Unner's Build, 2001 T4R 4x4

[Unner]

As of March, 2017:

DSC05745a by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC06945a by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Well I figured it's about time I get one of these up, I think I'm far enough into it to have a build thread. I've had my 4Runner for about 20 months now, give or take a few. I really wanted a 3rd gen or a double cab first gen Taco when I turned 16, but they were too expensive at the time. I finally got my hands on one years later and now I'm here... She is affectionately known as Unner by all my friends, hence the screen name and tag. One of my friends said the name one day, and it just kinda stuck. I didn't really start doing much to it until I found this site as usual.

One day I either had a hit and run in the home depot parking lot or a shopping cart dented my rear bumper. I went inside and complained and two weeks later I had a "We feel bad" check from Home Depot for $200. I bought a $5 magnet to cover the dent and decided to put the rest of the money back into the truck. I bought a set of WeatherTechs and The Tacoma Whip Mod with that money and ever since then I've had an addiction...


Here's a rundown of what I've done to the T4R so far.

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4, 3rd Owner, 260k miles currently

Interior/Communications
• Kenwood Headunit
• Kenwood Amp
• JL 6.5" Components up Front - Amp and Speaker Install
• Sound Proofing (Front Doors and Rear Cargo Floor Done) - Front Door Sound Proofing
• LED Dome, Map, and Cargo Light
• ScanGauge II
• WeatherTech Front and Rear with TRD Badges - TRD Badge Install
• Driver Seat Bottom Swap from Wrecked T4R Passenger Side
• Cobra 75WXST CB Radio w/4 ft Firestik - Install (disconnected due to bumper mount interference) Tuning Antenna
• Sonoran Steel Hi-Lift Jack Mounts - Installed
• DIY Reupholstered Arm Rest/Door Pulls
• Panavise Phone/Tablet Mount


Exterior
• WMW Full Length Rack w/ Full Length Mesh
• Gobi Rear Ladder - Install - More Clearance Pictures
o

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Custom Wind Fairing made from Tinted Lexan - Details on Construction
• Sport Hood Swap w/ Matching Mesh in Scoop - Respray
o

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OEM Hood Insulator
• "Raptor" Grille - Done in Line-X
• TRD Decals
• Front D Ring Mounts w/ ARB Shackles Painted Gunmetal
• Repainted Wiper Arms and Rear Spoiler
• 4th Gen Windshield Sprayers
• Taco Whip Mod
• Highland Contura Mud Flaps
• Plastidipped Front Bumper
• Added OEM Fogs w/OEM Stalk Switch
• AVS Bug Deflector
• AVS Window Visors
• Debadged Hatch
• Overland Bound Emblem, Member #757
• Old School "4WheelDrive" Emblem
• Plastidipped License Plate Surround
• Grip Tape on Door Sills - Detailed Pictures
• Repainted Hood

Armor
• ShrockWorks Sliders w/ Treadplates
• ShrockWorks Full Skids - Skid Install - Modifying Gas Tank Skid for the Second Time
• Lotus RCAM Skids - Install
• Addicted OffRoad Plate Bumper - Install - Spacers for Bumper and Skid Clearance
• 4XInnovations Rear Bumper with Swing Out - Install 1/2 - Install 2/2


PowerTrain/Maintenance
• 5VZ-FE w/ 4 Speed Auto - all stock and original
• Valve Cover Gaskets & Associated Parts @149k
• Passenger Side Axle seal @155k
• Transmission Cooler @161k
• 231mm TBU & Rear Shoes @169k - Replaced Calipers Under NAPA Warranty @ 258k
• Alternator @170k
• Fuel Filter @171k
• Timing Belt, Water Pump, Radiator, Belts, etc. @175k
• O2 Sensors @182k - Replacement
• Oil Pressure Sender @185k
• TRD Throttle Body Gasket - Install
• Fuel Pump Replacement (Preventative Maintenance) @ 220k
• Denso Alternator @ 219k
• Speed Bleeders on Front Brakes @233k
• TEQ Oil Cap
• Transfercase Shifter Gasket
• Replaced garbage Chinese Starter with Denso @ 243k
• Replacement Key Fob Case



Electrical/Lighting
• Big 3 Upgrade w/ Blue Sea Fuse Box Install - Post on Details
• 37" Avec Light Bar on Bumper
• MRT Spot Lights on CBI Ditch Light Brackets
• 6" Rear Mounted Lights on WMW rack
• All OEM Toyota Switches for Aux Lights
• Dash Cam - Install
• Rigid Dually Spot - White - Wired to Factory Fog Light Switch
• Rigid Dually Flood - Amber


