My Build Thread - 2002 Gold Runner

[ALBPM]

BFAD, said I had to do a Build thread...So I'm finally starting this almost 11 years after buying my Runner.

I bought my Runner in August of 2002 at a Big Tent Sale at the Fair Grounds. I was looking for a Pre-Runner for my wife and I looked at the 4-Runners they had and wanted a white one since I had a white 93 4-Runner for the last 9 years.
I didn't see any white ones and didn't want a dark colored Runner. I was also old School and wanted chrome bumpers and not the painted plastic which gets sand blasted out here.
As we were walking back to the big tent to work out a deal on the wife's Truck I spotted this Gold Runner sitting out front. So, I asked the Salesman to see if it was available...
It was so I checked it out and bought it too. We went home with a new 2002 Pre-Runner and 4-Runner that afternoon...


In August, 2002, I found YotaTech and the Mods began.....:whoo:

In October 2002, I replaced the stock suspension with 1"Performance Product Coils and Bilstein Shocks. I got about 2" lift with that combination and that really improved handling and the ride over that mushy stock suspension.

Then in 12/2002 I took the plunge and did both the Silencer and Elbow removal Mods on my 2002 Runner.

I did the Elbow removal first because taking out the air filter box made the Silencer removal easier.

I did something different for the Elbow removal. Instead of just removing it I got a little creative with my Dremel tool. I wanted to avoid having to remove the wheel well components to take out the remaining part which is a major pain in the arse.
So, here is how I avoided this:

I drilled a pilot hole and cut it out with my Dremel.

This is the end result.... A nice big hole where the 90 degree bend is

So, now I just reassembled the modified elbow. No rattles, no hassle with the fender well cover and the Dealer will never see the Mod.

And lastly I placed my pipe in place of the Silencer and spliced the hoses with the brass "T" purchased from NAPA.

I did remove the EFI fuse for 15 minutes. On my 2002 4-Runner it is a yellow 20 AMP fuse.

End results are GREAT!!!!!

Even with the OEM paper air filter there is a noticeable difference in acceleration And combined with my Dynomax muffler it sounds awesome.
Thanks for the help and the Links to Bob's write-up on the Elbow removal.



For the ISR Mod I was one of Dr. Zhivago's "guinea pigs" since I had a 2002.

I have my write up on YotaTech still, Bob, moved them when they overhauled the Forum some years back:

Intake Silencer Removal Mod Update for 2002 4Runners

Intake Silencer Removal Mod Update for 2002 4Runners - YotaTech Forums

1/2/2003

Paul (ALBPM on the forums) shows you how he did the Dr. Z intake mod, and had to do a few things differently on the 2002 engine.

Here's the Revised Mod for a 2002 4x4 4-Runner as the engine differs from the 2001 and earlier models. Notice the lack of a hose port on the plenum below for the 2002 engine.

Step 1:
This is the FPR hose that was attached to the Air Silencer Box - Now removed and replaced with a Steel Pipe. It won't be needed so remove it.

Step 2:
Locate the "Capped Off" Steel tube coming out of the rear of the plenum. Remove the cap. You will also see a length of unused steel tube on the top of the plenum.

Step 3:
Locate the round FPR unit behind the plenum. Remove the piece of vacuum tubing that connects it to the steel pipe running under the plenum to the front. You have already removed the larger hose from the front end of this steel tube in Step 1.

Step 4:
Now you are ready to add the new Vacuum Hose to connect the unused line coming out of the rear of the plenum to the FPR unit. I bought 2 ft of NAPA part # H-459 it cost a whole $1.25
You will need ~3.25" to connect the capped end to the steel tube. (right side in picture)

Step 5:
You will need ~11" to connect this end of the steel tube to the FPR unit.
Now, pull the EFI fuse out for a few minutes and you are done...

Total cost for the 2002 and possibly 2001 Mod done this way was $6.25 total.
$5.00 for the pipe that replaced the Silencer Box and $1.25 for 2 ft of the NAPA vacuum hose (part # H-459).

Here is the mod in place on Paul's engine.

Made me feel good to see my version of the ISR Mod on 4-Ripcords 2002 Runner the first time I checked his out in 2011....:biggrin1:

 

[ALBPM]

10/5/2003 My latest Mod Binge is underway

Last weekend I installed the RevTek Diff Drop Kit and put new tires on the Runner. I wanted to find some Bridgestone Dueler Revos but could not locate the size (275/70/16) I wanted in Albuquerque so, I went with my second choice - Michelin LTX M/S.

