Freak's 97 Limited 4WD V6 College/DD Build

[Freak]

Freak's '97 Limited 4WD Weekend Warrior/College DD Build

1997 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD, Factory Rear E-Locker, 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6, Natural White​

Paid $4,500 for it with the odometer sitting at exactly 244,600 miles. It checks out fine, was in good cosmetic condition and seems to have been maintained pretty well. The previous owner was clearly an enthusiast, but the as he was a realtor in Southern California, kept his truck largely stock and modifications at a minimum. That said, the truck did come with a B&M SuperCooler external transmission cooler and stock-ride Bilstein 4600 yellow shocks installed.

This is how the 4Runner looks like as of November 2014.

This is how the 4Runner looked like the day I bought it. The leather driver seat had some tears in it and the cargo area seemed to have dog scratches on the side paneling. But at close to 250k miles, I really can't complain much.

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STATISTICS

Current mileage: 300,000 miles / 482,803 km (as of 12/28/2018)


Setup:

Engine:
B&M SuperCooler 70264 External Automatic Transmission Cooler
NGK 4412 TE66 Blue Spark Plug Wire Set
TRD Aluminum Oil Cap

Brakes:
PowerStop KC2324 231mm Tundra Brake Caliper Kit
PowerStop Slotted and Drilled Tundra Brake Rotors
PowerStop Tundra Brake Pads
StopTech 950.44014 Stainless Steel Front Brake Line Kit
Pentosin 1204116 Super DOT4 Brake Fluid

Suspension:
Front Strut: Bilstein Yellow 4600
Front Coil: Toytec 2" Aluminum Spacer
Rear Coils: Old Man Emu 891
Rear Shocks: Rough Country N2.0
Misc:
Toytec 1" Differential Drop Spacer
Prothane Rear Sway Bay Polyurethane Bushing Kit, Black

Tires/Wheels:
Wheels: OEM 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser Off-Road Package 5-Spokes
Tires: Pathfinder AT 265/75/R16 (Kumho Road Venture AT)
Spacers: All-Pro Off Road 1.25" Aluminum Wheel Spacers

Exterior:
Stubbs Welding HD-SKO Rock Sliders
Weathertech Tinted Window Vent Visors
PIAA Xtreme White Plus High Performance 15224 H4 Headlight Bulbs
Depo Clear Turn Signals
Depo Clear Corner Lights

Interior:
Pioneer DEH-X3500UI Single DIN Head Unit w/Scosche Wiring Harness Adapter
LED White Light Rear/Center Dome Light Conversion
WeatherTech DigitalFit Floor Liners, Tan, Front/Rear
Custom Rear Passenger Headrest Holder/Grab Rails by [MENTION=89223]xcmtb83[/MENTION]
Driver Side OEM Grab Handle Retrofit, Tan
Razo RG22 11.8" Wide Angle Rearview Mirror

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Bought But Uninstalled:
Hella 500FF 55-watt Driving Lights
Pioneer TS-A1675R 6.5" Speakers

Future Mods/Wishlist:
1) Low Range Off-Road E-Locker Guard ($40.50)
2) Lotus Development Rear Control Arm Skids ($94)
3) 96-02 JDM Hilux Surf Field Monitor Unit, Sunroof Model
4) 99-02 Center Console, Tan
5) 99-02 TYC Clear Glass Headlights ($84.24)
6) Stage 1 Big 3 Wiring Upgrade ($110)
7) Rear Hatch Grab Handle Retrofit
8) 2nd Gen Front/Rear Sway Bar Links
9) Savage Off-Road Front/Rear Skid Plate Combo ($549)
10) 4xInnovations Front Plate Bumper ($731)
11) Sonoran Steel Rear Adjustable Panhard Trac Bar ($185)
12) Burtman Industries Euro Style Spoiler ($299)
13) 96-02 JDM Hilux Surf Fender Mirror
14) 4xInnovations Rear Plate Bumper w/ Swingout Tire Carrier ($711/$1158)
15) Front Shackle Bracket Set (Black) ($80)
16) TRD Expedition Decal ($25)
17) All-Pro Off Road Extended Thread Lug Nuts x24 ($18)

Part Numbers:

*P/N and prices are from Camelback Toyota*

Assist Strap Hole Cover - 7462935010B2
4WD Shift Lock Cover - 33554-35050
Caution Label - Differential - 4199160081
Center Console Side Trim Clip/Grommet (Oak) L/R - 9046707041E0 ($1.00)
Door grommets

