Collkid's 2001 4Runner SR5

[Collkid]

Well well well, after years of avoiding the 4runner game thinking it was too expensive, I finally jumped in!

I will use this thread over the years to keep as a blog for the car. Something to look back on and share my experience with.

I've done this a few other times with cars:

1998 Jeep XJ

1989 Jeep MJ (comanche pickup)

1992 Honda Civic


I've had about 25 cars, I'm 26 years old. Everything from old school turbo AWD DSM's to K5 blazers to Honda's/Acura's/Audi's and lots of Jeeps.

Currently. I drive the 98 XJ and a 92 Civic as a beater.



My wife and I got married almost 2 years ago, and with her came a Jeep Patriot.

2011. 2wd. 2.0L. boring lame car.



SO, after 2 years of trying to convince her that "an older car with more miles is still a better car..." we sold it for $7,000.



Originally we were looking for a 100 series Landcruiser. But, we found this gem and jumped on it!







After passing emissions and paying for Registration.




2001. 160k miles. SR5 4WD. 1 Owner. Timing belt at 90k. Recent spark plugs/wires.

$4,700. Around these parts, that's a great deal. Can't find any of these 3rd gen 4runners for less than 6,000. Most of them with over 200k.



I do have a couple quick questions. I am new to the Toyota game, but I've been around cars for quite some time. My hope is to have this until 250k+ for the next 10 years or so.


6 questions.


1) I think I want to do the Tundra brakes upgrade as it looks like its about time for brakes. Where is the best place to get these parts? Rock Auto?



2) The wheels are cool, minus the weird center cap. It looks like they tried to paint it or something? Any ideas? Can I order new ones for cheap? Otherwise I'll paint them.





3) Any thoughts on how to fix this?




4) The sun roof switch doesn't seem to fully function. Is the little "C" button suppose to close the sunroof? It currently doesn't do anything. If so, should I order another one?


5) Every once in a while when turning the steering wheel there is a loud POP. What could this be? Ball joints?


6) When I got my emissions testing done, they put it on a rolling road. Now, I assume they kept it in "2wd" but they put it on the 2wd rollers and all 4 wheels were spinning. Is this thing ALWAYS in 4wd? Or did the tech throw it in 4? Or maybe they were just rolling with the back rollers? It confused me for a minute!


Thank you guys for your help! This forum is awesome and I plan to be around for a while!

 

[Collkid]

Bump.

Any thoughts?

 

[psraff]

View attachment 209186


2001. 160k miles. SR5 4WD. 1 Owner. Timing belt at 90k. Recent spark plugs/wires.

$4,700. Around these parts, that's a great deal. Can't find any of these 3rd gen 4runners for less than 6,000. Most of them with over 200k.



I do have a couple quick questions. I am new to the Toyota game, but I've been around cars for quite some time. My hope is to have this until 250k+ for the next 10 years or so.


6 questions.


1) I think I want to do the Tundra brakes upgrade as it looks like its about time for brakes. Where is the best place to get these parts? Rock Auto?



2) The wheels are cool, minus the weird center cap. It looks like they tried to paint it or something? Any ideas? Can I order new ones for cheap? Otherwise I'll paint them.


View attachment 209188


3) Any thoughts on how to fix this?

View attachment 209189


4) The sun roof switch doesn't seem to fully function. Is the little "C" button suppose to close the sunroof? It currently doesn't do anything. If so, should I order another one?


5) Every once in a while when turning the steering wheel there is a loud POP. What could this be? Ball joints?


6) When I got my emissions testing done, they put it on a rolling road. Now, I assume they kept it in "2wd" but they put it on the 2wd rollers and all 4 wheels were spinning. Is this thing ALWAYS in 4wd? Or did the tech throw it in 4? Or maybe they were just rolling with the back rollers? It confused me for a minute!


Thank you guys for your help! This forum is awesome and I plan to be around for a while!

Welcome to T4R, If my laptop will quit freaking out on me, I'll give you my $.02. First off, if your 4Runner is taken care of, it will take care of you! Depending on how much you know and your space, I would get under it and shake and beat on almost everything. How is the rust under it? It would be time to start looking at all the bushings and any leaks. Whole front suspension should be looked at (not that it's a weak point, but it's at the mileage that it should be looked at). Also, many "previous owners" seem to forget to maintain that area. The Half Shafts (CV Boots) are easy to change and cheap as well. Napa have them for $80 and it only takes about 45 minutes to do it, if you have the right tools (which is a BFH and a Prybar).

