The Manly Minivan

[MightyP]

I've been lurking on this site since I bought my '07 4runner mid-March. Now that I've had it for a few months and decided I really do like it, I thought I'd do a build thread. This will be relatively mild compared to many on here and I'm not going to do anything revolutionary. The build thread is mainly for me to document what I did, how I liked it and what worked/didn't work.

My wife had a second child and I'm currently a stay-at-home dad and wasn't ready to get a minivan, so this made for a nice compromise. Wanted something bigger and less expensive than my last car, a small station wagon, so I bought this '07 with 125k miles.

She was completely stock when I bought her.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/164440525@N05/50654140357/in/dateposted-public/" title="4runner Day 1-"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50654140357_cf03283ed4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="590" alt="4runner Day 1-"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Here is how she sits today. 27 Nov 2020
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/164440525@N05/50654142982/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ouachita NF-0241"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50654142982_c88e27602c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="Ouachita NF-0241"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Future Mods:
Winch
Bumpers

 

[MightyP]

First upgrade - New Head Unit

My OCD gets out of hand sometimes, so I have a need to reply to a thread with mods...

Anyway, the first thing I did was replace the stock head unit with one with Bluetooth and satellite radio. It was a pretty straightforward. Only thing I would do different is I would put the antenna on the driver's side instead, to get that couple feet extra clearance when driving near tall buildings/trees. Overall, I'm very happy and the sound is good.

It's a Pioneer AVH-X5600







Routed the USB cable connection through the little bin under the HVAC controls.



And bypassed the e-brake sensor with a switch.

 

[LOSTR4]

Well done! Looks sharp and tasteful!

 

[MightyP]

Interior Light Swap

I swapped the interior, license plate and reverse lights with LEDs. I opted to pay the extra and piece together the lights I wanted so I knew exactly what I was getting. Most of the LEDs are from superbrightleds, except for the reverse lights, which I picked up from VLEDs.

Comparison pictures...











I don't have a before picture of the glove box because the bulb had burned out, but I really like the light the LED bulb brings to the box. This picture really doesn't do it justice.

 

[MightyP]

I'll skip the details of the PlastiDip and ditch lights as those are visible from the other pictures. I will say I went with cheap lights from Amazon and am already looking at replacing them. I don't like the 6000K color, I'd rather 5000K and would like something brighter. I think I can go a bit bigger without the lights looking too obvious, so more to come.

I'm no doomsday prepper, but I do believe in being prepared, so I added a fire extinguisher, tow strap, jumper cables, D-ring hitch, first aid kit and Go Bag (aka - Get Home Bag and/or Search & Rescue Bag). My family and I are about to move cross country, but once we get settled in the new place, I will make a vehicle tool bag as well.

 

[chompster4runner]

Nicely done!

 

[marc_l71]

My OCD gets out of hand sometimes, so I have a need to reply to a thread with mods...

Anyway, the first thing I did was replace the stock head unit with one with Bluetooth and satellite radio. It was a pretty straightforward. Only thing I would do different is I would put the antenna on the driver's side instead, to get that couple feet extra clearance when driving near tall buildings/trees. Overall, I'm very happy and the sound is good.

It's a Pioneer AVH-X5600







Routed the USB cable connection through the little bin under the HVAC controls.



And bypassed the e-brake sensor with a switch.

Same double din that i have! love it!!! Ran my USB/lightning all thru the underside of the center console to my seat as well as the RCA cables for future headrest dvd players/xbox( kids stuff). Also installed the Alpine back up camera.

 

[rich045]

Where did you snake the XM antenna wire? i have mine inside the car but reception gets crappy every now and then. BTW i have the same radio and I snaked the USB to the same spot, lol

 

[wadle5]

Have to say this is an awesome Dad mobile. Congrats on the purchase. And you will thank your self years from now on this vehicle! Welcome to the club and glad to have another member from the midwest! :smow:

 

[MN4RNR]

Nicely done.

 

[Mytoy4]

Very nice! ... and Welcome!

 

[Code2]

Where did you snake the XM antenna wire? i have mine inside the car but reception gets crappy every now and then. BTW i have the same radio and I snaked the USB to the same spot, lol

I have almost the same radio lower about to be replaced version. I actually ran the antenna from the dash down the drivers inside of the car to the back and then routers it thru the factory grommets and its mounted on the back. Which is actually the highest point of the vehicle and where you want it. Tho I liv in a big city so that actually makes a difference in the country shouldn't be a issue any where its mounted

Tho in my 10 years in EMS i would never have a dry halon fire extinguisher for use on my car nor would I want it used on my car the mess is leaves pretty much kills everything in the car if the fire hasn't. plus they are far more expensive

I only carry CO2 one no mess and far better results far cheaper to refill

 

[MightyP]

Moving across the country. All loaded up for the first 1/3 of the drive tomorrow. Rocking a little reverse rake. B-)

 

[originalg00kster]

Safe travels my dude! Sweet 4Runner !

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Very nice 4Runner, and definitely a "Manly Minivan"

Very impressive for a "mild build" as well. Great thread, keep up the good work, and safe travels :cheers:

 

[MightyP]

Well, made it to San Antonio just over a week ago. Family and I are getting settled in, but we still have no furniture or most of our stuff. HOPEFULLY, that'll show up this week.

Anyway, I've discovered a couple things. First not EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas. My new garage is pitiful. Second, it's HOT, but I have helped that significantly with window tint and a windshield visor thingy.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Well, made it to San Antonio just over a week ago. Family and I are getting settled in, but we still have no furniture or most of our stuff. HOPEFULLY, that'll show up this week.

Anyway, I've discovered a couple things. First not EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas. My new garage is pitiful. Second, it's HOT, but I have helped that significantly with window tint and a windshield visor thingy.

Wow that is a tight fit... (That's what she said)

 

[MightyP]

Did some exploring today. Didn't really find what I was looking for. My desire to avoid trespassing tickets and being shot kept me off most of the interesting roads. Photos aren't great, but I did take some. I enjoy trying to find a good spot with a good angle and right lighting. Unfortunately, I didn't find any really good locations today, so the images are kinda close up to avoid some of the surrounding urbanization.

 

[MN4RNR]

What kind of plant is that? Way cool.



I like this photo

Truck looks really good there MightyP. Subd. I am looking forward to what you do with this build.

 

[B33R_Runner]

What kind of plant is that? Way cool.

I believe it's a female blue agave that's flowering. The tall stalk (called quiote) emerges after the plant is a few years old, and then it dies. :sad: (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.) #texas