COB's 4Runner Timeline (Pic Heavy)

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Welcome to ChildrenOfBodom's 4Runner Timeline. This thread covers my 1999 4Runner from day 1. They say pictures say a thousand words. In this thread, you'll find thousands of pictures.

This was the first vehicle I ever paid for with my own money. I bought it in 2008, 4 days after my 17th birthday.
This truck started life as a 1999 4Runner base model. It came with a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder 3RZ-FE, two wheel drive, and automatic transmission.
Today, the truck most closely resembles a 1999 Highlander Edition, sporting a TRD Supercharger on the same 3RZ-FE, four wheel drive, and R150F 5-speed manual transmission.

CASTROL EDGE: UNLOCK YOUR PERFORMANCE WINNER #1: AUGUST 2010
T4R.ORG TOYOTA 4RUNNER OF THE MONTH: MARCH 2012
4WD TOYOTA OWNERS MAGAZINE PG. 8-14: SEPT 2012

My YouTube Videos
Why I Built Instead of Selling
Why You Should Avoid Purchasing Magnaflow Products

Other Rides:
COB's '87 4Runner Turbo SR5
COB's '90 4Runner SR5 V6 2-Door
COB's '98 4Runner SR5 4WD
COB's '99 4Runner Limited 2WD
COB's '89 Supra Turbo
COB's '94 Supra Turbo
COB's '89 Pickup Deluxe 2WD

Sold:
COB's 02 Ford Mustang GT
COB's '89 Ford Probe GT


R.I.P. (Rest in Pieces) :sadwave:
Donor Truck 1.0 (2000 SR5 4WD 5-speed)
Donor Truck 2.0 (1988 Pickup X-tra Cab 4x4)
Donor Truck 3.0 (2000 SR5 4WD 5-speed)
Donor Supra 1.0 (1989 N/A Hardtop Automatic)

87 4Runner Turbo SR5


89 Supra Turbo


94 Supra Turbo

For Chapter Selection, please continue scrolling beyond the modification list.

Basic information:

Original:
1999 Toyota 4Runner Base Model
2.7L 3RZ-FE 4 Cylinder
A340E 2WD Automatic Transmission
3.91 Final Drive Gears

Current:
1999 Toyota 4Runner 4WD, SR5 Highlander lookalike
2.7L 3RZ-FE 4 Cylinder, TRD Supercharged @ 8 PSI
R150F 4WD Manual Transmission with J-Shifter transfer case
4.56 Final Drive Gears with Factory Electronic Differential Lock


Modification List


ENGINE

OEM Additions:
330cc Supra 2JZ Fuel Injectors
TRD Billet Oil Cap

Aftermarket:
MAP ECU2 Piggyback Computer
Walbro 190 LPH Fuel Pump
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
NGK Spark Plug Wires
Koyorad Full Aluminum Radiator


INTAKE + FORCED INDUCTION

OEM Additions:
3RZ TRD/Alpine Supercharger

Aftermarket:
K&N FIPK Cold Air Intake (57-9012)
Black K&N Drycharger
8 PSI Pulley Boys Supercharger Pulley


EXHAUST

OEM Additions:
TRD Catback Piping (PTR06-89990-14)

Aftermarket:
LC Engineering 3RZ Street Header
LC Engineering 17.5"x2.5" Catalytic Converter (CARB Legal)
2.5" Flex Pipe
Spintech Truck/RV Muffler

DRIVETRAIN

OEM Additions:
4.56 Front Differential
R150F 5 Speed Manual Transmission
AISIN Clutch Master + Slave Cylinder + Lines
2TR-FE to R155 Bell Housing
Electronic Rear Differential Locker

Aftermarket:
Toytec 1" Diff Drop
Rear Differential Breather Extension
DOM Rear Driveshaft
Marlin Crawler Clutch + Flywheel
Marlin Crawler HD Shifter Seat/Socket Bushings
NAPA CV Axles

BRAKES

OEM Additions:
Red 13WL Tundra 231mm Brake Calipers
Tundra Brake Pads

Aftermarket:
Brembo Tundra Rotors, Blank


SUSPENSION, STEERING, AND BODY LIFT

Aftermarket:
Old Man Emu 883 Front Springs
Bilstein 5100 Front Shocks
Old Man Emu 891 Rear Springs
Bilstein 5100 Rear Shocks
Old Man Emu 10mm Rear Trim Spacers (2)
1" Toytec Body Lift
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Sway Bar + End Link Bushings
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushings
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Front Control Arm Bushings
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Trailing Arm and Link Bushings
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Body Mounts
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Shock Bushings
Energy Suspension Polyurethane Bump Stops


WHEEL + TIRE

OEM Additions:
TRD 17" Wheels - Matte Gray

Aftermarket:
BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 - 285/70/17 Load C
4 1.25" Spidertrax Wheel Spacers



