Rookie Post - '02 4Runner

[JCD4Run]

Hello all:

Browsing the forum, it appears that I am way out of my league here, but would love some input from the group on re-energizing my '02 4Runner, SR5 Sport edition.

I have ~$5k budget, and am hoping to get it as close to a "New Car" as possible. I have 135k miles on it, and it has survived multiple cross country trips and shuttles back and forth from the river with wet dogs.

I'm not sure a total detailing will eliminate some of the smell, so was hoping to entirely redo the interior, add a new stereo head unit and speakers, and do some necessary upgrades to the engine/motor.

Would love some suggestions on where to start, how to think about the best use of my $5k, and most importantly, what are things that I need to do to the engine to get it to optimal performance (currently seems to spit out a lot of exhaust and isn't exactly quiet).

Thanks for the help!!

 

[shootmymime]

Hello all:

Browsing the forum, it appears that I am way out of my league here, but would love some input from the group on re-energizing my '02 4Runner, SR5 Sport edition.

I have ~$5k budget, and am hoping to get it as close to a "New Car" as possible. I have 135k miles on it, and it has survived multiple cross country trips and shuttles back and forth from the river with wet dogs.

I'm not sure a total detailing will eliminate some of the smell, so was hoping to entirely redo the interior, add a new stereo head unit and speakers, and do some necessary upgrades to the engine/motor.

Would love some suggestions on where to start, how to think about the best use of my $5k, and most importantly, what are things that I need to do to the engine to get it to optimal performance (currently seems to spit out a lot of exhaust and isn't exactly quiet).

Thanks for the help!!

if your carpets are too bad just power wash them, i did to mine last summer and they look brand new. here is my link to is.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/128879-shoots-build-thread-5.html

 

[JCD4Run]

Thanks for the help. Not sure I have the expertise to get everything out of the car to do the power washing. How hard was it?

 

[busmup808]

If you can't take the truck apart, then just take it to a reputable detail shop and tell them the problem. They will take it out

 

[shootmymime]

No no no it's super easy.

4 bolts on driver seat. 4 on the passenger. 4 on rear seats. To pull the center console inside there are 2 bolts and it lifts right up. But by the center shifter there is a spot of carpet that is looped around something (I don't remember) but you just have to cut a piece of the carpet so it will loop around it. I know terrible explication. But you will see when you pull it.
Then of course the trim around the edge. Simple screws and body panels come right off.

 

[segafan1989]

X2 what shootmymime said. It literally took me 15 minutes to remove all of the seats and the center console when I cleaned my carpets.