Richamc01's Build Thread

[richamc01]

Hello all, long time stalker, new poster. This will, I'm sure, be a long build thread as I'm low on funds at the time being. However, I want to document everything from the beginning.

I bought my runner about a year ago and have yet to do many mods to it. I've spent countless hours doing research on mods and figuring out what route I want to take with it.

So without further ado, here is the beginning to what will be quite possibly the slowest build thread on here.

1999 Toyota 4Runner Highlander Edition. Imperial Jade Mica in color. Currently no mods. Added a few stickers tho! :rockon:

What are some cheap mods that you guys recommend? What were the first mods that you guys did? I am currently traveling for work but when I get home I plan on Plastidipping the rims and emblems and removing the running boards

Here are some pics of my stock rig:

 

[Bretski1]

What are some cheap mods that you guys recommend? What were the first mods that you guys did? I am currently traveling for work but when I get home I plan on Plastidipping the rims and emblems and removing the running boards
:

Here is a great link on mods:
All the Mods that can be done to a 3rd gen 4runner. Contest! Who knows the most? - YotaTech Forums

I'm a fan of the deckplate mod, LED interior lights, rear diff breather extension, and DRL delete. Browse through and see what else you like.
Mods are like Pringles. Once you pop the fun don't stop!

 

[richamc01]

Here is a great link on mods:
All the Mods that can be done to a 3rd gen 4runner. Contest! Who knows the most? - YotaTech Forums

I'm a fan of the deckplate mod, LED interior lights, rear diff breather extension, and DRL delete. Browse through and see what else you like.
Mods are like Pringles. Once you pop the fun don't stop!

haha nice analogy! I'll definitely check it out. I'm looking forward to the long journey that I'm about to undertake. I'm sure I'll be turning to you guys on here quite often. Thanks in advance.

 

[snivilous]

Colorado!!! REPRESENT! Sweet pictures, love the mining shack

 

[richamc01]

Colorado!!! REPRESENT! Sweet pictures, love the mining shack

Yeah man, I love Colorado! Those pics were taken up on the "oh-my-god-road". A pass between Central City and Idaho Springs. It was alot of fun.

 

[snivilous]

Yeah man, I love Colorado! Those pics were taken up on the "oh-my-god-road". A pass between Central City and Idaho Springs. It was alot of fun.

My parents have mentioned it to me every time we drive past, though I've never driven it myself! It's on the list though!

 

[Dementedfish]

Welcome! I'm in Fort Collins and just picked up a 97 green 4Runner as well to replace my totaled one.

BTW - if you remove the running boards and you're willing to sell them for a decent price I may want to pick them up.

 

[Dementedfish]

Also I'd say the best first mod you can do is get yourself a nice set of tires, that's where you'll see the biggest immediate difference in offroad performance.

 

[richamc01]

Welcome! I'm in Fort Collins and just picked up a 97 green 4Runner as well to replace my totaled one.

BTW - if you remove the running boards and you're willing to sell them for a decent price I may want to pick them up.

I will let you know. I will definitely be up for selling them. I could even meet you half way. Should be a week or two. I'm not sure what a decent price for them is but PM me a number and I'm sure we can make a deal.

Also I'd say the best first mod you can do is get yourself a nice set of tires, that's where you'll see the biggest immediate difference in offroad performance.

New tires are definitely on the list. Should be getting them in November. I cant decide between the 31 X 10.5 or 265/75R16s. I know they are different sizes but I think I would appreciate the wideness of the 10.5s Thoughts?

 

[Dementedfish]

I will let you know. I will definitely be up for selling them. I could even meet you half way. Should be a week or two. I'm not sure what a decent price for them is but PM me a number and I'm sure we can make a deal.



New tires are definitely on the list. Should be getting them in November. I cant decide between the 31 X 10.5 or 265/75R16s. I know they are different sizes but I think I would appreciate the wideness of the 10.5s Thoughts?

Before my last 4runner got totaled, I had LT265/75R-16 BFG All-Terrains. They fit super well and gave more of an aggressive look. Put them on some slightly larger wheels (I had Land Cruiser rims) and they'll look wider. I don't think 10.5 will fit without modification.

Also I have no idea how much running boards sell for.