ARMOR + OFF ROAD

Aftermarket:
Shrockworks Front Bumper with Single Hoop
CBI Offroad Standard Rear Plate Bumper
4xInnovations HREW Rock Sliders with Kickout
Skid Row Offroad Front Skid Plate
Lotus Trailing Arm Mount Skids




EXTERIOR LIGHTING

OEM Additions:
JDM LED 3rd Brake Light
JDM Clear Corners


Aftermarket:
Philips Headlight Bulbs 55W/65W
TYC Headlights
Bosch Turn Signals
Eagle Eyes LED Tail Lights
PIAA 510 4" Ion Crystal Fog Lights (In bumper)
PIAA 580 7" Extreme White Driving Lights (On top of bumper)


ELECTRICAL

OEM Additions:
Towing Harness (4-Flat)


Aftermarket:
LC Engineering High Output Alternator
Power Outlet Relay Bypass
Fiamm/Bosch Horns
1/0 Gauge Battery Cables
Driffter CB Antenna Mount
FireStik Heavy Duty CB Antenna Spring
FireStik CB Antenna Quick Disconnect K-1A
FireStik II Black 4ft. CB Antenna
Blue Sea Fuse Block
MJT Fuse Block Holder


EXTERIOR

OEM Additions:
SR5 "Skinny" Fender Flares
Imperial Jade Grille, 2001-02
Imperial Jade Side View Mirrors, 2001-02
Imperial Jade Mica Door Handles
Sport Hood with Scoop
JDM Rear Spoiler
Black Pearl Emblems
TRD "Supercharged" Decal (Pt.# PTR26-35000)

Aftermarket:
Full Length Roof Rack


INTERIOR

OEM Additions:
SR5 Sun Visors with mirror
SR5 Cloth Front Buckets and Rear Bench
SR5 Leather Steering Wheel
Rear Cargo Area Panels (Cargo Cover Compatible)
Cargo Cover Mount Brackets
Oak Cargo Cover with Headrest Flaps
Manual Brake and Clutch Pedals
Clutch Pedal Linear Spring Mod
Gauge Cluster Bezel (PRND2L Delete)
Center Dash Bezel (ECT PWR Button Delete)
Manual Shifter Boot Bezel
TRD Leather Shift Knob
2000 SR5 Sport Seats
2000 SR5 Door Panels

Aftermarket:
Broadway Wide Rear View Mirror
Stainless Steel Air Conditioning Vent Knobs
Leather Shift Boot
Dash Designs Dash Cover
CB Microphone Mount
Paranoid Fab Single DIN Carling Switch Panel


INTERIOR LIGHTING

Aftermarket:
#24 White LEDs for Gauge Cluster
#74 White LEDs for Climate Control, Key Ring, Ashtray, Blinkers, and Glovebox
Neo-Wedge LED's for Rear Window, ECT/Rear Defrost, and A/C Button
Oznium Superflux Warm White 25 LED Dome Lights and Map Lights
Red Clock


INTERIOR ELECTRICAL

OEM Additions:
Automatic Disconnecting Differential Relay (wiring from 2000 SR5 4WD "Donor Truck 1.0")
4WD ECU for Diff Lock Functions (wiring from 2000 SR5 4WD "Donor Truck 3.0")
Gray Wire Mod
RR Diff Lock Button
Clutch Start Cancel Button
SR5 Door Harnesses for Heated Mirrors
Rocker Switches for fog/driving lights
Turn Signal Stalk with fog switch
TRD Boost Gauge

Aftermarket:
Viper 791XV 2-Way Alarm
Scangauge II
Cobra 19 DX IV CB Radio
Autometer A-Pillar Boost Gauge Pod
Constant Power Outlet Mod
OTRATTW Auxiliary Light Switches



SOUND SYSTEM

OEM Additions:
Mirror Pods for Tweeters
Tweeters
Power Antenna Mast

Aftermarket:
Kenwood KDC-BT778HD w/ Bluetooth
JL Audio 12" Subwoofer
Diamond Audio Technologies M5 Series Front Speakers
Volfenhag 800W 2 Channel Subwoofer Amp
Alpine 4 Channel Speaker Amp
OTRATTW Antenna Switch
​

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Chronological Chapter Selection. More important updates are in bold.
My links are set up to 40 posts per page. If you get the wrong post, you should get
redirected after a few seconds.
​

