[build thread]

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[build thread] 2000 SR5 V6 4WD

I’ve wanted a 3rd gen 4Runner since I was in high school so I’m excited to finally have one and start building it. I really enjoy working on it, but have next to zero experience working on trucks/cars/etc. All I've got to say is thank God for this forum, patient friends who've done this stuff before, and YouTube! :cheers:

I have always kept my eye on CL looking for the right one to come along. When I went home for my little brother's birthday this year I wasn't planning on selling my car and buying a 4Runner all within a few days, but sometimes things just work out! I was actually going to check out a different 4Runner about an hour south from where I grew up in Bellingham, WA. The one I originally went to look at ended up being a dud, but I drove past this one in a used car lot on my way home and almost caused an accident when I hit the breaks to flip around for a better look. It was in great condition from what I could tell, it just needed new tires. Not the 5spd that I had always wanted, but other than that it was pretty close to perfect. Went for a test drive and I knew I'd finally found what I'd been looking for. I immediately drove home, took my car through a car wash, snapped some pictures and posted it on CL. Two days later I had sold my 04 Acura TSX and was on my way to pick up my 2000 4Runner SR5 V6 4wd!

Here it is the day I brought it home in February with just over 174,000 miles on the clock.


It is mostly a daily driver, but I’d like to start getting into some trails and overall have a more capable and aggressive look. I've done a few mods, but nothing major yet. I need to make sure the upper/lower ball joints, inner/outer tie rods, etc are all in good condition. Will more than likely just replace them. My plans are TBU, 3" suspension lift, and either the Shrockworks or CBI front bumper. Rear bumper w/ tire carrier, 17" wheels, and mud terrain tires to come later, along with a 5spd swap and SC
:driving: This thread has definitely given plenty of ideas on how to spend my money arty:

I'd love any advice you guys have to share. I've been on here reading for months now but for most of this stuff I still have no idea what I'm doing haha. For now I'll get caught up with what I've done so far!

The first thing I HAD to do was get new tires. The ones it came on were bald and not safe to drive on. Picked up a set of Yokohama 265/70/16 YK-HTX all-seasons at Discount Tire and they've worked great for me.

Next... OFF WITH THE RUNNING BOARDS!!!




Cleans up pretty good :thumb3:

 

[rbgerrish]

Nice truck! I've always liked the black with the smaller black flares. It'll look sick with the armor/lift.

I've just picked up a 3rd gen too and have begun to build it.

Keep us posted!
ryan

 

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The next thing I did was replace the head unit. The stock unit had most of the lights burnt out and instead of messing with it I figured I'd rip it out and put a new one in. Picked up single-din Kenwood with Bluetooth. Nothing fancy, but it works great for what I need it to do; mainly be able to answer phone calls/talk on speakerphone/automatically mute music while I’m on the phone.



Amazon.com: Kenwood KDC-BT318U CD Receiver with Built-in Bluetooth

Next came the K&N cold air intake. It went pretty smooth, except it didn’t fit perfectly… Nothing a little grinding and sandpaper can’t fix! Didn’t notice much difference in performance, but it sounds great.

 

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Here’s some pictures just because I love my 4Runner







Then my buddy caught me taking pics haha

 

[Fit4Action]

How is that Cold Air intake?

Are you planning on going off roading? and if so how well will it protect against mud and dirt from getting in?

I was debating on getting one and decided to go with the deckplate/isr delete mod instead.

 

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How is that Cold Air intake?

Are you planning on going off roading? and if so how well will it protect against mud and dirt from getting in?

I was debating on getting one and decided to go with the deckplate/isr delete mod instead.

I don't do a lot yet, nothing serious. I didn't do a lot of research to be honest because I found it on sale and just went for it. But I kept my stock parts just in case I have to switch back in the future. For now the vehicle is mainly my daily driver. I bought the K&N a week or two after I got the vehicle, so I don't have much driving to compare it to. Noticeable increase in volume, but nothing crazy.

 

[Fit4Action]

I don't do a lot yet, nothing serious. I didn't do a lot of research to be honest because I found it on sale and just went for it. But I kept my stock parts just in case I have to switch back in the future. For now the vehicle is mainly my daily driver. I bought the K&N a week or two after I got the vehicle, so I don't have much driving to compare it to. Noticeable increase in volume, but nothing crazy.

Ok, I highly advise not going through some mud, unless someone else wants to comment on whether or not that filter will hold up. Looks pretty open to me and I feel like you would have some cleaning to do!

How much did you get it for? They selll it at my Advanced Auto Parts for about 329.99

 

[JeepKiller]

Don't take it through mud..... My stock air box got mud in it when I went mudding, I can't imagine an open filter.

 

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fog lights

Ordered Toyota fog lights that mount in the factory location. Since mine is the SR5, not the Limited, it didn’t come with fog lights...but it came with pretty much everything else! All the wiring is already there and you just have to pop out two little plastic caps that sit where the lights end up. I had to order a new turn signal arm with the fog light switch and its pretty much plug and play after that. They aren’t the best fog lights by a long shot, but it’s better than nothing. The new turn signal arm works great and keeps a spot on my dash open for a different switch.









Sorry for the huge pictures! Still trying to figure all this out haha. Researching how to adjust the size and then I'll come back and edit the post! If anyone knows a quick easy way to do it please let me know!

 

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Nice! I have the SR5 as well and added the foglights. I dont have pictures of mine right now but you might want to consider making some splash covers for the housings and putting a breather tube to avoid moisture inside housing. I did this about 7 years ago and they still have the original bulbs in them. Really makes them last a long time. Made some covers with bendable sheet metal and painted them. Ran the breather tube inside the frame. I dont have details because its been a long time since I did this. Search fog lights and breather and you will see plenty of threads. Just a heads up before the new fogs get water damage.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/87159-those-hella-micro-des-fogging.html
Here is thread with picture I found for the breather tube. I ran mine a diffrent route into the frame but you get the idea. This combined with a shield will make them very waterproof. I have drove through deep waters and rain with no moisture problems.

Oh great, this is awesome! I plan on getting a new front bumper (Shrockworks or CBI) soon, but if I don't I will definitely be doing this!