Here are my considerations for my upcoming moderate build

[jimmyrecluse]

My last post was almost exactly two years ago when I was looking at 3rd gen 4runners, received awesome advice. Since I've enjoyed a 99' SR5 V6 4x4, Black and tan. bought it with 148K on it, now has 158K and runs strong, just passed smog after I replaced the MAF, and I love it. I replaced the rear main seal when I first bought it and since the car has been solid.

I'm in SoCal, have four dogs, don't camp outdoors with the dogs but we visit San Bernardino and Riverside wilderness spots - stay in cabins.

So far I've replaced the LED's in the dash and console, which I used the write up on this forum. I've done tons of searches and while there's a lot of information, I'm left with more questions from the experts.

I am open to alternative suggestions, I know a lot of you must have a go-to piece of gear that's proven to work well and maybe comes with a write up

Immediate on my list:

ROOF BAG, looking at this
PackRight Sport 3 Rooftop Cargo Bag - 50+ Reviews on Rightline Gears Sport 3 Cargo Roof Bags - Videos, Installations & Reviews

BRAKES, looking at these for the price and claims of 20% more stopping power. Not looking to take the cheap route, but don't need expensive big brakes, just a decent upgrade when the time comes to service the brakes:
Power Stop Brake Kit - Performance Rotors & Pads - FREE SHIPPING!

K&N filter when time to replace stock air filter.

Looking at this with a backup camera:
Jensen VX7021 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

Interior is decent, arm rests are faded and worn, carpet is good. Rather than upholster, is there a kit? I am looking at these seat covers:
CalTrend NeoSupreme Seat Covers - Excellent Fit & FREE SHIPPING!

TIRES: I will keep the stock wheels but am open to suggestions for a good all terrain or mostly street rubber. I drive 5,000 miles a year.

SUSPENSION: If I were to lift it 1" - 2", do you recommend the Bilstiens? Or not lift and replace with the Tundra parts, which I've seen on the forum. I am ok with a small lift and or stiffer ride if any, love OEM parts and reliability.

FLOOR MATS: I have dogs, want something rugged and easy to clean. I have a liner for the back half, but when off-road I track in mud in the cab. Weathertech?

Ride might also be used for advertisement for cross fit business, might add some macho exterior parts like skid plate, corner grills, etc.

 

[absalom]

My last post was almost exactly two years ago when I was looking at 3rd gen 4runners, received awesome advice. Since I've enjoyed a 99' SR5 V6 4x4, Black and tan. bought it with 148K on it, now has 158K and runs strong, just passed smog after I replaced the MAF, and I love it. I replaced the rear main seal when I first bought it and since the car has been solid.

I'm in SoCal, have four dogs, don't camp outdoors with the dogs but we visit San Bernardino and Riverside wilderness spots - stay in cabins.

So far I've replaced the LED's in the dash and console, which I used the write up on this forum. I've done tons of searches and while there's a lot of information, I'm left with more questions from the experts.

I am open to alternative suggestions, I know a lot of you must have a go-to piece of gear that's proven to work well and maybe comes with a write up

Immediate on my list:

ROOF BAG, looking at this
PackRight Sport 3 Rooftop Cargo Bag - 50+ Reviews on Rightline Gears Sport 3 Cargo Roof Bags - Videos, Installations & Reviews

BRAKES, looking at these for the price and claims of 20% more stopping power. Not looking to take the cheap route, but don't need expensive big brakes, just a decent upgrade when the time comes to service the brakes:
Power Stop Brake Kit - Performance Rotors & Pads - FREE SHIPPING!

K&N filter when time to replace stock air filter.

Looking at this with a backup camera:
Jensen VX7021 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

Interior is decent, arm rests are faded and worn, carpet is good. Rather than upholster, is there a kit? I am looking at these seat covers:
CalTrend NeoSupreme Seat Covers - Excellent Fit & FREE SHIPPING!

