Truck Norris

[scottyperry]

WARNING: Build will be slow, deboard now if you're as ADD as me.

I bought her 12/6/13 to replace my 2006 Rubicon :/

2003 V8 SR5.
150k on the clock.


The reason(s):
- Wanted something bigger, grocery trips with 2 kids in a Jeep is the balls.
- Needed a 2nd vehicle that my wife can drive since she refused to learn to drive a 6speed.
- Need more tow load.
- Cut out a car payment.


The end goal:
- Fully capable of overlanding with my family of 4.
- A versatile vehicle on and off road.
- Good for towing a small camper or trailer...anywhere.
- Look good.


Current mods:
- None (unless you count the custom burnt out hvac bulbs)
- 5th gen key swap (doesn't count)

Current needs/plans:
- Tires
- LED Hvac swap (half my panel is burnt out)
- Radio swap (need something with an AUX input or iPod control)
- Plastidip wheels and badges (because its easy and why not?)
- Cornfed 2/1 Spacer lift (to please my eye for now)

Future plans:
- Tires. Unless persuaded otherwise, Toyo OCMT 315/75/r16.
- Suspension lift. 3/2 Bilstein 5100/Height Adj Coilovers.
- Armor by means of skid plates
- Front Bumper. I love the flat top but considering the platform I am building for I think the 3hoop would be a better choice, sexy either way.
- Rear bumper with tire swing (still researching)
- Baja rack with the light bar
- Tear drop trailer
- Winch
- Rear Lockers
- HID Upgrade
- LED light bars
- Re-gear (depending on tire size)
- Axel swap (depending on funds)
- Onboard compressor
- Misc items a long the way



So yea, if you read all of that, welcome to my painfully slow build. My funds will depend on how well I can become at coercing my wife to let off some dollars. Its a new thing to be an only child and suddenly have a family of 4 as the only bread winner and not have the freedom to just spend... better that way I guess.

Meet Truck Norris,

I bought her on garbage day.

​

Cheers.

 

[S p a r k y]

Welcome and goodluck on build, looks like a Great Plan!!

Those stock tire size? 265/70/16? Assuming the are 16's! If your build will be slow, meaning over a few years etc, here are my thoughts. Since you need tires soon, atleast go ahead and get 265/75/16's. Type of course is up to you, might as well go ahead and get an AT, this will give you a good start! As far as lift, why cornfed 2/1? You will have great luck getting a used set of Daystar 2.5/1.5, as i am sure the spacer lift if a temporary lift, since temp might as well save some coin for later.

Many people with Deep pockets will come on and say, hey just save up and do it all at once. My thoughts are different, start small and move up over time, get you to know your vehicle, have goals, and have fun over time. That's what I did, started with a toytec .5" spacer in front, now I am much larger. Of course this last part I mentioned is if your doing the work yourself.

 

[NuclearN8]

Welcome and congrats on the purchase. Looking forward to seeing your build as it progresses.

Unless it was oem for the exhaust in 2003 to exit behind the rear tire (not sure to be honest) then I'd say you inherited an aftermarket exhaust to your current mod list as well below the burnt out HVAC bulbs...

All the stickies are worth reading... especially this one if you've never owned a 4runner before: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

 

[S p a r k y]

Welcome and congrats on the purchase. Looking forward to seeing your build as it progresses.

Unless it was oem for the exhaust in 2003 to exit behind the rear tire (not sure to be honest) then I'd say you inherited an aftermarket exhaust to your current mod list as well below the burnt out HVAC bulbs...

All the stickies are worth reading... especially this one if you've never owned a 4runner before: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

Good eye Nuclear. That is far from factory! Looks like a dual setup as far as pipes go anyway!

 

[JacksonRally]

Congrats on a great purchase :welcome:

 

[Dylan]

Welcome, nice looking runner!

I just got my '04 V8 a month ago. I installed a new Pioneer head unit (here) yesterday which was $150 from Crutchfield. It has bluetooth, usb for ipod, also aux input for ipod/phone, and CD. I also bought a Metra Axxess ASWC-1 (here) to keep the steering wheel controls..it was $50 well spent so $200 altogether. You can shop around for the ASWC-1 for prices, anywhere from $50-80. Here's a write up someone else started on the install. I updated a post on the last page.

