Mr. Banks Build Thread

[Mr. Banks]

And so it begins. I'm kicking off my build thread with all of the ideas for mods floating around in my head. Hopefully I'll get feedback and comments to help filter the good with the bad and everyone will enjoy assisting in another built thread. Here's the link to the 4runner gallery thread : http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gallery/52898-mr-banks-4runner.html

In no particular order, the future mods:

Wheels: I don't want anything to do with TRD on my 4runner. I like them but if they want to neglect the V8 4runner then fine. We don't need you. With that being said, my stock rims can hold out for now, and I'll just upgrade the tire size to help with the new look of the suspension until I can decide on rims. I am super picky. Tires will probably be bought on base because I'm cheap like that. It seems like the Dealership would only be more expensive and less selection.

Suspension: It started with a Daystar Lift kit from Wheeler's Off Road but in the last 2 months I have decided to go big or go home. Leaning on an Icon stage 2 lift to start. I do want to go bigger but If I do that I'll have to buy the parts individually and over time. If I went with an OW 2.5 I would be spending a little more but I would be done with it. If I went ICON there's the potential to want to build/spend all the way up to a stage 6, = $$$$. Not sure yet if I want a bumper and winch combo, but I'd rather have the suspension for it anyways. Yes ARK I have been paying close attention to your posts. I really like Metal Tech's prices, Metal Tech 4x4 - 4th Gen. (2003-2009)

Headlights 03-05 Toyota 4Runner Halo Projector Headlights - Black I really like how the 06 OEM LED tail swap worked out. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/908366-post67.html For the front, I'm torn between the Halo's and a projector retrofit. Either way I'll need headlights while I mod the stock set with a retrofit...

Other mods I have seen here with some wonderful write ups are:

- BluTooth for phone, and R/H steering wheel controls (have L/H audio controls already) My question is, where's the mic? I can't recall where or what it looks like.

- Overhead domelight console (with Homelink buttons) swap

- VSC/ATRAC (V8, 2UZ-FE) 4x4 mod with stock looking/OEM push-button. I want this to be done in a clean manner that doesn't cause any problems with dash lights.

- Eclipse AVN62D lockout/bypass switch for NAV/DVD use. Ordered this before I left for my deployment. Need to actually install this bad boy when I return in June.

- FJ "Bling" skid plate part number: PT212-35071. Yes I finally found it. Until I can decide on a CBI forward high center mounted hidden winch/recovery point, or an armored bumper, this is what I want under the front of my 4runner. I am not a fan of the Taco/4runner plate. I used to have this under my 4runner until one horrible experience with a dealership and my 60k mile inspection. They didn't reinstall it, and I was out a plate with no help from them to get a replacement. Now the search is over, and this is what I want until I make up my mind on bigger projects.

 

[gaterose]

- BluTooth for phone, and R/H steering wheel controls (have L/H audio controls already) My question is, where's the mic? I can't recall where or what it looks like.

- Overhead domelight console (with Homelink buttons) swap

I believe the mic is in the overhead console (on the bottom of the sunglasses holder?) so you'll want to look for that in the console you choose.

Also, I believe some members installed the RH controls and didn't get much functionality out of it. You may want to search for that and read those threads before you spend the money on the controls.

 

[Mr. Banks]

Re:

Thank you Gaterose, I will look into that. I think it has something to do with the ribbon wire that links the two together. There's the L/H controls, R/H controls, and the ribbon linkage. I think that's the key.

Anyways this is exactly why I wanted to get a head start on this while I'm deployed. I can gather the feedback and opinions and collect all the part numbers I need to look up to put on order for the fun to begin when I get home.

 

[Mytoy4]

Looking forward to seeing the mods!

 

[Mr. Banks]

"Bling" skid plate

If anyone knows me they know I have been searching for the right replacement skid plate I used to have on my 4runner. I bought my runner used and there was an aftermarket skid plate that came with the runner I assumed was part of the sports package. Little did I know it was from an FJ Cruiser. Now I have two accessory skid plates. Both were purchased the first day I registered for membership at FJCruiserForums.com. I paid the price for one and also acquired one for cost of shipping so now I have two plates and hardware for both. I am really excited because I could not stomach the Taco skid plate. This one just seems to fit the brushed aluminum look the sports were going for back in 2005. More pictures to follow once I return from my deployment.

 

[Mr. Banks]

Overhead console and Blue Tooth updates...

After a lot of thread searching, I found the part numbers for the overhead consoles. The console shall be placed on order shortly...

63670-0W030-B0 - Gray without sunroof
63670-0W040-B0 - Gray with sunroof
63670-0W030-E0 - Tan without sunroof
63670-0W040-E0 - Tan with sunroof

These are without the Mic. As of right now I can't find an assy with Homelink, with Sunroof, WITH MIC. Most of them are without the mic or the one with the mic doesn't have sunroof controls. Gah.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Please don't get those cheap Ebay headlights. They are so ugly.

Just do a projector retro fit. You will get a proper projector with great output.

 

[Mr. Banks]

RE: Mikey

Please don't get those cheap Ebay headlights. They are so ugly.

Just do a projector retro fit. You will get a proper projector with great output.

