My money pit...99 Highlander sport build

[RockyMtnHigh]

The Dark Knight...My 99 Highlander sport build

Hello everyone. I've been lurking on here long enough so now its time to start a build thread. Just want to thank everyone on here for their inspirational builds and loads of information. This forum is great, keep it up! I will begin with a picture of my rig shortly after I bought it. It is a 1999 4Runner SR5 Highlander sport edition 4WD w/ about 129k on the odometer. Over all it was in good shape but needed some normal maintenance issues to address. Here she is after a bath and some 15% window tint all around.....

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

First things first, I changed the oil, flushed the coolant, changed the transmission fluid, new brake pads, then changed the plugs and wires. There were some clunks and rattles coming from the front end so after some investigation, (taking it to a mechanic), come to find out that not only the rack and pinion bushings were shot, but the U-joints were toast too. So here is a pic of the new R&P...

And my freshly rebuilt driveshaft...

Installed.....

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Now for the fun stuff....

Bilstein 5100s installed with 2" spacer in the rear.
diff drop installed
16x8 Procomp series 52 wheels in matte black
285/75R16 Toyo open country AT2
Trail Gear rock sliders installed and painted matte black

Huge thanks to the guys at 4Wheel Parts in Denver for their help with everything!

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Time to take this thing off road and test it out....

I like this pic

Pikes Peak

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Got some more goodies, Bushwhacker OEM style flares.

dry fit

front

rear

Im really happy with the fitment of the flares. Im going to get them painted to match soon and I will take better pictures.

Also got some EGR in-channel vent visors.

And this is how she sits as of today. Much more to come

 

[blizz86]

Looks clean, the black is mighty fine!

 

[BlackCat914]

I think I need to add those fender flares to my "to do" list. How do they mount?

 

[Millerad1651]

I like the fender flares...almost like the satin finish against the gloss of the rest of the truck...matches your wheels that way.

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Looks clean, the black is mighty fine!

Thanks! Yes black looks great....as long as its clean

I think I need to add those fender flares to my "to do" list. How do they mount?

They use a combination of the factory screws/bolts and new supplied brackets. They also come with a rubber gasket that goes between the flare and the body, gives them a factory appearance.

I like the fender flares...almost like the satin finish against the gloss of the rest of the truck...matchttp://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/132075-t4rotm-january-2013-a.htmlhes your wheels that way.

Yea i've pondered leaving them but I think I like the painted look better.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I have those same flares sitting in my buddy's garage waiting to go on my black '99 Highlander. Looks like the fit was great. Did you have to tweak them at all or we're they a clean fit out of the box?

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

I have those same flares sitting in my buddy's garage waiting to go on my black '99 Highlander. Looks like the fit was great. Did you have to tweak them at all or we're they a clean fit out of the box?

They pretty much fit perfectly. There were a few areas on the rear that I had to trim back about a 1/4 inch. Also I don't like that the metal brackets are exposed underneath the front flares. I might see if I can hide them when I permanently mount them.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Do the front tires rub the flares at all?

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

A little bit, but only on sharp turns. I plan on lifting a little higher in the near future

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Looks clean, the black is mighty fine!

Go away as*hole. You keep coming back and I don't know why. Pisses me off though.

 

[Scotty_h]

:croc: sweet, always wanted to use that animation...

 

[nissanh]

Everything looks fantastic, except the door visors. Use JDM visors...they are big, hence, will blend perfectly with the large fender flares in the limited trucks to give an awesome look. They are also very useful in a rainy day.

I am about to get rid of the OEM useless visors and waiting for my TOYOTA JDM visors from Japan.

 

[AddictedOffroad]

You want to sell your stock flares? Sending you a PM now.

 

[HumanJoseph]

Your 4Runner looks really good man, nicely done! I am picking up the Bilstein 5100s soon here, and was debating on lifting the rear at all, as I like the prerunner look, but I do not want anything too outrageous. The way your 4Runner is sitting looks perfect to me, with the 2 inch rear lift. Do you know if there anything different between the Highlander stock stance, compared to the SR5?

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Your 4Runner looks really good man, nicely done! I am picking up the Bilstein 5100s soon here, and was debating on lifting the rear at all, as I like the prerunner look, but I do not want anything too outrageous. The way your 4Runner is sitting looks perfect to me, with the 2 inch rear lift. Do you know if there anything different between the Highlander stock stance, compared to the SR5?

Thanks! I believe the suspension is the same, just came with hood scoop, color matched bumpers, grille, and locking rear diff.

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Got my flares back from the paint shop. They turned out great!