Cytronus Build Thread (pic heavy)

[Unner]

Just so you know I'm 99% sure you can but that weatherstripping separate for that plate holder. I was looking at buying a new one for my 01 because mine somehow got pushed up under the trim piece and I figured I might as well replace it when I pull it off to fix that and paint it black to match the truck. I think it was like $7 or $13, not much at all. You might be able to get one and make it fit the earlier one you like better.

 

[Cytronus]

Wow you have amazing presentation skills when it comes to your posts; you'll certainly be a valuable asset to the board in no time at all.

But ... we gotta work on those negotiation skills! You got taken for a ride by your mechanic, absolute robbery.

Just teasing of course. Love the new seats and please keep on posting the good stuff.

Thanks absalom, appreciate the compliments. I could be better but just don't have the time to really pump out detailed step-by-steps. I try to at least cover the highlights to help others out with things I have questions about as I'm doing these things myself.

I should take a negotiating class. Ha! I'm definitely going to another mechanic next time.

 

[Cytronus]

bezel weather strip beading

Just so you know I'm 99% sure you can but that weatherstripping separate for that plate holder. I was looking at buying a new one for my 01 because mine somehow got pushed up under the trim piece and I figured I might as well replace it when I pull it off to fix that and paint it black to match the truck. I think it was like $7 or $13, not much at all. You might be able to get one and make it fit the earlier one you like better.

Unner, you're right. I ordered up the '99 - '02 beading for $8.60 from Toyota Parts Direct. I'll see if I can back fit it onto the '97 bezel but the bezel edges are a completely different shape so it may not work out.

 

[jeff88]

I did the '96-98 bezel mod as well. I agree, it looks a lot better with the 4RUNNER on the bezel rather than off to the side, although I still need to do the polish thing for the edges of the bezel and the badge removal.

Nice work!

 

[Colorado buff]

I did the '96-98 bezel mod as well. I agree, it looks a lot better with the 4RUNNER on the bezel rather than off to the side, although I still need to do the polish thing for the edges of the bezel and the badge removal.

Nice work!

Hey cytronus,

Now that you have had the ride for a while, how are you liking those catskin leather seats?

I am doing a restore, so I am definitely doing the carpet and something to the seats. Also, the typical stuff that all the other board members are doing, lower ball joints, tie rods, radiator, water pump, shocks, spark plugs wiring....etc.

somyour thread is extremely useful. So thanks!

C Buff

 

[TheToyotaGarage]

Replaced the dim OEM bulbs with green super bright LEDs from superbrightleds.com.

Awesome write up! I need to get around to doing the LED dash lights

 

[Cytronus]

Katskinz

Hey cytronus,

Now that you have had the ride for a while, how are you liking those catskin leather seats?

I am doing a restore, so I am definitely doing the carpet and something to the seats. Also, the typical stuff that all the other board members are doing, lower ball joints, tie rods, radiator, water pump, shocks, spark plugs wiring....etc.

somyour thread is extremely useful. So thanks!

C Buff

Hey [MENTION=123280]Colorado buff[/MENTION], thanks for the note. I'm still loving the Katskinz leather seats and highly recommend them. Totally worth it. I'll have to take a photo of them in their current condition so you can see how they wear. They look amazing and I've been keeping the leather lotioned so they won't crack, especially on the driver side bottom near the plastic side piece.

 

[Cytronus]

Does anyone know what this is???

I had my rear gate repaired and repainted after bumping it into a tree. Prior to paint, I disassembled most of the gate exterior parts to minimize the labor cost.

When I got it back from the body shop, they had tossed a few miscellaneous parts into my cargo area, including this 2" copper pin with a rounded head. Does anyone know what this is or where this part belongs? I'm guessing somewhere in the gate. The gate latch and window is all working normally so far. I took it to the Toyota dealer and they couldn't say.

 

[1985taylor1925]

December 2012: Installed new Billstein heavy duty shocks all around. After breaking these in for a couple months, I'm of the opinion they're too stiff and wish I had gone with the Tokico Trekmasters as originally planned. The Billy's are rough and can't help but think how much shock is being transferred to all the running gear that might wear it out prematurely.

