Cheap Modifications
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ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Moved to 3rd gen t4rs
Brique
New member
Congrats on your "new" 4Runner! My high school car was cool, but not that cool 
My thoughts: If you just bought a third gen, given the age and price you paid, I'd save that $1000 for repairs and maintenance for the time being, unless you're absolutely sure there's nothing wrong with it, because at this age, there's probably something that needs to be fixed. Valve cover gasket, rear axle seals, shocks/struts, timing belt all might need some attention at this age. Better to have your truck humming and well maintained than to have it looking good and breaking down.
My thoughts: If you just bought a third gen, given the age and price you paid, I'd save that $1000 for repairs and maintenance for the time being, unless you're absolutely sure there's nothing wrong with it, because at this age, there's probably something that needs to be fixed. Valve cover gasket, rear axle seals, shocks/struts, timing belt all might need some attention at this age. Better to have your truck humming and well maintained than to have it looking good and breaking down.
maintenance.. I just spent 100 bucks on oe plugs, fuel filter, ngk wire, pvc, oil filter, and all 3 belts.
a guy on ebay is selling.. I think the wires and plugs will cost 100 bucks already.. but the additional was a plus..
New shocks for sure.. I also just ordered 5100 billsteins all around..
I think for the age especially on a truck.. shocks are a must.. If you care about ride quality.. and if you plan on keeping it for a while.. maintenance. No use having a nice 4runner with mods.. if it sits broken down..
a guy on ebay is selling.. I think the wires and plugs will cost 100 bucks already.. but the additional was a plus..
New shocks for sure.. I also just ordered 5100 billsteins all around..
I think for the age especially on a truck.. shocks are a must.. If you care about ride quality.. and if you plan on keeping it for a while.. maintenance. No use having a nice 4runner with mods.. if it sits broken down..
lude and rude
New member
maintenance, maintenance, maintenance!!! save your pennies for gas and maintenance items that will come up in the future. i.e. timing belt, brake upgrades, etc. i have been pouring money into mine lately fitting bearings and drivetrain issues. these trucks run forever but you have to take care of them before you can play with them. PO of my runner ran it into the ground and now after 2 months of owning it im finding out the true aftermath. so save your pennies until its running premo then upgrade. plus if you start replacing things upgrade them while your at it. use shocks that you can still use when doing a mild lift (not sure which ones), if replacing alternator upgrade to something with a lil more umph.. etc. good luck with your new toy and have fun with it.
better than mods...
I know these are not mods but your time and $1000 is best spent on maintenance and replacement
1) start pumping grease through the driveshaft zerks:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/97006-drive-prop-shaft-greasing-guide.html. I follow the top guide 1,3,4,5,6,8 MP; 2,7 Moly.
Mobil 1 synthetic grease nlgi no 2
The OFFICIAL clunk/thunk driveshaft thread
2) fuel filter, you will be shocked at what comes out.
3) replace front and rear diff fluid and transfer case fluid
4) complete transmission flush (via B&G machine if able)
5) power steering flush using ATF not power steering fluid. ATF! see owners manual. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66337-diy-power-steering-flush.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/103910-power-steering-fluid-change.html
6) external tranny cooler or new radiator (read up on Pink Milkshake)
7) Steering rack bushing kit from Wheelers Off Road. ($20)
8) new end links or end link bushings
9) greaseable sway bar bushings if on road handling matters (energy suspension brand)
10) Check/replace Transmission mount (easy) and motor mounts
11) recovery strap
12) interior light swap for LED's
13) cb radio
14) E-locker
and of course the classic rear diff breather mod http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/123-breather-install.html and
Tundra/Sequoia brake upgrade http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ements-231mm-13wl-tundra-calipers-rotors.html
Genuine toyota parts available online for less $
All the Mods which can be done http://www.yotatech.com/f2/all-mods-can-done-3rd-gen-4runner-contest-who-knows-most-113806/
I know these are not mods but your time and $1000 is best spent on maintenance and replacement
1) start pumping grease through the driveshaft zerks:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/97006-drive-prop-shaft-greasing-guide.html. I follow the top guide 1,3,4,5,6,8 MP; 2,7 Moly.
Mobil 1 synthetic grease nlgi no 2
The OFFICIAL clunk/thunk driveshaft thread
2) fuel filter, you will be shocked at what comes out.
3) replace front and rear diff fluid and transfer case fluid
4) complete transmission flush (via B&G machine if able)
5) power steering flush using ATF not power steering fluid. ATF! see owners manual. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66337-diy-power-steering-flush.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/103910-power-steering-fluid-change.html
6) external tranny cooler or new radiator (read up on Pink Milkshake)
7) Steering rack bushing kit from Wheelers Off Road. ($20)
8) new end links or end link bushings
9) greaseable sway bar bushings if on road handling matters (energy suspension brand)
10) Check/replace Transmission mount (easy) and motor mounts
11) recovery strap
12) interior light swap for LED's
13) cb radio
14) E-locker
and of course the classic rear diff breather mod http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/123-breather-install.html and
Tundra/Sequoia brake upgrade http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ements-231mm-13wl-tundra-calipers-rotors.html
Genuine toyota parts available online for less $
All the Mods which can be done http://www.yotatech.com/f2/all-mods-can-done-3rd-gen-4runner-contest-who-knows-most-113806/
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