Marasmus' Toyotas 2002 Build Thread

[Marasmus' Toyotas]

In The Year of Our Lord 2023, I became a proud Toyota owner. After years of being in a Toyota family I did the research and decided on the 2002 4Runner.

My 2002 4WD Limited Imperial Jade Mica (On Thunder Cloud Metallic) 4Runner. And she came loaded, in addition to the usual Limited accessories (Heated seats, sunroof etc..) she came with the "Limited 4Runner" carpet mats, roof rack, and Dealer original all weather floormats (Husky).

I am of the mindset that with a couple of changes this is the perfect vehicle for any person, anywhere. My goal is to keep it as functional and good looking as possible. As you will see with my modifications and upgrades I try to keep the actual permanent changes to a minimum.

I should have a picture album on my profile that has pictures of how the rig was without any modifications, just as I bought her. https://www.toyota-4runner.org/members/marasmus-toyotas-albums-stock-as-purchased.html

In preparation for my purchase I gathered all of the 2002 Toyota documentation (message me if you want any info or a picture from any of these books)

*Picture of my first ever fillup*
*Picture of "Limited 4Runner" Floor mats*

Current-ish Miles: 169,800
Table of Contents
Introductions (X You are here)
Current Equipment+ Mods
Regular Maintenence
TLDR Trips

 

[Marasmus' Toyotas]

Tires: Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus (265/70 R16)
Lift/Suspension:
Front: Fox 2.0 Struts + Custom Overland Sway Bar Links.
Rear: "Tall" 1999 4Runner/Highlander Springs + Shocks + Custom Overland Sway Bar Links

Modifications
Antenna Switch mod
Passenger Heated Seat Switch Relocation to the passenger foot well trim
Rebuilt my Driver's Front Seat to a Cloth and manual seat (keeping the stock heated seats) here is the write up:
Andy's 1.0 Mod wired into a Sienna's power door off switch. I used this guide with no issue, Disabling VSC & TRAC - 2001-2002 4Runner with VSC & TRAC Systems - YotaTech Forums however, I opted to follow the wire (the "The red wire is the ground wire...") to the interior and go off of it there so I did not have to run the wire through the firewall.

Both parts of the fog light mod for the 2001-2002 4Runners. I followed this guide and it works perfect with no issue. I also have this attached to my 2nd set of fogs (the pre 1999 fog lights) Toyota 4Runner Highlander Electrical Modifications Fog Light Mod

Upgrades
Transmission cooler from 1st Gen Sequoia
Bluetooth/Aux input from GTA Parts
Rear Door Speaker Adapter to run bigger speakers
"4Runner" Spoiler Decal
OEM Block Heater (Part Number I used C0140-2134 ,from Scarborough Toyota) Works great even in the -20 degree F weather we had.
Rear Differential Extended Breather
Rear Hatch door handle
Added 1997-1998 4Runner Fog Lights (Blazer Replacements, here is the write up:

Of course I had to ruin the factory fog lights, so here are some pictures of me painting the factory (1999-2002) fog lights. I used canary yellow glass paint, I took advice from a Subaru forum of all things. I will post updates how the paint holds up over time... (March 27th 2025)
I did notice that there was a slight slight decrease in light brightness even with new bulbs, but overall I am satisfied with the look of them.

 

[Marasmus' Toyotas]

Torqued Propeller Bolts: 139,713

Oil: I use Synthetic Blend 5W-30 with the OEM Toyota/Denso filters about every 4,000 miles. My 150,000 mile oil analysis showed better than average values, but stay tuned for my next one...

Driveshaft Greasing: ~30,000 miles ago I had my local Toyota dealer do the greasing, never again will I use this dealer for many reasons, but this service did get done.