Suspension
• KYB GasAdjusts @142k
• Rear Coils(Moog) @ 142k
• AirLift Air Bags @142k
• Poly Sway Bar & Rack Bushings @ 142k
• New OEM LBJs @167k
• New OEM ITRE & OTRE @179k - Tie Rod Replacement
• Toytec Boss Coilovers 600LB Red Springs @181k - Lift Install
• LC 7.5 Wraps, new from Toyota @181k
• OME861 Springs
• OEM LC Shocks, "Tokico Black" @181k
• Custom Extended Sway Bar Links @181k - Install for Rear
• 1" Diff Drop @181k
• Wheeler's SuperBump Bumpstops (front) @181k - Install
• Custom Extended Rear Bump Stops @181k - Install
• Extended Rear Brake Lines @181k
• MStudt Double Disconnect Sway Bar End Links @188k - Currently not running these
• Passenger CV Axle & Seal @189k
• Front LCAs @191k
• Front Diff Mount Stoppers, Transfer Case Output Shaft Seal, and Transmission Mount @196k - Transmission Mount
• Driver CV Axle & Seal @233k
• King 2.5" Coilovers with 650 lb springs: Order Recieved, Initial Install, Final Install w/ Adjustment
• King 2.5 Rear Shocks with Piggyback Reservoirs, Recieved, Install, Flexing


Wheels & Tires
• 2015 4Runner Trail Edition Wheels
• 255/80/17 Cooper ST MAXX - Install
• Clean Pinch Weld Mod


Recover/Camping Gear
• Smittybuilt XRC9.5k - Synthetic Line - Remote Mount Solenoid - Install - Abrasion Guard Install
• Stored in Plastic Stanley Tool Box in Rear Hatch
• 2 ARB Shackles
• Southeast Overland Soft Shackle
• Viair 88P Compressor
• 30ft Recovery Strap
• Ratchet Straps
• Bungee Cords
• Axe
• Shovel
• Hi-Lift w/Jak-Jaw Attachment
• Gloves
• Mattress Pad for Camping - My Setup
• Window Nets - Pictures
• Tred Pro Recovery Boards - Received, Initial Pictures - DIY Roof Rack Mount
• ARB 30ft Snatch Strap
• Noco Genius Boost Battery Jumper
• 2 Fire Extinguishers
• FuelPax 3.5 Gallon Fuel Tank - DIY Roof Mount


Places I've Been/Trails I've Run


Alabama
• Conecuh National Forest - AL - Post 1 - Post 2
• Hawk Pride Tuscumbia, AL - Father's Day 2016 1/2 - Father's Day 2016 2/2
• Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
• Talladega National Forest - Skyway Motorway 2017
• Tuskeege National Forest, March 2018


Arizona
• Lake Powell, Monument Valley Area - December 2017
• Grand Canyon - December 2017


California
• December 2017 California Full Trip Report
• Mohalland Drive and Fires - December 2017
• Pismo Beach - December 2017
• Pacific Coast Highway, Zebras, and Elephant Seals - December 2017
• Pacific Coast Highway, Redwoods, Prewitt Ridge Campsite
• Mojave Road - December 2017, West to East, Day 1: River Crossing, Travelers Monument, Campsite
• Mojave Road - December 2017, West to East, Day 2: Joshua Trees, The Mailbox, Watson Wash, Penny Tree, Old School Bus, Nevada State Line, End at Colorado River
• Titus Canyon, Death Valley - December 2017
• Uhebebe Crater, Death Valley - December 2017
• Racetrack Road and Teakettle Junction, Death Valley - December 2017
• The Racetrack, Death Valley - December 2017
• Lippincott Pass, Death Valley - December 2017
• Saline Valley Road, Death Valley - December 2017
• Sierra Nevadas from Death Valley - December 2017
• Alabama Hills - December 2017
• Mount Whitney - December 2017
• Death Valley Sandstorm - December 2017
• Joshua Tree National Park - July 2018
• Angeles Crest Highway - July 2018