1. Introduction: My old Mercedes-Benz, first days of 4Runner ownership. Headers, 2nd set of wheels, vandalism, alarm, SR5 fender trim, roof rack, and other miscellaneous.
2. LED Tail lights, Billet grille, SR5 sun visors, roof console, floor mats, K&N Intake, 2002 Limited wheels, clear corners, subwoofers, miscellaneous painting
3. My first T4R meet, SR5 bucket seats, green mirrors and door handles, cargo mat, clock, tow hitch receiver, exhaust tip, rear bumper, other misc.
4. Sway bar bushings, tint, Tundra Rims, BFG All Terrains, bodywork, paint, sport hood, other misc.
5. 02-16-2010, 08:35 PM: Beach Photography after bodywork
6. 03-29-2010, 11:43 AM: A quick time lapse
7. 04-05-2010, 10:46 PM: Flat Black Grill inserts/Emblems
8. 04-28-2010, 06:23 PM: New Transmission
9. 04-28-2010, 07:09 PM: New front bumper valance
10. 04-29-2010, 12:28 AM: Diamond M5 Components
11. 04-29-2010, 11:18 PM: Transmission Install and leak diagnosis
12. 05-01-2010, 01:17 AM: Rear main seal, oil pan gasket, Oil, fuel filter, transmission filter, transmission gasket, Harmonic balancer failure
13. 05-04-2010, 08:29 PM: Truck crash
14. 05-06-2010, 05:54 PM: First (of 3) MagnaBlow mufflers, catback exhaust
15. 05-20-2010, 05:08 PM: 1999 4WD Springs, Bilstein HD Shocks
16. 05-31-2010, 10:57 AM: 2.5" Hi-flow Catalytic Converter + Video
17. 06-15-2010, 08:28 PM: 231mm Tundra Brake Upgrade
18. 06-18-2010, 12:31 PM: IAC Valve, Lower Ball Joints, U-Joints, O2 sensors, brake install, spark plug wires, other misc.
19. 06-20-2010, 12:45 AM: Photos: Brakes, spark plug wires, ball joints
20. 06-25-2010, 03:54 PM: Skid Row Offroad Skidplate and why I hate Subaru Outbacks
21. 07-26-2010, 12:20 AM: 4.56 Gears, Detroit Truetrac
22. 08-03-2010, 09:21 PM: Diff break in, Redline Synthetic Gear oil, TRD Oil cap
23. 08-20-2010, 11:40 PM: Passenger seat sensor, misc bolt covers and such
24. 08-20-2010, 11:40 PM: Castrol Edge Unlock Your Performance Contest
25. 08-24-2010, 07:07 PM: Caught on tape: A dumb girl in an Accord totals my mom's Previa
26. 08-25-2010, 06:50 PM: Filming Castrol Edge Unlock Your Performance Contest
27. 08-30-2010, 01:53 AM: The 4Runner makes it into the garage with inches to spare
28. 09-04-2010, 06:44 PM: Diff Breather Mod
29. 09-10-2010, 01:23 PM: First 300 mile tank
30. 09-22-2010, 07:52 PM: New windshield, wipers, shackle mounts, and paint
31. 09-24-2010, 01:52 PM: Castrol Edge Unlock Your Performance Contest Video featuring my 4Runner goes LIVE!
32. 09-28-2010, 04:58 PM: Toytec Trim packers, Alice in Chains sticker
33. 10-12-2010, 05:23 PM: Cargo panels + brackets, Oak Cargo Cover, Constant power mod, GX470/BFG spare
34. 10-14-2010, 01:30 PM: 4xInnovations Sliders Arrival
35. 10-19-2010, 09:24 PM: 4Runner going through a "Puddle" video, broken sway bar endlink
36. 10-28-2010, 07:08 PM: Cobra 19 CB Radio install
37. 11-07-2010, 12:43 PM: Both my 4Runner and I get new hats
38. 11-18-2010, 03:35 PM: Sway bar end links, CB Mic Mount
39. 12-07-2010, 10:12 PM: Front mudflaps and back window switch bulb
40. 12-14-2010, 06:34 PM: Black SR5 Skinny flares and Driffter's CB Mount Prototype
41. 12-14-2010, 08:59 PM: Painted CB antenna mount
42. 12-17-2010, 01:25 PM: Testing CB Antenna mount offroad + photos
43. 01-01-2011, 07:34 PM: 4xInnovations Slider install, Plastidip skinny flares
44. 01-02-2011, 10:52 PM: Plastidip front/rear bumper valances
45. 01-04-2011, 04:25 AM: Hella Micro DE's
46. 01-07-2011, 08:08 PM: Rear brakes
47. 01-11-2011, 01:53 AM: Fog lights, OEM switch
48. 01-15-2011, 12:04 PM: CB Coaxial
49. 01-15-2011, 03:56 PM: Free gas, video included!
50. 01-21-2011, 09:08 PM: 850CCA battery, aligning headlights/fogs
51. 01-28-2011, 04:37 PM: Firestik II install
52. 02-11-2011, 03:13 PM: CBI Rear Bumper, FREE! Video included
53. 02-11-2011, 03:18 PM: Production version Driffter CB Antenna Mount, LED Dome and Map lights, 90 degree Coax adapter, and Wolo Power Play 40AMP PA Speaker
54. 02-12-2011, 06:26 PM: PA Speaker demonstration video
55. 02-16-2011, 04:55 PM: Seafoam!
56. 02-21-2011, 04:37 PM: Red Clock, Chrome removal
57. 03-03-2011, 07:11 PM: LED 3rd tail light, plastidip flares + clearcoat
58. 03-03-2011, 08:24 PM: OME 890's and OME Shocks
59. 03-10-2011, 10:15 PM: CBI Standard Rear Bumper
60. 03-13-2011, 04:09 PM: CBI Related photos
61. 03-15-2011, 03:42 PM: Imperial Jade Mica Grille
62. 03-18-2011, 11:29 PM: CBI Build Photos
63. 03-27-2011, 03:39 PM: Prep + paint Imperial Jade Front Bumper
64. 05-03-2011, 03:54 PM: OME 883's/OME 890's
65. 05-11-2011, 08:50 PM: Detail
66. 05-15-2011, 02:09 PM: Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushings
67. 05-26-2011, 10:57 PM: BFG Mud Terrain KM2's (285/70/17), Black Pearl Emblems, 1.25" Spidertrax
68. 06-01-2011, 08:09 PM: KM2/Spidertrax install, down payment on TRD SUPERCHARGER!
69. 06-19-2011, 11:44 PM: 100W fogs, TRD Boost Gauge, 300+ miles per tank
70. 07-01-2011, 02:28 PM: TRD Supercharger arrival
71. 07-23-2011, 08:08 PM: Window switch, roof rack end cap, air deflector, rear wiper/insert, misc clips
72. 08-01-2011, 07:01 PM: OME 891's
73. 08-20-2011, 05:56 PM: TRD Supercharger installation + videos
74. 08-21-2011, 05:55 PM: Supercharger videos at 4PSI
75. 08-30-2011, 09:54 PM: OME N86C Rear shocks, panhard bolt
76. 10-15-2011, 06:18 PM: 2TR-FE Bell housing. Painting the rear spoiler, window trim, center cap emblems, wiper arms, and windshield cowl with SEM Trim Black
77. 10-15-2011, 07:03 PM: LED Maglite + mount, trailer hitch mount and 2" ball.
78. 11-05-2011, 11:40 PM: New fuel sender unit + gauge cluster motherboard