I opted for these because my daily drive to work is almost 40 miles round trip and I have read good things about the M/S from Gadget and others. I'll see how well they do in mud and snow soon. The tires were balanced on the Hunter GPS-9700 so between this and the Diff Drop there is no more vibration in the front end at high speed. The stock Dunlops got pretty scary from 60 MPH on up.

If you are not ready to move up to the 285/75/16 tires the 275/70/16 are a great choice. I don't notice much decrease in power and the additional width really makes the Runner feel solid on the highway.


I also ordered a set of Downey 3.5" rear coils from extremeMike last week and should get them in this week. These will replace the 1' PP coils I have on the rear right now. I have about 2" lift in the rear with the PP/Bilstein combo but want a bit more lift and a coil which is a bit softer for off-road than the PP rear coils.

I'm going to keep the PP coils on the front because of the fantastic handling and the PP Front coils are not harsh at all off-road - just the rears have to go.

I know it's not quite a hard-core off-Road machine yet but my Runner is too new, too pretty and too not paid for yet....LOL

The suspension is almost there and these tires will definitley last until it's paid for.
My Off-Road endeavors must take me to a good fishing spot.


10/11/2003
I replaced my rear Performance Products coils with the Downey 3.5" coils today. I got somewhere between 2.25" and 2.5" lift with these.

The first thing I noticed was no more rattling coils
They ride great and the Runner looks better with the rear a bit higher than the front.

Downey coils all come with Beard 18 inch straps for Bilstein shocks, E-brake extension bracket,
Tabs to be welded to the Frame for the straps and all the hardware.



I'm keeping the Front PP coil overs because I have 2" lift in the front with them which is enough for now. They handle great so for this stage of my Mods I'll keep them awhile longer.

Damn, that's a lot of yellow...LOL!!!


11/15/2003

Yee HAWW!!!!!

I put my ARB on today after admiring it sitting on the garage floor most of last week.
It was a fairly easy one man job. The hardest part was persuading it to fit between the ARB mounts. They were a little too close together at the bottom. But a 3lb hammer made them cooperate nicely.

I installed the Hellas but still need to wire them up.
Oh ya.... angle grinders are COOL!!!! Don't know how I got along without one so long....



Some where along the way I got hooked on Zainos Polish. The sun in New Mexico eats up Carnuba based polish in a couple weeks. Lot's of UV when you live at 5000 plus ft elevation.


04/19/2003 4Runner Polishing Convention Ya, this is out of order Pre-ARB

Loosehead came down to Albuquerque today to try out the Zainos Polish that I've been using. And Albuquerque Jim came over for awhile to check out the Mods we've done. Jim has a really nice looking 2000 Millennium Silver Highlander with the Deckplate and ISR Mods. Loosehead and I have Hood Scoop envy now at:

Anyways back to the Polishing.... Loosehead has a Red 98 which had some oxidation on the hood. I used my "Corey Cable" with a yellow cutting pad and 3M Fine Cut Rubbing compound to prep it for the polish. It was the first time I tried the Fine Cut and it worked great!!! It took out the oxidation, swirls and some of the smaller scratches with ease.
We then wiped his Runner down with the Z-1 Precleaner and then mixed up an ounce of Z-2 Polish with the ZFX and 1/2 ounce of Z-5 with the ZFX for the hood. While Loosehead applied the Z-2 to the sides and top I did the hood with the Z-5 to cover the remaining swirl marks.
In all we put 3 coats of Z-2 on the sides and top. The hood got 2 coats of Z-5 followed by 3 coats of Z-2. We wiped it down with the Z-6 between coats and after the final coat of Z-2. I used PakShak Microfiber towels for wiping off the polish and the Z-6 applications.

Here's the results:

So, I think we have another Zaino convert. I just hope he didn't get pulled over for speeding on the way home in that "Glowing Red Runner"....LOL

 

[ALBPM]

In 01/2004 I finally upgraded from the Michelin Tire to Bridgestone REVOS in 265/75/16. I also got rid of the stock wheels on both Trucks since it was so hard to get them balanced properly.
Back in the early 2000s a lot of us were getting rid of the stock wheels and putting on aftermarket non-Toyota wheels just to have wheels that would balance easier.

