RedRunner_87's aka "Operation Mall Crawler" Build Thread

RedRunner_87

Senior Member
I just purchased a 1996 T4R Limited w/ E-Locker and figured I would start a slow build thread. This is called "Operation Mall Crawler" because my friend(who owns a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon) doesn't think 4Runner's can offroad.

As she stands right now:
65_zps0f56qi5q.jpg~original


CURRENT MODS
Grey Wire Mod
285 KO2's
Toytec BOSS w Superflex
SS Panhard
Ultra Gauge
AIRAID MIT
Drifter CB Mount
Adventure Off-road Fab Sliders
Weathertech's
Rear Diff Breather
Relentless Fab Predator Bumper
Superwinch Tiger Shark
PIAA 510's
CBI Ditch Light Brackets
Hilux 167 Snorkel

2017 Plans
- Steering Rack
- Inner and Outer Tie-rods
- Caliraised LED 20W OSRAM LED 2X2 POD
- 9" Amazon ARB knock off off-road lights
- Tundra Brake Upgrade
- CVJ's

My 1st vehicle ever was my 1986 4Runner(where RedRunner_87) comes from. Was kept stock, with 31" Interco Trxus tires. That thing went everywhere and never left me stranded, I regret selling this every day. Had the power package(power windows, door locks and mirror's) and mint interior and exterior.

My 2nd "offroad" rig was a 1997 Grand Cherokee Limited. Had a Rubicon Express 3.5" Super Flex lift, Trail Ready Rear Bumper and 32" BFG M/T's. It was super flexy but man I broke something almost every time I went out.


After I sold the Grand Cherokee, I bought an 88 Toyota P/U. Didn't last to long until the engine blew up.

Finally was able to save up and get myself a 3rd Gen w/ E-locker.

 
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RedRunner!! Nice of you to join us finally :)

As soon as I saw the green Geep, I knew it was you - kinda forgot about that thing.

Looking forward to seeing what you do to your new rig.
 
RedRunner!! Nice of you to join us finally :)

As soon as I saw the green Geep, I knew it was you - kinda forgot about that thing.

Looking forward to seeing what you do to your new rig.

Haha as much as I loved that thing offroad it was a PITA to keep running. Hopefully I will be able to get the Runner down to AZ and we can run some trails soon.
 
Haha as much as I loved that thing offroad it was a PITA to keep running. Hopefully I will be able to get the Runner down to AZ and we can run some trails soon.

That would be awesome! I'm kinda looking of a change of scenery - considering moving to Colorado... how do you like it up there so far?
 
That would be awesome! I'm kinda looking of a change of scenery - considering moving to Colorado... how do you like it up there so far?

I love it. So much to do outdoors, which is why I wanted to jump back into a 4Runner. Between hiking, camping and snowboarding there are things to do all the time. I am down in Denver a lot, which isn't my favorite place. But there are a lot of really nice parts of Denver.
 
Here is the plan for the next Month or so. Hopefully I am not missing anything.

4Runner Maintenance Items
  • PCV Valve (Part # 12204-62010)(purchased)
  • PCV Gormet (Part # 90480-18001)(ordered)
  • Electrical Contact Cleaner(Mass Airflow Sensor) aka Mass Airflow Cleaner
  • Carb Cleaner(Throttle Body)
  • 6 QT 5W-30
  • Oil Filter(purchased)
  • Air Filter
  • 2 Toothbrush
  • Spark Plugs (Part #NGK BKR5EKB-11) or (OEM Toyota #90919-01192)(purchased)
  • Plug Wires (NGK 4412)(ordered)
  • Fuel Filter (Part #23300‑62030)(purchased)
  • Windshield Wipers
  • Rear Wiper(purchased)
  • TPS(ordered)
  • AIRAID MIR(ordered)
  • Ultra Gauge (Installed)
4Runner Cosmetic Items:
  • Clear Corners (Installed)
  • Limited Badge (Purchased)
  • Passenger Side Headlight (Installed)
  • TRD Decal (Purchased)
  • Plasti-Dip Wheel Kit (Purchased)
  • Plasti-Dip (Purchased)
 
