New 4Runner Owner, any must-do mods?

R

roddyc

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Just picked up a 2003 SR5 with towing package with only 150k on it. Any must do mods that are cheapish? I've already bought some HIR bulbs as I found the headlights a little lacking.

Not looking to really go crazy, just see if there is anything that Toyota might have missed. It is my part time daily driver/designated fishing vehicle/stuff hauler so I am just looking for anything I can improve upon.

Thanks and glad to be part of the club, even with this many miles on it, the 4Runner drives great.
 
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change interior lights to led, maybe footwell lights or maplight mod, rear aux./backup lights,
 
Delete Seat Belt Alarm (first mod I always do) -- search "Seat belt alarm" for instructions

Tint all Windows (I live in a hot climate)

Find some different wheels -- I personally hate the SR5 wheels, but to each his own.

Lube driveshaft to get rid of clunk.

Change the Cabin Filter (no one seems to ever change these).

As someone mentioned, add a constant hot 12v outlet, plus 3 or 4 switched 12v outlets.

If you aren't going to do major lifts on the truck, at least install 1/2" Toytec spacers ($60) in the front, which gives you 1" of lift, and gets rid of most of the ridiculous "bloodhound look".

Lose the fugly running boards and install some tube steps.

Buy a Sport Edition tube style OEM roof rack off ebay and change out the roof rack.

Have fun!
 
I've had my '03 SR5 less than a month and already I have found the black headlights and LED tails to be my favorite mod both in looks and safety - at least that is what I tell my wife why I bought them! A set of Bilstein 5100s improved the ride a lot too. Next on my list is getting my audio system all finished up.

As far as maintenance - make sure all fluids are new. I put on a new serp belt just to be safe. Also, webby is correct - change out the cabin filter. Mine was nasty!
 
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^^^ all quality reco's above. Welcome!

You could do JA's fog light mod. Just search for ''fog light mod''. I ''might'' have the link within the page drom my signature.


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Personally all of the above are great ideas. I'd say the interior LED swap is very effective and worth the time, while being very easy to do too. I was skeptical and now that I've done it, I couldn't be happier. I did every light, including license plate and running boards as well as all the interior lights.....minus the glovebox. I got the LED for the box, but can't figure out how to get the old POS bulb out of there!

Wheels if you have the funds

Small lift

Upgrade sound system/navi unit/head unit depending on what kind you have currently.

Fog light mod

Tint is definitely worth the money if you live in a hot climate (Im in Florida) and it keeps my truck significantly cooler!
 
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Thanks, that DIY thread is great, lots of good ideas. The interior lights suck, LEDs are going to be next for sure. I don't really dig the rims either, but the tires are practically brand new and I don't want to pay someone to dismount/remount the tires on new rims. When I need to replace the tires, I'll probably look for some Tundra wheels or something.

One thing I have been looking at has been installing the Homelink map light assembly. I was thinking instead of that, has anyone tried retrofitting an auto-dimming/homelink/compass rearview mirror? If so, any suggestions as to which one?

And anyone have any good ideas for where to put a portable navigator that isn't on the windshield or on the dash?

Luckily, I was able to pull full service records from the Toyota dealer and the previous owner was pretty good about bringing it in for regular maintenance so serpentine belt, fluids, and cabin filter have all been changed semi-recently.

I apologize if the questions I asked above are searchable, but I tried searching and have trouble filtering out what exactly I'm looking for. Thanks again guys, this seems to be a really great resource!
 
Have the timing belt and water pump been changed? If you have the V8 it should have been. Not cheap but less than a new motor.

I went for dependability on my first change outs- fluids and filters first (cabin air filter was original I think). Then I hit the lights and now working on stereo system.

Have fun, there are a lot of ways to throw money at the 4runner and you enjoy doing it.
 
roddyc said:
Thanks, that DIY thread is great, lots of good ideas. The interior lights suck, LEDs are going to be next for sure. I don't really dig the rims either, but the tires are practically brand new and I don't want to pay someone to dismount/remount the tires on new rims. When I need to replace the tires, I'll probably look for some Tundra wheels or something.

One thing I have been looking at has been installing the Homelink map light assembly. I was thinking instead of that, has anyone tried retrofitting an auto-dimming/homelink/compass rearview mirror? If so, any suggestions as to which one?

And anyone have any good ideas for where to put a portable navigator that isn't on the windshield or on the dash?

Luckily, I was able to pull full service records from the Toyota dealer and the previous owner was pretty good about bringing it in for regular maintenance so serpentine belt, fluids, and cabin filter have all been changed semi-recently.

I apologize if the questions I asked above are searchable, but I tried searching and have trouble filtering out what exactly I'm looking for. Thanks again guys, this seems to be a really great resource!
Click to expand...

+1 to the LED interior light mod -- one of the best $50 I have spent on my runner!

Re the homelink/auto-dimming/compass rear view mirror mod -- I did that to mine. I bought mine off ebay. It was advertised as used, but pristine, and it was! -- could not tell from new! I paid about $150 with shipping, and debated about spending that much, but am soooo glad I did. Mine also has orange color compass letters -- not a perfect match, but close enough anyone would think it was an OEM mirror. Mine has three homelink buttons, so I have option to program two more. Everything works perfectly, the homelink, autodim, and the compass. I recommend the mod.

Re GPS, my recommendation is get an Android smartphone, all of which have free Google maps and Navigation. That is what I use -- don't need or want any other navigation/GPS. I plug my phone into the 12V to conserve battery and it takes me wherever I want to go. I find it vastly superior to regular GPS units, as it is much easier to zoom out and see the whole route than a regular GPS -- much more versatile in many ways than conventional GPS in dash or aftermarket.
 
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RE: Toyota Previous Owner Info.

You mentioned having gotten a hold of the previous owner(s) maintenance logs and from the stealership. If you register your VIN online at Toyota Owners - Official Toyota Owners Website
you can get all the information about when/where/etc your T4R was serviced. I found it very helpful as I purchased my truck used.
 
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