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jpless
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98 sr5 -> 06 sr5 -> 06 ltd
I got my 98 sr5 from my father in 2003. Here's the only pic I have on my current computer:
Putting my 19' Grady White away during July 4th Weekend 2009, my transmission started slipping so I traded it in the following week for a 2006 SR5 4WD (v6):
24 Hours Later, I traded that back and got the 06 LTD 4WD (v6):
I got my 98 sr5 from my father in 2003. Here's the only pic I have on my current computer:
Putting my 19' Grady White away during July 4th Weekend 2009, my transmission started slipping so I traded it in the following week for a 2006 SR5 4WD (v6):
24 Hours Later, I traded that back and got the 06 LTD 4WD (v6):
jpless
New member
Tint/LEDs/x50
First thing I did was tint the front, 20%:
Then I got the stealth mirror wires for my x50 detector:
Then I got a K&N filter:
and then I put LEDs in and out:
...and put in whiter lows and yellow fogs (temporary until HIDs):
only the fogs (no pics with new HLs yet, will update when I get around to it but I'm a bad night photographer!):
First thing I did was tint the front, 20%:
Then I got the stealth mirror wires for my x50 detector:
Then I got a K&N filter:
and then I put LEDs in and out:
...and put in whiter lows and yellow fogs (temporary until HIDs):
only the fogs (no pics with new HLs yet, will update when I get around to it but I'm a bad night photographer!):
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jpless
New member
In-Channel Vent Visors
My vent visors came around the same time as my tranny cooler. If I did it again, I would have gotten weathertech. I bought some "EGR" visors off ebay but they sent me Stampede brand, which I never heard of.
They looked good so I installed. Ran into issues with the tape not being all hidden. I had to exacto and peel pieces out, took a long time and have some scratches on them now! Either way, they're on for now and functioning pretty well. They do have some bubbles and bumps that don't make it look as clean from the inside as I would like.
Here's a closeup of the front window. I like how it covers the entire area. Notice that it is mounted on the outside at the bottom of the mirror, this is the only external tape but I think it provides a good hold. Not sure how this compares to the other In-Channels but it's what I've got!
My vent visors came around the same time as my tranny cooler. If I did it again, I would have gotten weathertech. I bought some "EGR" visors off ebay but they sent me Stampede brand, which I never heard of.
They looked good so I installed. Ran into issues with the tape not being all hidden. I had to exacto and peel pieces out, took a long time and have some scratches on them now! Either way, they're on for now and functioning pretty well. They do have some bubbles and bumps that don't make it look as clean from the inside as I would like.
Here's a closeup of the front window. I like how it covers the entire area. Notice that it is mounted on the outside at the bottom of the mirror, this is the only external tape but I think it provides a good hold. Not sure how this compares to the other In-Channels but it's what I've got!
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jpless
New member
FJ Suspension Swap
My most exciting mod to date is my FJ Trail Teams suspension swap. I found a set of the 2008 FJ Bilstein shocks, struts and springs with 12k miles for $160, so I jumped on it after consulting with members of this forum.
Still deciding the spacer size to put in as I've gotten mixed reviews on the height gain from these alone but I'll probably do the 1" Daystar. It's going to be a little while before I get these on but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy them.
More to come....
My most exciting mod to date is my FJ Trail Teams suspension swap. I found a set of the 2008 FJ Bilstein shocks, struts and springs with 12k miles for $160, so I jumped on it after consulting with members of this forum.
Still deciding the spacer size to put in as I've gotten mixed reviews on the height gain from these alone but I'll probably do the 1" Daystar. It's going to be a little while before I get these on but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy them.
More to come....
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jpless
New member
Off the bat I knew I wanted to get a rear spoiler, paint the mirrors, upgrade the sound system, and would probably need to replace the wheels as the sr5's were peeling already and I'm always putting them in the water with my boat.
When I got the sr5, I was pumped. It was the first car I had bought on my own and I liked having a new car. In the first day, however, I just kept tacking on things I would do because it was a base model. I chose the sr5 over the ltd (didn't even look at it at first) because of cost. The Grey Mica was my favorite and I've always been pointing it out as the one I wanted the most.
The LTD was about $5k more but I took a look at it. As soon as I sat in it I was like wow this just feels more like mine. I decided that I shouldn't settle on the sr5. I figured if I'm already paying a lot for it and I plan on having it until it dies, why not get the one I want from the beginning. I really liked the steering wheel controls, aux input, heated seats, AC outlet, and keep finding so many little things that make the LTD that much nicer than the SR5. Now I'll never be like "man, I wish I didn't settle from the start."
On top of that, it had 12k less miles and thus qualified for the toyota 100k waranty (although that was obviously more expensive too).
Also, I figured if I started with what I wanted, I wouldn't spend as much time and money as I did modding my 98 sr5. I believe this thread shows that didn't prove to be true.
I'm very happy with my decision but every now and then I get jealous when I see mine with a v8.
When I got the sr5, I was pumped. It was the first car I had bought on my own and I liked having a new car. In the first day, however, I just kept tacking on things I would do because it was a base model. I chose the sr5 over the ltd (didn't even look at it at first) because of cost. The Grey Mica was my favorite and I've always been pointing it out as the one I wanted the most.
