Need help with the urge to work on the truck!

[SRQ-Runner]

I have the constant urge to work on the T4R! I'm always wanting to do stuff to it but the problem is I don't have any ideas on what to do. And that's where you guys come in! I need help with some modifications (Interior and Exterior) I can do that will not only make it different and cooler looking then a stock T4R, but also allow me to work on my truck I so desperately want to do stuff to.

So what are some ideas you guys have?
I haven't done any offroading so its a strictly road vehicle as i'm in high school.

Recent Mods:
New speakers
Blue LED lights (Interior)
K&N Air filter
TRD Emblem and shift knob
Yes, sadly Dad doesn't want the running boards taken off.

 

[EraSevera]

I can't tell if that is your stock motorized antenna sticking up. If it is, and it's broken (the electric motor that powers it up and down runs but doesn't work) you can do the Tacoma whip mod. It's on my list!

 

[SR5Runner97]

have dad buy you a can of plastidip and plastidip the emblems and the grill. I went to home depot and tried to buy it and i'm 17 and needed to be 18. I was pretty angry but it wasn't their fault. Mom is going to home depot tonight. You could do the wheels too.
I also want to do a full fluid flush even though the oil changers said they're all good. Just so I can learn.
Also learn how to do an oil change, but it's not worth it to always do your own I've heard. overall it will cost 4$ less than the 20$ they will charge you and you will be yelling profanity, but it's cool to learn.
Change the dash lights to led, I heard it's a full days work to change them but you want to work on your truck right?
One thing you can always do is detail your car. I have a dog so my detail envolves taking seats out to get the hair, vacuum everything twice, wash the outside and take previous wax off, get paint repair stuff and fix the chips that I got the weekend before going offroad.

 

[JohnsD90]

Just cut the running boards off, this way they can't be reattached. Did you not buy the 4Runner or something?

 

[SRQ-Runner]

have dad buy you a can of plastidip and plastidip the emblems and the grill. I went to home depot and tried to buy it and i'm 17 and needed to be 18. I was pretty angry but it wasn't their fault. Mom is going to home depot tonight. You could do the wheels too.

Change the dash lights to led, I heard it's a full days work to change them but you want to work on your truck right?

One thing you can always do is detail your car..

I was thinking about doing the Plastidip idea, but I don't have the tools and skill really to remove the tires to spray them! Do you plan on doing the wheels? If so how? I actually just recently spent about 3 hours clay barring the whole truck and then another 3 waxing it all back up!

 

[IBallEngineer]

I have the constant urge to work on the T4R!
So what are some ideas you guys have?
I haven't done any offroading so its a strictly road vehicle as i'm in high school.

Cut the roof off and put in a Roll Cage!!

Just kidding.

How about painting the front brake Calipers, they sell kits fairly cheap, it allows you to inspect and clean your front brake system and is fairly rewarding. Just don't paint them RED!!

:couch2:

 

[541joseph]

Projector retrofit, build cargo boxes for the rear, led lights for the floor boards when you open the doors. There's a lot of options.

 

[SRQ-Runner]

How about painting the front brake Calipers, they sell kits fairly cheap, it allows you to inspect and clean your front brake system and is fairly rewarding. Just don't paint them RED!!

:couch2:

I would love to do that! But wouldn't it involve removing the front tires?

 

[SRQ-Runner]

Just cut the running boards off, this way they can't be reattached. Did you not buy the 4Runner or something?

The truck was originally my dads and he passed it on to me. He lets me do just about anything to it, but the running boards are one thing he wants to stay on.

 

[Ol'Blue]

I think that you need to compromise with you dad. They are "Running Boards" LOL.

https://www.allprooffroad.com/96024runnertrailarmor/9602rockguards

Sliders

This is a good start and project for both of you to work on. You can go bolt on or my suggestion is weld them in for max protection on the 4Runner.

Also an easy project for you is adding LED lights to everything inside the cab. We both know the stock lights suck and you can't see crap. That is easy and gets you started.

That next project is getting rid of that Cheap Heap Every Valve Rattles Or Leaks Each Time is the garage and getting a real muscle car,lol... Kidding looks like a nice Camaro.

You and 4RunningDaily need to chat. You both got handed down something very cool...

Blue

 

[SR5Runner97]

I was thinking about doing the Plastidip idea, but I don't have the tools and skill really to remove the tires to spray them! !