Fuel Filter: 2330062030 ($30.38)
Oil Filter: 90915YZZD1 ($3.89)
Drain Plug Gasket: 90430-12031 ($0.94)
Spark Plug: 9091901192 ($2.26 x 6)
Air Filter: 1780107020 ($15.95)
Front O2 Sensor: 8946539835 ($112.07)
Rear O2 Sensor: 8946539855 ($112.07)
Radiator: 16410YZZAJ ($208.31)
Water Pump: 161006939883 ($98.66)
Thermostat: 9091603075 ($15.89)
Thermostat Gasket (Water Inlet): 16325-62010 - ($4.37)
Starter 1.8kW : 281006203084 ($158.90)
Lower Ball Joint (Left): 4334039465 ($87.71)
Lower Ball Joint (Right): 4333039585 ($87.71)
Lower Ball Joint Flange Bolts: 90080-10066 ($0.89 x 8)
Lower Ball Joint Bolts + Washers: 90119-10933 ($1.10)
CV Axle - 43430-35030-84 ($224.69)
TRD O-Ring Throttle Body Gasket - PTR2960030
Timing Belt - 13568YZZ03 ($41.44)

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Maintenance/Mod Log:

Regular oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles with OEM Toyota oil filter.

246,000 - AAA Battery installed.
248,000 - Rear axle seal bearings, air filter, fuel Filter, thermostat, coolant flush.
252,000 - FJ Cruiser OEM take off wheels/tires, wheels balanced.
253,000 - Pioneer Single DIN head unit installed, front doors lined with sound deadening material.
254,000 - NGK spark plug wires, OEM Denso spark plugs, starter replaced.
259,000 - Front Toytec spacer lift, rear OME 891 coils, Rough Country N2.0 rear shocks.
266,000 - Stubbs Welding HD-SKO rock sliders welded on.
269,000 - OEM sway bar bushings replaced, air filter replaced with FRAM.
271,000 - Front wipers, front tires replaced.
273,500 - Denso rebuilt alternator installed, ACDelco Battery installed.
274,300 - 1/3 pt. Seafoam through PCV hose + engine bay re-bolted + rock sliders repainted.

 

[TCMach]

Welcome! Nice looking runner and as per your second vehicle I'm gonna go with that cute little pink bike in the corner of the pic . On the real I'm gonna guess its the one with the doors open (looks like an LC, dunno the year though).

Yes front LC80 coils go in the rear of our trucks. I'm running 9 wraps myself. For the front you just pick whatever you want. A lot of people pair LC coils with the TRD Tundra front coils. If I was going to give you advice I'd grab a set of Toytec/Eibach coils instead. Having run both they are far superior in my opinion. Pair them up with some Bilsteins and your good to go.

 

[snivilous]

A question: I read in the lift guide that the FRONT coils of an 80 series goes in the REAR of a 4Runner to lift it. But what about the front lift of the 4Runner? Does it stay un-lifted?

Woo, college students! Looking clean man!

The LC coils are just for a rear lift on the 4Runner. For the front the main options are OME, Eibach, and TRD Tundra coils.

 

[Freak]

Woo, college students! Looking clean man!

The LC coils are just for a rear lift on the 4Runner. For the front the main options are OME, Eibach, and TRD Tundra coils.

Thanks! I like to clean my car, it always makes me smile everytime I put down my sponge and my it's all smooth and shiny.

Welcome! Nice looking runner and as per your second vehicle I'm gonna go with that cute little pink bike in the corner of the pic . On the real I'm gonna guess its the one with the doors open (looks like an LC, dunno the year though).

Yes front LC80 coils go in the rear of our trucks. I'm running 9 wraps myself. For the front you just pick whatever you want. A lot of people pair LC coils with the TRD Tundra front coils. If I was going to give you advice I'd grab a set of Toytec/Eibach coils instead. Having run both they are far superior in my opinion. Pair them up with some Bilsteins and your good to go.

Excellent choice, that's a Toys'r'us Disney Princesses bicycle with training wheels hahah! You got it, that's a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado LJ78 (2.4L 2L-TE Turbodiesel) right hand drive.

That certainly sounds tempting but I'm not quite sure if it's worth the dive seeing that it's expensive and I just hit 250k on the clock.. so I'm a little nervous about the engine and all. I'm trying to see if I can work out a budget or get used parts. Plus, The stock six-spoke wheels... ugh.. it'll look cheesy with a 3" lift! LOL

 

[BlazeRunner]

250k is nothing for these vehicles, as long as it's been properly maintained and you keep it maintained - many runners have seen twice that mileage. The lift options everybody is mentioning can be had for a decent price if you just keep an eye on classifieds and ask around. I would not be hesitant at that mileage to start modding, as long as the necessities are already taken care of.
Also, I hope you use a real wash mit and not a generic sponge to wash your car, it can scratch your paint - but so can wheeling.
Hope you have fun making decisions and welcome!

 

[Dirtyfingers]

Welcome! I would love to help just like anyone else here in the forum, I'm an engineer for the Navy, so if you need anything from the AC unit all the way to the tail lights I can help!