4WD + 5-speed Conversion:
79. 11-12-2011, 11:41 AM: Cherry Bomb, LCE Pro Clutch, OEM Flywheel, Flywheel bolts, Toytec Front Diff Drop, Black Pearl 4WD Emblem, and a donor truck in a pear tree
80. 11-15-2011, 06:00 PM: SR5 Seats, Donor's broken tie rod and interior gutting
81. 11-16-2011, 08:27 PM: Pulling the motor and transmission from the donor truck. 3RZ flywheel resurfacing, dash cover
82. 11-17-2011, 06:17 PM: Bell housing install, clutch fork/throwout bearing, slave cylinder comparison. 4.56 front diff install, 4WD hubs, spindles, CV axles.
83. 11-18-2011, 04:57 PM: Manual brake + clutch pedals, hub/CV seals, clutch master
84. 11-21-2011, 06:42 PM: Donor transmission tunnel, wiring harness from donor, SR5 door wiring swap, driver's door stay, hub covers.
85. 11-23-2011, 03:55 PM: Pedal pads for clutch + brake. Hub Covers installed.
86. 11-29-2011, 11:33 PM: Dash/seats/interior removal, ECU swap, transmission crossmember removed, transmission removal, VSS sensor
87. 11-29-2011, 11:33 PM: Flywheel/clutch/pressure plate/pilot bearing, wiring
88. 12-01-2011, 12:06 AM: Cutting/fitting transmission tunnel, ADD Solenoids + wires, clutch master cylinder reinforcement
89. 12-02-2011, 10:47 PM: Clutch line/bracket install, gauge cluster insert.
90. 12-05-2011, 07:15 PM: Shortening input shaft, installing transmission, shifters, and driveshafts. Transmission crossmember welded
91. 12-06-2011, 09:10 PM: Diff Vacuum tank, modifying the transmission crossmember, wiring front diff switch/transmission functions.
92. 12-08-2011, 07:16 PM: ADD vacuum lines, interior reassembly, White LED interior lights, 4WD emblem.
93. 12-09-2011, 02:24 PM: Rear driveshaft/u-joints.
94. 12-13-2011, 06:45 PM: 33 tooth VSS gear. 4WD testing + pictures.
95. 12-13-2011, 08:55 PM: Video: Testing 4WD
96. 12-14-2011, 07:55 PM: Video: Testing 4WD day two.
4WD + 5-speed Conversion Complete.


