Chandler_Ross 97 4Runner Build Thread

[Chandler_Ross]

Then...

5-4-2012



Now...

10-5-2013


Here's how it started...

So, I'm new to the forum, sorta. I've been browsing and reading random threads for a few months now.

So in May, I bought my first car. A 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5. 4x4 with a V6. I bought the car from a guy who claims to be a "used car salesman". First test drive, it drove fine. No issues. Had it checked by my mechanic, everything looked good. I was ready to make an offer, then I found a 98 Tacoma for the same price. I was all set to buy the Tacoma till I had it checked out. Cracked exhaust manifold, clutch was going out, needed new tires, etc. So I was back to the 4Runner. Second time we test drove it, everything was the same except for a little knocking sound in the engine. It had only been 3 weeks since the first test drive and inspection, so I figured I would be alright buying it and then having the noise checked out. So I did it. $4900 and it was mine. As I was driving it home, it began to overheat. I was mad as f**k. So I had it towed at the previous owners expense. 4 days and 5 radiator flushes later, it was finally fixed. So I took it back to my mechanic to see what the knocking was. According to him, PISTON SLAP. I trust him. I've also been told it was valves ticking, and that I'd be throwing a rod sometime soon. 12,000 miles later, nothings changed. Still running strong. I'm gonna drive it till it blows up, then I'll either rebuild or just swap a used motor into it. But knowing how well Toyota builds their trucks, it won't be anytime soon.

The day I bought her...

The day I got her running without overheating...

 

[Chandler_Ross]

First Mods (Plasti Dip!)

After having my T4R for a few months, I wanted to do something to give it some character. My solution, PLASTI DIP!!! It's amazing how much 5 cans of plasti dip can change a car.

First off, the grille. I started small to see how everything would turn out. I like it. 2 coats. I peeled off the plasti dip around the logo and the chrome strip at the bottom of the grille.

Next, the wheels. I used 3 coats on each wheel. Turned out pretty good. Until I ran it through the car wash. Every wheel was peeling. So, I started over. This time 5 coats on each wheel, and no more automatic car washes. Turned out pretty well. Almost looks like a different car.

And finally, I got rid of the running boards. Gave it a bit more clearance and a meaner look.

 

[Chandler_Ross]

LED Tail light upgrade

After painting the rims and grille black, I figured I'd look for some LED Black tail lights. I found a few good looking ones, but they cost about $200. I wasn't wanting to spend nearly that much. So instead I found some 00-02 looking lights. They're LED lights. They came with clear corners and turn signals. All for $125. Installation was pretty easy. The hardest part was swapping the tail lights. The previous owner had the tail lights rigged to the towing package. So I couldn't remove the old tail lights without removing those wires. I ended up just ripping out the entire harness. I won't ever tow anything. So I'm not worried about it.
Finished product.

I also painted the bumper valance black. The stock grey threw off the entire front of the truck.

 

[Chandler_Ross]

More Plasti Dip!

So, after seeing someone on here who used bed liner to paint their bumpers, I liked the look of it. So I PlastiDipped mine. Turned out pretty well.

Had a little fun with my friends Montero Sport...

I officially love PlastiDip.

 

[BlackCat914]

No offense dude, but I liked it better before. :shrug:

 

[rossmkh]

Nice truck! I like it a lot, mine looks pretty similar.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Chandler_Ross.......... _Joey?



The tails = :thumb3: but take it easy on the plasti-dip.

 

[Chandler_Ross]

No offense dude, but I liked it better before. :shrug:

None taken My dad thinks the same thing. He's got a bone stock 02 SR5 identical to what mine looked like stock. I just don't like the chrome bumpers. I'd rather have the bumpers of a base model.

 

[Chandler_Ross]

Nice truck! I like it a lot, mine looks pretty similar.

Thanks man! Is yours a base model?

 

[Chandler_Ross]

Chandler_Ross.......... _Joey?

View attachment 68930

The tails = :thumb3: but take it easy on the plasti-dip.

I expected that from someone. haha. And I'll try to. I plan on eventually getting base model bumpers. I just can't stand the chrome.

 

[Foo-Fighter69]

Looking great! I really like the clear corners.:bravo:

 

[rossmkh]

Thanks man! Is yours a base model?

Yup.

 

[Chandler_Ross]

Nice truck! I like it a lot, mine looks pretty similar.

Did it come with the rear spoiler? My SR5 didn't have one.

 

[Chandler_Ross]

Piston Slap Noise

So I'm just wondering, does anyone else have any issues like this? I've seen one person who got a 98 for practically nothing because it knocked. But theirs didn't knock until warmed up. Mine knocks at a cold start and pretty much goes away once its warmed up. They had to rebuild the engine. And when they tore it down, the pistons were mangled. I'm hoping thats not the case with mine. And if it is the piston skirts, hopefully its only minor damage and it sounds a lot worse then it is. Any advise is appreciated.

 

[rossmkh]

Did it come with the rear spoiler? My SR5 didn't have one.

Yeah, mine came with it. It's a Base model but came with pretty much everything (roof rack, spoiler, hitch, power everything) except Automatic, which I'm totally ok with lol.

