What to do to MtnChick's Purple Horse?

[MtnChick]

As requested by Willkickey, here is my new Stellar Blue Pearl T4R. Funny thing about this color, I have someone on the east coast shopping 4Runners for me, and when we went over what I wanted I told him the only color I couldn't tolerate was purple. Thought about the stupidity of that for a little while, called him back and said I didn't care what color. Of course now it was inevitable that I would end up with a purple one! As it turns out the color is growing on me, and I'm actually starting to like it.



There are some things on this truck that I REALLY don't care for though. Sorry if I offend, but to me the pin stripes and grey limited flairs are awful! Don't see how anyone could think this looks good. Chrome is not my favorite either. Overall the look is having a hard time competing with this awesomeness.



So, anyone care to give opinions on what would look good? Things I'm thinking about tackling are:

Roof rack- in serious need of refinishing.
Take a hairdryer to the pinstripes- soon!
Chrome bumpers have a few dings that are starting to rust, so need to do something before too long. Bedliner? Any other ideas on that? Need a theme for all of this.
What to do with the flares? Sounds like they will be a PITA to take off, so wondering if they could be bedlined or something in place.
Mud flaps in the front would be nice if I could find some- that's cow s#/t in the photo.
May have a deal going on trading for some 5-star wheels so I can eventually do the Tundra brakes. If that goes through will turn the whitewalls in, which I forgot to ask for.

This is going to be a work horse rig. I do a lot of highway driving, sometimes with 600+ lbs in the back. Also like to drive fast on gravel roads and will be doing some rough, rocky two-tracks with a couple hundred lbs of dogs along at times, but not likely any serious technical off-roading. Lots of deep snow too, and will probably end up doing some towing. I have no plans to do a lift, even though I like the idea of it. I plan to drive the truck until it dies, however many 100k more miles that is, and I don't want to put extra wear on it with a real lift. The rear is sagging, and I just sent off a check to another member of the forum for some lightly used OME 906's. I'm planning to install those and then play it by ear as far as doing anything else with the suspension right now. Surprisingly, in their present stock state the purple horse outdoes the '99 Highlander on the rough stuff. Less body roll on bumps and dips, and way more planted/secure on gravel roads. I'm guessing it's either the taller springs or maybe more worn out shocks on the '99. Anyway, didn't expect the lowly 2000 to beat the tricked out Highlander at anything. I guess it loses on clearance at the moment though.

 

[Taylor20]

I would be highly interested in your flares if you ever part with them, keep me in mind!

 

[MtnChick]

Don't think I'll get rid of the flares, just hate the color.

 

[snivilous]

Bed liner on the flares would be cool, and certainly doable. You could probably pry up the flare a bit and slide some paper or tape underneath it to make sure you don't get paint on the body.

If you can't get the rims you want you can always get high performance rotors and pads that are slotted and drilled and will fit your rims.

I have a 2001 and never had trouble with snow when it was sitting at stock height. I could move through a foot or two of powder no problem going up a hill with 31" all terrain tires. I don't know how much deeper snow you're planning on going through, but you could think about lockers (I would think a front locker would be better over a rear locker in deep snow if you had to choose, just since it would plow through for the back end).

The highlander might of just been driven rougher so it didn't handle as well. As far as ground clearance, if you have the same diameter tires the two should match. Approach angle wise the 99 is better.

Nice looking runner! Good luck with it!

 

[Willhickey]

Looks great but those fender flares aren't cutting it ! I need to post pics of mine ... Not sure how to do it

 

[MtnChick]

Bed liner on the flares would be cool, and certainly doable. You could probably pry up the flare a bit and slide some paper or tape underneath it to make sure you don't get paint on the body.

If you can't get the rims you want you can always get high performance rotors and pads that are slotted and drilled and will fit your rims.

I have a 2001 and never had trouble with snow when it was sitting at stock height. I could move through a foot or two of powder no problem going up a hill with 31" all terrain tires. I don't know how much deeper snow you're planning on going through, but you could think about lockers (I would think a front locker would be better over a rear locker in deep snow if you had to choose, just since it would plow through for the back end).

The highlander might of just been driven rougher so it didn't handle as well. As far as ground clearance, if you have the same diameter tires the two should match. Approach angle wise the 99 is better.

Nice looking runner! Good luck with it!

Haven't had much time for it, but looked through a few threads and the bedliner looks pretty good to me in some photos, especially when the texture isn't too extreme.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/101391-painted-limited-fender-flares-pic-request.html
Wondering how it would look to do the flares, maybe the rocker panels, roof rack, and all chrome in the same black. Haven't found a picture yet of one like that to see if the two toned front bumper would be OK.