This install is pretty easy, takes maybe 3 hours start to finish: pulling dash, checking wires/soldering, etc.

I've also plasti-dipped my 2nd gen's wheels (here). If you have questions on either project feel free to give me a shout. Looking forward to the progress!

 

[scottyperry]

Welcome and goodluck on build, looks like a Great Plan!!

Those stock tire size? 265/70/16? Assuming the are 16's! If your build will be slow, meaning over a few years etc, here are my thoughts. Since you need tires soon, atleast go ahead and get 265/75/16's. Type of course is up to you, might as well go ahead and get an AT, this will give you a good start! As far as lift, why cornfed 2/1? You will have great luck getting a used set of Daystar 2.5/1.5, as i am sure the spacer lift if a temporary lift, since temp might as well save some coin for later.

Many people with Deep pockets will come on and say, hey just save up and do it all at once. My thoughts are different, start small and move up over time, get you to know your vehicle, have goals, and have fun over time. That's what I did, started with a toytec .5" spacer in front, now I am much larger. Of course this last part I mentioned is if your doing the work yourself.

Stock 265/70/16s, yes. Im thinking the Nitto TerraGraps, I had them on the Jeep and I loved them.

I like your thinking but does Daystar have aluminum spacers? I removed my Rokmen spacers from the Jeep and got almost the same amount out of them that I had in them. Thats my rationalizing, at least. I like the extra piece of mind.

Welcome and congrats on the purchase. Looking forward to seeing your build as it progresses.

Unless it was oem for the exhaust in 2003 to exit behind the rear tire (not sure to be honest) then I'd say you inherited an aftermarket exhaust to your current mod list as well below the burnt out HVAC bulbs...

All the stickies are worth reading... especially this one if you've never owned a 4runner before: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

Solid catc, def after market. Those will be removed eventually as well.

Welcome, nice looking runner!

I just got my '04 V8 a month ago. I installed a new Pioneer head unit (here) yesterday which was $150 from Crutchfield. It has bluetooth, usb for ipod, also aux input for ipod/phone, and CD. I also bought a Metra Axxess ASWC-1 (here) to keep the steering wheel controls..it was $50 well spent so $200 altogether. You can shop around for the ASWC-1 for prices, anywhere from $50-80. Here's a write up someone else started on the install. I updated a post on the last page.

This install is pretty easy, takes maybe 3 hours start to finish: pulling dash, checking wires/soldering, etc.

I've also plasti-dipped my 2nd gen's wheels (here). If you have questions on either project feel free to give me a shout. Looking forward to the progress!

Thanks for the links, man. I havent picked out a headunit yet. Unless I convince my wife otherwise, it'll probably be after the new year before I make the purchase... maybe...

I plastidip my last ride as well, learned from mistakes, hopefully less mistakes this time.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Love the name and the plans, can't wait to see what you do with it

 

[S p a r k y]

I like your thinking but does Daystar have aluminum spacers? I removed my Rokmen spacers from the Jeep and got almost the same amount out of them that I had in them. Thats my rationalizing, at least. I like the extra piece of mind.

Good point, didn't think of that. Ebay aluminum spacers is a good idea as well. Its all the same material, Corn might be a little higher, just thought id try to help save some coin.

Looks like you have done homework, we all appreciate a good post that someone has looked ahead of time.

 

[gaterose]

Welcome! Sounds like a great plan, keep us posted!

 

[scottyperry]

Small updates. I made some final decisions on the suspension and tires.

This 3" lift from Toytec with Bilstein 5100

Unless persuaded otherwise 35" Toyo OCMT

And plans to regear very very shortly after.

Ive been given, although tentative with a well known history, permission to throw some dollars come february at the rig.

I made the upgrade to a 5th gen keyfob; the lot I got the truck from lost the fob before I got it so Im elated to have keyless entry again and keep my keyring's girth down. I was able to get one of them programmed but the 2nd one I ordered doesnt work, already sent an email to the Ebay seller asking for a replacement.

 

[ebg18t]

Small updates. I made some final decisions on the suspension and tires.

This 3" lift from Toytec with Bilstein 5100

Unless persuaded otherwise 35" Toyo OCMT

And plans to regear very very shortly after.

Ive been given, although tentative with a well known history, permission to throw some dollars come february at the rig.

You are going to have to do a lot of trimming to fit 35's with a 3" lift.

