Starclassic's '97 SR5 Build Thread
- Thread starter starclassic
- Start date
starclassic
New member
June 2, 2017
Successfully relocated stock center console switches (ECT, rear window, security sensor) to the left side of the steering wheel.
I installed a 99+ center console last week, which meant relocating a few switches that were in the old console. I'd tucked these under the driver's seat and needed to unravel the wiring insulation (lots and lots of electrical tape) all the way back to behind the dash to do this, so that the emergency brake wire could route separately to the center console, and the rest of the wires could feed to the new switch location.
It was laborious work, but straight forward. I have new OTRATTW rockers that will replace the ECT and rear window switches, but I didn't have time to install those today.
Stock wiring still taped up, as I'd had it tucked under the driver's seat.
After: only the emergency brake wire now goes to the center console. Had to tape mine in place since the new console I got was missing one of the plastic clips that hold it in place. I also zip tied it.
Here's the main switch wiring behind the dashboard; note the single green emergency brake wire coming off the right
Here's the dash all pulled out; the ECT and rear window wiring harnesses are hanging off on the left (white clip and black clip)
Everything done; stock switches in new location! Next I will replace the ECT and rear window with my OTRATTW rockers
Successfully relocated stock center console switches (ECT, rear window, security sensor) to the left side of the steering wheel.
I installed a 99+ center console last week, which meant relocating a few switches that were in the old console. I'd tucked these under the driver's seat and needed to unravel the wiring insulation (lots and lots of electrical tape) all the way back to behind the dash to do this, so that the emergency brake wire could route separately to the center console, and the rest of the wires could feed to the new switch location.
It was laborious work, but straight forward. I have new OTRATTW rockers that will replace the ECT and rear window switches, but I didn't have time to install those today.
Stock wiring still taped up, as I'd had it tucked under the driver's seat.
After: only the emergency brake wire now goes to the center console. Had to tape mine in place since the new console I got was missing one of the plastic clips that hold it in place. I also zip tied it.
Here's the main switch wiring behind the dashboard; note the single green emergency brake wire coming off the right
Here's the dash all pulled out; the ECT and rear window wiring harnesses are hanging off on the left (white clip and black clip)
Everything done; stock switches in new location! Next I will replace the ECT and rear window with my OTRATTW rockers
starclassic
New member
Thank you! Will absolutely do so.
starclassic
New member
My Truestart battery is doing well now; for now I may stick to OEM. But once I get lights, winch, and maybe air lockers ... definitely will upgrade the setup.
starclassic
New member
I know ... love how it fits so nicely, looks totally stock especially now that I relocated the switches.
starclassic
New member
Thank you! Will do.
Bml_merris
New member
Build looks real good, how are you liking the rear bumper?
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
starclassic
New member
Funny story. I actually just sold it and went back to stock, which I like better. The truck is more of a daily driver right now, and I wanted to shed the weight in favor of more mpgs.
I didn't mind the look of the Addicted Offroad 3rd gen rear bumper. However I wasn't in love with it (it was on the truck when I bought it). The best part of it was its minimal/high clearance profile—TONS of space under the tail end with the spare removed (full size in the trunk now) and a 2.5" suspension lift. But I don't really like the tube-style bumper aesthetic, just a personal preference thing.
After I complete a bunch of stock system/interior/mods, I'll look at new front/rear bumpers. I really like the look of CBI's plate offerings. Definitely want a tire carrier on the back, and that was another mark against the AO rear bumper.
Sold it to a fellow T4R guy, so it went to a good home. I need to put up a more current photo...
jbrentd
New member
Great looking 4Runner! And a big thanks for the details you provided on the center console swap. I really want to do that mod soon...if I can find a gray console. It seems there are two shades of gray (moon mist for 96-98 and charcoal for 99-02). Do you ever notice the difference in color between the two sections of the center console? I would think not since where they butt up to each other is somewhat hidden by the seats.
Last edited:
starclassic
New member
December 8, 2017
Finally time for the TBU! I took a day off work to hang out in a cold garage with my Dad and upgrade my brakes. The originals OEMs were worn, shaky and mushy.
Here are the parts that I bought for this upgrade:
And here are some photos from the day:
Fatta is betta!
These new brakes fit great behind my ProComp 7069 wheels
My partner in crime—Dad always has the tools I need but don't have yet!
Aside from having to re-trim the driver's side dust shield a couple times to finally clear the caliper (tried to remove as little as possible), this upgrade went without a hitch.
After everything stayed dry during my test drive, I put the kids to bed and went out to bed in the brakes: found a long stretch of country highway to do it safely. Now, the brakes feel awesome: beefy yet smooth. Lots of power.
This mod made possible by BFAD's awesome, extremely thorough walkthrough.