As for your questions..
1. When I did mine, I had to do the smaller version of the upgrade due to my wheels. Do the larger upgrade if at all possible. I just put wheel spaces on (for several reasons) so I plan on upgrading to the larger set. I got my current set from O'Reilys, and they rust instantly! Both of them actually wore out before the brake pads and even with a lifetime warrantee (which they lost so I had to prove with the original receipt), it's a pain.

With 99% all parts, stay with OEM. Two places that are popular are Toyota of Dallas, and Camelback Toyota (which I believe is in CO, so you're in luck). I deal with Dallas quite a bit, because I can get parts from them faster and cheaper then dealing with my local dealer (AND I'M IN FRICKING ALAKSA!!)

2. You will get addicted to this so you will most liking get new tires and wheels. So until that time comes, I would just paint them.

3. Should be able to get a new one off eBay and there's a way to program it somewhere on here. Others can point where or search for it.

4. I don't remember ever seeing anyone with issues with the switch (though I've only had a half cup of coffee so far). Check fuses and verify voltage to and from the switch, if possible. If like mine, one directions raises the back of the glass. Other direction slides the glass back to open it all the way.

5. Refer to the first part of my reply. Lift up and shake everything. Check Uppers, Lowers, Bushings, Sway bar end links. I have a pop also. I'm waiting for some UCA to get back in stock to upgrade.

6. I can't offer anything there. Mine's a '99 and yours is setup differently.

 

[Collkid]

Welcome to T4R, If my laptop will quit freaking out on me, I'll give you my $.02. First off, if your 4Runner is taken care of, it will take care of you! Depending on how much you know and your space, I would get under it and shake and beat on almost everything. How is the rust under it? It would be time to start looking at all the bushings and any leaks. Whole front suspension should be looked at (not that it's a weak point, but it's at the mileage that it should be looked at). Also, many "previous owners" seem to forget to maintain that area. The Half Shafts (CV Boots) are easy to change and cheap as well. Napa have them for $80 and it only takes about 45 minutes to do it, if you have the right tools (which is a BFH and a Prybar).

As for your questions..
1. When I did mine, I had to do the smaller version of the upgrade due to my wheels. Do the larger upgrade if at all possible. I just put wheel spaces on (for several reasons) so I plan on upgrading to the larger set. I got my current set from O'Reilys, and they rust instantly! Both of them actually wore out before the brake pads and even with a lifetime warrantee (which they lost so I had to prove with the original receipt), it's a pain.

With 99% all parts, stay with OEM. Two places that are popular are Toyota of Dallas, and Camelback Toyota (which I believe is in CO, so you're in luck). I deal with Dallas quite a bit, because I can get parts from them faster and cheaper then dealing with my local dealer (AND I'M IN FRICKING ALAKSA!!)

2. You will get addicted to this so you will most liking get new tires and wheels. So until that time comes, I would just paint them.

3. Should be able to get a new one off eBay and there's a way to program it somewhere on here. Others can point where or search for it.

4. I don't remember ever seeing anyone with issues with the switch (though I've only had a half cup of coffee so far). Check fuses and verify voltage to and from the switch, if possible. If like mine, one directions raises the back of the glass. Other direction slides the glass back to open it all the way.

5. Refer to the first part of my reply. Lift up and shake everything. Check Uppers, Lowers, Bushings, Sway bar end links. I have a pop also. I'm waiting for some UCA to get back in stock to upgrade.

6. I can't offer anything there. Mine's a '99 and yours is setup differently.

Thank you for the complete answers!

So far, I love it. Drives different than my Jeep for sure,and it rides higher. But dang its smooth.

Think I'm taking a road trip this weekend with it!

 

[4Runnin2000]

I had my key fob break recently. Look on eBay for just the shell. It was like 6 dollars shipped. You put the guts in the new shell and don't have to worry about programming. Here is the one I bought http://www.ebay.com/itm/151558938604

 

[3rdgenfan]

When I saw this at first glance I thought this was my old runner I sold. Same color and everything. I am in the springs. Mine was a 99 with 194k. Sold it for 5k.

The one I just sold.