97. 12-30-2011, 12:56 AM: Marlin Crawler Shifter Seat + Socket Bushings
98. 01-21-2012, 01:42 AM: Big Bear, Interior Cleaning, Hatch Weather Strip, interior replacements, Fiamm horns, Rockford Fosgate P1 Subs
99. 01-21-2012, 05:02 PM: TRD Leather Shift Knob, Pictures of MAPECU2 and Brown top 330cc 2JZ-GE Injectors
100. 01-26-2012, 03:58 AM: New tires, 285/70/17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain
101. 02-05-2012, 03:59 PM: Vinyl Shift Boot, fog light fixing, SWR tuning
102. 02-06-2012, 12:35 PM: Why I Built Instead of Selling
103. 02-12-2012, 01:55 PM: King of the Hammers 2012
104. 02-23-2012, 02:13 PM: Driver's side OH SH!T handle, Jardine muffler
105. 03-03-2012, 10:10 PM: OEM Trailer Light harness
106. 03-19-2012, 06:41 PM: Passenger Headlight, Mudscapade '12
107. 03-21-2012, 03:50 AM: Volfenhag ZX-7150 Amp, Painting Wheels
108. 03-21-2012, 08:03 PM: Acquiring 1st gen roll bar, painted Driffter mount
109. 03-22-2012, 04:07 PM: Tacoma Rubber stripping, K&N Drycharger, AVS window visors, alignment cam
110. 03-24-2012, 02:22 AM: Black Lugs
111. 03-25-2012, 05:18 PM: CB Ant. quick disconnect, 4Crawler Hi Lift mount, rear seatbelts replaced
112. 03-28-2012, 03:46 PM: Hi-Lift jack + 1st gen roll bar mount
113. 04-01-2012, 11:16 AM: March 2012 T4ROTM, 200,000 miles, Arrival of 1" Toytec Body lift, Panhard drop, and Walbro 190 Fuel pump
114. 04-22-2012, 06:12 PM: Repainting sliders + rear bumper
115. 06-02-2012, 08:59 PM: Garaged Hiatus
116. 06-23-2012, 02:41 PM: 1" Body lift + Shrockworks front bumper install, PIAA 510/580, Flare trimming, Skid installation
117. 06-28-2012, 11:36 AM: Shackle Washers, Shrockworks turn signals
118. 07-01-2012, 04:34 PM: JohnsD90 Photoshoot 1: Night time Mercedes-Benz SLR and SLS
119. 07-02-2012, 05:11 AM: JohnsD90 Photoshoot 2: 2AM Canyon shots, 30 second shutter speed
120. 07-04-2012, 01:39 PM: JohnsD90 Photoshoot 3: Daytime canyon photos
121. 07-15-2012, 06:53 PM: PIAA Light test, Oil Change, Wiring maintenance, 800A battery and mount spacer
122. 07-31-2012, 05:06 PM: Children Of Bodom + T4R.ORG Stickers
123. 08-19-2012, 02:42 PM: Clutch Master Replacement
124. 08-19-2012, 06:36 PM: Shifter Bezel
125. 09-05-2012, 09:50 AM: 4WD Toyota Owner's Magazine, Linear Clutch Spring, CV Axles, Front Brakes
126. 10-03-2012, 02:43 PM: Ye Olde Donor Truck
127. 10-07-2012, 01:59 PM: R.I.P. - The Last Moments of the Donor Truck
128. 10-14-2012, 02:54 PM: Energy Suspension Polyurethane Sway Bar Endlink Bushings
129. 10-18-2012, 05:54 PM: LC Engineering header collector crack
130. 12-05-2012, 03:30 PM: OEM fog switch rockers for PIAAs
131. 12-06-2012, 12:11 PM: Center Vent swap
132. 12-23-2012, 04:34 PM: Duplicolor Graphite Wheel Paint
133. 01-08-2013, 04:40 AM: TRD Supercharger CARB sticker
134. 01-09-2013, 03:27 PM: Aircraft Stripping and Painting Wheels, Part 1
135. 01-09-2013, 05:54 PM: Aircraft Stripping and Painting Wheels, Part 2 (Step by Step)
136. 01-19-2013, 12:53 PM: Painting rusty brake drums black, plus drivetrain noise video
137. 01-23-2013, 04:07 PM: Rear wheel bearing failure
138. 02-13-2013, 03:39 AM: King of the Hammers 2013, Cougar Buttes with driffter33
139. 02-13-2013, 03:40 AM: Cougar Buttes, Bullfrog with driffter33
140. 04-13-2013, 08:52 PM: Interior Refresh
141. 05-06-2013, 03:07 PM: Silicone Vacuum Lines
142. 05-15-2013, 07:56 PM: Welding Fender Apron Crack
143. 06-05-2013, 05:18 PM: Turn Signal Stalk with Fog Light Switch, Trailer Harness Box
144. 06-11-2013, 09:19 AM: Maintenance Week, Part 1 - Stereo and Alpine 4-Channel Amp
145. 06-12-2013, 02:46 PM: Maintenance Week, Part 2 - Alignment
146. 06-13-2013, 07:37 PM: Maintenance Week, Part 3 - Driver's Seat Mounting Bolt Fix
147. 07-13-2013, 08:59 PM: P0420 Check Engine Light - Exhaust Leak Fix
148.














