SedonaT4R 2000 SR5 4x4 refresh

[SedonaT4R]

T4R fam....allow me to introduce my 4Runner.

After driving a ‘99 RWD SR5 ~189k for a couple years I recently found myself a 2000 SR5 4x4 ~170k.


Figured it was time to post my “build”.
First order of business was to swap over the cargo box, BFG KO2 (265/75/16), and double din pioneer avh-200ex.

Here is my ‘99 on the snow covered mountain, a side by side of the two, and the 2000 after moving wheels and cargo box over.

EDIT*
It’s been a while! I have been absent on these forums but have made many upgrades to the Runner. I wanted to bring my build thread back to help me keep track of the work I’ve done. Oh, and to show off another 3rd gen

October 2018: purchase date 170k
(Everything in between coming soon)
April 2022: New OEM motor and transmission mounts
New Prothane sway bar bushings
June 2022: Installed full length Prinsu roof rack

 

[SedonaT4R]

One of the first things I did was take her on a forest road through Flagstaff, AZ. Driving through the woods I found a stock pond and decided to play in some mud (w/ nearly zero knowledge of how to do so). I made a foolish attempt at riding the banks of the pond and the mud proved to be so slick that I slipped right into the pond. All of my efforts to drive out of the water were useless as the mud just sucked me in deeper. My BFG A/T tires quickly became slicks and I had no choice but to call for help. Ended up calling a buddy to tow me out with his FJ Cruiser. We hooked up a tow strap from my front end recovery point to his hitch, we both went 4lo and rev matched with his locker engaged. She came out without a fuss.

:fish2:

 

[SedonaT4R]

I went out and bought OEM spark plugs and wiring from the Toyota dealer. Thank God I decided to do this....not sure if the previous owner put these in on purpose or if a mechanic decided to put these crappy plugs in but look what I found in my motor...explains some awkward rpms I was experiencing.


I also decided to replace the PCV valve while I was at it. The valve was gunked up and the grommet fell apart as it usually does.

 

[SedonaT4R]

More work for the motor. Guys, you should inspect your hoses and boots around the engine. Air intake boot and 2 breather hoses replaced. I had used some gorilla and glue and dum-dum to patch some cracked hoses until parts arrived. Air intake boot was especially bad and causing some shudder in the engine. As you can see in the 2nd photo, the hoses are extremely brittle and completely fell apart when pressure was placed on them. Still need to order and replace a few more. All hoses are OEM.

 

[SedonaT4R]

Found me a set w/ spare of ‘96 Land Cruiser rims. Finally got around to putting em on. Running boards HAD to go as the rub was pretty extreme.

 

[RunningForNow]

Nice writeup. I'm currently waiting for the parts to arrive to do the same thing. Coils, wires, plugs, and PCV valve. plus some hoses will need to be replaced as well. Time to make a trip to Auto Zone and cut my own.

 

[SedonaT4R]

I took a few pictures while she was on the lift with wheels off. I am gonna need to order some parts ASAP.

PS the red is Sedona dirt, not rust.

 

[RunningForNow]

I took a few pictures while she was on the lift with wheels off. I am gonna need to order some parts ASAP.

PS the red is Sedona dirt, not rust.

Those bushings look like mine. Do you know if they sell a kit that replaces all of these bushings? How hard are they to DIY? Good luck on replacing these. The dirt will come off easy if you ca get a hold of a pressure washer.

 

[MattFL]

That is an amazing looking 4runner. Salt-free environments are fantastic!

 

[WRWhit93]

Wish I got a 4Runner in AZ... I haven't seen anything that clean off a showroom floor. That engine doesn't look used! (other than the hoses and plugs)
I have buddies with rusted out 2008 trucks.

 

[SedonaT4R]

Those bushings look like mine. Do you know if they sell a kit that replaces all of these bushings? How hard are they to DIY? Good luck on replacing these. The dirt will come off easy if you ca get a hold of a pressure washer.

I am not sure there is a kit for the parts. I am slowly accumulating all the front suspension parts I need and plan to get the tools and do it all myself with the help of forum write-ups.

 

[SedonaT4R]

I was pretty stunned when I checked out the motor on this 4Runner. The family that sold it to me had more than one Toyota truck and seemed to take great care of their vehicles.

I am experiencing shuddering when the car is sitting in idle or drops rpm. Especially noticeable during idle and when cruising around 30mph and releasing the gas pedal. Replacing some of the hoses and plugs seemed to help a bit but It seems like it is the transmission that is actually shuddering. Any ideas?

 

[SedonaT4R]

What she looks like today. Update list coming soon!

 

[Rushthezeppelin]

One of the first things I did was take her on a forest road through Flagstaff, AZ. Driving through the woods I found a stock pond and decided to play in some mud (w/ nearly zero knowledge of how to do so). I made a foolish attempt at riding the banks of the pond and the mud proved to be so slick that I slipped right into the pond. All of my efforts to drive out of the water were useless as the mud just sucked me in deeper. My BFG A/T tires quickly became slicks and I had no choice but to call for help. Ended up calling a buddy to tow me out with his FJ Cruiser. We hooked up a tow strap from my front end recovery point to his hitch, we both went 4lo and rev matched with his locker engaged. She came out without a fuss.



:fish2:

I hope you've found this out in the last 4 years but recovering off a ball tow hitch is a big no no. I
It can break and it's suddenly a projectile with a butt load of force aimed at the other vehicle. This has killed people in recoveries before. Always use a shackle receiver or a soft shackle.

Sent from my moto g stylus 5G using Tapatalk

 

[SedonaT4R]

I hope you've found this out in the last 4 years but recovering off a ball tow hitch is a big no no. I
It can break and it's suddenly a projectile with a butt load of force aimed at the other vehicle. This has killed people in recoveries before. Always use a shackle receiver or a soft shackle.

Sent from my moto g stylus 5G using Tapatalk

Totally dangerous.
I’ve watched quite a few recovery videos since then and have had some more experiences.

Luckily it was a simple recovery that day and all was well. Won’t be doing that again though !

 

[SedonaT4R]

Took my FZJ 80 wheels to the powder coat shop.
Color is “Kingsport Grey”
Cannot get a photo to upload directly to the site.

https://imgur.com/a/sYCffQW
https://imgur.com/a/x5O7T0N
https://imgur.com/a/qCXuPM4

 

[GhostRing]

Looking good!