JasetheDamager's build thread for a 97 SR5 4x4

[farmerjon]

@Farmerjon: Hey man, I've been reading through other threads and stumbled across your posts and agree with you about all-around rigs. I'm not looking for a rock crawler or a trail beast, since my truck is my daily driver, but I do want a capable truck I can take into the backcountry when need arises. I feel like I'm taking those steps in the correct order with my upcoming upgrades. Mechanical first. Appearance second.

However, what you can't see from the pics I posted (Maybe some trick photography at work is that the front passenger door is a different shade of Evergreen Pearl than the rest of my truck cuz my mechanic buddy replaced the door with one from another 97 SR5. It's a faded color and has several scratches. Of course I have scratches all over the truck and some clear coat peel on the roof.

So I've decided that I'm going to get a decent paint job before I buy my front bumper. I feel like the truck looks awesome except for that damn door. I'm doing some research today and tomorrow to find a shop here in OC and get a few estimates. With the new lift, tires, wheels, and paint job, I think my rig will be a unique truck here in MallCrawler land where every other vehicle is a Tahoe, Hummer, or Escalade :gun4:

I agree... I had a discussion with Hepar about mods and MPGs and in the end, I want a daily driver with as much MPGs as one can reasonably expect... At this point I'm, like you, working on mechanical, then appearance...

So first I'm working on rust and external transmission cooler (I have an auto tranny), then I'll consider stuff like auxiliary lights on my bumper and a roof rack and sliders...Exception is, I'm treating myself to an Ultraguage soon...

Because it's my DD (daily driver), I probably won't ever lift it - the height is perfect in my mind, I don't need it higher.

Congratulations again on your rig, and no, I didn't pick it up in the pictures, it is hard to tell if you haven't seen the rig in person... I agree, that's the first step, if I was you, I would do that door before my bumper. Smart move, man!

Keep us posted!

:bravo:

 

[JasetheDamager]

I'm killing time before my new suspension kit arrives, so I painted the floor mats and rear cargo mat satin black to vary up my interior. I used Dupli-color fabric paint for the cargo carpet mat and Rustoleum Satin paint/primer for the floor mats. I like the contrast with the tan interior. Of course, this is a matter of opinion. Then I decided to paint the wheel flares that the previous owner installed and I painted the trim around the license plate. Again, I used Rustoleum Satin paint/primer for this process. All told, the paint cost about 50$, but it's worth it. I like the black/green combo.

I'm also interested in painting my decals black. Does anyone have experience on removing decals and placing them back on the truck? Do I use a heat gun to remove? What kind of adhesive to I use when placing the decals back on the truck? I appreciate any help and thanks.

 

[Bretski1]

I've never seen painted carpet. Keep us posted on how this holds up.

 

[JasetheDamager]

I've never seen painted carpet. Keep us posted on how this holds up.

Hey Bretski, thanks for checking out my newly created thread. I'm just starting out and I'm excited about my upcoming upgrades. As for the carpet paint, now that's it dry, the carpet feels and looks good. I'll give the paint a few months before posting positive and/or negative reviews.

And your rig is cool too! I'll make sure to keep checking back for updates.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm also interested in painting my decals black. Does anyone have experience on removing decals and placing them back on the truck? Do I use a heat gun to remove?

Most people use dental floss and a "blow dryer" NOT a "heat gun" - I've only used a heat gun once in my life but definitely wouldn't want it within 6 feet of any truck's paint. Heat Guns, if that is what you meant are often used specifically to peel paint.

I just did the dental floss without a blow dryer; what I was left with is some sticky foam in the shape of the numbers.

I used 3M's Goo Gone citrus solution to remove the remaining sticker but I managed to put small marks in my clear coat on the 330i from my fingernail. Minor and they will buff out very easily.

So I suggest the blow dryer just to get it warm and then dental floss.

