Filthy Runner's Filthy Build

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FilthyRunner

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Scroll down to the second post to see the current state of the car. Also see the list of planned items. ALL will get completed.

Some background info:

Starting my first ever build! I know nothing about cars. Never worked on them. I decided to find a 4Runner that already had a few issues with it. (Broken AC, shot suspension (Like all of it), bad paint, interior was a mess, oil leak, and more). Absolutely no rust, and from the looks of the underside, never been off road. It's a 4x4. Has 13 years worth of repair/maintenance records. Owner stopped taking care of it about a year ago.

Picked it up for 2k. Not a bad deal I was told. Since I am planning to do ALL work myself.


<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/1J7R0Q" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7858/44618930900_ba429f257d_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Anyways, Let the build begin!
 
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Current Appearance:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/5biBL8" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7818/44618931110_2919995fe3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Done:
First Oil Change
Replaced Starter
Steering Rack Bushings (Energy Suspension)
Sway Bar Bushings (Prothane Reds)
Roof Rack
Fender Flares Removed
Arm Rest Replaced (Upgraded to the newer one with the secret compartment. Had to do some modification to make it close properly)
3" Lift Toytech Lift
33" Tires
New Radiator
CV Axles
New lower ball joints (OEM)
New Upper ball joints (OEM)
Clear Turn Signals

To Do: (YES I will do ALL of them)
Replace Carpet
New Wheels
Spark Plugs and Wires
Replace Half Moons and Cam Plugs
Replace Valve Cover Gaskets (Previous owner used some blue aftermarket ones and they LEAK LIKE CRAZY!)
Air Filter
Dash Led's (a lot of the bulbs died)
New AC compressor
Extended front end links
Relocate front end links to rear
Led Bars
Lower Control Arm Bushings
Upper Control Arm Bushings
Fix the Paint
Headlights retrofit
Newer Grill (Want a 2002 grill)
Hood With the Scoop
Led Tail Lights
Touch Screen head unit
Backup Camera
New Exhaust
Front, Rear bumpers
Sliders
Custom Skid Plates
 
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First things first, had the wife change the oil. :P Also changed out the starter. Car quit starting... Went and picked a used OEM one for $40. Old one was flooded with oil from the leaky Valve Cover Gaskets. She wanted to do all the work herself.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/r8wdT1" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4904/44618900930_4f72145f63_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/wb5o5U" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4880/44619034370_95f6d111dc_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Replaced the messed up arm rest.
Before:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/0iLfD6" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7897/46435502441_59a5684665_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
After:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/9A3rNU" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4905/46435616111_09146a2c76_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Welcome. That's going to be a fun 4runner to work on. Good job getting the starter out. Those are a pain in the butt to get out!!
 
Changed the steering rack bushings. Let's just say I was surprised. See for yourself.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/12M1TZ" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4836/46435497351_e70c661dd1_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/0emoW9" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4808/31496085467_50e200c222_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Great vehicle choice, lots of online how-tos and support in video, write-ups, and community. Good for your wife getting up in there and good for you, too.

And nice truck. :)
 
Got the runner a cheap little roof rack for Christmas.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/6vNt8z" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4878/46384860712_1a4276c13a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/0iE08L" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7809/44619006940_37408bce92_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sway bar bushings have been installed! Went with the Prothane Red Polyester bushings. And yes, I know I will get the extended end links when I lift the car.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/F8JLQU" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7919/31496022477_bb3b238a8e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


NEXT UP: Lift and 33" Tires. Cant's wait!
 
Okay, so LOTS of stuff was done!!!

Changed out:
-Upper Ball Joints (Cursing the whole time....)
-Lower Ball joints (EZ PZ)
-New Radiator (Read some horror stories about the strawberry milkshake)
-Toytech 3" Lift ( FINALLY... Before suspension was so bouncy it was scary to drive)
New CV Joints (Old ones ripped as soon as I lifted it LOL. SUCH A MESS :roll:)
-1.25" spacers
-Used 33' BF Goodridge KO1 Tires (I knew they would rub so I got used ones. Did not want to ruin new tires before I got everything hammered out and ready)
Took off the lower plastic piece of the bumper for now. Rubs so bad on the tires.
- Threw on some clear turn signals

Overall I feel like there is nothing I can't do now. I went from knowing nothing to feeling pretty confident about cars. Obviously I am still a noob, but feeling better. :humble:

Here are some photos:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/6Ljt37" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7823/45522844075_9b43bb8db1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/0Qgpim" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7894/46384864242_d8f4d77b33_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/324HYc" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7818/44618931110_2919995fe3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/pZ08eX" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7851/45712305994_c3b2b002d4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/cvKEc1" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4809/46435562901_599877b428_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Took it off because of rubbing:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/tK7Xf3" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4822/45522872705_0db1db8bd8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/926DL7" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4821/45712332424_aaffb1ce33_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Found a stock 4runner!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/4G8V69" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4863/44618910850_c5b719be10_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

UP NEXT: Taking a break from mechanical work. Visual stuff for a bit now!
-Take a trip!!! (Hopefully I wont flood everything in oil from the leaky Valve Covers......)
-Change out carpet (You don't wanna know...)
-LED Bars all around
-Dash Bulbs Replacement, Drive mode selector bulb replacement..
-Found a limited wood trim for center dash for $20 will put that in.
-Wash ALL Panels (dusty and dirty)
-Clean Roof Liner
-Clean Seats
-Wax the car possibly for temp looks :P
 
Those upper ball joints... :wacko:
Looks good, bet it feels awesome!

You've likely already got a plan in the works....
I found the valance is surprisingly easy to trim with a utility knife and a steady hand, if you were wanting to re-install it. It can always be done in small increments until satisfactory.
On 33's w/lift
qYiwyAa.png
 
habanero said:
Those upper ball joints... :wacko:
Looks good, bet it feels awesome!

You've likely already got a plan in the works....
I found the valance is surprisingly easy to trim with a utility knife and a steady hand, if you were wanting to re-install it. It can always be done in small increments until satisfactory.
On 33's w/lift
qYiwyAa.png
Click to expand...

Oh thanks for the tip. I was wondering what I could trip with. :) Now that you mentioned it, it's feels like a pretty soft plastic.
 
Went to Clear Lake, found some easy trails.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/6z1gsr" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4837/44619044560_205b22d295_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/o46Gw2" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7881/44618977210_2b1e89d4c3_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/675Tg2" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4889/45522859805_b9d8258d00_c.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/Pre616" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7821/45522869065_7e848d648b_c.jpg" width="800" height="599" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/pfmW4j" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7806/32563454808_38b5a4c2d0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/d15U3E" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7903/32563450888_f7462c10d9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/114214414@N04/KV23D0" title="4runner"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4816/46384995962_a166ebc7a5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4runner"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
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