Jerkydrewster's 99 4Runner Build Thread

[JerkyDrewster]

This is where I'll be cataloging everything that I do with my 4Runner! I plan on making it an expedition/overland rig with some light wheeling that is also my daily driver. I have a lot of ideas (a lot coming from you guys) that I'm excited to implement on it.

This is where it's at right now. I put on some 265/75/R16 Cooper Discoverers, removed the running boards and did the deck plate mod. The complete mod list is below. Definitely more will come!

Here is the most current picture

Upgrades and Modifications

Wheels & Tires
- 265/75/R16 Cooper Destination A/T3
- OEM 96-98 Split 3 Wheels

Engine & Performance
- Deck Plate Mod
- Intake Silencer Removal Mod
- NGK Spark Wires
- B&M 70264 SuperCooler Transmission Cooler (In series)

Suspension
Front
- ToyTec Coilovers with 600lb Red Eibach Coils
- ToyTec 1" Diff Drop
- Specialty Products Company LR UCA
- New OEM LBJs, OTRE, ITRE
- Energy Suspension Polyurethane Sway Bar Bushings
Rear
- ToyTec Superflex Coils
- Bilstein 5100 Shocks
- Toytec Panhard Bar Drop Bracket
- Energy Suspension Polyurethane Sway Bar Bushings

Undercarriage/Drive Train
Front
- Tundra 231mm Calipers (13WL)
- OEM Tundra Rotors
- Toytec Braided Front Brake Lines
- Energy Suspension Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushings
- CVJ Remanufactured CV Axles
Rear
- Extended Rear Differential Breather
- New Brake Drum Hardware
- Toytec Braided Rear Brake Line

Stereo System/CB/Ham
- Kenwood DDX371 Receiver
- Polk Audio db6501 6-1/2"
- Kicker 40CS54 5-1/4"
- Pioneer Amp GM-D8604
- Pioneer TS-SWX2502 Sub
- Uniden 520xl Pro CB Radio
- Cobra Antenna
- 3ft Firestik Antenna
- 2015 Baofeng Handheld Ham Radio

Electrical
- "Big 3" Upgrade
- Blue Sea 12 Circuit Fuse Block
- Blue Sea 100A Circuit Breaker
- Interstate MegaTron Plus Battery
- Upgr8 7" Electric Fan

Interior
- Red LED Gauge and Climate Control Lights
- LED Interior Lights (Map, Dome, Cargo)
- Custom Built Cargo Box
- WeatherTech Floor Liners
- AutoMeter Trans Temp Gauge
- DLB Rocker Switch - Ditch Lights
- Rexing V1 Dashcam

Exterior
- Bauer Roof Rack
- Yakima Snowboard Rack
- Rigid Industries Dually Flood Lights
- CBI Ditch Light Brackets
- KC HiLites 6" Pro Sport LED Lights
- Smittybilt 9.5K Synthetic Line Winch

Armor
- Stubb's Welding Rocksliders
- Savage Offroad Front Engine and Differential Skids
- CBI Offroad Rear Plate Bumper
- CBI Offroad Front Hybrid Bumper

 

[JerkyDrewster]

This is how it started in July 2014. 1999 sr5 4Runner with 4WD and 92K miles.

I took off the running boards and got the new 32" Cooper Destination AT/3 with some wheels I picked up off Craigslist.

With the new shoes

In the process of painting the wheels

All done!

 

[sandracer33]

Welcome! It's nice to see another central coast runner here! Looks like you've got a nice start on your expo rig!

Top photo looks like the top of the hill heading into M.D.O.?

 

[JerkyDrewster]

Welcome! It's nice to see another central coast runner here! Looks like you've got a nice start on your expo rig!

Top photo looks like the top of the hill heading into M.D.O.?

Thanks! And that's exactly where I took that!

 

[JerkyDrewster]

After looking at a ton of different cargo space set ups, I had to make my own cargo box. I wanted to have two drawers that were 24" long and a space behind them to house a sub and extra equipment. I also wanted a spot on the box where I could add an extension piece to sleep on.

Here is the material list:
-3/4" Ply for the drawers, the top, and the bottom
-2x8" for the frame
-24" Full Extension Drawer Slides

Here's what it looks like.

 

[JerkyDrewster]

I wanted to give my speakers the power they needed, so I decided to buy an amp. It gives the front speakers 100W and I can bridge the rear to be 300W for the sub I will eventually buy.

I decided to put the amp underneath the driver seat since there wouldn't be as many wires running through the interior. I ran into my first problem with the bolts holding down the seat. They were rusted to the body, so getting them off was a real hassle.

Here's the area without the seat and the power cord that was routed along the door panel.

Instead of guiding the speaker wires through the car door, I cut the wires that lead into it (purple and pink) and soldered in the new wires.

Here is the final product with all of the wires plugged in. You can see where I routed the RCA cables through the center console with the stereo power wire too.

Overall, I am very pleased with this amp. It definitely makes the speakers sound more powerful and a lot better too.

 

[JerkyDrewster]

I had some free time this past week while I was in between studying for my classes so I decided to do the deckplate and ISR mod.

Here's a picture of the deckplate mod.

For the ISR, I went to a local muffler shop where they cut a piece of stock metal to length and expanded the ends to the right diameter. I then painted it with high-heat gloss black paint. I also got some 7/32" hoses to replace the old one coming from the ISR and the FPR. This was the final result.

These two simple mods made the car sound much deeper when I was giving her gas and quieter when I was cruising which was more than I could have asked for. I don't really know if it gave me more power or if I'm just feeling it, but it does feel like it can get up and go a bit quicker.

