sommerc09's "I'm keeping this stock"- 2002 Golden Pearl Limited Build Thread

[Sommerc09]

sommerc09's "I'm keeping this stock"- 2002 Golden Pearl Limited Build Thread

First off I'd like to say thanks to all who contribute to this forum. I was a long time "looker" before buying this truck. I have learned a lot from this forum and am looking forward to much more!

I have owned this truck for going on 6 months now and have already done a good amount to it. I will be updating this thread soon with the progress made!

 

[apohl17]

Clean runner and welcome to the forums! It's always great to have another unique build and ownership documented here on T4R.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Supercharger.

:zoom:

 

[Alex3rdT4R]

Hey, beautiful 4Runner! I actually just picked up a 2002 Golden Pearl 4WD as well. They're pretty uncommon from as far as I can tell from reading up on here so I'm pretty happy with the buy as I'm sure you are. I have to create a build thread myself.

I plan on keeping mine mostly stock as well except for 99 highlander coils, bilstein 5100's, and some beefier tires. I have 242,000 miles but it runs like it has 42,000.

How many miles does yours have? Cant wait to see your progress!

 

[ambush]

First off I'd like to say thanks to all who contribute to this forum. I was a long time "looker" before buying this truck. I have learned a lot from this forum and am looking forward to much more!

I have owned this truck for going on 6 months now and have already done a good amount to it. I will be updating this thread soon with the progress made!

EXCELLENT!! Very nice 4runner. I love it. Makes me proud that I purchased another one. This is a UNICORN looks like

 

[Sommerc09]

Supercharger.

:zoom:

:hello: Updating this thread tonight. I may have added one of those things!

Hey, beautiful 4Runner! I actually just picked up a 2002 Golden Pearl 4WD as well. They're pretty uncommon from as far as I can tell from reading up on here so I'm pretty happy with the buy as I'm sure you are. I have to create a build thread myself.

I plan on keeping mine mostly stock as well except for 99 highlander coils, bilstein 5100's, and some beefier tires. I have 242,000 miles but it runs like it has 42,000.

How many miles does yours have? Cant wait to see your progress!

Yes from my research they are pretty rare! Mine is about to turn 225K and, like yours, still drives like new. Like I said above, I will be updating this thread tonight after work. I have lifted the rig with OME springs and 5100s with 33in Duratracs. Love it so far! Stay tuned for pictures.

 

[gamefreakgc]

:hello: Updating this thread tonight. I may have added one of those things!

Yesssss

 

[Sommerc09]

First things first, I had to have the pinion bearing replaced. Damn thing howled all the way to NC from GA!

After this everything maintenance wise was up to snuff. It was time to start modifications!

First was the 2002 Sport Edition, non-functioning, skid plate. Always liked how they looked on the stock front ends. It wasn’t in the best shape, but I was able to polish it out decently without much work.

Next thing I tackled was the steering wheel. Like almost every other 3rd Gen out there the leather was in bad shape. I really wanted a wooden one to compliment the fake wood trim, but all the ES300 wheels here in the USA are a lighter wood grain. I am way too OCD to have two different colors going on in the truck, so with a little research I found that the Toyota Windom’s came with a darker wood grain in Japan. Not only would this fix the wood color match, but it would also give me a Toyota branded airbag… winwin, right!? Yes and no… The Windom wheel did not have cruise control and the mounting hardware internally on both steering wheels was different. What I had to end up doing was finding an ES300 at the local junkyard and pulling the cruise mounting bracket out of it and then reinstall it into the Windom frame work. Also, if you go this route know that you will need the plastic backing to the wheel from the ES donor! See install below. I used SEM custom blended dark oak spray paint. Couldn’t be happier with the product and it has held up awesome (about four months now). As you can see in the last two pictures the wood is a VERY close match. Depending on lighting it can look just a tad off.

 

[Sommerc09]

Next modification I did was the TRD 2nd Gen supercharger. I have grown up a car enthusiast and am big into the older turbo Volvos and have also owned a couple M cars so the under-powered 3.4 felt extremely sluggish to me. Found a killer deal on one. It came with original install paperwork as well as the split-second gear (have yet to install that yet). Internally it was in great shape, but externally it had seen better days. After a quick sand blasting and sanding it was ready for paint and install. Bolted right up with no hiccups really. Six hours later I was boosting down the road at 5-6psi The boost gauge I used was one laying around from an old Volvo project so that is temporary along with the location.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Very, very nice Sommerc09.

Where does one find a complete Gen 2 SC? And at what price?