 

[Chandler_Ross]

Yeah, mine came with it. It's a Base model but came with pretty much everything (roof rack, spoiler, hitch, power everything) except Automatic, which I'm totally ok with lol.

I wish mine was a 5 speed. lol. mine didn't come with the rack, spoiler, or flares. just the running boards and trailer hitch. it didn't even have the chrome trim around the fenders. it almost looked like someone stole the entire SR5 package. :violin:

 

[Chandler_Ross]

Looking great! I really like the clear corners.:bravo:

Thanks man. I was reading your build thread earlier. Did you notice any difference after doing the deck plate mod? Nice Runner btw.

 

[Chandler_Ross]

5 Months Later...

So, Its been almost 5 months since I've really updated anything. Since the last time I posted, I've done the following...

-Removed Plasti-Dipped wheels
-New tires (Futura Scramblers A/T 30x9.5r15)
-Replaced LBJs
-SilverStar Ultra Bulbs
-2 10 inch Lightning Audio Subs + SSL 1000w amp
-LED Interior Conversion
-MagnaFlow 18 Muffler
-Hunter Brush Guard
-AutoZone Driving Lights
-OEM Spoiler

Instead of going in to everything in detail, I'll post up a picture timeline. I'm too lazy to type it all out. Lol

Coming Soon...
-2 inch Cornfed (Burtman Industries) Lift
-265/75r16 or 285/70r16 on 2002 Sport Edition Wheels (Glossy Black)

 

[Chandler_Ross]

Timeline

First Time Hittin the Trails, also first time getting stuck. Its always fun to have your friend dig out a 3 foot rut just to hit it head on and get hung on the frame...

Removed the PlastiDip on the wheels. Looks a lot better.

The Photographer inside me loves this picture...

Got her some new shoes. Futura Scrambler A/T 2 30x9.5r15s

And now, for some videos. My first time wheeling. I went to a spot near my house owned by TVA with some pretty decent sized mud holes called Pinky's Point. Since its government owned, for the record, I drove through the mud to get to the lake for fishing. If you are caught driving off of paved/gravel areas just because you feel like it, it usually isn't a good thing. Oh well

Did a little flexing before I got her dirty.

VIDEO TIME!!! :nerd:

Small trail near Pinky's Point... Not gonna lie. She bottomed out. I need me a lift!
<embed width="440" height="420" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://v6.tinypic.com/player.swf?file=143dcvn&s=6"><br><font size="1"><a href="http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=143dcvn&s=6">Original Video</a> - More videos at <a href="http://tinypic.com">TinyPic</a></font>
View My Video

This is the largest mud hole at Pinky's. I let my buddy drive. He submerged it. Everywhere I've gone for maintenance after this day, and someone opens the hood, this is their initial reaction. :wow: Followed by, :ybrick:.
Enjoy!
<embed width="440" height="420" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://v6.tinypic.com/player.swf?file=2afbojr&s=6"><br><font size="1"><a href="http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2afbojr&s=6">Original Video</a> - More videos at <a href="http://tinypic.com">TinyPic</a></font>
View My Video

And here's my bro in his Tundra doing the same mud hole. Gotta love Toyota trucks. I'd love to see a stock Cherokee go through this and drive away.
<embed width="440" height="420" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://v6.tinypic.com/player.swf?file=ams48i&s=6"><br><font size="1"><a href="http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=ams48i&s=6">Original Video</a> - More videos at <a href="http://tinypic.com">TinyPic</a></font>
View My Video

 

[Chandler_Ross]

Timeline

Back to the Pics.

This is how she sat for the next few months when I ran out of cheap mods, and focused on maintenance and making payments on it.

LED Interior Conversion

So I purchased some dome, map, and dash lights from SuperBrightLEDs.com. Only have pics of the Dome/Map lights though.
Before:

After:

The dome light is blue to match the LED underglow I installed in the front floorboards. I'll try to get a pic of those later.

MagnaFlow Muffler

So on Black Friday, I ordered this MagnaFlow 18 inch 5x8 muffler for $45! It was a great deal. I know that MagnaFlow isn't the best choice, I've read ChildrenOfBodom's rant against MagnaBlow plenty of times. Yet, I found myself lining their pockets. I just couldn't pass up a deal on my favorite sounding muffler. Not too loud. Just loud enough to get noticed. I like the quiet rumble to it vs. the louder lower tone of most Flowmasters. Had it installed for $63 at Maxi Auto Care. Altogether paid about $105 for a muffler that should've been about $150 installed. Not too shabby.

Hunter Brush Guard

So I picked up this brush guard on eBay for $200 plus shipping. Sold by TruckGearDirect. I will say, the build quality is solid. Installation was a pain. Since its for the Tacoma and 4Runner, I had to drill out the frame to mount the top brackets. It was worth the work though. Otherwise, it shakes from side to side over the slightest imperfection in the road, or anytime I go over 50. I know these are damage multipliers. But the way I see it, if I get hit or hit someone, I just might total my truck. I have full coverage, so maybe a new T4R without a knocking engine? Hey... :happens: I also installed some Pilot Navigator driving lights (Autozone brand).

And this is how it sits as of now. Soon to come... Tailgate's gettin fixed, Cornfed lift, 32s or 33s, 2002 Sport Edition Wheels.

Before

After

Happy Holidays Everyone!