We live in a heavy snow area, and some of the short wheel base Toyota trucks we've owned have been almost unstoppable until it's deep enough to plow with the bumper. Nice to hear that the T4R's are good. I can see the higher springs making a difference in snow too because there is more room for it to flow over the axle Had the misfortune of owning a Ford for a couple of years that didn't have much space over the axle and it couldn't get out of its own way.

 

[02SE]

Take a hairdryer to the pinstripes- soon!

Just an FYI, removing 13 year old pinstripes, you will likely find the rest of the paint has faded a bit, and that the unfaded paint under the stripes will noticeably stand out.

 

[Yoter]

I would do a color matched Rhinoline/Monstaliner on the Flairs and Bumpers!
My first 4runner was smurf purple and as much as I love my new silver one the purple has aged really well. I think all purple will look much better than any two tone. But thats just me.

 

[the great him]

what part of idaho? it would replace the shocks/struts and coils all the way around, as well as the LBJs on your rig if you plan on doing a lot of back roads diving in the washboards...

 

[MtnChick]

what part of idaho? it would replace the shocks/struts and coils all the way around, as well as the LBJs on your rig if you plan on doing a lot of back roads diving in the washboards...

I live near Yellowstone Park. I pretty much anticipate ending up with 880's on the front and new shocks. Want to see how much rake and how the rear acts with the 906's before deciding exactly what to buy though. The rear definitely wants to come around sometimes on washboard. I'm used to a little longer wheel base, so have to watch it.

It's got just under 90,000- how soon on the LBJ's?

I would do a color matched Rhinoline/Monstaliner on the Flairs and Bumpers!
My first 4runner was smurf purple and as much as I love my new silver one the purple has aged really well. I think all purple will look much better than any two tone. But thats just me.

Hmm... I do like the color matched bumpers on the Highlander. Do you think I can get a good match in the liner?

Just an FYI, removing 13 year old pinstripes, you will likely find the rest of the paint has faded a bit, and that the unfaded paint under the stripes will noticeably stand out.

Will it look worse than the stripes? I hate them, but I don't want to make it worse.

Looks great but those fender flares aren't cutting it ! I need to post pics of mine ... Not sure how to do it

Took me a little while to figure out how to post photos. I did it by attaching the files to the message using the "manage attachments" button. To stick it in the message you click on the drop down arrow next the paper clip up top, click on the file and it will go in wherever the cursor is. Love to see pics.

 

[farmerjon]

I live near Yellowstone Park.

YELL is home for me as well! I live at the base of the Bighorns... Welcome to the forums, you'll love your 4Runner!

 

[paddlenbike]

I noticed it's a 5 speed too. Very desireable.

Personally, I would take the flares off and drop them off at a paint shop and have them color-matched.

Even a cheap painting place like Maaco has competent painters; where they don't do so well is masking and prep work, none of which you really need.

 

[2002tii]

Looks good. I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I always liked the purple/grey flare look. But color-matched flares would look good, too.

Those stripes are a PITA to remove. They were commonly installed at the port by some of Toyota's regional distributors. I remember peeling them off of a buddy's 4Runner in the summer when his 4Runner was still new (so back in 2000). Even in 100*+ heat with a hair dryer, they were not easy to peel off.

Regarding mud flaps - if you click on the link in my signature below, there's info on the Highland brand (not Highlander) flaps I bought that work great with factory flares. I'm really happy with them. Easy enough to find online for $25-35 or so.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Welcome to the forum MtnChick. Like Farmerjon I also hail from WY. You live in an awesome area! Yellowstone is one of my favorite places in the world and Ive dreamed of living and working there when I get out of the military.

My thoughts on your truck . . .
Im glad the color grew on you because you dont see many that color. If nothing else its different. I dont think the grey flares look bad at all. But color matched always looks the best imo. I vote you go color matched with the flares and bumpers. I have the same flares as the highlander you have pictured and I wish I could trade you mine for yours, but mine wouldnt cover up the bolt holes from your flares. Also as long as your paint is in decent shape, removing the pin stripe shouldnt stand out too much. I bet if you cleaned and then gave the paint a really good buff/wax it would all shine nicely.