Here's a shot with both trucks..

 

[ALBPM]

So, I drove it with the above Mods until spring of 2011. Around May 2011 I noticed the rubber bushings on my Bilsteins had dry rotted and were falling apart.

I Found this forum in May of 2011. And ordered an whole new lift from Toytech.

Finally got the rear shocks installed so took the pictures.

These pics were taken while the runner was on the lift so the CV boots look
really bad with the weight off the vehicle.
Passenger front:

Driver side front:

left rear shock adapter:

left rear shock installed;

And the profile....with the new 285/75/16 Revo 2's

**note - I got just over 81,000 miles out of my 265 REVOs. So, I had them put on the
285/75/16 REVOs.



I have quite a bit of rake but the runner was on an incline where I took the picture and made it look more severe. I do like the raked look - (hate saggy asses..on Women and Runners):banger:

I adjusted the front coils to where I have 22.5" from the center of the hub to the fender. You can see how much more the drivers side was turned up compared to the passenger side to make the lift even on both sides. (full tank of gas) Did anyone else have to crank the drivers side up that much more to get both sides even?????

According to Ben, at Toytec I could crank them up to 23".

With the Downy 3.5" lift coils in the rear I have 23.75" on the drivers side rear and 23.5" on the passenger side rear. So, I'll wait till the 5125's settle a bit and remeasure.

FYI...This setup with the 5100 Bilsteins rides much better than the Bilstein HDs that I had on the Runner. It's a bit softer but I don't feel like I lost much control
as far as city/highway driving is concerned. Highly recommended if you make the move up to 285/75/16 or larger tires.

So the next upgrade was to put on some 285/75/16 tiers.

 

[ALBPM]

So, now the T4R Mods start....

I got together with 4-Ripcord to do the 231mm Tundra Brake upgrade.

We had a good day and I still had time to go out and bed the new pads.

Then in July 2011

I got a new Koyo Radiator last week so Ripcord helped me install a TRD Tranny Cooler in series with my new radiator.
I only connected it in series because of the new radiator.

I'm going to have to get a sign made for your Garage...

RRDtm

For "Ripcord's Racing Development"

 

[ALBPM]

My next upgrade was to find some new wheels...

I had Discount tire order a set of their Bronze Level 8 wheels.

They turned out to be more of a Gold color.

These almost match the Dorado Gold color of my Runner perfectly..Like
they were made for my Runner.


Friggn amazing!!!

Plenty of clearance for the 285s and the 231mm calipers.

One more pic....

 

[ALBPM]

After helping with 4-Ripcords SC install I got the bug to do something for my Runner....LOL!!!

I ended up cleaning my MAF and Throttlebody last weekend and then started looking at cold air intakes online.
Yeah, I know most swear by just doing the deckplate or elbow removal and keeping the stock air box. I have the
elbow removed on mine. I also have no desire to use filters that need to be oiled.

While I was looking at intakes I found that Injen has started using
the new Amsoil nano fiber dry filters. So, that caught my attention....

So, I ordered one of the Injen intakes and installed it last Wednesday
night and have been pleased with it so far. It's loud and you can hear
the air getting sucked through it at WOT. It also makes my Flowmaster scream like never before.

I like how they move the MAF up further from the filter so the air pressure builds up before it hits the MAF.
Also, it may help protect the MAF a bit since it's not right behind the filter.


So, now I also want to upgrade my Flowmaster muffler and get something with better flow and a deeper sound.
I'm pretty much set on getting a Borla XR-1 muffler and taking it to a shop for the install.
There are two choices with 2.5" intake/output oval shaped and then there is a 3" option for a round shaped Borla.

Here's my options:
3' - Round:
Borla 40085 - Borla XR-1 Racing Mufflers - Overview - SummitRacing.com

2.5" oval:
Borla 40941 - Borla XR-1 Racing Mufflers - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Borla 40942 - Borla XR-1 Racing Mufflers - Overview - SummitRacing.com


My question is if it would be practical to get the round one with the 3" intake/output??? Would it be possible for a shop
to adapt a pipe to go from the 2.45" to 3" for this muffler??

FYI - here's a table of CFM values for mufflers

I also, ordered a new muffler to replace my old Flowmaster which was rusting out on the bottom.

I had a few packages waiting for me when I got home tonight....

