Time to start modding

[Blackhatch]

Here is the breakdown.

2003 4Runner, limited, V8, 270K mileage.

She is going to need:
- full brakes. I wanted to upgrade to the Sport rotors and caliper set up here but I am hearing something about the the newer calipers bolting right on and working great

- She has the dreaded exhaust manifold tick so I am going to be going with the only header set up that works here in the Doug Thorleys. I am going to get my last emissions done here and she will be older than 25 (i.e. no more emissions in VA) at that point when she is due again. That being said, we are going no-cats and full exhaust.

- Has the XReas suspension on it that is fully stock and original now. I want to upgrade to a small life (3-4") and full new suspension. I am figuring that the control arms will need a full rebuild unless they are replaced.

- Needs a new driver's side half shaft

- Transfer case leak needs fixing

- Dash is severely cracked so I will have Toyota eat that.

- Bunch of lites are out in the dash so perhaps there are nicer LED replacement lights out there?

I think that's about it.... :toilet:

She has been a GREAT truck for the 270K and the sum total of mechanical failures was a bad high pressure switch in the AC. Never broke down on me.

I am open to suggestions on the above modifications list.

 

[HiVel-JR]

If you want my recommendation, get ready to open your checkbook.

Brakes - so many options. - I just changed out rotors and pads. Power slots with EBC pads. I did not worry about the calipers. (Do-it yourself job)

Good Choice on the the DT headers. I have mine in a box, just waiting to find the right place to install them. (Specialty work $$$)

X-REAS - loved em, but it was time for them to go - bought a few different sets of ICON stage kits... (see build) settled on the CDCV remote res. ICONS. There are less expensive alternatives with suspensions, but you get what you pay for...(Can be a do-it yourself job)

Here is where it gets expensive....Take the 4runner to the dealer to get all the other parts and repairs done. (Dealer mechanic $$$) But at least it will be done right and have a repair warranty... (hopefully done right)

By my guess that is probably around $6k to $8k worth of parts and work.

 

[Blackhatch]

Thanks.

I heard some rumblings about the 5th gen calipers being better and bolting right up. I do like the Powerstop/slot rotors though.

I will be doing all the work and fabrication myself. I have a lift and all the tools I need. More concerned about the part sourcing and what guys are liking out there.

Trying to speed up the learning curve.

 

[Blackhatch]

If you want my recommendation, get ready to open your checkbook.

Brakes - so many options. - I just changed out rotors and pads. Power slots with EBC pads. I did not worry about the calipers. (Do-it yourself job)

Good Choice on the the DT headers. I have mine in a box, just waiting to find the right place to install them. (Specialty work $$$)

X-REAS - loved em, but it was time for them to go - bought a few different sets of ICON stage kits... (see build) settled on the CDCV remote res. ICONS. There are less expensive alternatives with suspensions, but you get what you pay for...(Can be a do-it yourself job)

Here is where it gets expensive....Take the 4runner to the dealer to get all the other parts and repairs done. (Dealer mechanic $$$) But at least it will be done right and have a repair warranty... (hopefully done right)

By my guess that is probably around $6k to $8k worth of parts and work.

BTW...love the build thread and the bikes on the hauler as well!!

:zoom:

 

[HiVel-JR]

Thanks.
I heard some rumblings about the 5th gen calipers being better and bolting right up. I do like the Powerstop/slot rotors though.
I will be doing all the work and fabrication myself. I have a lift and all the tools I need. More concerned about the part sourcing and what guys are liking out there.
Trying to speed up the learning curve.

Ahhhh, okay you know what you are doing then. You will save a ton of funds doing all the work yourself. (I know i did, but after every build project I was left feeling like a wrestled a gorilla and lost)

All the parts I went with on my 4runner are because of this site. If there is a bad review on something in here you will find it or know about it quickly.

As far as the Triumphs. That was a trip my dad and i took 10 years ago up to the tail of the Dragon... Would love to go back, but sold the bikes to pay for kids and to be alive for kids...

 

[TrueBlue]

Regarding brakes I've heard the calipers people have been successful with are the Centric 5th Gen calipers, can't remember what the popular rotors are though. For lift kits icon is the way to go unless you want to go long travel and spend a fortune. As for led replacements there's a thread on here specifically for it, id link it but idk how to on the phone app


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Blackhatch]

Thanks. I will take a peak around for that LED thread.

 

[kcdehart]

I'd look into the 5th gen calipers, just so you can be sure they won't seize.

I have Powerstop Slotteds and EBC Yellows on my 3000GT (yeah, different car, I know) and I have mixed feelings about them. For a 4 Runner they'd probably be great since there's not as much high-speed stopping, but be aware that yellows are DUSTY. I can clean my wheels, drive half a mile, and be able to wipe brake dust off of em.

That said, the 13.3" Sport rotors would probably do you well when combined with the 5th gen calipers and good pads.

 

[derekdevasia]

As far as the no cats goes, even though you'll pass emissions testing, you'll fail your state inspection, trust me on that. If they don't see cats, they'll fail you. Also your O2 sensors will throw codes, so you'll need to get o2 simulators which are illegal in VA. Only way this would work is if you knew a guy who did inspections! Just a fyi!

 

[Blackhatch]

I was aware of the O2 sims being required. Inspections around here at this point are just a plug into the computer to check for function. I don't think I have seen anyone crawl up under there is years. Good advice though. I am not sure, at this point, that it would even last that much longer as she has 270K on the clock now. Might get her declared an antique at that point.

You are just down the road from me a bit. I am in Purcellville VA or close to.