 

[Freak]

250k is nothing for these vehicles, as long as it's been properly maintained and you keep it maintained - many runners have seen twice that mileage. The lift options everybody is mentioning can be had for a decent price if you just keep an eye on classifieds and ask around. I would not be hesitant at that mileage to start modding, as long as the necessities are already taken care of.
Also, I hope you use a real wash mit and not a generic sponge to wash your car, it can scratch your paint - but so can wheeling.
Hope you have fun making decisions and welcome!

I sure hope so! I did see tons of 4Runners around Los Angeles that had looked like they just survived Katrina but had only 120,000 miles (I like to peer into the windows of other Runners to see what sort of mileage they had). Kinda made me feel better as mine is in relatively pristine condition for being at 1/4th of a million in mileage! I've been looking at the classifieds for some time now (been lurking way before I made an account) but activity there is kinda slow. But will definitely keep my eyes peeled! And I do use a wash mitt.. old habits that were dragged over from having owned an E46 BMW 330i ZHP.

Welcome! I would love to help just like anyone else here in the forum, I'm an engineer for the Navy, so if you need anything from the AC unit all the way to the tail lights I can help!

That's awesome! Thanks man. I'm in Los Angeles though - I do hope to see your runner in person if I'm ever down in San Diego!

 

[Dirtyfingers]

ill be out about so you might actually see me haha

 

[white_n_slow]

Nice 70-series, I'm jealous! I take it that rig lives overseas, otherwise, why would you be building a runner?

 

[Freak]

Nice 70-series, I'm jealous! I take it that rig lives overseas, otherwise, why would you be building a runner?

Right on! It's overseas in my home country. The entire T4R community would be living in it's shadow if it was here! Just kidding. The has only 280,000km (178k miles) but the engine is in worse shape than my 5VZ-FE. The 2L-TE engine needs a 1JZ-GTE swap.. which is not possible because that money is being used to fund my schooling here.

ill be out about so you might actually see me haha

I wouldn't be able to recognize your rig as you haven't uploaded pics with your CBI + 4x bumpers on it! You gotta upload a picture man.

 

[Freak]

Also, I am picking up a set of 80-series coils to be installed in the near future.

I translated the color codes from the guide and understood that these are 7.5 and 8 wraps. Which one goes to the driver side?

And should I change to a new pair of shocks? What are some good ones that can be had for cheap? (like, OEM take-offs from FJs, Tacos, etc). I'm not a serious offroader and only go to the intermediate trails.. this is mostly a DD so I'm not going crazy with adjustables or anything, although the shocks should perform decently when needed.

As for the front of the 4Runner, is it okay if I leave it un-lifted or should I lift it? I was thinking Tundra TRD coilovers, or spacers.

 

[Dirtyfingers]

I wouldn't be able to recognize your rig as you haven't uploaded pics with your CBI + 4x bumpers on it! You gotta upload a picture man.

As soon as I get back to Texas and put it on! Haha

 

[Freak]

Quick update: Bought a brush guard off Craigslist for $160. Installed it and I feel that it does contribute to that 'Zombie Outbreak Response Vehicle' look I had always wanted as a kid!

 

[M-Piers97]

You got it, that's a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado LJ78 (2.4L 2L-TE Turbodiesel) right hand drive.

Turbodiesel Land Cruiser............LUCKY!

 

[Freak]

Turbodiesel Land Cruiser............LUCKY!

Thanks man! You're in MI, just go north to Canada and I'm sure you'll spot some! Sure beats owning one but being 9000 miles away from it..

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Just curious, where in Southern California are you? I'm also in SoCal.

 

[Freak]

Just curious, where in Southern California are you? I'm also in SoCal.

Hi COB! I live in Culver City right off the 405. I've been reading through your (very detailed and thorough) build thread and I must say it's simply awesome. I see you're somewhere in OC. Would love to meet up with fellow T4R guys around LA/OC!

 

[Freak]

Quick Update:

Since it's a long weekend (Veterans Day), I decided to bring two of my female friends to climb the Vasquez Rocks which is not too far from Six Flags. I went there two weeks ago on a field trip for my Geology class. Didn't have time to climb then so I made it a point to return at my leisure where I didn't need to sketch rock formations and identify lithospheric layers.

Suspension still at stock height, but didn't stop me from taking a flex shot at the open plan parking lot of Vasquez Rocks State Park!

 

[TRDteen]

Hi COB! I live in Culver City right off the 405. I've been reading through your (very detailed and thorough) build thread and I must say it's simply awesome. I see you're somewhere in OC. Would love to meet up with fellow T4R guys around LA/OC!

SOCAL MEET. [MENTION=25058]ChildrenOfBodom[/MENTION] [MENTION=100872]Freak[/MENTION]

 

[Freak]

[MENTION=85535]TRDteen[/MENTION] [MENTION=25058]ChildrenOfBodom[/MENTION] I am down. Are there many others in the LA/OC area? I'm new to the area and to wheeling, I've only went wheeling once in Hollister Hills SVRA.