TIRES: I will keep the stock wheels but am open to suggestions for a good all terrain or mostly street rubber. I drive 5,000 miles a year.

SUSPENSION: If I were to lift it 1" - 2", do you recommend the Bilstiens? Or not lift and replace with the Tundra parts, which I've seen on the forum. I am ok with a small lift and or stiffer ride if any, love OEM parts and reliability.

FLOOR MATS: I have dogs, want something rugged and easy to clean. I have a liner for the back half, but when off-road I track in mud in the cab. Weathertech?

Ride might also be used for advertisement for cross fit business, might add some macho exterior parts like skid plate, corner grills, etc.

I was super disappointed with both of my Jensen VX's, and was much happier with a Pioneer non-navi deck, with an accompanying GPS unit.

For suspension stuff, click on the second link in my signature.

For tires, I highly recommend the Toyo Open Country AT2 in either 265/70/16 or 265/75/16.

Don't run K&N, they mess up your MAF. Look into Tundra brake upgrade, specifically the 199mm set.

 

[jimmyrecluse]

Thank you!

Awesome, thank you!

I'll take a Pioneer non nav. Really I just want Bluetooth and backup camera.

 

[jimmyrecluse]

I was super disappointed with both of my Jensen VX's, and was much happier with a Pioneer non-navi deck, with an accompanying GPS unit.

For suspension stuff, click on the second link in my signature.

For tires, I highly recommend the Toyo Open Country AT2 in either 265/70/16 or 265/75/16.

Don't run K&N, they mess up your MAF. Look into Tundra brake upgrade, specifically the 199mm set.

Read your post;

I see you recommend OEM shocks, struts, coils, for my application. Are there OEM parts for other SUV/Trucks that will give me a taller or stiffer ride?

Tundra brakes, assume 2002 - 2004?

I'm considering this option:
Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior - Trail Bias

New OEM lower ball joints
New OEM radiator
New OEM inner and outer tie rods
New OEM upper and lower control arm bushings
Rockauto?

Energy Suspension poly steering bushings
Self Explanatory
New OEM sway bar links front and rear
New OEM sway bar bushings front and rear
New OEM 99 Tall Coils front and rear
New OEM Shocks/Struts
Why stick with OEM 4runner? Anything OEM other models that is more aggressive, TRD, Landcruiser?
Tundra brakes:
Do you happen to have a part number and source? Looks like you might have this based on your own build. Thanks again

 

[gonzo97]

I second the advice given on running Open Country AT2's. Just mounted a set of 285/75R16s and am stoked on how smoothly they drive. (its my daily driver)

 

[jimmyrecluse]

I second the advice given on running Open Country AT2's. Just mounted a set of 285/75R16s and am stoked on how smoothly they drive. (its my daily driver)

They look rad.

Is your car stock? I see build thread coming soon. If stock, any issues with rubbing or is it a perfect fit?

 

[Myrunr2010]

I have weather techs and I love them. Not sure what else is out there, but weathertech is a safe bet

 

[gonzo97]

They look rad.

Is your car stock? I see build thread coming soon. If stock, any issues with rubbing or is it a perfect fit?

Hoping to have a build thread up in the next few days or so. I will share with you exactly what I did though. I ended up getting some TRD Wheels, with 1.25" SpiderTrax spacers, I also have the 3" OME kit as well.

 

[Black798]

Don't run K&N, they mess up your MAF.

x2. Don't run a k&n. Speaking from experience, the build quality is crap and they don't seal properly in the airbox and allow tons of dirt past. I would stay stick with OEM or an afe dry flow. Page 2 on my build thread shows the issues with the k&n vs the afe. I would highly recommend the afe.

 

[snivilous]

Long travel, cage, 4 link, diamond axle, 37s. I think that will suit your needs very well.

 

[4Runner4TW]

x3 no on K&N. I recently went back to stock filters.

Suspension. I would stick with OME springs and depending on budget I would go Bilstein's or better. Fox or ICON would be the top choices.

