esrice's Build Thread

[esrice]

I see build threads are popular here and I think its great to have a timeline of ownership and modification. I've done these for firearm builds but never for cars/trucks. So here we go!

On 2/13/14 I purchased my first Toyota 4Runner. It is a 2001 Limited with 142,400 miles. Everything in the truck works, and the interior is in like-new condition. There isn't even any noticeable wear on the driver's seat, and the power antennae works (amazing I know).

My initial intentions for this truck are two-fold-- first as my daily driver and second as a 'weekend warrior' rig. I'm not a serious off-roader, but my wife and I do enjoy exploring the outdoors and I wanted something that wouldn't limit our travels and activities.

Future modifications will likely be mild and tasteful. I'm not looking to re-invent the wheel so I'll stick with known manufacturers and probably copy-cat some ideas from others. Of course you guys have already given me all kinds of ideas. With a family of 5, however, my budget will be somewhat limited and I will be on the search for good deals and the best values.

After 1-week of ownership here's what I've done so far:

• Disabled DRLs
• Reset EFI relay
• Removed dealer plate and stickers
• Installed generic rubber floor mats
• Programmed HomeLink garage door opener

Here is what I would like to do once the weather warms up a bit:

• Remove protective rubber door molding from previous owner
• Wax exterior
• Paint factory Limited wheels black
• Remove running boards (still debating this one)
• Plasti-dip gold decals to black
• Install roof-mounted cargo basket
• Install bull bar
• Convert interior lighting to LEDs
• Come up with rear storage solution
• Install tranny cooler
• Buy and program a second key and remote
• Assemble tool kit

Eventually I'd like to install a mild suspension lift (2.5"), but I'll probably wait until my stock stuff needs replaced. I'm not a fan of sagging Runners. It came with almost-new Goodyear ArmorTrac tires so I'm in no hurry to replace them. When I need new brakes I'll probably go with the Tundra upgrade. If living with the TRAC system becomes an issue I'll disable that too.

If the bug REALLY bites, then I'll have to travel down the road of aftermarket wheels, larger tires, bumpers, armor, lights, winches, and recovery equipment. But for now I'm one-step-at-a-time. :

So that's it! That kicks off my build thread for my first 4Runner! I'll be checking in periodically to post pictures and updates, or to pose questions when 'search' has left me wondering. I welcome any comments or questions from the membership as I go.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Dirtyfingers]

I like that color choice

 

[esrice]

I like that color choice

I'll be honest, the two-tone color was my LEAST favorite thing about it when I was shopping around. But it had everything else I wanted and I got a great deal on it. I would've preferred something in black, or silver, or Thundercloud (or whatever that gunmetal gray color is called).

But as I realize its a somewhat rare color, the more I like it. It's growing on me for sure.

 

[Dirtyfingers]

Same here I wanted one in white but couldn't find a decent one that was taken care of.

 

[esrice]

I tracked my mileage on my last tank of gas and got 14.7mpg, all city driving. That seems lower than it should be.

I'll be checking out the air filter soon and clean up the MAF. Then go from there.

 

[esrice]

UPDATE

Checked the last tank of gas-- 15.2mpg. Hmm.

No real "offroading" yet, but did snap some shots while out in the woods recently.

First was at my folks' place in Nashville (Indiana) just after a winter storm blew through.

Next was earlier today when I loaded up the family and tried to get lost on some country back roads. We ended up in Yellowwood State Forest. We had the entire place to ourselves and it was very peaceful. My camera died just after these were taken, so I didn't capture the 2 (very minor) creek crossings. My wife just rolls her eyes, lol.

This past week I've been researching wheels. I definitely want something that pushes the wheels out and fills out the fender flares better. So far the top contenders are FN Five Stars and SCS F-5s.

Color will take some deciding. I think the bronze would look nice with the burgundy, but clash with the silver flares. Silver or gunmetal would look good with the flares and the body, but I think its too "normal". Black might be best . . . .

In preparation for some "actual" offroading I've been doing some reading also. I see that tire deflation is key, so I've been looking at various deflators. Then of course I'll need a compressor for re-inflation.

I'm gonna need to start selling stuff around the house!

 

[Hepar]

If the bug REALLY bites, then I'll have to travel down the road of aftermarket wheels, larger tires, bumpers, armor, lights, winches, and recovery equipment. But for now I'm one-step-at-a-time. :

Sorry to tell you, but you got bit when you signed up. Just wait and see.

 

[esrice]

After much debate, I went ahead and ripped off the factory running boards.