I would love to do this, but at 3 large for a SC, I just can't stomach it as much as I'd like to have it.

Is the traditional HP/TQ noticeable at 6 PSI?

Thanks,

Eddie

Next modification I did was the TRD 2nd Gen supercharger. I have grown up a car enthusiast and am big into the older turbo Volvos and have also owned a couple M cars so the under-powered 3.4 felt extremely sluggish to me. Found a killer deal on one. It came with original install paperwork as well as the split-second gear (have yet to install that yet). Internally it was in great shape, but externally it had seen better days. After a quick sand blasting and sanding it was ready for paint and install. Bolted right up with no hiccups really. Six hours later I was boosting down the road at 5-6psi The boost gauge I used was one laying around from an old Volvo project so that is temporary along with the location.

 

[Sommerc09]

Not a modification, BUT I was able to push the rig in serious snow and ice while it was still in stock(ish) form. Also the supercharger was AWESOME while climbing the mountain.

The Wife and I decided to start a new tradition which was going to Asheville, NC for a long weekend and bringing a self cut Christmas Tree home each year. It just so happens Asheville had a record breaking snow storm that weekend. 18-24 inches fell, but the 4Runner got us home no problem. It was actually a lot of fun passing many people that couldn't make it through the mountains!

 

[Sommerc09]

Next set of modifications, some buddies and I tackled, were 232mm brakes, 3in lift using 4Runner Bilstein 5100s paired with OME 881/890s along with some Trail Edition wheels and 285/70/17 Duratracs. So far, I am a fan. The ride could be a little smoother but nothing crazy at all. I will most likely upgrade the fronts down the road but for now I am very happy with the setup. ***Main reason I will be replacing is, in full honesty, I did not read before assembling and set it at the top perch. The top silicon locking nut was not coming back off, so I just went with it. Hopefully this helps someone else not do the same.***

Video of install!
YouTube Install by After 7 Garage


For the brakes I used JB Quick to fill in stamp markings, high temp primer before applying DupliColor Toyota Pearl White, vinyl decals and then high temp clear. I also ceramic coated them before installation. So far hitting them with water makes the little amount of brake dust that does stick fall right off!

Also used eimkeith’s PCK. We did welds in house as well!

Brake prep and install…

PCK install…

Before and Afters!!!

That is it so far!

 

[Road Bull]

What a clean, and sharp looking 4Runner! I like the care and attention that you have put into this rig so far. I look forward to seeing where you take this.

 

[Sommerc09]

Very, very nice Sommerc09.

Where does one find a complete Gen 2 SC? And at what price?

I would love to do this, but at 3 large for a SC, I just can't stomach it as much as I'd like to have it.

Is the traditional HP/TQ noticeable at 6 PSI?

Thanks,

Eddie

Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace usually have a couple. I got mine for 1k, but usually they are around 1500-2000. Increase was well worth it.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Thanks Sommerc09 and that is an easy decision at that price.

Always on clist, but FBM is new to me and would have never thought to use it, but will now.


Eddie

Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace usually have a couple. I got mine for 1k, but usually they are around 1500-2000. Increase was well worth it.

 

[sdwaltz]

My oh my, that is beautiful. Great find.

Best color combo for 3rd gens of all years, hands down...I had to settle for the white and silver. And that steering wheel! I’m beyond envious. Enjoy it, OP.

 

[Sommerc09]

I pulled the trigger on some SpiderTrax 1.25" spacers to see how they looked up front before buying the second pair for the rear. Was lucky enough to find a local member that lived a mile down the street with another 1.25" pair for $30 before dropping $115 again. 5 minutes in the sand blaster and BOOM! Great score.

Super happy with the front fitment. The rears are out a tiny bit more than I would like, but am going to roll with it for now.

Now the 285's are already looking small! I think 315's will be coming in the near future. Still need to figure out what wheel I want to run before pulling the trigger on some big rubber.

Also installed some 35% tint up front. $12 precut from eBay. Turned out nicer than I imagined for my first time.

Going to tackle getting the stuck lock nut off the front strut next so I can move the perch setting down. Rides very stiff and I cant stand the front being a tad higher than the rear.

 

[ambush]

Wowowo

Hey man if you are ever in WILM, I would love to see your 4runner in person.
The weather is nice now...we can go to Wrightsville!

Very very good job!

 

[alltimelows15]

Love the Golden Pearls! I’ve only ever seen one other one in person so far in the 3 years I’ve owned mine.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Love the Golden Pearls! I’ve only ever seen one other one in person so far in the 3 years I’ve owned mine.

I'll just have to wonder what it looked like.....