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Got my Plasti Dip wheel kit in today as well as the Ultra Guage. Got the 1st 2 pages set up on it, and found it is throwing a P0120 and P0121 Error Code. So I have added a TPS to my maintenance list. Which could be why I getting a hesitation and when I was on the freeway my RPM's would suddenly drop and then pick back up. Anyway here is the Ultra Gauge set up for now. Might move to a different mount in the future.

1st Page Set Up(need the Engine Temp since my gauge doesn't work)

Error Codes
 
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I have the DIPYourCar wheel kit, Plasti Dip for the grill and fender flairs, TRD stickers and now the new Passenger Side Headlight and Clear Corners. Just need it to not rain for a couple days on my days off so I get it down. Next step is all maintenance parts.

 
Where did you buy your lights & are you happy with the quality? I looking at doing the same & wanted your advice

For the clear corners I bought them from neondials on ebay. That seller was recommended all over the forum so I went with him. They look to be good quality and they come with all the orange bulbs, which is a nice touch.
neondials on eBay

For the passenger side head light I got it form this Amazon seller. The reviews on the product looked pretty good and it was way cheaper than OEM ones. I will update you when I get them installed.

Amazon.com: Depo 312-1142R-AS Toyota 4Runner Passenger Side Replacement Headlight Assembly: Automotive
 
ffd0f6737aeecbb4e35d89b94e01a1a2.jpg
this is good idea for mounting the scan gauge. There is a write-up on tacomaworld. You replace 1 of the screws on the grab handle. Thanks for the info for lights, post photos when install is complete. Also, the headlight link for Amazon is for 1999+, it has a plastic lens & different back reflector. I don't think it will match your existing headlight for a 1996. Your existing light should have a glass lens.
 
ffd0f6737aeecbb4e35d89b94e01a1a2.jpg
this is good idea for mounting the scan gauge. There is a write-up on tacomaworld. You replace 1 of the screws on the grab handle. Thanks for the info for lights, post photos when install is complete. Also, the headlight link for Amazon is for 1999+, it has a plastic lens & different back reflector. I don't think it will match your existing headlight for a 1996. Your existing light should have a glass lens.

Thanks for the link on that pillar. That might be a way better mounting spot, and where I originally wanted to put it, but the dash wasn't deep enough for the window mount. Based on the reviews they are saying this is a glass lense, but I will double check in the morning. It seems a lot of people have installed them on their pre-1999 4Runners. So I guess we will see once I install them. I can already tell this won't match because my driver side is a bit hazy, but I will post up pictures when I get it done.

amazon review said:
Very well made and the lens IS INDEED glass NOT ...
By Jerry D. Bicknell on February 16, 2015
Style Name: Driver Side (LH) Verified Purchase
Very well made and the lens IS INDEED glass NOT plastic...will buy the passenger side when I make sure this will last
 
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Got the new Passenger side headlight and semi-adjusted. Plasti dipped the grill as well and I think it looks much better than the chrome. Debating doing the bumper black or keeping it chrome. Should probably replace the driver side headlight sooner or later as well.

Nice little hole in the headlight

New Headlight

Black Grill


 
Got a ton of parts ordered today.
AIRAID MIR w/ re-usable filter
Driver side headlight
Spark Plugs
Wires
TPS
Fuel Filter
Oil Filter
PVC Valve & Grommet [MENTION=124475]bhicks22[/MENTION] Double Cup Holder
and Rear Windshield Wiper
 
Got the running boards off, and it makes it look like I got a little lift. Blacked out the rims and emblems. I got half the limited cladding black, debating if I want to keep it black or make it silver again. Tomorrow is engine day.


 

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