Finally time for the TBU! I took a day off work to hang out in a cold garage with my Dad and upgrade my brakes. The originals OEMs were worn, shaky and mushy.
Here are the parts that I bought for this upgrade:
- New OEM rotors from a 2005 V8 Tundra: 43512-0C011 ($64.01/each @ parts.camelbacktoyota.com)
- NAPA calipers: SE-3263, SE-3264 ($90.49/each @ Napa)
- OEM brake bads: 04465-35290 ($64.23 @ parts.camelbacktoyota.com)
- OEM shim kit: 04945-35120 ($18.30 @ parts.camelbacktoyota.com)
- Valvoline Synthetic Dot 3 & 4 brake fluid
And here are some photos from the day:
Fatta is betta!
These new brakes fit great behind my ProComp 7069 wheels
My partner in crime—Dad always has the tools I need but don't have yet!
Aside from having to re-trim the driver's side dust shield a couple times to finally clear the caliper (tried to remove as little as possible), this upgrade went without a hitch.
After everything stayed dry during my test drive, I put the kids to bed and went out to bed in the brakes: found a long stretch of country highway to do it safely. Now, the brakes feel awesome: beefy yet smooth. Lots of power.
This mod made possible by BFAD's awesome, extremely thorough walkthrough.
Road Bull
Senior Member
December 8, 2017
Finally time for the TBU! I took a day off work to hang out in a cold garage with my Dad and upgrade my brakes. The originals OEMs were worn, shaky and mushy.
These new brakes fit great behind my ProComp 7069 wheels
My partner in crime—Dad always has the tools I need but don't have .
Well done. That's a feel good mod for sure. And time well spent with your Dad. Happy Holidays man!
Kotletachka
New member
I need that TRD sticker!
Gabrielmillien
New member
it looks so cool.
**SOLD 7/1/18**
1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4L V6 4x4 "Jake"
Lavender Steel Metallic (a.k.a., Cool Steel Metallic). This thread will contain detailed maintenance and modification histories. Thanks for stopping by!
Build as of July 1, 2018
December 2017
October 2017
December 2016
D.O.B.: January 16, 1997
Purchase date: July 1, 2016
Mileage: 221,346
Features: 3.4L V6, 4x4, Lavender Steel Metallic, grey cloth interior, sport seats, security system w/ keyless entry, 6-speaker single CD/cassette/AM/FM, rear heater
Suspension:
Bilstein 5100 front shocks w/ OME 881 springs
Front diff drop
Bilstein 5125 rear shocks w/ OME 890 springs
Sonoran steel rear adjustable panhard rod
Tundra brake upgrade (See post)
Wheels/tires:
Pro Comp 7069 wheels (See post)
LT285/75/16 Goodyear Duratrac tires
Performance/drivetrain:
B&M external ATF cooler w/ radiator line looped
Deckplate mod
K&N drop-in air filter
Exterior
Rocky Mountain super sliders
Plasti-dipped OEM fender flares w/ 3D printed end caps
Fixed antenna conversion (OEM Toyota Parts)
TRD off-road decals (See post)
Electrical
"Big 3" mod (See post)
Blue Sea fuse box
Ignition relay
Interior:
99+ center console (See post)
Weather Tech floor mats & trunk liner
Hi-lift jack with custom mount in trunk
Pioneer MVH-AV290BT head unit
Pioneer ND-BC8 rear camera
Pioneer GM-A6704 amplifier
JBL Club 6500c front speakers (fit in the OEM bracket)
JBL Club 5020 rear speakers (custom acrylic bracket)
Lighting:
99+ headlight conversion (OEM glass)
Auxbeam F-16 LED 6000k headlights (See post)
Crystal front turn signal lenses
Dashboard/gauge cluster/map/dome LEDs—Red (See post)
---------------------------------------------
This is my first 4Runner. I got my driver's license in 1997 and the 4Runner was the vehicle I wanted but couldn't have. Fast forward to today: better 19 years late than never! I purchased this fantastic truck from another T4R enthusiast (and forum member) in Michigan. Until 2015, the truck lived in the Southwest (Arizona and New Mexico). It is in fantastic shape for an almost 20-year old. Besides fading clear coat/paint on the hood/roof, the finish is still in great shape. There is no rust on the frame. The interior is also very clean.
MODIFICATION THREADS
Pro Comp wheels, center caps, clear front turn signal lenses
Headlight LED swap
TRD decals
Interior LEDs—Phase 1
Big 3 mod, Blue Sea fuse box, ignition relay
99+ center console install, part 1
Tundra brake upgrade
PLANNED UPGRADES
Performance UCAs
Hood and roof repaint (original color)
Wet Okole seat covers
Aluminum Eezi-Awn roof rack
Aftermarket bumpers
ARB air lockers
