Flash Runner's "Moby Dick" Build

[Flash Runner]

I picked up a 2007 V8 Limited - Natural White on Tan Leather. This thing came from NY and has seen some miles -> 165K and dealing with some rust. Though I still fell in love with it and was running out of time to find one. My Limited also some how ended up with SR5 wheels.

I've decided to name it "Moby Dick" as its the first large vehicle I've owned and it's white, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Here's a picture from the dealer when I got it: 06/2017 (165k)

Here's the most recent picture I have: 1/11/19 (188k)

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/80634168@N05/46924134661/in/dateposted-public/" title="New Stance"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4880/46924134661_e37e5c245d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="New Stance"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Right now, no major mods will be completed until I graduate, as I just don't have the funds to do so. I will still make significant mods and keep this updated, then get on to the major mods down the road. This is also my daily driver, so it needs to be kept somewhat practical.

MODS:

Wheels/Tire/Suspension:
- OME Lift
- Cooper AT3's - 265/70/17
-5th gen TRD Trail Wheels

Lighting:
- Lamin-X Yellow Fog Light Covers
- Grand View 100mm Amber Halos --> Install
- 5k LED Cabin Lighting
- J.A's Maplight Mod

Exterior:
- Crawlorado Hood Blackout
- Plasti-Dipped Badges/Grille
- Blacked out headlights
- Brush Guard
- OEM Bug Deflector

Interior:
- Cargo Net Attic
- TiN's Cupholder Insert
- Canvas Back Trunk Liner

Sound:
- Pioneer AVH-2330

Misc.:
-Prestige Remote Start

 

[Flash Runner]

Various Photo's

First time I took it to go Mtn Biking, shortly after I purchased her:

Snow Day while I was up at school - 02/2018:

 

[Flash Runner]

Wheels Pre-Dip

Just wanted to post a picture up of my wheels when I dipped them, to show how bad they were before:

 

[Flash Runner]

Hood Blackout

This is when I installed the Crawlorado Vinyl Hood Blackout. This is a top notch quality product, I had never used vinyl before and this went on without any problems!

 

[Flash Runner]

I decided to take the brush guard off to get some work done on the 4Runner. I know a lot of people hate on them, but I've always liked it... it is interesting though not having it on these past couple of days....not sure what I think.

I do know, I really don't like the bug deflector, and it has MESSED up the paint on my grille where it's attached... kinda pissed but not sure what I'll do about it yet.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/80634168@N05/43436251790/in/album-72157674380237328/" title="IMG_1480"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1912/43436251790_0bb4abffcf_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_1480"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also I've noticed that my driver and passenger headlight projectors show a different beam pattern on the lens....anyone know why, and how I can fix this?

Passenger:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/80634168@N05/44527760704/in/album-72157672220941657/" title="Passenger Projector"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1967/44527760704_6d5d682e02_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Passenger Projector"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Driver:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/80634168@N05/44527760944/in/album-72157672220941657/" title="Driver Projector"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1953/44527760944_a85982cf77_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Driver Projector"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Flash Runner]

Halo Install

So idk if anyone noticed in the earlier pictures, some of them I have one Black and one Chrome headlight.... looked really bad. I had to open up the drivers one bc the moisture was so bad, I decided to black it out while I had it apart. I would have done the passenger too, but getting that 4th bolt is a real PITA and I just never got around to it.

I finally was gonna fix it, and decided to throw some Halos in them while I had them open! Here's my write up for it: Flash Runner's: Halo Install Writeup

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/80634168@N05/45249879881/in/album-72157674380237328/" title="IMG_1485"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1912/45249879881_b9614a3350_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_1485"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[olyeller]

Cool mods
I may do the halos at some point.

 

[Flash Runner]

[MENTION=225469]olyeller[/MENTION] Thanks! This is just the beginning of all my plans, however it will be at a slow build pace. I'm definitely geeking over the Halos rn. I'd say it was simple enough if you ever open up your headlights, and cheap as well, to do!

 

[mjotrainbrain]

The OME lift looks good, gives it a nice respectable amount of height. How's it ride? I had an OME lift on my previous vehicle, and it rode firm but not harsh. Similar experience here?

 

[Flash Runner]

The OME lift looks good, gives it a nice respectable amount of height. How's it ride? I had an OME lift on my previous vehicle, and it rode firm but not harsh. Similar experience here?

Thanks! Yeah the lift height is great, I've yet to take measurements of it honestly, but does what I need it too. It's definitely stiff, especially in the back, but not harsh. I'm not sure when it was put on by the PO, but I'm assuming it might be alittle worn out... maybe one day I'll find it worth the money to put on a new lift.

 

[metramm]

Great looking runner! I would have killed to have one in college. Instead I had a 92 accord coupe lol

If you don't mind me asking, what did your 4runner cost ya? It's in great shape!

Enjoy and welcome!

 

[Flash Runner]

Great looking runner! I would have killed to have one in college. Instead I had a 92 accord coupe lol

If you don't mind me asking, what did your 4runner cost ya? It's in great shape!

Enjoy and welcome!

I appreciate it! Trust me man I'm loving it, but I'm so tempted to be doing mods to it that I have to hold off bc I'm in college haha

I paid a little under $10k for it. It's nice having the V8 and the Limited, but it does have some rust on the underside (it spent it's life up in NY before I brought it down south), that is hindering me more than I care for. All and all, I'm still really happy with it!