 

[JerkyDrewster]

After heading back from a camping trip in Big Sur, the runner decided to have the death wobble. I've had it before but it was never this bad, so I wanted to change that. Since I had some free time during spring break, I figured there wasn't a better time to do the 231mm Tundra Brake Upgrade! I decided to go with the O'Reilly brand calipers, rotors and pads since they were quite a bit cheaper than the OEM, but they still last a long time...great for my college student budget. I had to get a 1/4" spacer as well since the split 3 wheels rub on the calipers without them, and I didn't like the idea of shaving the wheels or the calipers down.

I started with this pile of boxes. It cost around $380 after I returned the old cores.

Here is the size difference of the calipers and rotors.

The space between the caliper and the wheel was smaller than a 10mm wrench, more than enough clearance!

And this is after everything was done!

Initial thought after driving: Incredible! :biggrin1:
My car actually stopped after braking with ease which was foreign up until now. I am very happy that I pulled the trigger on this one, and I would never go back. I would definitely recommend this mod to anyone.

 

[Fishwerks]

I like what you have done so far.

What are your future plans for it?

 

[JerkyDrewster]

I like what you have done so far.

What are your future plans for it?

Thank you!!

I want to start taking it on light wheeling trips so I can get a feel for actual off-roading since I have only taken it on an easy dirt trail so far. I also want to take it on multi-day expeditions throughout California and some other states like Colorado and New Mexico!

 

[oneal48]

Good looking 4Runner man, and low miles too! I like the cargo box, you should post a picture with the extension on for sleeping. You should come to New Mexico! It's awesome here. A lot of people just over look it. Anyway keep up the good work.

 

[montijo505]

Good looking 4Runner man, and low miles too! I like the cargo box, you should post a picture with the extension on for sleeping. You should come to New Mexico! It's awesome here. A lot of people just over look it. Anyway keep up the good work.

Nice start on the runner, I want a third gen so bad. Definitely come to New Mexico, it's awesome here!

 

[JerkyDrewster]

Good looking 4Runner man, and low miles too! I like the cargo box, you should post a picture with the extension on for sleeping. You should come to New Mexico! It's awesome here. A lot of people just over look it. Anyway keep up the good work.

Thanks oneal! I will post up the sleeping extension once it is built! It is one of the next things on my list. I've been to NM a few times near Cimarron and I love it there! I want to go back badly.

Nice start on the runner, I want a third gen so bad. Definitely come to New Mexico, it's awesome here!

Thanks montijo!

 

[JerkyDrewster]

Just got the Uniden 520xl cb radio in the mail, and I hope to be putting it in this weekend at some point!

 

[SCRunner12]

After looking at a ton of different cargo space set ups, I had to make my own cargo box. I wanted to have two drawers that were 24" long and a space behind them to house a sub and extra equipment. I also wanted a spot on the box where I could add an extension piece to sleep on.

Here is the material list:
-3/4" Ply for the drawers, the top, and the bottom
-2x8" for the frame
-24" Full Extension Drawer Slides

Here's what it looks like.

Nice build and what part of the Central Coast are you at? Any idea what the drawer system weighs?

 

[JerkyDrewster]

Nice build and what part of the Central Coast are you at? Any idea what the drawer system weighs?

Thanks! I'm originally from San Jose, but I go to school in San Luis Obispo.

For the drawer system, I would say that it is between 50 and 75 pounds, but I honestly do not know. I bought all the wood when it was wet so it weighs a lot less now than before. But the back doesn't sag from the extra weight.

 

[JerkyDrewster]

I was able to put in the Uniden 520xl cb radio this past weekend. Cutting away the ash tray bracket was simple with the dremel and the radio fits right in! I found a piece of scrap wood to screw the bracket into. It was a little thick, but I was able to squeeze it around it.t

All installed

The radio worked without having to tune it which was great since couple friends and I were able to hit the trail and talk to each other later that night!

 

[JerkyDrewster]

I got to break the runner in some more this weekend on some fun trails by the Cuesta Ridge. Originally it was supposed to be some light dirt paths, but we ended up doing some light crawling and bush-whacking. Not only did I snap the front antenna on some tall brush, I also got some nice pin stripes down the side. I was really impressed with how well the truck performed and how much I was willing to do. The hardest part was a steep, rocky/gravel trail. It didn't help that my rear wasn't locked, but after a few tries I finally got it.

I had a blast pushing my car harder than I ever had before and hanging out with friends!

Here are some pictures and a video of the trip.

Before:

After:

Video:

 

[JerkyDrewster]

I was looking under my car and noticed a weird wet pattern around my wheel. I looked into it some more and learned that I blew out the rear passenger axle seal! I don't really have the money to get all the parts to rebuild both sides, so I went with what might have caused the problem, the diff breather. I just wanted to do something simple that was also beneficial.

I added on the breather extension which was a super easy fix that took maybe 20 minutes to install.

Over the summer I will be able to fix the seals and do my 100K miles maintenance!

 

[JerkyDrewster]

I got to have a bit of fun this weekend with some friends at the dunes and some light wheeling the next morning up on Cuesta ridge. We tried staying at the dunes overnight, but they had sold out months ago so we decided to have a fire by the trucks (which we lit with a car cigarette lighter...I don't recommend it). It was a great weekend!

Slack lining between the trucks

Some glamour shots of the runner

I wanted to try going down a trail that I had only gone up before and I got one of the wheels in the air. It was pretty scary at first, but a pretty sweet adventure in the end.