(keywords for google searches, please ignore): jim's 4runner, james's 4runner, childrenofbodom build thread, 4runner, 2wd to 4wd conversion, 5pd 5-speed 5 speed swap, stick shift standard automatic to manual conversion, 4wd swap

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

A quick photo time lapse of the 4Runner. This is only exterior, however the rest of the truck changes equally.

March 2008

November 2008

July 2009

February 2010

July 2010

May 2011

January 2012

July 2012

April 2016

February 2017

September 2022

​

1989: My dad bought a used 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL. In 1991, my parents brought me home for the first time in that car. I loved and adored it my whole life.


He gave me the keys when I turned 16 and I couldn't have been happier. He is a senior citizen with a handicap, so that's why I had the handicap placard on the license plate.

December 18th, 2007. Irresponsible as can be, I rammed it into a curb after losing control in rainy weather. The hit bent the right lower control arm and tie rod, broke a motor mount and bent the coil spring perch.

The new parts were very expensive, though after fixing the damage, I kept driving the car. A combination of a bent frame and wobbly spare tire meant that it could not exceed 50mph without extreme wobble. A few months later, insurance gave a payout and the car was totaled on March 11, 2008. I received $4,000.

I needed another vehicle that was reliable. While peering out of the upstairs window at home, a Realtor was across the street setting up Open House signs. Just a bit further down the curb was his silver 2002 Sport Edition. This sparked the interest, though the only nice ones in my price range were 2nd gens. Any 3rd gen in that range would have been a complete beater.

A family friend operates a smog station nearby. A gentleman stopped by to smog a 1999 4Runner base model 4 cylinder 2wd automatic, as he was planning to sell. Our family friend notified my dad, who borrowed it for a test drive.

My dad brought it by the house so I could take a look. I climbed out of bed with my old Olympus FE-230 digital camera in hand. It was a smoker vehicle and had been involved in 2 DUIs. The interior was especially dirty, with what seemed like gallons of makeup smeared all over the steering wheel, shifter, and buttons. The Alpine radio was partially functional, the most unfortunate part being the Volume down button. Most of the interior parts (bolt covers, roof console door, floor mats) were missing. There was a smashed cigarette in the glove box and beer bottle caps under the seats. The paint was messed up, all of the bumper plastic was faded, the tires were cupped, the antenna was broken, and the exhaust manifold had a huge crack right down the middle.

It happened to look way better than any of the 1996 models available at the time, in fact it was the only 1999 within my budget. March 30th, 2008, I bought my 4Runner for $5,500 (down from $6,000).

I needed something to daily drive, I didn't think I was gonna own it for very long. 2WD Auto 4 cylinder just meant good gas mileage.



These 4Runners, though... they get to you. This first photo was taken the first time I ever laid eyes on it, with the digital camera I'd mentioned before.

Finally, I didn't have a vehicle with more problems than miles! Thankfully, it came with basic SR5 options, such as power windows and locks, air conditioning, rear wiper, rear window defroster, aluminum wheels, etc.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

The very first thing that needed to be addressed was the exhaust manifold. At the age of 17, I saved for the first 5 months of 4Runner ownership to buy an LC Engineering 3RZ Street Header.

I did a bunch of little things at first. Small touches, such as a Broadway clip on rear-view mirror and Pioneer head unit from the old Mercedes.

The 15" wheels and dinky donut 30x9.50x15 Hankook Dynamic tires had to go. A few minutes on craigslist and I picked these up, 2003 Tacoma 16" wheels with 265/70/16 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires.

Halloween Eve of the same year, the 4Runner was vandalized. I came outside and found spray paint all over the sides of the 4Runner and a cut tire. Some high school kids were out with knives and yellow spray paint that they'd stolen from a nearby construction site. Unfortunately, the police were unable to do anything without any evidence of the suspects.

Update, 2/3/12:

A friend of mine calls me. He and I haven't been very close, but we used to hang out in high school. He said he was in the area and that he'd like to stop by. I opened my front door and welcomed him to come inside. Basically, the gist of what he said to me:

"I feel bad that you're so nice, I came over and you're already inviting me inside and being a good friend. I have something I need to talk to you about..."

I thought he just needed a ride somewhere or something, a favor.

"Remember when someone vandalized your car a while back...? Well, that was me..."

I was shocked. I asked who the other person was... and it turns out that he was another one of my good friends, too. When I asked him why, "It was just some stupid high school drama. I met you again recently and I realized that I had made a big mistake, so I came to apologize. It has bothered me for a while, and I accept full responsibility and want to pay for the damages."