The LTD was about $5k more but I took a look at it. As soon as I sat in it I was like wow this just feels more like mine. I decided that I shouldn't settle on the sr5. I figured if I'm already paying a lot for it and I plan on having it until it dies, why not get the one I want from the beginning. I really liked the steering wheel controls, aux input, heated seats, AC outlet, and keep finding so many little things that make the LTD that much nicer than the SR5. Now I'll never be like "man, I wish I didn't settle from the start."
On top of that, it had 12k less miles and thus qualified for the toyota 100k waranty (although that was obviously more expensive too).
Also, I figured if I started with what I wanted, I wouldn't spend as much time and money as I did modding my 98 sr5. I believe this thread shows that didn't prove to be true.
I'm very happy with my decision but every now and then I get jealous when I see mine with a v8.
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ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Haha, sounds like another me out there. I've been throw several rigs all because I didn't spend the extra the first time. You've sure got a nice one now, and regardless it's just hard to leave things stock. Looks great, very nice list of mods thus far, and those FJ shocks/coils will really change the way you feel about the 4runner, they're awesome!
looks good dood!!! nice clean simple mods. i just stepped up to a new to me used 2006 4Runner from a 1990 4Runner. still learning about all these minor mods. i installed a tranny cooler on the old 4Runner, i think i am going to have to do the same with the new one. i have a little skiff too, 18 foot center console that i tow around 20 miles to the launch so the tranny cooler is a good addition.
did you see any gains with the K&N filter?
did you notice any difference with the new bushings?
did you install the entire FJ suspension or just the springs?
what are your impressions of how your new suspension rides vs oem stock?
thanks in advance,
euy
did you see any gains with the K&N filter?
did you notice any difference with the new bushings?
did you install the entire FJ suspension or just the springs?
what are your impressions of how your new suspension rides vs oem stock?
thanks in advance,
euy
nice ride...I did the same thing with my 06 v8 sr5 compared to my 10 limited....after test driving both and everything else, we decided we wanted something that would last us till it dies, and that we arent going to want to get rid of in 2 years because its not really what we wanted.
bulldogtaxi
New member
just noticed the pic of fed ex field. I am right down in st. marys county! do you ever go to green ridge or GW national to off-road?
SamNavy
New member
Forgive my noobness,
Is "Trail Teams" an upgraded OEM FJ suspension? Is it a special package or the stock stuff? And the 1" Daystar is to level out the rear, correct?
TC4Rnr
Member
IIRC, FJC's come with 3 different suspension setups, all the coils are the same:
1.) standard: black Tokico shocks
2.) TRD off-road: sliver Bilstein shocks
3.) Trail Edition: red Bilstein shocks.
jpless
New member
then I must have the TRD off road. Blue Bilsteins, guy just advertised them as "trail team". I can't wait to get them on. I'll either level with the 1" or maybe do something like a 2/1. I won't have time to get them on for a while so we'll see what I end up going with.
I also won an eBay auction for a gibson muffler (only $6 +$19 s/h!!!). That might delay my suspension work. I'll probably have the shop weld that on and route the exhaust out the side when I get my condenser and have them vacuum and fill it.
I also won an eBay auction for a gibson muffler (only $6 +$19 s/h!!!). That might delay my suspension work. I'll probably have the shop weld that on and route the exhaust out the side when I get my condenser and have them vacuum and fill it.
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jpless
New member
with the gibson muffler on the way, I decided to cut off the resonator to see what sound difference was made so I could decide whether to install the gibson.
What looks like dents in my bumper is actually the reflection of the resonator and saw I used to cut it off with.
It's a little louder in acceleration and drone but not very throaty. Still debating whether to put in the gibson as I want a little more rumble but not too much!
What looks like dents in my bumper is actually the reflection of the resonator and saw I used to cut it off with.
It's a little louder in acceleration and drone but not very throaty. Still debating whether to put in the gibson as I want a little more rumble but not too much!
jpless
New member
Blacked Out Headlights
My passenger side headlight had moisture in it so I took it out to bake and re-seal. Once I had it off, I decided to try blacking out. It was so easy (although time consuming) that I immediately went out in the dark and took off my Driver's Side and did that one as well (I was up late!)
Made a couple mistakes and used a sharpie to touch-up scratches that happened while trying to put back together.
Items Used:
Rustoleom Gloss Black Spray Pait
Acrylic Gloss Clear Coat
600 and 100 grain sandpaper
Silicone Sealant (Clear)
Total cost: < $20
I found the 100 grain to work faster and better than the 600.
I used leftyguns' writeup here
Comparison Shot:
Blacked out:
Installed:
Love the look! Hopefully I re-sealed them well, I took my time in doing it. Time will tell...
My passenger side headlight had moisture in it so I took it out to bake and re-seal. Once I had it off, I decided to try blacking out. It was so easy (although time consuming) that I immediately went out in the dark and took off my Driver's Side and did that one as well (I was up late!)
Made a couple mistakes and used a sharpie to touch-up scratches that happened while trying to put back together.
Items Used:
Rustoleom Gloss Black Spray Pait
Acrylic Gloss Clear Coat
600 and 100 grain sandpaper
Silicone Sealant (Clear)
Total cost: < $20
I found the 100 grain to work faster and better than the 600.
I used leftyguns' writeup here
Comparison Shot:
Blacked out:
Installed:
Love the look! Hopefully I re-sealed them well, I took my time in doing it. Time will tell...