Been a T4R member for quite some time. Always just a lurker drooling over everyone's 4runner builds with dreams of one day building my own. Now I'm officially going to work to build out my 2007 4runner and plan on documenting my experience and sharing anything I can to contribute to this amazing community that has helped me learn so much over the years.
First, a little history....
In January 2016 I made a decision to sell probably one of the mintiest 1st gen 4runner's in Canada. I have never been more grateful for a material object because it immediately enhanced the thought/idea of adventure in my life. Immediately after the purchase off the original owner I was able to enjoy a 1600 mile drive from Santa Monica, California to Calgary, Alberta. I still have dreams of driving "Casper" and his character has left a lasting impression on me that I will carry forward for the rest of my life. The sound of the bare metal doors clanging shut, the removable topper, the big truck driver steering wheel, the body lines on the hood, the decals, of course the ability it gave me to get into the beautiful outdoors on four wheels, and to share these experiences with my friends and family. Overall the pure simplicity of Casper really made me appreciate small details and the saying "LESS IS MORE".
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/21617597266/" title="IMG_6821.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5784/21617597266_920cfc4365_b.jpg" width="1024" height="669" alt="IMG_6821.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I ended up making a few bucks on the sale of this 4Runner and used the money to start a business with my brother, who goes by the name of [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] on here. Eventually, landing on owning a 2000 Tacoma who went by "Bruce". Bruce ended up being my first actual "build" and opened the doors of learning to complete all my own maintenance, learning some welding basics, and doing whatever else I desired on my own vehicles.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/48936383903/" title="_08I3455.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48936383903_eb81592fc1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I3455.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/49539569727/" title="_08I1505.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49539569727_16dc30ab72_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="_08I1505.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/48909980172/" title="IMG_6811.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48909980172_d91071fdf9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_6811.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In the midst of all this - developing an interesting passion for all types of vehicles from vans (sold in 2019) to sports cars (still own)...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/144857041@N07/27201050709/in/dateposted/" title="20171210-_08I7005"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4730/27201050709_68ddfd2dc7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="20171210-_08I7005"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/retrospectphoto/49915076691/" title="_08I8907.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49915076691_ed1d61f729_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I8907.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Now I'm looking to build something that can accomplish many things. From being reliable, fun to drive, and offering a bunch of utility. I picked up a 2007 Limited Toyota 4Runner in July of 2020. On the exterior the truck was in pretty solid shape with 290,000 KMs and having minimal - 0 rust. The interior was a disaster but with a little elbow grease it came out looking good.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867022733/in/dateposted/" title="_08I0175.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867022733_658ae1c678_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I0175.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
First things first I baselined with all fluids and any maintenance the truck was needing primarily using OEM parts. Then took apart the front end as the lower control arm bushings were seized and replaced everything as I knew I was going to be upgrading suspension and adding a larger tire setup. Currently the truck is sitting at just above stock height with some Bilstein 5100's with SPC Uppers. Tires are a 315/75/16 Toyo RT. I'm rocking some Epsilon Mozzer JDM wheels that I imported from Japan with 5mm slip spacers in the front to clear my brakes. I'm running a Sherpa Princeton roof rack. Then added some yellow Baja Design Squadrons in the factory fog pockets to get some more light for night driving. Honestly, this setup is super minimal but is literally all anyone needs to do %90 of the stuff out there (IMO).
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867629175/in/dateposted/" title="_08I5665.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867629175_b9f2538829_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I5665.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867629305/in/photostream/" title="_08I5689.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867629305_8609b49266_b.jpg" width="819" height="1024" alt="_08I5689.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867295234/in/photostream/" title="_08I5698.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867295234_2e3089a981_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I5698.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867295679/in/photostream/" title="_08I5757.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867295679_d8cc45724e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I5757.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867056563/in/photostream/" title="DJI_0054.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867056563_0f136b849e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="DJI_0054.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867038003/in/photostream/" title="_08I7753.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867038003_dd5f336edb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I7753.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
35's have been a game changer coming from 33's on my Tacoma - that being said I still have a lot of trimming and a tub to do to make things perfect and will be taking this on this upcoming spring. Other things in the works include:
- Headlight Retrofit
- Full sleeping platform and interior camping setup
- Suspension Upgrade
- Designing my own rear tube bumper
Thanks for checking out my thread! Looking forward to connecting with more of ya'll!