Tires: I'm really loving my Hercules Terra Trac AT2s. I've tried to get stuck and haven't.

Floor Matts: Highly recommend the WeatherTechs. I went with the Universal ones to save the $100 and they are amazing! Just trim to fit youself. Fitment is amazing

All other stuff I would stick with OEM. After Thursday I will have a completely new front end with all OEM parts. I can't wait!!
parts.camelbacktoyota.com is a great source.

I'd add lights to your mod list. The stock lights are not very good at night. Also a CB is always fun and useful.

Good Luck keeping it to 5000 miles a year. You'll get addicted very quick.

 

[jimmyrecluse]

x2. Don't run a k&n. Speaking from experience, the build quality is crap and they don't seal properly in the airbox and allow tons of dirt past. I would stay stick with OEM or an afe dry flow. Page 2 on my build thread shows the issues with the k&n vs the afe. I would highly recommend the afe.

It was your build thread that made me ask about the K&N. AFE sounds like it will work.

 

[jimmyrecluse]

I just found this gold

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html

I think the Tundra springs and Bilstien's are right for me. Thanks all

 

[Black798]

Toytec also makes an adjustable version of the bilstein shocks with a little bit of a softer spring. I've been happy with them so far
http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/TCK-D4--ToyTec-coilover-kit-with-Bilstein-5100-shocks_p_326.html

 

[jrm]

You want the rotors/calipers

from a 2nd gen tundra 00-06'. any AT tire in 265/75/16 will work really well and not dink the mpg. The tundra-coil/bilstein set up is really nice but i'd seriously consider the newer bilstein 6112 coil strut set up since its a 2.5" diameter body and will be tuned to the characteristics of your 3rd gen. Not to mention it will cost about as much as the tundra bilsteins and coils if bought separately. If you replace the HU make sure to buy the right connectors so that you retain the main and diversity antennas..

 

[fblainen11]

I would really really highly encourage you to do the Tundra brake upgrade. I've done the 231mm on all three of my 3rd gens. It is an absolute dream to press the brake pedal now.

You can do the 199mm and probably be fine, I know others will agree that have done this: it is night and day difference between stock and the Tundra brakes.


As far as the head unit goes: I'd go with Pioneer. I have a very nice Kenwood and I have no antenna control. I believe pioneer has done a better job of keeping that working.

 

[rudogg760]

xeleventybillion on the no k&n. that was the first thing i did when i got my 4runner and it did nothing but gunk up my maf. if you want to try it ill give you mine just pay for shipping lol but i wouldnt recommend it.

 

[jimmyrecluse]

from a 2nd gen tundra 00-06'. any AT tire in 265/75/16 will work really well and not dink the mpg. The tundra-coil/bilstein set up is really nice but i'd seriously consider the newer bilstein 6112 coil strut set up since its a 2.5" diameter body and will be tuned to the characteristics of your 3rd gen. Not to mention it will cost about as much as the tundra bilsteins and coils if bought separately. If you replace the HU make sure to buy the right connectors so that you retain the main and diversity antennas..

Dude this is helpful, Ill price these out.

What HU are you using? I just nee BT and a back up camera

 

[jimmyrecluse]

Ok, first up compare coilovers with Tundra springs and Bilsteins. If the cost isn't more than $500 difference, Ill go with coilovers.

Pioneer HU looks more and more appealing.

NO K&N! Im going with AFE.

Tundra Brakes

 

[Mark_BC]

I would really really highly encourage you to do the Tundra brake upgrade. I've done the 231mm on all three of my 3rd gens. It is an absolute dream to press the brake pedal now.

You can do the 199mm and probably be fine, I know others will agree that have done this: it is night and day difference between stock and the Tundra brakes.


As far as the head unit goes: I'd go with Pioneer. I have a very nice Kenwood and I have no antenna control. I believe pioneer has done a better job of keeping that working.

I hear the TBU doesn't fit with the stock split 3 spoke wheels. True?