New Member _05 4Runner pics

[bren_speed]

Hello everyone,
I've been checking out this site for a while and found it very useful. I purchased my 05 SR5 4WD V6 runner with 3rd row seating in December w/ 23,000 miles for $19,950. and I love it. I've always wanted to purchase one but have always stuck to the tuner and luxury cars. Anyways, here's some pics.
1. Couple days after I purchased the vehicle.
Front.

Rear

Pics with the 20" wheels the 4Runner came with. I immediately took them off the day after I bought it. There's nothing wrong with big wheels, it's just not my "thing".

 

[bren_speed]

I sold the 20" wheels and picked up a set of Sport wheels and a set of FJ Cruiser wheels. Both wheels have 265/70/17 tires on them. Since I had these 2 sets, I decided to sell the stock SR5 wheels w/ the 265/65/17's.

Here's a pic with the FJ Cruiser wheels when I first put them on.

Since then, I debadged the sides, took off the running boards, installed side vent/ rain guards and had the grill and FJC wheels painted matte black. I was going to order a set of spacers for a nice conservative lift but am deciding on ordering the OME springs and replacement shocks. I should have those ordered and installed in June.

 

[bren_speed]

more pics

I also have the 4Runner Sport wheels w/ 265/70/17 tires but never took any pics of them on the runner because it pretty much looks like a gold sport. I'll post more progress as I get parts in and installed.
Thanks for looking. Feedback is welcomed.

 

[bren_speed]

Feedback welcomed...

 

[teamblend]

that looks really awesome to me, the color and the black looks great, and i really like that grill

 

[josh220]

Did you paint the grill yourself, or pay to have it done? I'm debating whether I should paint mine black, or just go buy a color keyed black grill from a Limited 4runner, from the dealership.

 

[bren_speed]

Thanks for the comments. I would probably get a black OEM grill from the factory but I chose to match the wheels and grill with the same matte black. Since the grill was originally chrome, I could always paint strip it later and polish it to it's original chrome finish (since the chrome is painted over from the factory.) I painted the wheels myself. I used automotive etching primer and Evercoat matte black paint. Since this is my second set of wheels, I didn't mind changing the look. I am planning on modding it more and hopefully have a decent ride like most of you on this forum. Thanks.

 

[LL21]

You really messed it up

I'm glad you took the 20's off, those looked silly. But it looked a lot better without those black rims and that black grill. It looks so generic now, plain. Also, the running boards need to go back on. You were good to go with the sport wheels on there and the chrome grill.

 

[bren_speed]

I've been getting alot of compliments on the look. It really sticks out. I like the grill black, but I could always paint strip it and polish out the chrome again. I really don't care for the chrome on an SUV. If I wanted chrome, I would have bought a GX 470 instead. I'm going to lift it in a month. I will probably put the Sport wheels back on since the tires are brand new. I appreciate the honesty but I don't think I messed it up. I think if I didnt change the look, It would look just like another Sport, but in gold. I took the running boards off because I always have to step over them and they end up rubbing on my pants all the time. I'll post progress pics as I mod it. This 4runner has a black grill and black rims too and it's kick @ss. \/\/\/\/

 

[josh220]

I've been getting alot of compliments on the look. It really sticks out. I like the grill black, but I could always paint strip it and polish out the chrome again. I really don't care for the chrome on an SUV. If I wanted chrome, I would have bought a GX 470 instead. I'm going to lift it in a month. I will probably put the Sport wheels back on since the tires are brand new. I appreciate the honesty but I don't think I messed it up. I think if I didnt change the look, It would look just like another Sport, but in gold. I took the running boards off because I always have to step over them and they end up rubbing on my pants all the time. I'll post progress pics as I mod it. This 4runner has a black grill and black rims too and it's kick @ss. \/\/\/\/

You didn't mess up your truck at all bro. For every person that doesn't like the running boards gone, and the other mods you did, there are 5 or 10 who think it looks awesome. It's your truck, so just play around with mods until you find something you like.

I say leave the black stuff on, and keep the boards off. Then put a 2/1 or 3/2 lift on it, and it will look bada$$.

I'm glad you took the 20's off, those looked silly. But it looked a lot better without those black rims and that black grill. It looks so generic now, plain. Also, the running boards need to go back on. You were good to go with the sport wheels on there and the chrome grill.

Care to explain how modding a truck makes it look generic? And personally, I think maybe your running boards should come off..... :bigok: Taking off the granny boards was one of the best mods I have done, and it was cheap too.

 

[bren_speed]

Thanks for the comments. I have a bunch of friends with crazy rigs and they say it looks good like that. I ordered a set of 3/2 spacer lifts like you suggested and it will go on next month. There are a ton of modded and lifted FJ's here but suprisingly no 4th gen runners. I'll post pics when the mods are installed. Thanks again.

 

[bren_speed]

Update: Cornfed 3/2 lift is on and I installed a set of 2" wheel spacers. Running new 265/70/17 Maxxis A/T tires. I'll post better pics later.

 

[bren_speed]

 

[josh220]

That 3/2 Cornfed is with 265/70/17 size tires right?

 

[bren_speed]

/\/\/\ Yep. With the 2" spacers it gives it a wider stance and makes it look more "buff."

 

[josh220]

/\/\/\ Yep. With the 2" spacers it gives it a wider stance and makes it look more "buff."

Haha looks good. I'm having a 3/2 put on this Friday to replace my 2/1, and have some spacers in the mail. I went with the 1.25" though, not the 2".

 

[T?@\7]

I think the truck looks nasty with the black wheels!:artist: im darkening my wheels ASAP....!
I like the grille work too, I think your truck is looking great!
Welcome and keep up the speedy progress :bigok:

 

[josh220]

Also, did you have the lift and spacers installed at the same time or did you have the lift on first? I am having the bigger lift put on Friday, but the spacers won't be ready until the end of next month so I am wondering how it will look.

 

[T?@\7]

i ran my truck for like 4 months lifted AND on stock rubber AND without spacers.... it looked silly but not rilly. The spacers add quite a bit though.....like a bodylift an inch or more goes a long ways.

 

[bren_speed]

Thanks. I installed the lift and ran it first for about 2 days. After installation, I could feel the "top heavy" feel. Once I added the spacers, the vehicle felt alot more stable. I only went with the 2" spacers because the local off road shops only carried that size. The wheelers on Guam are hardcore with their rigs. I think it will still look awesome with the 1.25" spacers. I'm looking to get a "fabbed" front bumper later and some procomp wheels. Maybe next year I'll upgrade to coilovers and rear suspension. For now the car isn't paid off and I won't be hitting any hard trails yet.