I actually like the running boards, and they were helpful to my short wife and kids when getting in and out of the truck. However, I'm too tall to use them, and this winter they've been getting my pants legs dirty.

After having removed them, though, I really like the look! It's a more aggressive style and I like seeing more of the tires.

One helpful tip that I got from others here was to soak the bolts in WD-40 overnight. This proved to be VERY helpful, and I'll be following this procedure for any future modifications.

Coming soon is some new wheels.

 

[esrice]

Scored a used Yakima Load Warrior on CL for half price. It looked like it had been in the guy's attic for a year but it cleaned up nicely. All the mounting hardware was included and it installed without issue.

We in Indiana kicked off Spring with some much-needed warmer weather. Loaded up the family and took them for ice cream with the windows down. I'm liking the rear electric window-- very cool!

(truck is still dirty)

Coming soon are some black FN Five Stars. Just gotta save a few more pennies and then give [MENTION=85422]FNWheels[/MENTION] a call.

 

[esrice]

Was a nice day out so I hand washed the Runner. I also took the time to remove the silly rubber door guards that ran down the driver and passenger doors-- looks much better now.

As we get even more nicer days I really need to work on the truck's finish. The paint is in good shape for its age but it could be better.

 

[Salman]

Truck looks nice all cleaned up. Can you please update on change in mpg after new basket?

Take your time it's not urgent.

Thanks.

 

[esrice]

Can you please update on change in mpg after new basket?

Sure can. Unfortunately I did several things recently so I can't isolate any single factor.

First I ran some STP Fuel Treatment through a tank of gas. Then I added the basket. Then I spent the last few weeks driving in the ECT "PWR" mode. The last tank I calculated, which included about 100 miles of highway driving, I averaged 17.2mpg.

So after some crummy initial readings, and then adding some drag and higher shift points, I'm getting better mileage. Weird.

The higher mpgs could be due to several things, like the warmer temps, or the highway miles (I typically have a 4-minute commute that kills mpgs). All that being said, I still don't have enough data to form an opinion one way or another.

 

[esrice]

As I sat at an intersection yesterday about to pull onto the road I caught this odd looking shadow. Apparently my shadow is lifted!

 

[esrice]

UPDATE

Spent my day off yesterday checking off one of the original tasks on my 4Runner 'to-do' list.

I knew the gold emblems would have to go the minute I bought the Runner. It might've been cool to get the gold package in 1992, but not in 2014 (or even in 2001). While the gold did contrast nicely with the Sunfire red, it really dated the truck and made it look older than it really was. I like the timeless styling of the 3rd gens and wanted to maintain that theme throughout.

After reading many threads about emblems here on T4R I decided to give the PlastiDip method a try. It seemed to be the easiest method and I was thankful I didn't have to remove and reinstall the emblems. This was my first experience using PlastiDip.

My first chore was to figure out how to remove the Toyota emblem in the front grill. I couldn't just mask it off so it needed to be removed entirely. I found a very helpful YouTube video showing me how to remove the grill from the truck, and then the emblem from the grill. Once I knew what to do it was quick and easy to perform. The emblem came off with just 3 screws.

Then I washed all the emblems with soap and water, and finally with alcohol and Qtips. Making sure they were dry I then moved on to masking the areas around each emblem. I used painters tape and pages from a magazine. This prep work was the most time consuming and required a certain amount of patience.

Next I was ready for the 1st coat. Having read several different tutorials I put a very light coat on first. This just made the emblems look dirty. I then let them dry for 15 minutes.

Once they were dry I applied a 2nd coat. This time I went heavier and more even across the emblems. Then they dried for 15 minutes.

Next came the 3rd coat, making sure I hit them from various angles, getting the coating applied on all parts of the emblems. Dried 15 minutes.

I went ahead and also did a 4th coat. By this point the coverage was nice and even. This being the final coat I let everything dry for an hour.

After being satisfied that the coating was completely dry I started removing the painters tape. This is where the magic happens, as the PlastiDip comes off with the tape but cuts cleanly where the emblem meets the truck paint, leaving the coating on the emblems. Going slowly I was able to remove all the excess PlastiDip from around the emblems with no tools or picking at it.

To get the PlastiDip from inside some of the letters I just used a toothpick to pry it up, and then it released cleanly.

Total cost for this project was ~$9 (the PlastiDip from Lowes Hardware). Total time was about 3.5 hrs, including dry time.

I'm very pleased with the new look and am glad to be rid of the gold. I'm impressed with the PlastiDip and its ease of use. I would encourage anyone thinking of doing this mod to set aside some time and do it.

