-locker.

5 minutes, $0.00, you can engage in some entertaining stupid human tricks in 2HI with the locker engaged.

Other cheap mods I've done that were under (or near) $250:
- Rola roof rack
- big Tundra brakes (mostly rockauto parts)
- 1" body lift (on 32's now, making room for 33's next time)
- modern head unit with HD radio, usb/aux ports
 
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ABS Switch: $15 for a fancy plug and play rocker switch. You need to have a locker for it to be this cheap and easy, but I did, so that is my favorite mod-for-the-money.
 
This or start saving for a new trans.

I would also concentrate in maintenance if not already done so.

I agree with you on maintenance. I spent the first few months replacing all fluids, any wore parts, and preventative measures. I've done about everything you can do maintenance wise except lower ball joints in which I plan on doing soon. I've checked for play by grabbing the tire -no play at all, and visually the boots look like brand new with no grease coming out. It's only got 117k miles on her, but that's no excuse not to change them so I will go replace lower ball joints soon.

I opted to go with a brand new radiator for the time being until I cave and purchase a tranny cooler. If I decide to put one in, it will be in tandem with the radiator because I may tow a couple thousand pounds and feel more comfortable with using both. I have no issues with continuing to keep up on the radiator(drain/fill) and purchasing a new one every couple years to take advantages of both cooling systems while insuring it doesn't mix.

Gray wire mode on the e-locker.

5 minutes, $0.00, you can engage in some entertaining stupid human tricks in 2HI with the locker engaged.

Other cheap mods I've done that were under (or near) $250:
- Rola roof rack
- big Tundra brakes (mostly rockauto parts)
- 1" body lift (on 32's now, making room for 33's next time)
- modern head unit with HD radio, usb/aux ports

Wish I had the e-locker. I might just break down and purchase the ARB for the rear.
 
A good thing to do is just get a new head unit. Its a relatively inexpensive thing to but will give you interior a nice look, improve sound quality, and let you choose the music. I just installed the Kenwood DPX500BT in mine, it's last years model so I got a good deal and it comes with blue tooth.

Did roughly did the same thing- a nice double DIN Kenwood unit from Crutchfield- sound/radio were much better and added bluetooth streaming audio and telephone.
 
You read my mind! I was cleaning my runner out today and looking at the pathetic mats and considering getting new ones. I'll have to check those out. Agreed on synthetics.

I picked up the Weathertech mats for my 3rd gen via Amazon- bought the "big" one for the rear as well. :)
 
Looked at them last night. A little more than others but looked like a quality product, how do you like it? I saw that one piece for the rear.

Do you have a 5 speed? if you have a 5 speed the clutch will catch behind the mat sometimes and it's really annoying. only happens 2% of the time but when you killed it, sitting at a green light in traffic you look like a fool. I have the rear weathertechs for backseat too. Amazing. the front is still worth it, just annoying.
 
Do you have a 5 speed? if you have a 5 speed the clutch will catch behind the mat sometimes and it's really annoying. only happens 2% of the time but when you killed it, sitting at a green light in traffic you look like a fool. I have the rear weathertechs for backseat too. Amazing. the front is still worth it, just annoying.

I have an auto so that won't be a problem. I just might have to pull the trigger on them in time for winter.
 
13WL Tundra brakes as others have stated. The emphasis on how much of a difference they make can't be understated. I've still got the rear end w/e-locker sitting on my garage floor from my '96. At this point, I'd consider parting with it for $250 just to get it the hell out of my garage.
 
13WL Tundra brakes as others have stated. The emphasis on how much of a difference they make can't be understated. I've still got the rear end w/e-locker sitting on my garage floor from my '96. At this point, I'd consider parting with it for $250 just to get it the hell out of my garage.

Wish you were closer to me, I'd probably take it off your hands. Shipping is probably an arm and a leg. Just curious what gear ratio do you have in it?
 
Wish you were closer to me, I'd probably take it off your hands. Shipping is probably an arm and a leg. Just curious what gear ratio do you have in it?

99.9% sure it's 4:30's. My buddy has a first gen and he said he'd take it, but hasn't gotten around to picking it up. It's a whole other ball of wax.
 
Why did u ditch ur sway bars?

I was getting some loud creaking and popping noises off-road under hard flex (swaybar bushings suspected) so my plan was to use the longer front connects in the rear to compensate for the 3" lift and put new bushing all around. So I pulled the bars off but decided to go for a run down my local 4x4 trail just to confirm that is where the noise was coming from. Anyway, I absolutely loved how it felt without the bars and the noises were completely gone.

Depending on the stiffness of the springs, I might not recommend it if your rig is on pavement more than dirt, but my OME lift was fairly stiff and now without the swaybars it feels way more comfortable on the trails with the freed up suspension.
 
Gray wire mode on the e-locker.

5 minutes, $0.00, you can engage in some entertaining stupid human tricks in 2HI with the locker engaged.

Other cheap mods I've done that were under (or near) $250:
- Rola roof rack
- big Tundra brakes (mostly rockauto parts)
- 1" body lift (on 32's now, making room for 33's next time)
- modern head unit with HD radio, usb/aux ports

I was gonna say the same thing, but Blue wire mod... Tacoma's have the gray wire, 4Runners are blue! :lalala: I agree though, it is stupid fun.

I love doing small mods, but I always make sure things are tip top on maintenance. Some useful mods or upkeep:
Extended rear diff breather
Trimmed front valance
Rust elimination/prevention
Proper clean and waxing
Suspension Bushings checked / replaced
Maintenance items (VC gaskets, *LBJ's, leaks, etc.)
*Trans cooler (bypassed mine)
Fluids (coolant, PS, brakes, diff, trans ...)

Also some cosmetic:
LED interior lights
Satoshi grille mod
Retrofit HID projectors
Bedline stuff (did my bumpers)

It really just depends on your needs and what you expect to use your truck most for. Once maintenance is all taken care of I then move to the fun stuff. I strongly recommend trans cooler or LBJ's just because neglect of those items can be catastrophic.
 

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