Colorado - July 2017 Colorado Trip Report
• Interstate 70 through the Rockies
• Mount Baldy 2017
• Fourmile Area 2017
• Mount Princeton 2017
• Tincup Pass 2017
• Clear Lake 2017
• Engineer Pass 2017
• Cinnamon Pass 2017
• Schafer Gulch 2017
• Ophir Pass 2017
• Imogene Pass 2017
• Corkscrew Gulch 2017
• Hurricane Pass 2017
• California Pass 2017
• Animas Forks 2017
• Eureka Gulch 2017
• Picayune Gulch 2017
• Placer Gulch 2017
• Porphyry Gulch/ King Bullion Lake 2017
• Black Bear Pass 2017
• Red Mountain 2017
• East Fork Road 2017
• Medano Pass 2017


Florida
• Deep Sea Fishing - Only Fish Pics in this Thread so Far
• Point Washington State Forest October 2017
• Point Washington State Forest March 2018

Georgia
• John's Mountain Wildlife Management Area 2017


Kansas
• Wilson State Park 2017


Mississippi
• Chewalla Lake - MS


Nevada
• Hoover Dam - December 2017


North Carolina
• Blue Ridge Parkway - Post 1 - Post 2
• Hurricane Creek - NC - August 2016 1/2 August 2016 2/2
• Uhwarrie National Forest (URE) (6/2/17)



South Carolina
• Table Rock State Park, Sassafrass Mountain - SC 2016
• Charleston/Francis Marion National Forest/SC Low Country 2017


Utah - Spring 2017 Cross Country Moab Trip Report
• Onion Creek 2017
• Top of the World 2017
• Gemini Bridges 2017
• Long Canyon 2017
• Fins n Things 2017
• Shafer Trail 2017
• White Rim Trail 2017
• Tower Arch Trail 2017
• Eye of the Whale Trail 2017
• Willow Springs 2017
• Tusher Tunnel 2017
• Alstrom Point - December 2017

Wyoming
• White Mountain Road 2017

Canada August 2017
• Day 1 & 2, driving to Boston
• Day 3, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Canada Crossing
• Day 5, Quebec City
• Day 5, Driving through Canada Countryside, a Little Wheeling, Tadoussac
• Day 6, Tadoussac, Camping on the Saint Lawrence River, Saguenay River
• Day 7, Montreal
• Day 8, Back into the US, Niagara Falls
• Day 9, Lake Erie, Drive Home

 

[Unner]

Some pictures of the 4Runner since the beginning. I'll try and get them in order as best as I can and caption them when necessary. This is me making a build thread I should have started months ago...

20140216_172219_Richtone(HDR) by Unner Unner, on Flickr
The beginning, running boards and all.

20141103_120059_RichtoneHDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Running boards gone.

20141229_145350_RichtoneHDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Light bar and grille without letters.

20150113_110045_RichtoneHDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
OE Fog lights added.

Got a really good deal on this sport hood, made a road trip to pick it up.

20150131_162922_RichtoneHDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
20150207_170537_RichtoneHDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
TRD Decals

20150207_171042_RichtoneHDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
PlastiDipped front bumper

DSC00256 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Letters added to grille.

20150327_112620_RichtoneHDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Went and got her dirty.

20150412_212159 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Snapchat--5729323756247048643 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
I was driving a buddy home and he says, look a giant peanut. And a giant hot dog. I didn't believe him so I turned around. Sure enough he was right...

DSC00468 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
MRT spot lights on CBI ditch light brackets.

DSC00369 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00370 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00371 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00372 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00373 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Cool light pictures. Low, high, light bar, spots, and everything all at once.

 

[Unner]

DSC00611 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00624 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00636 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Testing the new wheels and tires for clearance.
DSC00701_1 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00720 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00754 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00736 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Exploring down by the river on the new shoes.

DSC00789 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC00797 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
All clean.

20150623_155441_RichtoneHDR by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Next to a stock 4Runner.

DSC02187 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02192 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02207 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02208 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02210 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Slider Install.

DSC02351 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Representing the greatest country. My friend and I drove all the way to the beach and back like this. Got a lot of thumbs up and pictures taken on the 800 mile round trip haha

20150830_105524 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
20150829_082044 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Timing belt and associate part replacement. Pretty happy with myself for doing it all correctly the first time. Saved A LOT of money too!

DSC02368 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Got a WMW rack and a kayak shortly after.

 

[Unner]

DSC02390 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02386 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02400 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02451 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
WMW rack and custom fairing.

DSC02561 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
20151020_174526 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
20151020_174530 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
20151020_174557 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Rear lighting on WMW rack.

DSC02545 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
20151020_174649 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
20150313_132925_1 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Bad interior pictures...

20151020_174626 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
20151020_174623 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Big 3 upgrade and Blue Sea Fuse Box, I used leftover tinted lexan to make the mount. I copied 4-Ripcord on this idea.