Before/After

 

[esrice]

So just when I had saved up enough extra dough for some new FN Five Stars, I used the money to get started into mountain biking. I blame the 4Runner, as it makes it all to easy to participate in more active hobbies. So painting my factory Coke bottle wheels black will go on the project list for this summer.

There's nothing like loading up the Runner in the early morning and being out in the woods on trails on a bike.

 

[esrice]

After combing CL daily for the past couple months I finally scored a better way to transport the MTB. Got this Yakima 2-bike hitch rack for $30! It's got some age on it but it functions perfectly. It came with a locking hitch pin and cable lock for the bikes. I may end up replacing the rubber chain straps soon.

The Runner has adapted to my new hobby wonderfully. After 4 months of ownership I'm still totally in love.

 

[esrice]

OVERDUE UPDATE

Projects on the Runner pretty much stalled since the last post. Lack of funds, lack of time, yadda yadda yadda.

The snow fall this past winter in central Indiana was very light, hardly getting any real accumulation. So on the 2 nights we got some decent snow I was sure to be out in it. It's amazing how well the truck handles it.

After receiving a small unexpected bonus at work recently I decided that it was time to go forward with replacing my factory wheels with FN Five Stars in black. Yesterday I went on FN's website and saw that they were in stock, so I ordered them!

Today I received a voicemail from Dustin @ FN letting me know that they had just sold out of their last set of black Five Stars. He was kind enough to offer me several alternatives, from backorder to another similar wheel set that he had in stock. I like having options, and I appreciated Dustin trying to find a way to get me what I wanted.

I called him back and we had a very nice conversation. He explained the situation, which I completely understood, and again offered several ways to make things right. I opted to wait out the backordered Five Stars, as they are exactly what I want. Dustin was even kind enough to discount my order, and be flexible with my payment arrangement.

I work in customer service, so I know the difference between "this is my job" and "this is my life". Dustin is certainly someone that truly cares for his customers and wants to see them happy with their purchase. I don't even have the wheels and I'd already recommend FN Wheels to anyone. Hell, I wish all of my shopping experiences were so positive.

I'll be sure to update once the wheels arrive and I can get them on the Runner. So looking forward to it!

 

[esrice]

THEY'RE HERE!!

FN Five Stars arrived this past Saturday, and today I was able to have them installed.

Again I want to illustrate how awesome its been working with Dustin. A week and a half ago he sent me an email, just checking in and updating me on the status of the next batch of Five Stars. I had a question for him so I just called him one afternoon. The more we spoke the more Dustin realized that I may not be as happy with the -25mm offset as I thought I would be. There were some things about my setup that I hadn't taken into full consideration. In the most kind way Dustin recommended I consider the the new run of 0mm offset Five Stars. I agreed and he had them on my door step 4 days later. I appreciated that he took the time and actually listened to my needs and not just my wants.

Thanks [MENTION=85422]FNWheels[/MENTION] !

Here's a quick pic-- stock suspension and stock sized tires. New 0mm offset 16" Five Stars in matte black with new style flat center caps.

 

[esrice]

UPDATE

Craigslist strikes once again!

Caught an ad for an old school grill guard for $125. I figured it would give the Runner some visual balance and be a nice place for some offroad lights in the future.

I drove a few weeks with it before I could no longer stand the 1990s look. Looking closer at it I realized that the headlight guards could be removed independently, leaving just a push bar. Now I like it much better.

So here she is in her most current configuration.

 

[esrice]

UPDATE

So the truck and I shared an experience this past weekend-- our first time offroading!

I got an invitation from a Jeeper friend of mine to go out with her and 14 other Wranglers to Badlands Off Road Park in Attica, Indiana. We were able to access an area of private land that had some awesome trails out in the woods.

To our surprise we had a pop-up snow shower in the morning that continued into the afternoon. It made everything very beautiful, but also added a layer of difficulty to my first time out.

We crossed creeks, splashed through muddy ravines, snaked around trees, crawled down steep hills, and squeaked under some low hanging fallen trees. It was awesome!

I did end up getting stuck once. There was a steep decent into a ravine followed by a steep climb up the other side. It was very muddy and rutted. I made the rookie mistake of taking it too cautiously and didn't make it up the other side. Then I slid back down just enough to get my rear hitch jammed into the ground. But the spirit of the wheelin' community shined through and I was quickly provided with a winch out of my predicament.

The trail was much more "difficult" than I was anticipating. But the 4Runner performed beyond my expectations. I was amazed at how capable it is. Every time I thought "uh oh, we're not gonna make it", it would push on through. Even at stock height with simple AT tires it did well.

Now I'm curious to try again with a 3" lift and some Duratracs.