Blank Slate 2002 Options

[plunk]

New here to the forum, and thought I'd ask for some ideas about my 2002 4Runner. I've been waiting 12 years to get my hands on this car, and now that my wife got something new, I finally get to start making the mods I have been thinking about. I apologize in advance for bombarding you with questions, especially if this should be on a different thread. O.K. here we go TL;DR

Some background:
Right now everything is stock SR5 4WD
Only 114K miles, original owner, no rust, clean body
Tires are worn out
Rear suspension showing a little sag
shocks need replacing

What I want to use it for:
I want this 4Runner to haul my outdoor toys (MTB, Kayak, Ski, Camping)
My friends joke that my garage looks like an REI shop.
I want to be able to drive to Tahoe (4+ hours on the freeway) in reasonable comfort and then go off road, to get to semi-remote camp sites and ride my bike, climb, etc. Probably looking at more at dirt-road than true off road. Not building a rock crawler here, although I love reading those build threads.

My thoughts and questions so far:
Keep to 265/70/R16 tire size - likely change to BF Goodrich All Terrain
Not looking to lift
Replace shocks with OEM or go Bilstein or other after market?
Replace sagging back springs with OEM or do all 4 with OEM?
Or is this the chance to replace springs and shocks with something more adjustable since I'm replacing so much stuff already?
Does an OME or other coil-over kit make sense if I'm not lifting and driving mostly on the freeway?
I love the look of the ARB bumpers in the build threads. Are they heavy enough to require a change in front springs?
Will an ARB or similar front bumper affect airbag sensors?

I'd appreciate any feedback from the folks in the forum.
I will start a build thread to keep you posted on what I do.
Will likely remove the running boards as a first order of business
Thanks!

 

[Salman]

Hello :hello:

Welcome to T4R Community. There is no picture of your ride, it is against the rule... just kidding.

Below is my fav page on T4R.org use it to get answers. You will get your answers if not search via google. I promise, you will get all your answers.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/149916-master-directory-informational-threads-must-read-new-members.html

 

[Troybylt]

My thoughts and questions so far:
Keep to 265/70/R16 tire size - likely change to BF Goodrich All Terrain
Not looking to lift
Replace shocks with OEM or go Bilstein or other after market?
Replace sagging back springs with OEM or do all 4 with OEM?
Or is this the chance to replace springs and shocks with something more adjustable since I'm replacing so much stuff already?
Does an OME or other coil-over kit make sense if I'm not lifting and driving mostly on the freeway?
I love the look of the ARB bumpers in the build threads. Are they heavy enough to require a change in front springs?
Will an ARB or similar front bumper affect airbag sensors?

I'd appreciate any feedback from the folks in the forum.
I will start a build thread to keep you posted on what I do.
Will likely remove the running boards as a first order of business
Thanks!

I waited years to be able to find and bring home mine too, welcome aboard!

Nice low miles and no rust awesome man! You got to post up some pictures, we love looking at our trucks!

4cyl or 6 cyl? Auto or Manual?

If It's an Auto add bypassing and adding an external Transmission cooler to your mod list, here's why: Pink Milkshake.

I've been working on mine for it to be able to do much the same as what you plan to do with yours.

Definitely go with the BFG A/T KO's lots of guys here run them and love them, myself included, however consider going with a 265/75/R16 It will fit with no rubbing, is a taller tire for more clearance, and lastly it was a LOT cheaper than the 70 side wall as the 70 side is more rare apparently. Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV)

If your shocks are worn and your springs are sagging AND you plan on running an ARB Shrock Works Addicted ETC. plate front I would HIGHLY suggest going with the Tundra Yellow Blue and Land Cruiser 80 series 7.5/8 wrap "lift" It's only a 1-3" lift I Know you said you don't want to lift it but it's an easy direct bolt on and you may never notice it. OEM 3rd gen 4runner springs just wont support the plate bumbers verywell for very long.

Sonoran steel produces some very nice lifts (Called the 1.2) that include all new parts for everything you will need for the install and more. It's going to be my next "major" mod.

If you just want to replace your rears for now, look into '99 Tall springs from a "highlander" edition 4Runner. You may also consider Old Man Emu Springs although many have said they are significantly more firm than OEM.

Lastly Your Airbag sensor sits underneath the radio in the dash and I believe is simply a sudden change in velocity sensor, as such the ARB should not affect the airbags, but I suggest you look into that further. Our Airbag systems aren't too advanced to my knowledge and all we have are the two up front.

 

[plunk]

Thanks Troybylt and Salman. I appreciate the advice.
Pictures coming soon!