Thank you for your brutally honest opinion? My question is, do I have to turn in a set of headlights in order to get them retro'd? If so I will need to find a set to swap out for the down time. I see what the final product looks like thanks to your build thread. Thank you for talking me out of the KB Car Stuff's Angel Eye HIDS

Break

Just ordered my Map Light overhead console with HomeLink and Sunroof controls. Also the VSC/ATRAC push button from Toyota Parts Zone. Come to think of it I am pretty sure I ordered the FJ button because that's the PN I had. To be honest I totally forgot what the 4runner button looks like, or if there's even a difference. The console from the dealers price was $120, and TPZ sold it for $80-something. The VSC/ATRAC was $50. While expensive, it doesn't trigger my OCD. I know I'm going to have to mod the button to keep it from being a momentary switch to a full on open/close type switch.

Now I'm going to have to decide on who's VSC/ATRAC mod I want to follow for my all time 4x4 V8 power slides in the mud/snow

 

[seanmh]

Just ordered my Map Light overhead console with HomeLink and Sunroof controls.

What part number did you order? Does it have sunroof controls and the mic?

 

[Mr. Banks]

RE: seanmh

What part number did you order? Does it have sunroof controls and the mic?

I used the P/N: 63670-0W040-B0 - Gray with sunroof, homelink.

I found the overhead console page, and all of them were without mic. Well there was one that didn't have the rest but it did have the mic. So it was like, best 2 out of 3. Believe me I tried to look for the one that had all 3 features. I just could not find it.

I don't have a bluetooth system installed yet anyways. I guess I'm ordering the Eclipse bluetooth once I get back home from my deployment and I can use Ebay once again.

 

[seanmh]

I was mainly looking for the homelink and ended up getting an auto dimming mirror with home link. Maybe you should go that route for the home link and get the sunroof controls with mic without homelink?

 

[Mr. Banks]

RE: seanmh

You know the auto dimming mirror doesn't really appeal to me. And I don't have blue tooth yet so it isn't a loss. How in the hell did the 2005 Limited offer blue tooth with a sun roof? Is there another P/N that wasn't listed?

Nah, still agree, don't need the dimming mirror.

 

[calikev]

so did that FJ gray aluminum skid plate just bolt right on? I'm looking for one for my Runner in the LA area if so

 

[Mr. Banks]

RE: Calikev

When I bought my 4runner that was the skid plate the dealership offered. I have never seen the 2006 aux skid plate until I joined this site. My skid plate was stolen off my 4runner a while ago and I have not seen my 4runner in 9 months so I can't remember if the brackets were still under there or not. Anyways I have yet to put it back on since I bought it through paypal and I'm on a deployment. We are headed back to the states now, and I'll be home at the end of the month.

I actually acquired two plates from our friends over at FJ Cruiser forums. One of them is beat to all hell and back, and the other is brand new. It was a two for one special, and I couldn't see any reason NOT to get both.

 

[Mr. Banks]

Spidertrax Wheel Spacers and Daystar lift

I failed to mention the last time I drove up to Portland, OR from San Diego, CA I picked up Spidertrax 1.25" wheel spacers and the 2.5" Daystar Complete Lift kit (XREAS compatible) From Wheeler's Offroad Quality Off Road Parts & Accessories Since 1999 I was able to order online and pickup at the shop on my way to Portland.

I had to keep it budget friendly since I needed to buy a car once I arrived in Okinawa. Someday, it will be nice to ditch the XREAS and have a real 4runner suspension.

 

[Mr. Banks]

Build Thread Continued

While deployed to Kuwait, I was doing some browsing, and looked at what I can do now:

Burtman Industries
- Black headlights from JasonB's website

Lighting products for the Toyota 4Runner 2003 - 2009
- LED swap on low, high, fogs, and turn signals from Headlight Revolution

And what I can do later:
https://iconvehicledynamics.com/wheel/8475/icon-alloys-shield/1017858347MB/?finishID=2833
- ICON Shield alloy wheels, Black with machined logos. Not sure if I want all black or colored logos due to the Sport having some silver coloring on some trim pieces. Thoughts?

-Goodyear DuraTrac's
Wrangler DuraTrac | Goodyear Tires

And finally, remove the XREAS/Daystar spacer lift, and pull the trigger on a complete suspension upgrade.

 

[Mr. Banks]

Mikey’s

Please don't get those cheap Ebay headlights. They are so ugly.

Just do a projector retro fit. You will get a proper projector with great output.

You will be happy to know I ditched that idea. Went with JasonB’s black OME-style headlights and LED’s from Headlight Revolution LED Off Road Light Bars, Aftermarket Headlights, LED and HID Conversion Kits and Bulbs

 

[Mr. Banks]

Deployment continued...

3 weeks from going home and they extended us 3 months. I decided to spend some deployment money on the header’s Titanium studs and nut kit from
Burtman Industries

 

[Mr. Banks]

Deployment continued

I should have added that I’ve been contacting Doug Thorley’s shop for shorties when I return.

After the headers, suspension, wheels, and tires upgrade, there’s the matter of a roof rack, and either a bumper lightbar or bumper, winch, and lightbar combo.

The roof rack has to work with my sunroof operation.
The bumper has to be seamless with the body and easy on the eyes otherwise I’ll scrap those plans and settle for a lightbar stuffed into the stock bumper.

 

[Mr. Banks]

Tires and lights

Added my LED headlights, low, high, and DRLs from Headlightrevolution.com
And got new Goodyear wrangler duratrcs.