Added brand new rear coils as a direct replacement to the OEM '99 talls to repair sag issues and opted for shorter springs up front off a '97 SR5 to give it more of a positive rake but in actuality, it sits pretty level now and I'm left wishing the rear was a little higher. Even the brand new rear springs sag a little with even a light load. Toyota just never did the rear coils justice until the 4th gen redesign. The specs of my set up are noted in the photos below along with before and after shots.

Also added larger tires, the next size up with the BFG All Terrain T/A KO - LT 265/75 R16.

Installed new OEM Toyota parts:
Inner and outer tie rod ends
Upper and lower ball joints
bushings all around, front and rear
BIG UPGRADE/CONVERSION! 2006 Toyota Tundra front disc brakes (13 WL). All genuine Toyota.

Cool stuff happening in this thread. Im looking forward to seeing what comes next for your truck.

Its interesting you have that idea about the suspension, because I feel the same way. These 3rd gens tend to have a very stiff ride. Sporty is one thing, but I have yet to find a suspension set up that feels "right" to me. And I agree with you that the overly stiff suspension puts too much stress on the other front end linkage components. Ive always felt that way about the front end. About 6 months ago I installed Tacoma Bilstein 5100s with 99 oem front coils after hearing good things about this setup. But after 6 months I still find it to be too stiff. In the back I also have 99 oem coils, paired with LC Tokico oem shocks, and the back is very stiff as well. I was surprised by this as I expected that moving to Toyota oem coils would really soften the ride. I suspected loose front end components might by causing my "jittery" ride as well. But at this point Ive replaced everything in my front end, and still have the same issue. After running 4 different front and rear suspension set-ups now, Im of the opinion that the stiffness has alot to do with the short front control arms on the 3rd gen, and non progressive oem coils, paired with the relatively light weight of the truck. A lot of members report better ride quality after adding some wight via aftermarket bumpers, winch, sliders, skit plates, etc. But thats not the direction I want to take my truck. I wish Toyota had produced a good progressive TRD coil designed specifically for the 3rd gen. I think progressive coils designed for stock wight would make a big difference in taking initial shock out of the bumps. Anyways

 

[Cytronus]

TODAY - Finally, keyless entry!!!

Today I finally received my used OEM keyfob and programmed the keyless entry. It works beautifully and I am stoked to bring my '99 into the 21st Century!
[MENTION=56756]1985taylor1925[/MENTION], thanks for the note. I've had the Billies in for 20 K now and They're still pretty rough when the tires are aired for paved road driving. When aired for off-roading, they ride quality is slightly better but still pretty stiff. I did notice when I loaded the truck up and packed it with 4 people, it seems to handle much better.

 

[Colorado buff]

At the same time the carpet was going in, I had the old seats recovered in Katzkin leather from a local shop called Coach Automotive Restyling. I decided to go with the Adobe in a flat finish. I wish now I had gone one shade darker but it's still pretty close to the OEM color.

Looks and feels INCREDIBLE! It's a tad bit thicker and softer than the factory skins. They added a thicker foam padding layer between the leather and actual seat foam which makes it feel more soft and comfortable. I will say the leather looks a tiny bit loose in a few areas compared to the factory but negligibly so.

Katzkin leather with installation was $1500 for both rows. Seat heaters were $500 for the 2 front seats with installation. I was able to pay cash and avoid sales tax. All in all, I thought it was a very fair deal for the quality of the leather and the installation from a very reputable shop. Keep in mind, cost of living in California is very high so I'd expect the prices for the same job to be a lot cheaper outside of CA, maybe $1400 - $1600 for the same set up (leather and seat heaters).

Thanks cytronus,these seats look great, would like to see them once you get around to taking more photos.

 

[Pats98]

I had my rear gate repaired and repainted after bumping it into a tree. Prior to paint, I disassembled most of the gate exterior parts to minimize the labor cost.