 

[richamc01]

Before my last 4runner got totaled, I had LT265/75R-16 BFG All-Terrains. They fit super well and gave more of an aggressive look. Put them on some slightly larger wheels (I had Land Cruiser rims) and they'll look wider. I don't think 10.5 will fit without modification.

Also I have no idea how much running boards sell for.

I was wondering if the 10.5s would require modification. Havent had the chance to look into it yet. Ill probably be going with the Hancook dynapro 265/75R16s. BFG are very nice but a little over budget. I think the hancooks are really a good bang for the buck.

 

[Frey]

265/75R16 pretty much is 31x10.5, right? Every tire manufacturer is a little different, but I have Hankook Dynapro ATMs in 265/75R16 and love them. The official measurements from Hankook are 31.7x10.5. There are a few folks running 285/75R16s with some trimming/pounding to eliminate rub, but most who run them are also lifted.

Here's my 2002 T4R with the Dynapros.

IMG_0322 by Mike Freyder, on Flickr.

 

[richamc01]

265/75R16 pretty much is 31x10.5, right? Every tire manufacturer is a little different, but I have Hankook Dynapro ATMs in 265/75R16 and love them. The official measurements from Hankook are 31.7x10.5. There are a few folks running 285/75R16s with some trimming/pounding to eliminate rub, but most who run them are also lifted.

Here's my 2002 T4R with the Dynapros.

IMG_0322 by Mike Freyder, on Flickr.

Clean rig man!

And yes, after a little more research you are correct. The 265/75R16s are comparable to the 31 X 10.5s. The 265s are like .6" taller and barely narrower. So I believe that we could run 31X10.5s on our 3GT4Rs without and modifications needing to be done.

I'll probably run the 265/75R16s tho.

How long have you had your Hancooks? Are they wearing decently?

 

[Frey]

Clean rig man!

Thanks!

...How long have you had your Hancooks? Are they wearing decently?

I picked up the T4R from my father-in-law in June, he was the original owner. He put the tires on, so I'll have to check with him and see how long ago. The tread is in great shape and wears even from what I can tell. When I find out about how many miles are on them, I'll measure the tread and get some pics. Now I'm curious, too.

 

[richamc01]

Thanks!



I picked up the T4R from my father-in-law in June, he was the original owner. He put the tires on, so I'll have to check with him and see how long ago. The tread is in great shape and wears even from what I can tell. When I find out about how many miles are on them, I'll measure the tread and get some pics. Now I'm curious, too.

Definitely let me know. Ive read a lot of reviews on the Hancooks and everyone has awesome things to say about them. I even put them on my wife's Jeep Liberty after reading the reviews. She is 98% on road though and I'm still not sure which way to go with the runner which will hopefully be 50/50 at least as I have a company Taco to drive. :thumb:

 

[Fishwerks]

:welcome:

As far as the tires go, what size rims do you have (I'm guessing 16")? 31x10.5 and other tires listed that way are usually only made for 15" wheels.

 

[richamc01]

:welcome:

As far as the tires go, what size rims do you have (I'm guessing 16")? 31x10.5 and other tires listed that way are usually only made for 15" wheels.

I do have 16" rims. Good to know that. I assumed they came in all sizes.

 

[richamc01]

Plastidip

It's been a busy few weeks. But, I've finally got a minute to log in and update the build thread. Last Friday I Plasidipped my rims and emblems. I also took off the running boards. Since :worthless here you go! Let me know what you guys think.

1st, 2nd, & 3rd pics - before.

4th pic - Scrub a dub dub.

5th pic - Wheel prepped.

6th, 7th, & 8th pics - each of the coats of Plastidip.

 

[richamc01]

Here are some more pics. I dont know why they uploaded sideways. That is not how they are saved on my laptop.

Pic 1 - Wheels off

Pic 2 - Another coat

Pic 3 - 1st coat on front emblem

Pic 4 - Last coat

Pic 5 & 6 - Finished product.

Pic 7 - Finished front Emblem

Pic 8 - Wheels back on and running boards off! Halfway home!

 

[richamc01]

Sorry guys I like pics in a thread! Last batch.

1st pic - Before

2nd pic - After!

3rd & 4th pics - Posing for the camera!

5th & 6th pics - Rear emblems.

7th pic - Parting shot.