Coolant: I use the Toyota Pink and have flushed it about 2 and half times in my ownership. (New Upper Radiator Hose as well) 161,221

Air filter: I use the OEM Air filter 156,846

Sparkplugs: Toyota/Denso plugs, not an easy job, not a hard one, 139,713

Transmission Fluids: About every 30,000 miles I simply do a drain and fill with Toyota ATF (Dexron III). 143,943

Driveline Fluids: I used Redline Gearoil in my front differential and I am happy with it. The Amsoil in my transfer case and rear differential I feel does not last as long and I do not get as good of gas mileage. 156,844

Brake Fluid: Brake fluid flush with new bleeders all the way around. This was just done using a wrench and my feet, no fancy tools or scanners (which is what the service manual says to do) 156,632

Power steering Fluid: Using this video by our man Tim,(https://youtu.be/5k61KXRK8bM?si=LRAGdix7n4Tk_Q-g) I flushed the power steering fluid system and cleaned the reservoir filter. I use Idemitsu hydraulic fluid, I feel like it is quiet and smooth. 167,200

Tierod ends: When I began my suspension modifications I decided that it is better safe than sorry, they possibly could have been original, but I think they were replaced at some point. 146,050
Drivebelts: In preparation for my 1st mini trip, I replaced and adjusted all three belts, and it was easier than I thought. 164,062
Lower ball joints: My service history showed these were replaced in 2005, about 20 years ago, so I replaced them with OEM New bolts and joints. 146,050
Swaybar links: These were definitely original, the rear top mounts snapped instead of unscrewing.
Steering Rack Bushings: WIP
Shocks: Both front and rear were replaced. See my "Current Equipment+ Mods" post for more info but basically, my front are Fox Shocks, my rears are OEM "tall" 1999 4Runners. 156,849
Alternator: In 0 degree weather my original alternator decided to give out, through my diagnosis it looked like the voltage regulator failed completely. Roughly 15,000 miles and a year later the rebuilt one works great. 154,310
Oil Pressure Switch: Not because anything was wrong with it but because I snapped it off with my careless wrenching. From the feel of it, it seemed like it had been replaced before 148,163
PCV Valve: Just part of a tuneup 146,050 rears are OEM "tall" 1999 4Runners.

 

[Marasmus' Toyotas]

First Toyota Offroad Trip (6/7/2025)

My first ever offroading trip, let alone in my own car, let alone in my '02. In early June of 2025

At the time of the trip I had just recently finished my ~2 inch lift in the front and ~2.5 inch lift in the rear. (Fox 2.0 in the front, 99 Tall springs and shocks in the rear) I had installed my Pre-99 fog lights at this time and the Rear Diff Extended breather mod. (Thank goodness for that as the photos will show) All of which performed great off-road.

Date: Early June 2025
Location: Halsey, Nebraska area
Composition/Environment: Saturated sand and dirt/mud
Rating: Max: 2 Min:>1 (Regular Gravel roads)

We took off for Halsey, Nebraska to the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands. (With a pitstop or two) Highly recommend visiting the Kinkaider Brewing CO in Broken Bow, NE.

I was the only non-General Motors-made vehicle on the trip, however I was the only one with All-Terrain tires (Pirelli Scorpions) and a higher than stock lift.https://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=417673&stc=1&d=1773786082

We encountered your usual sand and mud, with some places being flooded due to recent rain, and during our night camping. Some places had medium holes and ruts that had a good 6-8 inches of water.
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=417674&stc=1&d=1773786082
The highlights of the area were a steep hill climb of sand (I bet it was 30 degrees or so). Grass and forest trails that went past old farm relics and through the burned parts of the forest. A great place for some piece and quiet, not very many people were out there with us. Maybe 2 or 3 Jeeps but mostly non-offroaders who were just camping out enjoying the scenery.

We did not need a permit or pass to my knowledge. The ranger station was very helpful and gave us paper maps of the area and warned us of certain area that were water-logged, as well as areas off limits due to the semi-recent fires.

We met a cross-country adventurer in his JDM Landcruiser with the turbo diesel. Shout out to you my guy:director:, hope your trip down South does well. https://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=417668&stc=1&d=1773785955
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=417669&stc=1&d=1773785955