 

[Unner]

Off-Roading trip to Hawk Pride. I went out here with a buddy and we ran the trails all day. I got through all the trails listed as easy, and 1 of the 3 intermediate trails I tried. They suggested a 3" lift and 33" tires for the intermediate trails so I was happy to make it through 1 haha. This was the first time I really wheeled the truck and it did fantastic for being stock height I think. I got hung up in a few places because I didn't have the clearance, but I was also the only stock rig out there. I had so much fun and it's what's pushed me to start ordering skids, a lift, and bumpers for the 4Runner. I want to get back out there and conquer more.

DSC02474 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02475 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
Couldn't make it up this obstacle, too loose and sandy under the truck.

DSC02479 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02481 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02482 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02483 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02487 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02488 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
I may be stuck on the gas tank skid in the above pictures...

DSC02490 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02494 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02501 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
A little 3 wheelin'.

DSC02504 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02506 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
. by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02517 by Unner Unner, on Flickr
DSC02529 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Let me know if you have any questions or want to know any more about anything I have listed above. I'll be glad to answer. I think that covers my entire 4Runner story. From here on I'll try and post everything I do to it here as well for easy keeping.

I also have a 1987 Toyota Supra. I treat my 4Runner like gold, and I treat the Supra even better. She's only got 91k original miles, and I'm the second owner. Still the cleanest one I've seen in person ever. She needs just a tad bit of work and it would seriously be a concourse level show car. All stock except for a custom exhaust (original rusted out and OEM Toyota was discontinued), Kenwood headunit, 6.5" speakers up front, Ceramic Tint all around(50% on windshield to protect interior), and I've got a set of sway bars, .5" lowering springs, and need to order new shocks to put on at the same time. Here's the build thread for the Supra for anyone interested.

DSC00292 by Unner Unner, on Flickr

87 Supra Preservation/Modernization Build (Lots of pics!!!)!!!)

Love my Toyotas!

Thanks for reading through my nonsense, I really enjoy reading other member's builds so hopefully someone will like this one haha

 

[GSPRunner]

One of the cleanest T4Rs on the forum. Look forward to see where this one goes.

 

[jpeaslee]

Glad to see a proper thread. I'm hoping to relocate to Huntsville/Madison soon. I have family up there and have always loved it. There seem to be a ton more places to wheel than down here too.

I was about to pull the trigger on a 4x front bumper and then ended up with an AOR plate bumper. I cut the frame rails off with a cheap harbor freight grinder in <30 mins and then you just have to drill (2) 9/16" holes in the frame. There's really not much too it, and the new crossmember is stout. The 4x is definitely a nice looking bumper though.

I didn't do the SS1.2, but I did do bilstein 5100s all around, trd coils up front and OME 906s in the rear. Once it settled, it's perfectly level (with the fronts on the bottom perch) and right at 2" higher than it was factory. I usually carry a good chunk of stuff in the back, and I kinda like a bit of rake anyway. At somepoint I'm going to swap out the 906s for superflex coils (but then comes the extended brakelines, bumpstops and new panhard bar). It definitely rides like butter. My cousin has a stock 100 series and is always compliments me on having a smoother ride on the trails than he has.

 

[derpiful]

I've been waiting for this thread! Always see you posting, but no build thread. Can't wait to see where this goes.

 

[jman11788]

Love the progress you've done to your rig, very clean build so far. Also I'm planning to go to hawk pride sometime soon, never been there looks pretty fun. Maybe we could meet over there one day for a trail ride...

 

[LittleCaesar]

Looks great. I can't believe how much of a difference those rims make in appearance the whole body of your 4runner.

Still liking the grille as well.

 

[Ed_C]

Part #s for the light switches?

 

[rtarv32101]

Great looking truck, enjoyed the thread!!

 

[DizzyDoyle]

[MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION], glad you made one of these! I really like what you have already do to this beast. Can't wait to see your plans become reality. Keep it up and sub'd!

 

[papabeach]

Glad to see you put this together...it is making me want to do this same, I am just lazy! Looking forward to seeing your plans to come life!

 

[Bandit Runner]

Good looking 4Runner! Nice thread too.

 

[Unner]

One of the cleanest T4Rs on the forum. Look forward to see where this one goes.

Thanks! I'm excited to see where it goes too!

Glad to see a proper thread. I'm hoping to relocate to Huntsville/Madison soon. I have family up there and have always loved it. There seem to be a ton more places to wheel than down here too.

