"Cheap" Mods

[MatthewRM18]

I have been searching for a 3rd gen for over a year, and just purchased a 2002 SR5 automatic with the locker. It has an OME lift, and a good set Duratracs on it. 179k miles, but as usual with these runners, it runs like a champ. I have everything squared away mechanically, and even charged the AC. I would love to modify it as I have caught the bug, but a recent medical diagnosis left me out of work, and as a teenager, I can't make any major investments. I would like to build it, bumpers, sliders, etc. but it isn't financially viable at the moment. I was just wondering what are some smaller(cheaper) mods that can be done to keep me occupied that make little things better, even if they are just appearance. I am planning to do the deckplate mod in a week or so, but I need something to tinker with for the time being. Thanks.

 

[98WhiteT4R]

I have been searching for a 3rd gen for over a year, and just purchased a 2002 SR5 automatic with the locker. It has an OME lift, and a good set Duratracs on it. 179k miles, but as usual with these runners, it runs like a champ. I have everything squared away mechanically, and even charged the AC. I would love to modify it as I have caught the bug, but a recent medical diagnosis left me out of work, and as a teenager, I can't make any major investments. I would like to build it, bumpers, sliders, etc. but it isn't financially viable at the moment. I was just wondering what are some smaller(cheaper) mods that can be done to keep me occupied that make little things better, even if they are just appearance. I am planning to do the deckplate mod in a week or so, but I need something to tinker with for the time being. Thanks.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/94729-cheap-mods.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/137319-easy-weekend-mods.html

All the Mods that can be done to a 3rd gen 4runner. Contest! Who knows the most? - YotaTech Forums

 

[MatthewRM18]

Thank you for not posting the "learn to search" post, although that is probably what I should have done, but I figured I may as well post and see if anything new pops up.

 

[baja1]

hydrocarbon filter removal? I don't see anything like that on my '97! what year did that start?

 

[Unner]

Paint faded parts, mantinence, stereo, speakers, detail interior, wash and wax, LEDs, TRD decals, custom grille, remove running boards, Taco whip antenna, plastidip the chrome, window visors, driver side handle, bug shield.

That's all I can think of for now. I'm about out of cheap things to do so I'm having to move onto the bigger more expensive things.

 

[MatthewRM18]

I have TRD emblems on the way, going to use a 98 grill for a satoshi. LEDs are done, and stereo is all redone. This runner is almost too clean, I will probably end up having to invest a pretty penny to improve it XD

 

[foxrider56]

i used to be this way where i would just do a bunch of cheap mods that i would end up doing so many cheap mods that i put money into my 4runner that was pointless in the end, the more i think about it i wish i just waited and saved money for a time of a big mod, instead of doing a bunch of cheap mods. i would say just save up and wait for the big mods you want to do, instead of wasting your money on stuff that you won't like in the end.

 

[habanero]

I'm happy with a mess o' cheap mods for the 96. Things like adding turn signals to the side markers - and euro markers, gm horns w/relay, aux reverse lights w/switch, antenna switch, 'new' front seats- all junkyard stuff- extending the diff breather, repainting the center caps, the junkdrawerashi grill....and all kinds of maintenance and repair fix-its for burnt-out light bulbs in switches, renewing contacts in more non-operating switches, replacing motors in door lock switches, repairing cracked and broken wiring, repairing cracked solder for the clock, greasing what needs greasing, maf cleaning, all sorts of little stuff.

 

[Supermoney]

Just FYI the 01-02 yes have the "center diff lock" but generally we don't say it has a locker as people automatically think it means rear locker which you can only get 96-00.

 

[MatthewRM18]

I was unaware of that, thanks for the tip lol, don't mind me while I realize my car is worth a lot less.

 

[Unner]

Just FYI the 01-02 yes have the "center diff lock" but generally we don't say it has a locker as people automatically think it means rear locker which you can only get 96-00.

I was unaware of that, thanks for the tip lol, don't mind me while I realize my car is worth a lot less.

Yes, this is true. But it also means you have AWD when the center diff is unlocked so you can run that on pavement with no issues whereas when the center diff is locked (as it is full time on all other 3rd gens expect the limiteds I beleive) you shouldn't run 4WD on pavement as it will cause binding and possible damage.

The 01-02's also have ATRAC which electronically simulates a locker by applying brakes to different wheels to help you get over stuff. It's not as good as a true locker, but works pretty well.

 

[MatthewRM18]

Oh alright, learn something new every day. Thank you.