 

[scottyperry]

You are going to have to do a lot of trimming to fit 35's with a 3" lift.

Even with a 1" body lift?

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Even with a 1" body lift?

it'll be tight, for sure.

check these out, lot of good info here

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/39106-how-much-lift-fit-35s.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/100679-4runner-now-complete-w-35s.html

 

[ebg18t]

Even with a 1" body lift?

Be tight. Look on 120 for guys running 35's. Most are running crank'd coils and 1.5" BL + fair amount of creative trimming.

 

[awdjunkies]

As others have noted, congratulations on the purchase/switch.. I am sure you have seen this and probably have it saved on your computer (Part of your future build) but for the record, here is the HVAC control teardown : Center Console Lights :yo:

 

[scottyperry]

Gotta hold off until after Christmas before making any mods that will tap into some more serious funds, so for now <$20 mods it is.

First off was some resto on the headlights. I used the kit with the drill attachment that 3M.

Before

After

I noticed today that the paint on the grill was fading so I figured I could make use of the endless supply of Plastidip I have in my garage. Of course right after I sprayed a small hurricane blew through so I have some runs and bubbling from the rain and wind...its whatever; I like the results so Ill probably end up peeling it all off when I get my garage cleaned up and doing a flat black duplicolor to it.

My Blue Sea Dual USB charger came today. I hope to have that installed in the next couple days I just need to find a good location for it. Anyone have any solid ideas?

 

[H20skier70]

WARNING: Build will be slow, deboard now if you're as ADD as me.

I bought her 12/6/13 to replace my 2006 Rubicon :/

2003 V8 SR5.
150k on the clock.


The reason(s):
- Wanted something bigger, grocery trips with 2 kids in a Jeep is the balls.
- Needed a 2nd vehicle that my wife can drive since she refused to learn to drive a 6speed.
- Need more tow load.
- Cut out a car payment.


The end goal:
- Fully capable of overlanding with my family of 4.
- A versatile vehicle on and off road.
- Good for towing a small camper or trailer...anywhere.
- Look good.


Current mods:
- None (unless you count the custom burnt out hvac bulbs)
- 5th gen key swap (doesn't count)

Current needs/plans:
- Tires
- LED Hvac swap (half my panel is burnt out)
- Radio swap (need something with an AUX input or iPod control)
- Plastidip wheels and badges (because its easy and why not?)
- Cornfed 2/1 Spacer lift (to please my eye for now)

Future plans:
- Tires. Unless persuaded otherwise, Toyo OCMT 315/75/r16.
- Suspension lift. 3/2 Bilstein 5100/Height Adj Coilovers.
- Armor by means of skid plates
- Front Bumper. I love the flat top but considering the platform I am building for I think the 3hoop would be a better choice, sexy either way.
- Rear bumper with tire swing (still researching)
- Baja rack with the light bar
- Tear drop trailer
- Winch
- Rear Lockers
- HID Upgrade
- LED light bars
- Re-gear (depending on tire size)
- Axel swap (depending on funds)
- Onboard compressor
- Misc items a long the way



So yea, if you read all of that, welcome to my painfully slow build. My funds will depend on how well I can become at coercing my wife to let off some dollars. Its a new thing to be an only child and suddenly have a family of 4 as the only bread winner and not have the freedom to just spend... better that way I guess.

Meet Truck Norris,

I bought her on garbage day.

​

Cheers.

You have some pretty big expectations to live up to with a name like Truck Norris. Lol.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

So... You made a not built thread?
I don't get it. Why not just wait until you actually do/build something to make a thread about it?


This site is cool because you have a garage to document smaller/less meaningful "builds/mods"

 

[scottyperry]

So... You made a not built thread?
I don't get it. Why not just wait until you actually do/build something to make a thread about it?


This site is cool because you have a garage to document smaller/less meaningful "builds/mods"

Well, this is a public forum soooooooo.... I figure I could do what I want.

Also, seems like most threads I found posted what they built instead of making something people can follow. Being that this will be a slower practical build why not start and create conversation rather than just throwing my 2 cents at everyone. I'm doing this for feedback as I build so I'm not starting a hundred threads.

I like the idea of the garage but once again, this is a public forum. Soon enough I will start so consider this a place holder and feel free to follow or not follow.