RdRunNNeR
New member
I've had my 4Runner for 8 months now so it's time to create my own build thread. I don't know how much building I plan on doing, but I've found once I get started... it's hard to stop.
The Search
My search for a Runner began long before I was in a position to buy. I started searching sites like AutoTrader, eBay Motors, and Craigslist. It was shocking how much these vehicles were going for. I thought a 14 year old truck would be around $3000... that was way off. Most 4Runners were around twice that much, and that was for 2WD; I wanted 4WD.
The Find
In December of 2010, I found an ad on Craigslist for a 1997 SR5 with 4WD. It had a few strikes against it from the onset. First of all, it had 220k miles on it. Secondly, it was Stellar Blue Metallic... aka purple. Despite these issues, I gave the guy a call because he was only asking $3500. The vehicle was located in a town about an hour drive from where I live. When I initially emailed the seller I told him I was looking at 4Runners that were closer and had lower mileage, but I would come check it out if I could get a really good deal on it, like $2500. To my surprise, he wrote back and told me $2500 was as low as he could go. Roadtrip! Armed with all the knowledge gleamed from t4r.org, I went with a buddy to check out the vehicle. The truck was in decent shape. It needed some brake work and cosmetic work, all stuff I could do myself. I bought the truck at $2500. The seller was a nice guy and included the CB and subs/amp/box (which I later sold, when you are in your mid-thirties, a part of you dies and you no longer need that much bass). I sold the subs/amp/box for $200. I sold the CB for $35. That makes my net purchase $2265! So now that "flamboyant" color and high mileage doesn't seem too bad to me. And actually, like an arranged marriage, I have grown to love the color. And as for the mileage, it's a Toyota, who cares! With the deal I got on the price, I could probably afford to put in a new engine and/or transmission in the event of some catastrophic failure.
So far, the vehicle is a boss and I have no regrets.
The Timeline (photos)
Before I bought the vehicle, I told myself I wasn't going to do too much to it. But unfortunately, this snowball is starting it's roll.
The day I brought her home - December 31, 2010
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Seller's Pictures - December 26, 2010
Dash - High Mileage
Gross Carpet
Missing Window Switch - REPLACEMENT COST: $20.50 - switchdoctor.net
Subwoofers
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First Project: Replace Carpet (how-to video) - January 22, 2011
TOTAL COST: $128.95 - stockinteriors.com
Carpet Removed
Old vs New Carpet
New Carpet Installed
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Replace Timing Belt, Pulleys, Water Pump, Sparkplugs, and Belts - January 29, 2011
TOTAL COST: $431.30 - Autozone / O'Rielly
Timing Belt
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Replace Rotors - February 20, 2011
TOTAL COST: $64.78 - Autozone
Old Rotors
Next time I will do Tundra upgrade.
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LED Taillight Upgrade- February 26, 2011
TOTAL COST: $145.95 - eBay seller neondials
Old Lights
Old Lights Removed
Are you like me? Anytime I remove a piece, it's a good time for cleaning.
New LED Taillights Installed
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Tint Front Windows - April 28, 2011
TOTAL COST: $65.00
Before
After
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Upgrade to '99 - '02 Headlights (write-up) - August 22, 2011
TOTAL COST: $77.95 - eBay seller carpartsoutlet
Remove Grill
Headlights Installed
Stay tuned for more updates. As of last night (September 6, 2011), I just acquired a set of FJ Cruiser rims and tires from Craigslist for... wait for it... $200!!! Pix to come soon.
What % tint did you use on your front passenger and driver side windows? Looks like 35 but maybe 50?