In the future I might be more interested in it. I've got chrome ultra wheels so idk how plastidip holds up to chrome and when shined up they really sparkle(LOL). All you need is tools to get tires off. Notecards/playing cards to put around the rim protecting the tire. and that's it if it's just plastidip. You don't even need the cards if you plan on peeling it off the tire. Instead of using the t4r search I google "3rd gen 4runner _______" in this case 3rd gen 4runner plastidip rims/wheels. Tons of stuff to get you started. if you like them enough then you can paint them to make them glossy.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/112046-painting-stock-wheels-plastidip.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/83336-plasti-dipped.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/97255-pros-cons-plastidip.html

a can of plasti dip is 5.99 at my home depot and I hear people using 2-3 cans for 4 wheels.
Goodluck! I love seeing us younger kids online.

 

[kball]

I would love to do that! But wouldn't it involve removing the front tires?

Yes...? You said you wanted to work on it..??

This should keep you busy...


All the Mods that can be done to a 3rd gen 4runner. Contest! Who knows the most? - YotaTech Forums

 

[SR5Runner97]

Just cut the running boards off, this way they can't be reattached. Did you not buy the 4Runner or something?

I know he already replied but most people under 18 didn't buy this nice of a vehicle. and even if they do it has to go under moms/dads name until they're 18 which is kind of a bummer..

I had a 98 ford ranger. started working. sold it while saving up and bought this. so in a way I bought it, but credit still goes to my mom. we about split it.

 

[hearno]

I would love to do that! But wouldn't it involve removing the front tires?

You don't have to remove the tires from the truck to dip the rims... check out dipyourcar.com's youtube channel.

Also, do you not have a jack and lug wrench to change out a flat?

You could do the diff breather extension, upgrade your exterior lighting, get under it with some rustoleum and a wire brush and black out any surface rust, black out faded exterior trim. Do you have any tools?

In high school we had a program... I forget what it was called but it was basically a tech school type place where you could take career related classes. I took EMT class there, basic mechanic work class, they had auto body etc and you got elective credit for it. That way, you can take your truck in and work on it and get school credit. They had all the tools and shit you'd need and could do body work too. It was awesome. I recently wanted to learn how to weld so I signed up for a class at my local community college. I plan on trying to make stuff for my truck and they have all the equipment I could want. It's a great way to spend a Friday morning and I learn a new skill that will be useful to me. Don't know if you're able to at 16 but probably next year.

 

[IBallEngineer]

I know he already replied but most people under 18 didn't buy this nice of a vehicle. and even if they do it has to go under moms/dads name until they're 18 which is kind of a bummer..

I had a 98 ford ranger. started working. sold it while saving up and bought this. so in a way I bought it, but credit still goes to my mom. we about split it.

Tell dad to join the forum! He'll see some nice looking rigs without running boards! Or run away and join the Army!

:behindsofa:

 

[JohnsD90]

The truck was originally my dads and he passed it on to me. He lets me do just about anything to it, but the running boards are one thing he wants to stay on.

Oh well, its easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask permission. I bought all of mine, but different strokes.

 

[Brian757]

Oh well, its easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask permission. I bought all of mine, but different strokes.

Haha, you guys are going to get him in trouble!

I suggest inspecting all of your fluids and getting to know your motor and transmission. Learn all about the functions of other components like the power steering system, braking system and cooling system. Inspect that equipment and try to better understand them. It is something that is somewhat universal amongst vehicles and it really teaches you how to tend to your own truck. That will keep you busy. Sounds boring but it is free and will give you a lot of knowledge.

 

[Nervo19]

Did you find this thread yet?

All the Mods that can be done to a 3rd gen 4runner. Contest! Who knows the most? - YotaTech Forums

 

[LittleCaesar]

Your dad has to let it go, and understand this is your car now. It is not as if you are putting on a 6" lift kit and 37s on in the driveway. If you paid the insurance, gas, and taxes on it, would he be willing to give a little leeway?

Try cleaning the throttle body, or at least see if it needs such. Easy to do and doesn't require too many tools, but make note of where all the hoses go.

I'd kick the urge to work on my 4runner and go fishing instead for saltwater, not blood, runs in my veins.

 

[Kanger328]

You can fly here to Cali and replace my rear main seal. That'll keep you busy.