 

[farmerjon]

I'm also interested in painting my decals black. Does anyone have experience on removing decals and placing them back on the truck? Do I use a heat gun to remove? What kind of adhesive to I use when placing the decals back on the truck? I appreciate any help and thanks.

Wow, I've never heard of painting fabric, let alone carpet... Be interested to see how that works in the long run...

As for painting decals, most people use Plasti - Dip - you can spray it and it peels easily... Hence why it's very easy to apply as well as touch up...

Look into it as a potential option!

Related: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/97013-painting-plasti-dip-emblems.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/98367-plasti-dip-emblems.html

:surfer:

 

[JasetheDamager]

@Farmerjon: Thanks again man! I went to Home Depot and bought the Plasti-Dip. It's supposed to rain here in OC tomorrow, but I'll try it out soon and post some pics. I also ordered the 4WD OEM emblem on Ebay and I'll paint that as well.

On a side note, I'm planning on upgrading my interior lighting and found a great chart made by 4-Ripcord. I'll post pics once I delve into that project.

 

[farmerjon]

@Farmerjon: Thanks again man! I went to Home Depot and bought the Plasti-Dip. It's supposed to rain here in OC tomorrow, but I'll try it out soon and post some pics. I also ordered the 4WD OEM emblem on Ebay and I'll paint that as well.

On a side note, I'm planning on upgrading my interior lighting and found a great chart made by 4-Ripcord. I'll post pics once I delve into that project.

If you've skimmed through my build thread - you'll see that I'm comtemplating plastidipping my emblems as well - but that I have the '4Runner' emblem in the license plate holder... So will be interested to see how yours turns out...

Curious which 4WD emblem you got exactly? Looked on eBay a number of times, but never really liked any of them... Also will be curious where you place it, will wait for pictures

We're all here to help each other out!

 

[JasetheDamager]

Curious which 4WD emblem you got exactly? Looked on eBay a number of times, but never really liked any of them... Also will be curious where you place it, will wait for pictures

Here's a pic of the emblem I bought off Ebay for 9.90$ with free shipping. I'll place the emblem next to my SR5 emblem so it reads SR5 4wd.

 

[JWaldz]

I got my ARB front bumper a little under 2 years ago and for $750 shipped to my door from 4wheelparts dot com. You can always try to weasel your way into a deal if you call them. That's what I did

Bunch of promising upgrades. Keep up the good work

 

[JasetheDamager]

@ARKRWLR: Thanks for checking out my new build thread. I really appreciate the advice and wisdom that keeps pouring in from this forum. Looks like you have yourself a serious trail beast.

Based on what I've learned from this site, and my own independent research, I think the ARB is the best way to go when I upgrade my bumper. However, my list of needs/wants before the bumper is running to about 4,000$ at this point. This number includes:

1) SS 1.2 Alternate Kit
2) Hankook Dynapro ATs 305/70/R16
3) Powder coating my Ultra wheels
4) Alignment
5) Changing out my fluids: transmission, etc
6) Replacing my spark plugs and wires
7) Replacing my LBJs if necessary
8) Installing the Ultra-Gauge I ordered
9) Upgrading my interior lighting to LEDs
10) And last but not least: Getting a decent paint job to match up the front passenger door I replaced

I'm sure I missed something with this list, but it's all I can remember for now. I'm hoping to have all of these needs addressed in the next 7-10 days. arty:

 

[BrianSD_42]

check out 4RunningDaily's build thread for info on a decent n cheap paint job.

The place he went to is in escondido.

Good luck. I bought my ARB for $675 + $120 in shipping. No regrets so far.

 

[JasetheDamager]

@Brianemc2: Thanks again for the info. I checked out 4RunningDaily's thread and it seems he got a fair price for his paint job, though he's still waiting to post final pics. I'm keeping my truck the same Evergreen Pearl, so I'm hoping to do a decent paint job for around 1,000$

And that's a great deal for an ARB. I'm pretty sure I read where you got it either on your thread or from one of your messages, so if I'm repeating myself, I'm sorry, but where did you get it? For me, an ARB is the final touch for a big-time upgrade. I'll actually have to do something useful for the world around me to warrant such a cool gift to myself.