When I got it back from the body shop, they had tossed a few miscellaneous parts into my cargo area, including this 2" copper pin with a rounded head. Does anyone know what this is or where this part belongs? I'm guessing somewhere in the gate. The gate latch and window is all working normally so far. I took it to the Toyota dealer and they couldn't say.

That pin is what they spot weld to body panels. Then they attach a puller to the pin.

 

[Cytronus]

That pin is what they spot weld to body panels. Then they attach a puller to the pin.

[MENTION=120981]Pats98[/MENTION], you're right! Great call! It's a stud welder draw pin for removing dents in car body sheet metal. They must've used them on my gate to remove the dents.

 

[SURF RUNNER]

[MENTION=81106]Cytronus[/MENTION]

I may have missed them. Any photos of your Runner with your new Sport hood?

 

[Cytronus]

Rear Gate painted with license plate 96-98 bezel painted to match

Here's my '99 rear gate repainted along with the older 96-98 license plate bezel painted to match. I was able to apply the rubber beading from the 99-02 bezel to the 96-98 bezel. It didn't fit perfectly snugly along the thinner edge but when torqued down to the gate, does hold firmly in place and does its job better than the stock adhesive strip for the 96-98 bezel.

Unfortunately, the body shop missed the bezel when spraying the gate so they had to go back and mix new paint to coat the bezel and it doesn't match well. I let them know I wasn't pleased and they've offered to repaint it again so I'll be taking it in next week. I've asked them to paint the black rubber beading as well so it'll look a little cleaner. Once I get it back, I'll apply the chrome "4Runner" emblem to the bezel and call it a day. It should look sharp.

Also unfortunate was that the body shop painted the rear spoiler/wind deflector gloss black with a rattle can after I had specifically asked for it to be painted flat black. I told them I'd just paint it myself. I figure I'll take the rear tow hitch off, which is starting to rust a little, clean that up and paint both the spoiler and tow hitch the same flat black with a good quality marine paint. Unless anyone here has a better recommendation for a long lasting flat black.

I've got the new sport hood on as well but need to give the car a wash and take some nicer DSLR photos for posting. I'll get those done once the rear gate is complete.

 

[infamousRNR]

Any updates kind Sir?

 

[Cytronus]

New family member! 2016 4Runner Trail Premium, Magnetic Gray, KDSS

Exciting news! On August 1st, I picked up a new 2016 Trail Premium, my first brand new car. I've already ordered an ICON lift, which should arrive in 3 to 4 weeks. Other orders placed: Matte black TRD Pro Wheels (which will receive 33s), ARB Dual Air Compressor, WARN Zeon Patinum 10-S winch & Factor55 Flat link, Weathertech Laser floor mats.

Planned Mods:
Skids
Sliders
Air compressor components - bracket, 1 gallon tank, manifold, lines, mount hardware
270 Amp Alternator to power dual battery system and auxiliary items
Wlico Offroad hitch mount swing gate tire/jerry can carrier (at least until I either damage or can bring myself to cut away my OEM bumper)
Eezi Awn K9 Roof Rack with table top mounting bracket (will have to relocate sharkfin XM antenna)
Eezi Awn Awning
Eezi Awn Roof Top Tent
Rigid SR 40" combo light bar for front of rack
Side and rear LED lights mounted on rack
Rear cargo area platform for fridge, stove, drawers
Possible 'Undercover' winch mount to OEM bumper or SSS Slimline Hybrid front bumper with lightbar cutout.
XM sharkfin antenna replacement with smaller unit or relocation in front of moon roof.

 

[JBurt]

Awesome man. What did you do with your third gen?

 

[Cytronus]

Hey [MENTION=84643]JBurt[/MENTION], I still have my trusty 3rd Gen. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet. I may keep it and lift it, add 33's and have friends/family join me on overland trips and use it for hauling or I may sell it. [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] is interested in it. I'll decide over the next few months.

Awesome man. What did you do with your third gen?

 

[Cytronus]

Here she is!

The new 2016 TEP!