 

[psraff]

I had my key fob break recently. Look on eBay for just the shell. It was like 6 dollars shipped. You put the guts in the new shell and don't have to worry about programming. Here is the one I bought New Replacement Keyless Entry Remote Shell Case Key Fob Toyota 4 Buttons Pad | eBay

Damn, that's good thinking! See, I knew I should've had more coffee!

 

[4Runnin2000]

Damn, that's good thinking! See, I knew I should've had more coffee!

Haha yeah I was pretty happy when I saw they made these. Saved me some money.

 

[Collkid]

Finally got around to taking this thing in for full inspection.

They came back and wanted $7,000 to make it perfect. I said, uuuhh no.

Then i took it to a friends shop.


It has a few leaks, including the steering rack/pinion and transfer case.
They said the ball joints were in great condition.

Needless to say. He's doing about $2,000 of work for free. What a pal.


Love this 4Runner. Now its time to mod it a little bit.

 

[Collkid]

Today.

Painted wheels.

Painted under body to prevent rust.
Is there anywhere specific I should hit?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Collkid]

Got the windows tinted today.

Completely changes the look of the truck. Worth every penny.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Collkid]

For the sake of keeping record...

Current fleet.
8.18.16

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Collkid]

Got it detailed today.
We are trying to keep it as nice as possible.

That being said, for the $250 it cost, I don't think I'll ever do it again.

They did buff/wax/shampoo/clay bar blah blah blah, and it does look good, I hope it will keep the paint looking nice for years to come.

[/URL]~original[/IMG]

 

[kiana]

Got it detailed today.
We are trying to keep it as nice as possible.

That being said, for the $250 it cost, I don't think I'll ever do it again.

They did buff/wax/shampoo/clay bar blah blah blah, and it does look good, I hope it will keep the paint looking nice for years to come.

[/URL]~original[/IMG]

$250 is a really good price for how good they got the car looking. Looks absolutely stunning.

Did they do the interior as well, post some pictures of that too!

 

[Mark_BC]

Did you paint the inside of the rims too?

 

[kolelt]

Today.

Painted wheels.

Painted under body to prevent rust.
Is there anywhere specific I should hit?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you really worried about rust. Get some Eastwood internal frame coating. About 5-7 cans and paint inside the frame. Get some fluid film. I noticed lowes and autozone have it at their stores. Or get a gallon of the Internet. And coat the undercarriage. Before you off-roading, especially if you know that you will see mud, water, salt. Get a big can of wd40. Spray backside of rocker pannels, fender wells, frame, rear axle, etc.....

 

[Collkid]

$250 is a really good price for how good they got the car looking. Looks absolutely stunning.

Did they do the interior as well, post some pictures of that too!

Yeah they did everything inside. Cleaned it up real nice like!
I'll get some pics up later today.

Did you paint the inside of the rims too?

um, yes? I painted the entire wheel.

 

[Collkid]

If you really worried about rust. Get some Eastwood internal frame coating. About 5-7 cans and paint inside the frame. Get some fluid film. I noticed lowes and autozone have it at their stores. Or get a gallon of the Internet. And coat the undercarriage. Before you off-roading, especially if you know that you will see mud, water, salt. Get a big can of wd40. Spray backside of rocker pannels, fender wells, frame, rear axle, etc.....

Interesting. Good ideas. Once I get a house in the next couple months I'll probably hit that up!

 

[Collkid]

Got some new shoes today!

Handles much better already. I'm interested to see the improvement in snow.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Collkid]

Haven’t updated this in a whiiiilllleeeee.

In the 2 years the 4Runner has been awesome.

Wife and I had a beautiful baby girl, and the 4Runner is our baby car.

Currently the runner has 185k.

Things I've added:
- Bluetooth head unit
- LED Headlight
- New radiator to stay away from the Pink Milkshake
- New Rear Shocks/Springs (still not impressed by those... anyone know of better ones? I got these Moog 81041. It is not a comfortable ride in the back seat)
- Lower Ball Joins


What’s next:
The paint is starting to fad.
Needs a goooood detail
Broken antenna so I’ll need to do the taco mod
Would love to do something to the front grill just to keep it looking nice


I got REALLLLYYY close to selling it to buy a suburban, but the simple fact is the 4Runner is so reliable, I couldn’t justify selling it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk