Schmiddyboy's Build Thread

[Schmiddyboy]

Hey guys what's up!? Have lurked on here for a while, and have wanted a 4Runner for a couple of years now. On Friday (10/16/15), I finally picked up a runner, and I am very pleased with it! It is a 2001 SR5 3.4 V6 2WD, and I picked it up with about 213,578 miles on it. My plan is to build it up, but I am going to need help from everyone in the forums! I am not very knowledgable in terms of cars, so I plan to learn a lot while building on this beauty. My first question is, what's the first thing I should do to this truck to ensure it will last me a while? I would love some pointers in the right directions in order to get the best performance out of this truck. I am currently living in Phoenix for school, but in the summer months I live in Southern California. If any of you are in the area, I would be more than happy to meet up in an attempt to gain more insight. I am excited to see where this truck takes me in life!

Current Plans:

• Clean throttle body (done)
• TRD throttle body "O" gasket
• Clean mass air flow sensor
• Get diagnostics report from local mechanic
• Replace all fluids (in progress)
• New air filter (done)
• Install head unit (done)
• All weather mats (done)
• Clean up the exterior
• Plastidip rims, emblems, and chrome front/rear bumpers (semi-done)
• Install keyless entry (done)
• Remove running boards (done)
• Wash/wax during Thanksgiving break

Future Plans:

• New headlights, possibly retro fit or just some new drop-in bulbs for better night visibility. (suggestions appreciated)
• Some sort of lift, for half off-road purposes, half aesthetics. (again, suggestions appreciated)
• New dash bulbs, preferably white over the faded green
• Tires/wheels
• PCV valve/grommet
• Broadway 300mm Flat Mirror
• NGK spark plugs/wires
• New Fuel Filter
• Exhaust/exhaust tip (Going for a rumbling, mean sound. Something that will make people say, "holy shi*t that was a 4Runner!?)
• CB Radio/Antenna

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The epitome of stoked :whoo:

 

[JeepKiller]

Timing belt, water pump, inner and outer Tierod ends, lbjs, all new fluids, new radiator, check for rust, spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, clean the maf, new pcv valve and grommet, clean your throttle body, air filter, steering rack, sway bar bushings, and O2 sensors.
That's about all I can think of at the moment, oh and read this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
Welcome aboard!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

Timing belt, water pump, inner and outer Tierod ends, lbjs, all new fluids, new radiator, check for rust, spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, clean the maf, new pcv valve and grommet, clean your throttle body, air filter, steering rack, sway bar bushings, and O2 sensors.
That's about all I can think of at the moment, oh and read this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
Welcome aboard!

Wow man, thanks a ton! I also have a question about the engine and its idling. On a cold start, the engine will kind of bog every couple of seconds, and it sits around 500 rpms. Is this normal, or should the engine be idling higher? Also, how can I fix this slight engine bogging? Clean the TB, MAF, and IAC? Thanks in advanced!

 

[JeepKiller]

A new air filter and cleaning everything you mentioned should fix the low idle. If none of that works then you can try seafoam, it's worked for a lot of people. Make sure only to use Mass Airflow Sensor cleaner on the maf, I know it's expensive but not as expensive as a new maf.

 

[Mc1337sauce]

First off, welcome to T4R and welcome to Arizona as well! I assume you're attending ASU? There's a few of us around with modded 4Runners. You'll definitely enjoy your new truck, and believe me, you'll catch the mod bug eventually.

The bogging issue could have any number of root causes, but if you cover the points that JeepKiller mentioned, the issue will likely go away and you should be good to go. Another thing that could cause the low idle and bogging is a fuel pump, and at your mileage it isn't unheard of (ironically, mine died last week), but do cover the basic maintenance first to avoid unnecessary expenditures.

If you need any pointers on anything, let me know, as I've done many of the maintenance items on 5VZ trucks. I'm pretty busy these days, but you can always reach me on here and I should get back within a few hours.

 

[Schmiddyboy]

A new air filter and cleaning everything you mentioned should fix the low idle. If none of that works then you can try seafoam, it's worked for a lot of people. Make sure only to use Mass Airflow Sensor cleaner on the maf, I know it's expensive but not as expensive as a new maf.

For sure! I just want to make sure the truck is running smooth before doing anything else to it. Thanks a ton, man!

 

[TRDteen]

:reddance::reddance::reddance:
Finally man! Super happy for ya on this buy. Stoked to see what you to with her. Tread lightly and see you on the trails soon!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

First off, welcome to T4R and welcome to Arizona as well! I assume you're attending ASU? There's a few of us around with modded 4Runners. You'll definitely enjoy your new truck, and believe me, you'll catch the mod bug eventually.

The bogging issue could have any number of root causes, but if you cover the points that JeepKiller mentioned, the issue will likely go away and you should be good to go. Another thing that could cause the low idle and bogging is a fuel pump, and at your mileage it isn't unheard of (ironically, mine died last week), but do cover the basic maintenance first to avoid unnecessary expenditures.

If you need any pointers on anything, let me know, as I've done many of the maintenance items on 5VZ trucks. I'm pretty busy these days, but you can always reach me on here and I should get back within a few hours.

Thanks, brotha! I actually go to GCU, so we're not too far away from each other. My friend works at a Lexus dealership, so I'm going to take my truck in there this week to get a diagnostics report. I will hit you up if I ever need anything, or to wheel!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

:reddance::reddance::reddance:
Finally man! Super happy for ya on this buy. Stoked to see what you to with her. Tread lightly and see you on the trails soon!

Thanks brotha! I'm stoked to come home for thanksgiving and show you what she looks like in person! We'll hit up HJ too! :zoom:

 

[Mc1337sauce]

Thanks, brotha! I actually go to GCU, so we're not too far away from each other. My friend works at a Lexus dealership, so I'm going to take my truck in there this week to get a diagnostics report. I will hit you up if I ever need anything, or to wheel!

If you want the latest info on local wheeling trips and get-togethers, join AZ 4Runner Mafia on Facebook - I personally don't go wheeling, but I do go to the car show meetups when I can. Lots of great guys on that page, and if you ever need help just post up there and someone always lends a hand.

 

[Unner]

Make sure you do maintenance before modding. This way you have a solid platform to build off of if you choose, and if you stay around here too much you'll end up spending way too much money on your truck, but not regretting it one bit. Since you're currently 2WD you might want to just keep it running good for the time being and get a 4WD one to mod. 4WD makes these trucks amazing.

Start with a tune up to try and figure out the idling issue. Spark plugs, wires, air filter, clean MAF, throttle body, and maybe the IACV since it only happens when cold.

 

[Schmiddyboy]

If you want the latest info on local wheeling trips and get-togethers, join AZ 4Runner Mafia on Facebook - I personally don't go wheeling, but I do go to the car show meetups when I can. Lots of great guys on that page, and if you ever need help just post up there and someone always lends a hand.

Thanks dude I really appreciate it!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

Make sure you do maintenance before modding. This way you have a solid platform to build off of if you choose, and if you stay around here too much you'll end up spending way too much money on your truck, but not regretting it one bit. Since you're currently 2WD you might want to just keep it running good for the time being and get a 4WD one to mod. 4WD makes these trucks amazing.

Start with a tune up to try and figure out the idling issue. Spark plugs, wires, air filter, clean MAF, throttle body, and maybe the IACV since it only happens when cold.

The plan is to make sure the truck runs great before I begin to mod it. The reason I got a 2WD is because 4WD is expensive to insure, as I have to pay for some of school and lacrosse, as well as other living expenditures. I don't plan on wheeling too much, as I am usually surfing at the beach! Who knows what will happen down the road though! Thanks for all the input!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

So today my pops dug up my old stereo I was supposed to use in my old 2001 Ford Escape!

Backstory on the Escape: We owned the car when I was younger, and lent it to my grandfather to use for a couple of years. Once I received my license in high school, the car was returned for me to use! After driving it and changing the oil once or twice, as well as other regular maintenance, the car started to have some problems with the way it was performing. Little did I know, the oil gauge stopped working, and I eventually ran the car until it didn't have anymore oil:mad2: At that point, I had absolutely no car knowledge whatsoever, as I had only ever worked on our dirtbikes with my dad. After realizing the car would need a new engine, we decided to sell it for parts, and I hopped on board the ShoeLace Express for quite some time.

This is a Sony receiver, and the model number is CDX-GT55UIW. I have no idea how to install a receiver, but my plan is to try to install it as soon as I get it in the mail with a member that is here on the forums who lives close to me here in Phoenix. Will I need anything specifically to install this? Any info is greatly appreciated, so thanks in advanced! Just another step in the right direction!

 

[Mc1337sauce]

So today my pops dug up my old stereo I was supposed to use in my old 2001 Ford Escape!

Backstory on the Escape: We owned the car when I was younger, and lent it to my grandfather to use for a couple of years. Once I received my license in high school, the car was returned for me to use! After driving it and changing the oil once or twice, as well as other regular maintenance, the car started to have some problems with the way it was performing. Little did I know, the oil gauge stopped working, and I eventually ran the car until it didn't have anymore oil:mad2: At that point, I had absolutely no car knowledge whatsoever, as I had only ever worked on our dirtbikes with my dad. After realizing the car would need a new engine, we decided to sell it for parts, and I hopped on board the ShoeLace Express for quite some time.

This is a Sony receiver, and the model number is CDX-GT55UIW. I have no idea how to install a receiver, but my plan is to try to install it as soon as I get it in the mail with a member that is here on the forums who lives close to me here in Phoenix. Will I need anything specifically to install this? Any info is greatly appreciated, so thanks in advanced! Just another step in the right direction!

This should be what you need for the stereo:

Amazon.com: Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker: Car Electronics

Assuming the stock headunit is still installed, you'll have to remove it and the amp behind it in the dash (if equipped), solder the wiring harness to the one included with the new headunit, and plug and play from there. If your old stereo was one of the double DIN variety, you'll need a single DIN pocket like this one:

Amazon.com: Scosche Dash Kit for 1978-Up Toyota Replacement Pocket: Electronics

Once you have everything together and assuming nothing is defective or broken, its a pretty quick job to get done. Transfer the headunit brackets, plug in, put back together, done.

Let me know if you need any clarification on any of this, it's late and I'm taking a break from writing tech docs so my mind is in two places at once.

 

[Schmiddyboy]

This should be what you need for the stereo:

Amazon.com: Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker: Car Electronics

Assuming the stock headunit is still installed, you'll have to remove it and the amp behind it in the dash (if equipped), solder the wiring harness to the one included with the new headunit, and plug and play from there. If your old stereo was one of the double DIN variety, you'll need a single DIN pocket like this one:

Amazon.com: Scosche Dash Kit for 1978-Up Toyota Replacement Pocket: Electronics

Once you have everything together and assuming nothing is defective or broken, its a pretty quick job to get done. Transfer the headunit brackets, plug in, put back together, done.

Let me know if you need any clarification on any of this, it's late and I'm taking a break from writing tech docs so my mind is in two places at once.

You're the man! I'll post an update of the install process and the final results! Thanks again.

 

[Schmiddyboy]

So I've had the truck for almost 2 weeks now... And absolutely loving it! One thing that I really think would be nice, is if I had a keyless entry! I don't know what would be a nice remote for a good price, but I found this one on amazon for ~$13.
http://www.amazon.com/KeylessOption-Replacement-Compatible-HYQ12BAN-HYQ12BBX/dp/B00KTHYCEO

If there are better options, I'd love to her all of your opinions! Thanks in advanced!

Some updates as of 10/28:
-Placed an order for some all-weather mats on eBay that should be coming in the mail tomorrow. Stoked for those!
-I found a Toyota cargo net in the back of my truck that looks like it's never been used before. I plan on installing it, but I am not exactly sure how to do it. I've seen a few others on here, so I might just buy some parts and take a stab at it. Going for an OEM look.
-Planning on removing the running boards tomorrow, any tips would be helpful, but doesn't seem too hard to do.
-Found out my air filter is basically brand new, but seems to be a cheap one. Not sure what kind it is, but I plan on getting a K&N in the near future.
-Checked most of my fluids, all look pretty new.
-I purchased some CRC maf and tb cleaner, so I plan on cleaning those this week.

I also want to get rid of the vinyl along the side of my truck:

It's not super important to remove it, but I was thinking of getting one of those 3M eraser wheels to attach on the end of a drill. Thoughts?

 

[Schmiddyboy]

Some updates as of 11/11!

It's been almost a month since I've had my truck now, and I'm absolutely loving it! I haven't done much, but I have done a few things that have improved the overall enjoyment of the truck!

First up, I received my all-weather mats in the mail! The trunk and backseat mats still need to be cut, but for the time being they are getting the trick done:amen: In the pictures you can see they've already been getting some great use!




Next, I installed my new Sony head unit! Without the help of [MENTION=128525]theking11863[/MENTION], I don't think I could have gotten this done! Here's the link to his build thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/all-other-vehicles/208538-1984-pontiac-firebird-build-thread.html



We ended up using loose end connectors to splice the harnesses together.

Testing



After taking out the stock amp, the sound quality improved significantly. This mod was at the top of my list, and I'm really glad I got it done! Again, couldn't have done it without [MENTION=128525]theking11863[/MENTION] !

I also ordered a remote key fob from Amazon for my truck! Using some simple guidelines here on the forums, I was able to program it in less than 5 minutes!


Tonight I went out and grabbed some Plasti Dip for my rims and emblems. Although I'm not the biggest fan of it, this stuff will certainly give me the look I'm going for while on a college budget. Planning on doing this tomorrow morning!


Along with the rims and emblems, I might take the running boards off tomorrow!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

Gotta love Colbert!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

11/12 Update!

So today I decided to Plastidip my rims and emblems black! I also removed the running boards! The rims turned out great, but I might have to redo the emblems... Thinking of the doing the front/rear bumpers, thoughts?