What to do first, I am picking up my 4Runner in the morning!

[mshrake]

At 10:00 tomorrow morning I am picking up my first 4Runner!

Of course, now I need help deciding what to do first. This is what I have come up with so far, but wanted to get some more opinions from other board members that have been through this process.

1. Side exhaust mod. This one is cheap, removes the ugly resonator, and should keep the exhaust smell out of the truck if the rear window is down.

2. Change out whatever tires it comes with. I plan on installing 265/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S's. From my research here, they should not rub, right???

3. Install a cargo area protector. Does anyone know if any of the avalible products take the dual height storage area in consideration? Do you have pictures of it installed?

4. Hardwire my V1 radar detector. This should be a piece of cake after reading other posts. The only concern I have is mine has side air bags. I will have to take a look at it before starting...

So what should be next. I am not looking to do anything very expensive. Purchasing the truck was enough for a while. Basically I am looking for the cheap mods that let me personalize the truck, and have proven popular with other members.

Thanks for the help!

Mike

 

[Biff]

Good idea, try the Borla

1. Side exhaust mod. This one is cheap, removes the ugly resonator, and should keep the exhaust smell out of the truck if the rear window is down.



Skip the Wranglers, and go either the Revos or BFG's A/T. I installed the Wranglers AT/S, and have regretted.

2. Change out whatever tires it comes with. I plan on installing 265/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S's. From my research here, they should not rub, right???


Try Husky mats


3. Install a cargo area protector. Does anyone know if any of the avalible products take the dual height storage area in consideration? Do you have pictures of it installed?



If you can hang with it do a lift, not very expensive and you get alot out of it.

[/B][/QUOTE]

 

[the_josh]

hey mike,
so whats the setup your getting on your truck and what did u pay?

 

[Kanab]

Find a 4runner on the lot that has the Michelin Cross Terrains on it and make them switch them on to your 4runner before you sign the papers. I did this the Michelins are the best tires made now for the 4th generation if you live in Atlanta. If you want tire noise and are going to do some big time off roading then go for some BFG AT/KO's if they make them in the right size. I had them on my 95 Landcruiser and they had 50K miles and they still had another 40K left. Good luck and enjoy the new ride.

 

[Mark86]

Good luck in picking up your 4Runner tomorrow morning. You will definitely enjoy it! How about installing some HID lights? Those are pretty cool. Don't forget to post pictures!

 

[mshrake]

Here is what I am picking up in the morning:

Model: 4Runner Limited 4WD
Model Year: 2004
Transmission: V8 5 Speed Automatic
Color: Galactic Gray
Interior: Stone Leather

Options

Fuel Surcharge $5
Accent Stripe-SA10 $78
Sunroof Wind Deflector-CF20 $119
Toyo Guard Plus Protection Group-XY70 $699
Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof-SRAT $900
Driver & Passenger Curtain & Side Airbags-GYAT $650
Window Tint-TW20 $149
Daytime Running Lights-RLAT $40
4Runner Rear Spoiler-CX90 $399
JBL Synthesis ETR/Cass/CD w/10 Speakers & Nav-NVAT $2675
Carpet/Trunk Mats-PV60 $225
Rear Air Suspension w/X-REAS Shocks-NFAT $1400

Total MSRP was $44,984

I paid $40,400

Not sure how good or bad that is, but I am happy.

Mike

 

[mshrake]

I am going to try and get the to swap for the Michelin Cross Terrains. If they will do it, that is much cheaper than any other option!

I thought aftermarket HIDS were illegal these days? I tried to get some for my M5, and everyone sid that was illegal now???

Mike

 

[Mark86]

I mean the Silverstar bulbs that people on the board have put in.

 

[Kanab]

I am going to try and get the to swap for the Michelin Cross Terrains. If they will do it, that is much cheaper than any other option!

I thought aftermarket HIDS were illegal these days? I tried to get some for my M5, and everyone sid that was illegal now???

Mike

Mike it's no problem to them other than the charge the service departmnet will lay on sales to switch the tires, if they give you any problem since you already made your deal, just tell them you will pay for the work to switch them. Toyota put Brigstones on some Dunlops on others and Michelin on others. The Michelins on Tirerack are the top rated and cost twice as much to replace. Go figure?

PS it is no problem at all if the wheels on both trucks are the same. I had the Sport and they took them off a SR5 which has the same wheels as the Limited. The Sport wheels are different so they had to dismount 10 tires and switch them. If your wheels are the same all they have to do is put both vehicles on a lift and swap wheels. No big deal.

 

[mshrake]

That sounds like a great idea. Just what I am looking for, somewhat inexpensive, and still making the truck more "Mine".

Besides, I have not driven a 4Runner at night, but I am guessing the headlights are less powerful than the M5...

