Suspect_U's Somewhat Suspicious Build

[Suspect_U]

Now that I've started swapping, upgrading and fixing stuff on the runner, it seems like a build thread is in order to keep track of mod progress and maintenance.

Specs:
2001 Limited, 4x4, Thundercloud Metallic
Purchased at 164,XXX miles

After about 6-8 months of searching all over Craigslist, used Toyota dealerships, and even a dealership that specializes in 3rd gen 4Runners and Nissan Pathfinders, I finally got a lead on this super clean 4Runner.

One of my work buddies had his car in the shop, and I happened to see him pull up in a good looking 3rd gen. Turns out, it was his wife's car and she had been thinking about trading it in since she wanted a new car after driving this 4Runner since like 2004.

Long story short, I jumped all over that and was able to get a really good deal. I asked what he wanted for it and he said just to give him KBB "good condition" trade in price!

My buddies' FIL had purchased the car for his daughter and they were the second owners. The truck had been immaculately maintained by his father in law, with records in the glove box and the original window sticker.

Most Current Photo (April 2017):

The wheels:

The day I bought it:

Current Mods:

Exterior:
Satoshi Grill Mod

Wheels:
TRD FJ Cruiser Trail Team wheels in Matte Black

Suspension:
Fox Racing 2.5" Coilovers in front
Fox Racing 2.0" shocks and OME 890's in rear

Lighting:
HID Retrofits - Rogue Retrofit
Clear corner lights - SRQ Fabrication

Interior:
Pioneer AVH-280BT In-Dash DVD Receiver with 6.2" Display and Bluetooth
Dashboard Jesus

Upcoming:
Total Chaos Upper Control Arms (Just picked some up during the group buy)

 

[Suspect_U]

I decided to start small and my first project was to clean up the rear bumper step. After 15 years it was looking pretty funky.

First step was removing the step. It comes up pretty easy with a straight up pull.

Rather than relying on soap alone, I decided to repaint the bumper. After removing the step, I gathered my supplies:

Then several quick washes:

It was looking better, but still faded:

Hit it with a few coats of paint, let it dry, then slapped it back on.

Good as new:

 

[Suspect_U]

Next up: Suspension!

All the local shops were really pushing Icon coilovers for upgrading the suspension. I'm sure those are great, but I've had good luck with Fox in the past, and decided to stick with what I know.

These things are YUGE! (Beer can for scale)

The reveal:

Before/After:

Looks like I'm going to need some bigger tires...

 

[tjaguilar]

Next up: Suspension!

All the local shops were really pushing Icon coilovers for upgrading the suspension. I'm sure those are great, but I've had good luck with Fox in the past, and decided to stick with what I know.

Looks good! Where did you purchase the FJ Emblem for your grill?

 

[Suspect_U]

Looks good! Where did you purchase the FJ Emblem for your grill?

I got the whole grill assembly from [MENTION=135677]michaeljtomey[/MENTION]