 

[Hepar]

If you do decide to get the ARB, one thing you need to keep in mind is the added front weight of it. They're pretty heavy. I know you said you got the 1.2 kit. I'm not too familiar with that one, so I'm not sure if it's going to sag the front end with the added weight.

 

[JasetheDamager]

@Hepar: I'm definitely no lift guru so I called Steve at Sonoran Steel and he said my SS kit will be able to handle the added weight when I finally get to adding an aftermarket bumper.

Again, here's a list of what I'm adding to the front:
(1)-Toyota Progressive TRD Front Coil: Driver/Left Side
(1)-Toyota Progressive TRD Front Coil: Passenger/Right Side
(2)-Toyota Stover Nuts
(2)-Toyota Upper Shock Bushings
(2)-Sonoran Steel Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Polyurethane Top Plate Retainers
(2)-Bilstein 5100 Series Height Adjustable Nickel Plated Heavy Duty Front Shocks
(2)-Sonoran Steel Fabrication L.L.C. Front Differential Drop Spacers

 

[Baja Runner]

I might be selling my ARB in the next week or 2. However, I modified (Cut and welded) the brackets for a 1" body lift. Its in perfect condition. I've had an ARB on 2 4runners for about 5-6 years and am looking for a different look I guess... that is hte only reason Im swapping.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Did you find out about going "1 notch up" higher than Steves default setting?

Myself, BFAD, Dirtco, many running SS 1.2 all had to go just a bit higher because of the weight from an ARB + skid.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I will be selling my Bud built in a few weeks as well. Let me know if your interested. I am prob going to have an Aluminum skid fab'd.

 

[Hepar]

@Hepar: I'm definitely no lift guru so I called Steve at Sonoran Steel and he said my SS kit will be able to handle the added weight when I finally get to adding an aftermarket bumper.

Again, here's a list of what I'm adding to the front:
(1)-Toyota Progressive TRD Front Coil: Driver/Left Side
(1)-Toyota Progressive TRD Front Coil: Passenger/Right Side
(2)-Toyota Stover Nuts
(2)-Toyota Upper Shock Bushings
(2)-Sonoran Steel Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Polyurethane Top Plate Retainers
(2)-Bilstein 5100 Series Height Adjustable Nickel Plated Heavy Duty Front Shocks
(2)-Sonoran Steel Fabrication L.L.C. Front Differential Drop Spacers

Perfect. Just wanted to make sure you had all your based covered.

 

[JasetheDamager]

I might be selling my ARB in the next week or 2. However, I modified (Cut and welded) the brackets for a 1" body lift. Its in perfect condition. I've had an ARB on 2 4runners for about 5-6 years and am looking for a different look I guess... that is hte only reason Im swapping.

Hey Baja Runner, thanks for checking out my newly created thread and dropping me a line. I'm still figuring how to use all the features on the thread, and I'm sure I can contact you personally if I poke around a bit more, but I'm tired tonight and feeling lazy.

I just have a few questions for you. I'm waiting for my SS 1.2 A Kit in the mail and when I get it I'm doing a complete suspension upgrade. I was going to get a paint job before putting on the ARB, but paint is paint, and if I can score an ARB for a decent price, I'm willing to change my mind. You said you modified the brackets to accommodate your 1" body lift. Forgive me if this sounds completely ignorant, but does that mean I need new brackets, or will it only work if I have the body lift?

Anyway, I'm hoping to get all my planned upgrades done soon. Once I'm finished with this first big round, I'll know how much cash I have left to spend on other upgrades.

I'm down here in SoCal as well spending my time between SD and OC, though mostly OC for work. I noticed that you're also living in SD. I'd love to check out your bumper, but I can't commit to a price until I know exactly how much I'm spending on my SS kit, tires, and LBJs.