 

[Flash Runner]

Repairs Done

I've had some items on the truck that I know needed to be worked on and repaired, it was just a matter on planning them out financially... Well my power steering system didn't like that, and decided to crap out on me. After 3 days of sitting at the shop, researching, and price shopping all my options, I finally came to a conclusion. The breakdown of everything is as follows:

$3,000: $2800 of which is for the Power Steering system (new rack, pump, lines). For an additional $200, I'm getting new tie rods, passenger CV axle (as mine was throwing grease), an alignment, and he'll grease the zerks on the driveline as it needed it. I think this was a good deal on the job for what I'm getting

$1,300: New water pump (as indeed mine was failing), timing belt, thermostat, idlers/pulleys.... Didn't have time to really shop this, but given it's the same price the dealer told me, and he was already doing other work on the truck, I just went ahead and got it done.

This essentially solves every mechanical issue I had known about in one swing...."buy once, cry once" right? Now to see how long it takes $4500 to stop crying :dammit::blah:

Silver lining: Re-investing this in the 4Runner, just reinforces the need to keep it longer and therefore justifying future mods for enjoyment purposes :lmao:

 

[Flash Runner]

Well, I'm still waiting to get "Moby" from the shop... damn it sucks waiting around, not only when it's my only vehicle/DD, but especially when new parts parts are showing up at the door, and I just want to put them on!

Nothing major is going on, due to the repair bill my wallet just ate, but what I do have is all cost efficient/I got a good deal on. Really I got bored and wanted something to add on :blah:

Here's a little sneak peek of whats to come:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/80634168@N05/43436299260/in/album-72157672220941657/" title="DecalsIAA_Before"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1954/43436299260_89c53a0318_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DecalsIAA_Before"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

(I have more PIAA lights, I'm not just mounting 1)

 

[tv4184]

I appreciate it! Trust me man I'm loving it, but I'm so tempted to be doing mods to it that I have to hold off bc I'm in college haha

I paid a little under $10k for it. It's nice having the V8 and the Limited, but it does have some rust on the underside (it spent it's life up in NY before I brought it down south), that is hindering me more than I care for. All and all, I'm still really happy with it!

Enjoy that time while you're still in school. I miss those days, no money for mods but more time to enjoy the ones that you can install. Nowadays I have a garage full of mods but no time to wrench on any of my cars... My 4th gen is also from the NE state area. I got it dirt cheap but wished I had waited some because one popped up with 16k miles a few months later but by then I took on the IS300 and the civic already lol...

As far as maintenance goes, is your mileage when our steering systems go? I might be in for that because I'm not that far behind in mileage...

 

[Flash Runner]

Enjoy that time while you're still in school. I miss those days, no money for mods but more time to enjoy the ones that you can install. Nowadays I have a garage full of mods but no time to wrench on any of my cars... My 4th gen is also from the NE state area. I got it dirt cheap but wished I had waited some because one popped up with 16k miles a few months later but by then I took on the IS300 and the civic already lol...

As far as maintenance goes, is your mileage when our steering systems go? I might be in for that because I'm not that far behind in mileage...

I appreciate it! Their is a great feeling learning something new, then accomplishing it yourself.. a good ole sense of pride and appreciation no matter how small the job haha

Idk if my case is normal as I haven't seen other similar stories (my rack had a leak I was aware of prior, and I guess I let it go too long).... Everyone keeps talking about the U-joint on the shaft going bad, so maybe look into that... doesn't seem expensive, just a b**** to do yourself given the age of our 4th gens. I'll be adding lubricating the U-joint to the regular maintenance, along with greasing the drive shaft

Next thing I'll be researching is the Limp mode issue, your by-pass install reminded me about that, as I definitely want to be ahead of the game with it.

 

[Flash Runner]

Back to LIFE!

Well, it's been awhile....the car was in the shop for 3 weeks getting this PS issue figured out.... Still not entirely. Works fine mechanically, and no more fluid loss :jump: Only issue remaining is a slight whine at low speeds in the cabin still... Shop says it still needs to break in the new parts. I'm just happy right now to have my Runner (my DD) back.

Only other update is I installed some cheap LED bulbs. The cost was about the same if I picked up a pack of standard bulbs, so I figured why not? I can't say if it truly has improved my visibility, but it defintely didn't make it worse and having the 6000k temp is a nice look. I think my projectors are my true issue with the light output.

Here's the Link: BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb

edit: price jumped, I only paid $15 and now its $36..... score! :eyebrows:

I've attached a quick output shot on the hwy last night

 

[Flash Runner]

Next up:

I'm finally ordering all the goodies to to my radio upgrade (going with the Pioneer MVH-2300 NEX), plus some extra stuff. Shops also gonna put in a new Spare carrier, since I've had one laying around and been riding without my POS spare.

Lastly after that, I hope to get my windows tinted before end of August given the funds are there.

 

[VUHNILA GUERILA]

...but I also think I'm enjoying my 4th gen more than I would have a 5th gen!

I picked up a 2007 V8 Limited - Natural White on Tan Leather.

All about that V8! And always wanted a white '07 or '08, nice build!

 

[Flash Runner]

[MENTION=76314]VUHNILA GUERILA[/MENTION] Thanks, I appreciate it! I'm thankful I have the V8 every time I get behind the wheel, even though I don't "need" it. I just like having the extra power, and know that whatever car I have, I'd always be wanting the bigger engine if there was one available. Guess the V8 and the Full Time 4WD (only available in the 5th gen limited), are my two biggest pluses to having a 4th gen.

I still need to figure out how to get this Natural White to shine again (more than a few days after a wash), I hate seeing it compared to a Blizzard Pearl paint job....plus I've been envying black 4Runners like yours as I feel it ages better.