NativeRunner
New member
I'm going to start and maintain this build thread for my 2003 V8 SE. I will post links to any mods or fixes I have done or plan to do. I plan to make this build as budget friendly as possible. I'm hopping to show others what a budget build looks like and how good it will preform compared to the $$$$ builds. This is not my first build, but this is my first Toyota build. Future mods include, more complete suspension, 315's (35's), Sliders & Skids, and the elusive TRD 4.7L V8 Supercharger.
Background: It all started when I originally went to the dealership to look at a 2006 Limited blue V6 (233k @$9500). While I was looking around the lot waiting to check out the 2006, I noticed a stock black 4runner that caught my eye. When I asked about it, I found out it was a 2003 SE V8 w/208k (sold as SR5). It had every option available in 2003 (aside from things found on a limited), V8, Sport hood, spoiler, sport gray flares (already painted blk), tow package (trans cooler/class IV hitch 700lbs). The body was in good shape, a few dings and dents but nothing major, Rust was little more than surface rust. When I took it for a test drive I noticed it did have several issues that needed to be address. Bald tires, Loud blower fan, VSC/Trac lights on, 5 speed only had 4,3,L (missing D, 2), driveshaft clunk, drive train whine. This helped later in the negotiations, After the test drive I expressed my concerns about the condition and told them I would need to think it over.... My research for fixes on the issues brought me here T4R.org, I was able to find fixes to most of the issues listed above rather quickly. The next day I went back and the big issues didn't seem so big, After going back and forth on price, I was able to get my new to me 2003 V8 4runner for just over $6500.
Current Build:
5100's 5th gen Coils, 1.5 spacer w/4th gen coils
Volant Intake
Cali raised Tundra brackets w/BD squadron sports
Police style Bull bar w/7in round lights
Custom 4runner molle racks
SPC UCA's
Matte Bronze RR2-V wheels 17X8.5
285/70/17 Wildpeaks
RSG BMC
Roof rack
removed Mud flaps, side steps
Background: It all started when I originally went to the dealership to look at a 2006 Limited blue V6 (233k @$9500). While I was looking around the lot waiting to check out the 2006, I noticed a stock black 4runner that caught my eye. When I asked about it, I found out it was a 2003 SE V8 w/208k (sold as SR5). It had every option available in 2003 (aside from things found on a limited), V8, Sport hood, spoiler, sport gray flares (already painted blk), tow package (trans cooler/class IV hitch 700lbs). The body was in good shape, a few dings and dents but nothing major, Rust was little more than surface rust. When I took it for a test drive I noticed it did have several issues that needed to be address. Bald tires, Loud blower fan, VSC/Trac lights on, 5 speed only had 4,3,L (missing D, 2), driveshaft clunk, drive train whine. This helped later in the negotiations, After the test drive I expressed my concerns about the condition and told them I would need to think it over.... My research for fixes on the issues brought me here T4R.org, I was able to find fixes to most of the issues listed above rather quickly. The next day I went back and the big issues didn't seem so big, After going back and forth on price, I was able to get my new to me 2003 V8 4runner for just over $6500.
Current Build:
5100's 5th gen Coils, 1.5 spacer w/4th gen coils
Volant Intake
Cali raised Tundra brackets w/BD squadron sports
Police style Bull bar w/7in round lights
Custom 4runner molle racks
SPC UCA's
Matte Bronze RR2-V wheels 17X8.5
285/70/17 Wildpeaks
RSG BMC
Roof rack
removed Mud flaps, side steps