Cheers,
Chase
First, a little history....
In January 2016 I made a decision to sell probably one of the mintiest 1st gen 4runner's in Canada. I have never been more grateful for a material object because it immediately enhanced the thought/idea of adventure in my life. Immediately after the purchase off the original owner I was able to enjoy a 1600 mile drive from Santa Monica, California to Calgary, Alberta. I still have dreams of driving "Casper" and his character has left a lasting impression on me that I will carry forward for the rest of my life. The sound of the bare metal doors clanging shut, the removable topper, the big truck driver steering wheel, the body lines on the hood, the decals, of course the ability it gave me to get into the beautiful outdoors on four wheels, and to share these experiences with my friends and family. Overall the pure simplicity of Casper really made me appreciate small details and the saying "LESS IS MORE".
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/21617597266/" title="IMG_6821.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5784/21617597266_920cfc4365_b.jpg" width="1024" height="669" alt="IMG_6821.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I ended up making a few bucks on the sale of this 4Runner and used the money to start a business with my brother, who goes by the name of [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] on here. Eventually, landing on owning a 2000 Tacoma who went by "Bruce". Bruce ended up being my first actual "build" and opened the doors of learning to complete all my own maintenance, learning some welding basics, and doing whatever else I desired on my own vehicles.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/48936383903/" title="_08I3455.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48936383903_eb81592fc1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I3455.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/49539569727/" title="_08I1505.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49539569727_16dc30ab72_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="_08I1505.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/48909980172/" title="IMG_6811.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48909980172_d91071fdf9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_6811.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In the midst of all this - developing an interesting passion for all types of vehicles from vans (sold in 2019) to sports cars (still own)...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/144857041@N07/27201050709/in/dateposted/" title="20171210-_08I7005"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4730/27201050709_68ddfd2dc7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="20171210-_08I7005"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/retrospectphoto/49915076691/" title="_08I8907.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49915076691_ed1d61f729_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I8907.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Now I'm looking to build something that can accomplish many things. From being reliable, fun to drive, and offering a bunch of utility. I picked up a 2007 Limited Toyota 4Runner in July of 2020. On the exterior the truck was in pretty solid shape with 290,000 KMs and having minimal - 0 rust. The interior was a disaster but with a little elbow grease it came out looking good.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867022733/in/dateposted/" title="_08I0175.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867022733_658ae1c678_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I0175.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
First things first I baselined with all fluids and any maintenance the truck was needing primarily using OEM parts. Then took apart the front end as the lower control arm bushings were seized and replaced everything as I knew I was going to be upgrading suspension and adding a larger tire setup. Currently the truck is sitting at just above stock height with some Bilstein 5100's with SPC Uppers. Tires are a 315/75/16 Toyo RT. I'm rocking some Epsilon Mozzer JDM wheels that I imported from Japan with 5mm slip spacers in the front to clear my brakes. I'm running a Sherpa Princeton roof rack. Then added some yellow Baja Design Squadrons in the factory fog pockets to get some more light for night driving. Honestly, this setup is super minimal but is literally all anyone needs to do %90 of the stuff out there (IMO).
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867629175/in/dateposted/" title="_08I5665.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867629175_b9f2538829_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I5665.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867629305/in/photostream/" title="_08I5689.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867629305_8609b49266_b.jpg" width="819" height="1024" alt="_08I5689.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867295234/in/photostream/" title="_08I5698.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867295234_2e3089a981_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I5698.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867295679/in/photostream/" title="_08I5757.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867295679_d8cc45724e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I5757.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867056563/in/photostream/" title="DJI_0054.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867056563_0f136b849e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="DJI_0054.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chazphotostream/51867038003/in/photostream/" title="_08I7753.jpg"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51867038003_dd5f336edb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="_08I7753.jpg"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
35's have been a game changer coming from 33's on my Tacoma - that being said I still have a lot of trimming and a tub to do to make things perfect and will be taking this on this upcoming spring. Other things in the works include:
- Headlight Retrofit
- Full sleeping platform and interior camping setup
- Suspension Upgrade
- Designing my own rear tube bumper
Thanks for checking out my thread! Looking forward to connecting with more of ya'll!
Cheers,
Chase