The next day, both of them came over. We devised a payment plan to cover the damages. I paid for it all out of pocket back then, even though I mentioned that insurance had covered it. That was just a cover story for T4R, it sounds like less of a problem that way.

It really took me by surprise, who vandalizes a car only to return and cover the damages? It took a big chunk of negative feelings away, and I am fine with forgiving them once the expenses are covered. It takes big guts to admit something like that, and I respect their mature decision to pay, even 3 years later.

Update, 2/2/13:

These two guys, Shane and Andy, hadn't paid me a cent since telling me this. Not that they were ignoring me, well sort of, but both had no jobs and no kind of way to pay me back for what they had done.

So if Andy and Shane couldn't pay me back, what's the good news? I've taken delivery of my new car, Andy's 2001 Mustang GT convertible.

Check it out: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/all-other-vehicles/135668-pile-mustang.html

Halloween 2008

I hastily covered it up with an old car cover. Acetone and the coarse side of a household sponge got the majority of the spray paint off, destroying the Imperial Jade in the process.

The spray paint got in between the cracks on the license plate molding, in the rock chip pits in the front windshield, and in the crevices of the emblems. A local body shop buffed the side to hide the paint damage.

After getting the truck back, there was a pile of parts waiting. The cracked rear license plate molding was swapped for a new OEM replacement. A working power antenna mast, OEM SR5 fender trim, 4 265/70/16 Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires, used air deflector, and a used OEM roof rack were installed. To top it off, the bumpers were treated with Meguiar's Back to Black.

The SR5 look started coming together. This was about the time that the LED tail lights came out for 3rd gen 4Runners, so a set of OEM 2002 style replaced the ugly cloudy 1999 tail lights. I made a quick video of the tail light install with the same digital camera I always used. Also bought an SR5 emblem from eBay, though I installed it in the incorrect spot.
My LED Tails + How To Video

While driving the old Mercedes, I noticed that particular generation S-class everywhere. Someone once said, "You only see what you want to see." The 3rd gen Toyota 4Runner, though, they're more than everywhere. With such a good population of different 3rd gens on the road, it wasn't long before I wanted a 2001-2002 grill. $80 on eBay and I had one I could call my own.

Young and stupid, I decided to buy some billet grille inserts. Installation of the billet required cutting the grille up and fitting the billet with L brackets. I covered the brackets with double stick tape, drilled a small hole in each bracket, and screwed in the billet inserts. A little piece of window stripping worked nicely to cover the rough edge around the emblem. I finished the project and took these photos on my birthday, March 26th.
Grille Update Thread

Used cars can be a nightmare. The previous owner of this 4Runner hadn't ever heard of car care. After cleaning up the gallons of makeup, smashed cigarettes, 15 tons of beer bottle caps, and old french fries, the interior was still dreadful.

The previous owner didn't have the front floor mats at all, in fact they used the rear mats instead, which covered up two giant foot holes in the carpet. The parts guys over at Power Toyota Irvine started to recognize me, this time leaving with a new set of OEM mats.

Base model 3rd gens come with a boring vinyl sun visor. The original sun visors in this truck were torn apart and flimsy, the vanity mirror hidden by stained vinyl flap. A roof console door and SR5 sun visors were installed next.

The rear spoiler from the junkyard didn't look too great. Finally took up spray painting and painted it with Krylon Flat Black.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Wow... so who knew modifying a car would be so fun? Craigslist was a great place for used parts. I saw an ad for "Toyota wheels." The ad only asked $150 for a set of 2002 Limited rims. Apparently, the seller bought them for his wife's Camry, but didn't know that they wouldn't fit. They were perfect, not a single scratch, wheel weight mark, or spec of dirt. I swapped my tires over, balanced, and mounted them at school in Autoshop.

The new mods brought about offroad use. The only local trail I knew was Holy Jim's canyon. At the time, there were lots of fun obstacles, even for high clearance 4WD's. The poor factory skid plate met the ground more than a few times out there, just enough to rust it up a bit. There was some left over Krylon from the spoiler, as well as some clear. The skid plate itself was so damaged that it wasn't worth the hassle of removal.

Somewhere along the line, I think everyone eventually buys a set of clear corners. I bought mine on eBay from neondials. They were better suited with white 194 bulbs in them, rather than the orange that comes in the package.

This 4Runner was the first vehicle I had significantly modified. Being about 18, I didn't know much beyond aesthetics. Since this 3RZ is so underpowered, I was forced to learn how to improve it's performance. Answer: K&N FIPK 57-9012. This eliminated the need for the elbow removal mod and the ISR mod, as well.