Mike

 

[mshrake]

So the SR5 and Limited have the same wheels?

Per the web site, my dealer has the following limited models in stock:

V6 2WD = 2
V8 2WD = 2
V6 4WD = 3
V8 4WD = 1 (Not including mine)

So with 8 other ones on the lot, I should be able to find one with Michelins. I have no problem paying for it since it will still be cheaper than any other option I have.

Mike

 

[peter78]

Just curious, what dealer are you getting your 4Runner from???


I would try & change the tires first, before you buy it. Then I would install the rador detector. They just install a speed trap on I-75 in Kennesaw, they lowered the speed for 3 miles to 55 from 65 and then they change it back to 65 and cops hang out there, plus I-285 is one giant speed trap. With the V8 you will need it.

Congrats.

 

[Mark86]

That sounds like a great idea. Just what I am looking for, somewhat inexpensive, and still making the truck more "Mine".

Besides, I have not driven a 4Runner at night, but I am guessing the headlights are less powerful than the M5...

Mike

I cannot say that they are less powerful that an M5, but they are not as white. The 4Runner's headlights are great in lighting up the road, but not as great as HID lights.

 

[Only4Gold]

What to do first?

Easy question...enjoy what you got!! Take it out on the road, the interstate, a dirt road, a dusty one...enjoy what the 4runner does best...running!! Then consider what to do to change what "nature has wrought"!

Enjoy it, as I'm sure you will...knowing the sheer joy of driving that engineering masterpiece they call the 4R.

 

[Kanab]

So the SR5 and Limited have the same wheels?

Per the web site, my dealer has the following limited models in stock:

V6 2WD = 2
V8 2WD = 2
V6 4WD = 3
V8 4WD = 1 (Not including mine)

So with 8 other ones on the lot, I should be able to find one with Michelins. I have no problem paying for it since it will still be cheaper than any other option I have.

Mike

The same wheels if they are 17 inch wheels. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[mshrake]

I am getting the 4Runner from Toyota of Roswell. I do not like the service department there, but they did have the best deal. I will probably go to Sandy Springs for any service issues.

Radar detector install will probably be tomorrow night.

Mike

 

[momo.75]

I would suggest getting the front two windows tinted t match the rest. It will look great on the Galatic Gray.
I would also go with the Silverstar bulbs. The stock lights are great. They are very bright, but the Silverstars just add the crisp white light. They aren't much brighter, just cleaner.
You could always add an XM Radio system or all weather mats. One more idea would be to invest in some Griot's cleaning & protecting products.

 

[EXTEX]

New 4R

Mshrake -

Welcome to the board. Only4Gold has some great advice. I only add: take some good CDs!

If you've finalized your deal, don't expect the dealer to go joyfully about his lot swappin' wheels for you. Expect them to say they can't do that under law. At the very least, expect it to cost $, but that's still cheaper than swapping tires elsewhere. Their attitude will depend on if you have signed everything. If not, the negotiating isn't over.

Keep in mind Steve @ Partznet for your needs. The [rubber] All Weather Toyota mats are a perfect fit & a deal for $60+ w/ him.

On your V1, plan to place the small transformer inside the driver's kick panel fuse box. There's a little 'place' for it that's perfect - I had intended to velcro, but it fits so tight, you don't need it. There's a [I think] 15a accessory fuse to the right side in the box. I carefully thinned the field of copper stands, wrapped around the fuse leg & carefully used [retired] forcepts to replace. There's a good screw to the left [outside of the panel] for ground. Routing the wires up/in the A pillar is cake. My unit sits atop my rearview on HD velcro. I use the remote cuz I don't like a lite show up there @ nite.

Again welcome. - There's alot of good folks hereabout.

 

[mshrake]

How did you use velcro to hold the V1 above the mirror? I had planned on just using the suction cup mount and letting the bottom of the unit rest on the mirror.

Thanks for letting me know the easiest power and ground location. Does your 4Runner have the side curtain airbags?

Mike

 

[EXTEX]

Valentine

Mshrake -

I have a 2" wide band of the 'fuzzy' part of velcro on the bottom of the unit. Then on top of my rearview, driver's side, I have 3/8" wide strip of HD [that's wot I call it - it's kinda spiney - Radio Shack] velcro.

The front of the unit kinda wedges against the windshield. Cups not an option for me, must be invisible here in Li'l Russia. By the way - if you buy a longer cord - which all V1 owners recognize as a plug-in telephone wire - make sure it's a FOUR wire cord! I was working out of 'inventory' a few years ago & almost made myself nuts cuz I had a three wire! Almost everything worked.

I do not have SCurtain. I have read here about the install of wires in sidecurtain A pillars tho, & I don't think it's a prob, buy someone else can clarify.