Straight through no baffles...

And a new stainless Cherry Bomb Tip..

And last but not least a new jack to keep in the Runner since my OEM bottle
jack is worthless with my lift.

It goes up to 21" so I can a least change out a flat if need be.
This was $29.95 from Tractor Supply.com

After the muffler install I went over to 4-Ricord's right after work and we recorded a couple more videos.

Not wanting to play hide the Tip anymore...ROFL!!!!!!

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G0fVtXTISq0?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


And this is the engine compartment showing the Injen Intake.

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M8wu4_Hcpik?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[ALBPM]

My next Mod was to get a set of the ToyTech Superflex coils on the rear and get rid of the stiff HD Downey Coils.

I also, ordered some Sliders and a few months later a rear bumper from ShrockWorks.
I have to Thanks BFAD for coming over to help install the rear Bumper. Sure needed the extra pair of hands to line up the bumper
and slide it on the frame.

I got the OEM bumper off today.

Say hello to my lil' Friend...

I bought the Impact drill a couple months ago. It made this job a breeze..

Also, note the lack of any rust on the strap from the Tow Hitch.

So, that's up to date with my Mods as of today...:thumb3:

 

[farmerjon]

Awesome, Paul! Glad you finally started a build thread! Made me take another really good look at your 4Runner, I really like the front/rear bumpers, and those wheels look sick with your rig, the color matches well!

Keep it up!

 

[Ruff]

Wheels

Those wheels look really good on your 4r.

What dimensions are they?


Ruff

 

[MountainMike11]

Very Nice

:thumb3:

 

[PaperweightNate]

How many miles are you at? Have you considered doing new plugs and wires? Helped a bunch for my response. Did a seafoam treatment right before I changed them out and put in a new $8 PCV value.. I highly recommend it if you havent yet! Good to see your build, I've been seeing you creeping around the site since before I got here. :roadkill:

 

[ALBPM]

Those wheels look really good on your 4r.

What dimensions are they?


Ruff

They are 16 x8.5 with 4.5" backspacing.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/wheels/level_8/vehicle/viewProductDetail.do?v=010143%7C2002&pc=54252

 

[ALBPM]

How many miles are you at? Have you considered doing new plugs and wires? Helped a bunch for my response. Did a seafoam treatment right before I changed them out and put in a new $8 PCV value.. I highly recommend it if you havent yet! Good to see your build, I've been seeing you creeping around the site since before I got here. :roadkill:

I did that last summer - just didn't take any pictures.

I joined the Blue Plug Wire club , replaced the Denso wires with NGk wires.

 

[paddlenbike]

It's fun to see someone on here that bought their 4Runner new. Very tasteful mods on a very clean truck!

I bought my 4Runner in 2005 and the longer I own it, the more I love it.

 

[ALBPM]

It's fun to see someone on here that bought their 4Runner new. Very tasteful mods on a very clean truck!

I bought my 4Runner in 2005 and the longer I own it, the more I love it.

Yeah, I see way too much trail damage on here lately.

Mine has always been my DD and for fishing trips.

 

[SCRunner12]

Nice build! I'm swapping out my Downey coils for some Superflex coils as well. I like the Downey's, but I think they are a bit too stiff for no weight in the back. Although I have no clue what version coils I have. We've talked about it before, but mine are gold and I'm at 24.5" in the back last time I checked.

Are you thinking of doing anything else to it?

 

[ALBPM]

I still have my alter ego telling me to Supercharge it.......I missed out getting 4-Ripcords...

Damn voices in my head.....LOL!

get it....Do it.....you know you want it...Do it....do it:whipping2

 

[ALBPM]

Nice build! I'm swapping out my Downey coils for some Superflex coils as well. I like the Downey's, but I think they are a bit too stiff for no weight in the back. Although I have no clue what version coils I have. We've talked about it before, but mine are gold and I'm at 24.5" in the back last time I checked.

Mine is kept empty in the back unless headed out to go fishing or whatever.
I got them because my wife has a severely arthritic vertebrae and could not stand the rough ride with the Downeys anymore.

You will like the Superflex. I still need to checkout BFAD's Tokico LC rear shocks as I hear they ride nicer than the bumpy Bilsteins.

 

[NateMob]

About time you made a build thread, haha. Im at work so none of the photos will show for me, cant wait to check them out later.