I was about to pull the trigger on a 4x front bumper and then ended up with an AOR plate bumper. I cut the frame rails off with a cheap harbor freight grinder in <30 mins and then you just have to drill (2) 9/16" holes in the frame. There's really not much too it, and the new crossmember is stout. The 4x is definitely a nice looking bumper though.

I didn't do the SS1.2, but I did do bilstein 5100s all around, trd coils up front and OME 906s in the rear. Once it settled, it's perfectly level (with the fronts on the bottom perch) and right at 2" higher than it was factory. I usually carry a good chunk of stuff in the back, and I kinda like a bit of rake anyway. At somepoint I'm going to swap out the 906s for superflex coils (but then comes the extended brakelines, bumpstops and new panhard bar). It definitely rides like butter. My cousin has a stock 100 series and is always compliments me on having a smoother ride on the trails than he has.

It's not too bad of an area. There's not much wheeling here, but several parks about an hours drive from here.

I really like the AOR bumper, but I'm afraid I'll be covering up the grille if I mount a winch in it, and there's not really any places to mount lights on it without covering the grille. If I get the 4X bumper I'd get it with just the single grille guard like the AOR one. It's a tough decision, 4-Ripcords old 4Runner looked amazing with the 4X bumper, but there are several trucks now with the AOR bumper that look equally nice. It may just come down to which one I can get the best deal on.

I'm leaning towards just ponying up and getting the SS1.2 since it comes with everything I need like bumpstops, brake lines, etc. and I really like a raked look, which that would provide. Plus the LC springs get real flexy!

I've been waiting for this thread! Always see you posting, but no build thread. Can't wait to see where this goes.

Thanks man! I felt bad always posting but not having my own thread haha

Love the progress you've done to your rig, very clean build so far. Also I'm planning to go to hawk pride sometime soon, never been there looks pretty fun. Maybe we could meet over there one day for a trail ride...

Thanks! Let me know when you want to go and I'll try and make it out there. It's just over an hour from me. [MENTION=101355]Oprah[/MENTION] is also pretty close to them also, but in Mississippi. He'd probably want to join too.

Looks great. I can't believe how much of a difference those rims make in appearance the whole body of your 4runner.

Still liking the grille as well.

Thanks! These are my favorite OEM Toyota wheels. These and the grille really gave it a more modern look I think. Still haven't seen any local 4Runners with the Raptor grille, there's a few 2nd Gen Tacos, but no 4Runners. Haven't seen any 3rd Gens on these wheels either. Not too many modified ones here. A lot of bros in their Tacomas and FJ's here though...

Part #s for the light switches?

Here's a thread that shows the part number and which prong is ground, hot, and relay trigger.

https://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/tech/switch/

Great looking truck, enjoyed the thread!!

Thanks for reading!

[MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION], glad you made one of these! I really like what you have already do to this beast. Can't wait to see your plans become reality. Keep it up and sub'd!

Thanks! I can't wait too see my plans become reality either. I'm hoping to get some good deals on stuff here in a month with black Friday sales.

Glad to see you put this together...it is making me want to do this same, I am just lazy! Looking forward to seeing your plans to come life!

Do it! I'm lazy too, that's why I never put one together. It would have been easier to do it at the beginning rather than all at once, but it's done now. I didn't have anything to do last night so I spent about 3 hours going through pictures, and trying to remember everything I've done to the truck. It's a lot more than I realized, probably a lot more expensive than I want to realize too... Oh well, it's mine and I like it.

Good looking 4Runner! Nice thread too.

Thanks! Doesn't hold a candle to yours yet though!

 

[Unner]

Just got a shipping confirmation on my ShrockWorks skid plates shipping! That was super fast. I'm excited!

 

[Kippjr23]

I like the front grill the most!

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Thanks for reading through my nonsense, I really enjoy reading other member's builds so hopefully someone will like this one haha

I was glad to see this thread when it popped up the other night. I followed along as you added more posts and info, and it's been cool to read the story / progression of your 4Runner.

I've always been a big (albeit quiet) fan of your rig, to the point that I don't think you should even mess with it anymore. It's a perfect "OEM+" setup just how it sits, but I also know the slippery slope... it's hard to leave well enough alone. Seriously though, it looks awesome, and it'll do 90% of what you want it to do just the way it is.

That supra is incredibly clean. It looks like it just rolled off the line. It's missing something in the engine bay, though.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I got to start looking for some of these rims. Mod on.