A guy who had a big van used to run 2 Alpine E10 Subs and 2 channel MTX amps. I bought them from him for $150 bucks. The amps went underneath the front seats. Lots of holes needed patching in the box, too.
Subs

Round Table Pizza, Fullerton, CA 6/6/09

My first meet ever, hosted by Pikeman. Attendees (in order) were juiceboxer, Stick Figure, Me, Kellogg, and Pikeman

Once more, on Craigslist, an ad for 4Runner seats was listed. The seller's photos showed a background similar to that of an eBay seller that I'm familiar with. It turned out to be the same person, and it was actually a junkyard called Crossroads Foreign in Mira Loma, CA. The yard was incredible. I went in just to buy sport bucket seats from a 97 SR5, but also left with Imperial Jade mirrors, door handles, and a cargo mat.

Original Thread: I went to heaven today

Video:
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Wz3WlTFP16g?version=3&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="315" width="560"></object>

A good wash. July 2009:

The spare tire showing underneath started bugging me. A member on T4R, mike_1305, gave me his old hitch, which I painted and installed shortly after.

The hitch covered the tire well, but now the hitch itself bothered me. Alongside the dented chrome rear bumper, it looked horrible. The hitch came off and I bought a new rear bumper from another Mike, Pikeman, after his custom bumper build.

For a little while, I had to stop frivolous modding and concentrate on maintenance. New polyurethane bushings for the sway bars, rear brakes, and a pesky oil filter housing seal were installed.

While at work, there was a guy tinting a 2010 E350 right after the new E-Class body style arrived. He said that he would only charge $45 to match the front windows. That was the best price I'd heard yet. Unfortunately, he did a horrible job matching the darkness. The fronts are much lighter.

Due to excessive flat tires with the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires, I sold them on Craigslist to a guy who converted his 02 Limited to a 1KZ diesel. They still looked great, but $450 was greater. Finally bought a set of tires worthy of dirt, 265/70/17 BF Goodrich All Terrains, for $640. My best friend's uncle sold his wheels to me from his 2003 Tundra Step-side. I didn't want the tires to be mounted with white lettering, but the tire shop never asked me.

Of course, some jerk had to come cut one of them the first night they were on the truck. The shop I bought them from replaced it through Michelin.

 

[JohnsD90]

Nice, i like the 4 hat in the naked shot.

 

[RichardLee]

Hey, I just want to say I think this is really cool. You've done very tasteful things with your 4Runner, and it's fun to look at everything laid out step-by-step like this. Keep up the good work, and keep us posted. :cheers:

 

[MillerPKA]

Righteous :bigok:

 

[fightman80]

Like the other guy said, very tastefull mods, and cool thread!

 

[024RunnerSE]

Bad ass!

 

[Spencer]

88000$?!?

 

[THE MACF]

thats a nice build man

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

88000$?!?

Well that was the top of the line S-Class at the time, now, the top of the line S-Class costs over $225,000.

Thanks MillerPKA, Richard, fightman, 024RunnerSE, THE MACF, and John!:thumb3:


I bought my truck with a misaligned drivers door. The low corner outside tip of the door was bent also. The door and fender had definitely been in a fight or two.

The new 32" BFGs are much too big for the stock 2WD suspension... I took off the front wheels and hammered away at the pinch welds. One hit grazed the driver fender where the mudflap mounts, disrupting the delicate panel gap balance. Wheels back on, opening the drivers door immediately caved in the fender.

I work at a dealership, a few friends of mine were able to help me get some work done for a great price.

Since the fender has to be replaced, the paint will have to be blended into the adjacent panels, such as the hood and rear left door.

Certifit sells a sport hood without the scoop guts for $56! The scoop guts from Toyota were $175. Now that the hood needs to be fully painted, the passenger fender needs to be blended.

Basically, the blending process means sanding down to the base coat of the adjacent panels, lightly respraying over onto the edges of existing paint. The whole thing is all clear coated for an expected even blend, if you have a good match.

The passenger fender has some scratches that will disappear thanks to that, also getting the headlight filler panels repainted too.

Filled in rock chips:

Sanded scratches:

Sanded Headlight filler plates:

Wetsanded:

Waiting for paint alongside an Aston Martin DB7

 

[SilverBullet01]

the only other man that i know that has the only good billet grill for 4runners....

even though im tired of mine, and about to do a satoshi

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

the only other man that i know that has the only good billet grill for 4runners....

even though im tired of mine, and about to do a satoshi

I know exactly how you feel man, I wanna swap mine for an oem 01-02 just stock. What are you going to do with yours?

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

In the paint booth:

Base coat completed:

Baking at 113F

Clearcoat:

I slipped it past the tire guy after paint. He flipped the tires to black wall.

Going back together.

All done.

Aliso Beach:

Capo Beach:

Thank you, come again

 

[JAC]

beautiful!...the last pic is my favorite...those tires are hot!.....they look better that way...good thing you change the white letters in.

Congrats u got a beautiful 4runner..:thumb3:

 

[MikesToy]

Good job!

 

[JohnsD90]

Aliso?

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Aliso?

the first 3 are at aliso.the last is at capo. I took a bunch more, I have a ton from both and one at Dana

I put a few of cardomain