Tom's 2002 daily driver rescue

[TFin04]

Picked up a 2002 SR5, 4wd, w/ center diff lock yesterday. I've been shopping third gen's in an attempt to get a cheaper daily driver while I am back in school.

I currently drive a 2011 Nissan Xterra built up for off road camping. I have been very happy with the Xterra, but it's really more than I need, and I have always liked the older 4Runner's for a compact DD/trail truck. I plan to use this thread mostly to document my maintenance, and get ideas/answers from you guys.

The 4Runner runs and drives as is, but it's due for some maintenance and TLC.

Vehicle:

2002 SR5, 4wd, Center Diff Lock, 222,000 miles. This was a one owner vehicle purchased for a friend-of-a-friend's wife. They have a pile of maintenance history with it. It has been parked for the past year or so since she got a new car, and have only driven it monthly just to keep it running. I paid $3800 after a bit of negotiating, which I was happy with given the condition and history.

My goal is to freshen it up for DD/light trail use, and save another one of these great trucks from rusting into a field somewhere.

As Purchased:

Plans:

Engine:
Timing belt, drive belts, water pump, thermostat, coolant
Plugs and wires
Valve cover gaskets
Oil/Filter change
PCV Valve
Fuel Filter
Air filter
Seafoam treatment and MAF cleaning

Suspension:
99 Coils x4
KYB shocks x4
OEM LBJ x2
Airlift airbags in rear
Tie rod ends
Sway bar links x4
Steering rack bushings

Exterior/misc:
Running board delete Done 11/7
Diff oil change
Trans drain and fill
Transfer case oil change
Brake flush
Track down and fix/replace exhaust leak
Wire wheel some rust and spray fluid film

Looking forward to putting a bit of work into this, saving some money on payments, and keeping the roads full of 3rd Gens. :lookout:

If you guys see things that I missed that you recommend doing, please post below!

 

[geocook717]

that color is nice! What is the official color? Whatever it is, I like it.

 

[01thunder]

that color is nice! What is the official color? Whatever it is, I like it.

KF9, thundercloud, 01-02 only. my truck is same color.

 

[Scorny]

Nice find....Are all the 3rd gen antenna's supposed to go all the way down ?
Just got 97 limited and mine sticks out about 4inches when it goes down.
Thanks.

 

[01thunder]

Nice find....Are all the 3rd gen antenna's supposed to go all the way down ?
Just got 97 limited and mine sticks out about 4inches when it goes down.
Thanks.

if they are power, yes. the ribbon is probably broken inside.

 

[audiness]

Post a pic of the built xterra��

 

[jbrentd]

Congrats on the new DD. Looks to be in good shape. Nice that it came with some history and I like that color as well.

 

[whyzee125]

In my area that's a $6k+ truck. Nice pickup and that's my favorite color!

 

[TFin04]

Post a pic of the built xterra��

It's squatting a bit here as it's loaded with gear and food for two adults exploring Michigan's upper peninsula.

It is (reluctantly) for sale. I know there is some Nissan vs Toyota stuff on manufacturer specific forums, but I have been very happy with the Xterra. Given the right circumstances in the future I'd own one again.

 

[TFin04]

Got the running boards off tonight, only broke one bolt.

Question on headlights- mine are on when the engine is on, no matter what the setting on the stick is set to. They shut off when the engine is shut off, even when set to "on." Can this be adjusted? I would prefer totally manual adjustment of these.

I have an aftermarket remote start installed, and I'm wondering if they wired something funny. The lights turn on when started by the remote start as well.

 

[octanejunkie]

Congrats! That's one helluva score :thumb:

Question on headlights- mine are on when the engine is on, no matter what the setting on the stick is set to. They shut off when the engine is shut off, even when set to "on." Can this be adjusted? I would prefer totally manual adjustment of these.

This may the the DRL feature everyone hates, and yes, there's a mod for that

 

[infantry503]

Got the running boards off tonight, only broke one bolt.

Question on headlights- mine are on when the engine is on, no matter what the setting on the stick is set to. They shut off when the engine is shut off, even when set to "on." Can this be adjusted? I would prefer totally manual adjustment of these.

I have an aftermarket remote start installed, and I'm wondering if they wired something funny. The lights turn on when started by the remote start as well.

I have a 2000 and my daytime running light module is on the driver side against the fender behind the battery..... Just unplug and no more DRL

 

[whyzee125]

I have a 2000 and my daytime running light module is on the driver side against the fender behind the battery..... Just unplug and no more DRL

It's different unfortunately for 01+. if you just disconnect the module you'll cause problems on an 02. There's a DIY, one wire needs to be cut, I believe the black with yellow stripe one under the dash. Only turns off DRLs, everything else remains the same.

 

[meeceboy78]

congrats your gonna love it. I just picked up a 98 and currently going through the same maintenance routine as you.

 

[TFin04]

Rear suspension done, and a bunch of rust wire wheeled and painted with Seymour rust converter aerosol. Pretty happy with the paint so far after a few weeks of driving.

The whole thing is kind of riding like a drag car now with my clapped out front end and fresh rear end, but I hope to have the front end done in the next week or so.

KYB Gas A Just shocks
ACDelco 99 springs
Airlift 1000 airbags
ACDelco sway bar links

 

[trailbikerider]

Welcome! Whereabouts of Michigan do you live?

 

[Scramble]

I'm a little nervous for you with that rust bubbling I see. Check the frame where the rear lower control arm mounts are welded to. They rust from the inside out so you need to poke with a screwdriver or similar. Good luck with her, I love that color. :dancin:

 

[flooredrunner]

Very nice, I recently picked up a silver 2000 SR5 5 speed and will be following this to give me some ideas. Love the color.

 

[TFin04]

I'm near Howell.

Regarding the rust, I looked it over well before buying and I'm familiar with the rear control arm mounts. There is surface scaling but it all felt solid with the screwdriver test. I am in the process of cleaning, converting, and covering with Fluid Film as I go. It's a process, but such is life with old Michigan cars.

Japanese vehicles seem to withstand the environment here better than the vehicles made here.....

 

[flooredrunner]

I'm near Howell.

Regarding the rust, I looked it over well before buying and I'm familiar with the rear control arm mounts. There is surface scaling but it all felt solid with the screwdriver test. I am in the process of cleaning, converting, and covering with Fluid Film as I go. It's a process, but such is life with old Michigan cars.

Japanese vehicles seem to withstand the environment here better than the vehicles made here.....

I am also applying Fluid Film as we speak. Are you going with the gun or cans? I'm doing cans right now but wondering if the gun is worth the extra cash.