For suspension, a few other good options for you might be 891s (which are what Im currently running) or lc 7 wraps. I had 7 wraps on for about 6 months because I was frequently hauling logs in the back of my runner. I tested those coils using bricks, and 500-600lbs of bricks were nothing for them. The sagged an inch at most and the ride was better with the weight than without it. If youre going to be on a lot of wash board dirt roads, the 906s will probably be a rough ride with no added weight. Im sure they would be great with weight, but handling will be fairly dangerous with those coils driving fast on a wash board road with no weight in the back. 891s and lc 7 wraps are softer but taller coils. They would be fine with 600lbs in the back, and would definately give a more planted ride when youre not hauling.

Edit:

Ive never ran 906s, so I dont know how they feel. But they are a stiffer rated coil than lc wraps and 891s. Also, the tundra setup would be another great option for the front. It would be plenty stiff for hauling. Ive never ran 880s up front so cant speak for them. But most who have gone with the tundra setup really like it, including myself

 

[Hepar]

I think the official color is blurple. If you want to see a great build with that color, check out Ryhi's build.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/88638-ryhis-4runner.html

 

[02SE]

Will it look worse than the stripes? I hate them, but I don't want to make it worse.

That depends on the condition of the rest of the paint. If it was parked in a garage most of the time, and waxed regularly, it might not be faded at all.

I just mentioned the possibility so you wouldn't have a potentially nasty surprise if the stripes were removed.

 

[MtnChick]

YELL is home for me as well! I live at the base of the Bighorns... Welcome to the forums, you'll love your 4Runner!

Thanks for the welcomes. Nice over in the Bighorns.

I noticed it's a 5 speed too. Very desireable.

Personally, I would take the flares off and drop them off at a paint shop and have them color-matched.

I hate to say how much effort I put into finding a 5 speed in decent shape, low miles, and not way overpriced. Not many around, and when they do come up for sale they tend to move pretty fast. At least that's what I've seen in the last few months. Too bad it's got the wrong button here.



I'm headed to the valley this afternoon and might stop if I have time and get an estimate to body match the flares and chrome. That looks really good to me. My practical side is arguing for the bedliner though- seems like it would be a tough finish, and I could do it myself.

Looks good. I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I always liked the purple/grey flare look. But color-matched flares would look good, too.

Regarding mud flaps - if you click on the link in my signature below, there's info on the Highland brand (not Highlander) flaps I bought that work great with factory flares. I'm really happy with them. Easy enough to find online for $25-35 or so.

At least somebody likes them! Thanks for the tip on the mud flaps. Those look like they will work. I think it would look better with no flaps front or rear, and I'm not that worried about dirt, but that practical side is saying they will protect the paint a little.

I think the official color is blurple. If you want to see a great build with that color, check out Ryhi's build.

Blurple! Awesome. Ryhi's looks great, but I think he could buy several T4R's for what he put into rims and tires! Wow.

02SE- Definitely not garaged full time, as the wood trim on the inside is pretty rough from UV. The paint seems to be in decent shape though. Something to stew over for a while, but I'm leaning toward getting rid of the stripes and dealing with whatever is under them.

1985taylor1925- Thanks for the advice on the suspension. I guess I'll have to see how it does with the 906's. I won't be spending much time on washboards empty, but sometimes. My experience with pick-ups may be warping my choice on this- have always preferred adding heavy duty leafs and shocks and don't mind a stiffer ride that keeps the body from rocking. Interesting to hear that your lc wraps held the weight. From what I read it sounded like they would be too soft.

Thanks everyone!

 

[MtnChick]

So, an update on the workhorse. Have knocked off a few of the to-dos on my list.

Pinstripes are gone.
Roof rack refinished.
Highland mud flaps installed.
OME 906 springs installed.

First was the pinstripes. That took about a week. I didn't want to wait for one of those eraser wheels to get shipped, but if I ever face pinstripe removal again I'll get one. The stripes themselves come off relatively easily with some heat (hair dryer), it's getting the adhesive off that takes all the time. I read that WD-40 works as well as the goo remover stuff, so tried that. Also tried Everclear. Using what I had on hand found the best thing was to soak ahead with WD-40, apply some heat to a small section, and then work hard with paper towel. Friction from the paper towel is what took it off. The difference in the paint under the stripes was obvious until I polished and waxed. If you're close and know to look for it you can still find where the stripes were, but I'm happy with the way it looks.





I sanded the roof rack and sprayed with Rustoleum bedliner. Looks good, but doesn't seem like it's going to hold up great. Already has some chips out of it from brushing against pine tree branches. Probably will eventually end up re-doing with some real paint.

Installed the springs with some help from a friend who has the tools. Was fun to tackle a project myself, and the 906s are great!! Really like them. I'm used to pickup trucks, and I guess this is a subjective judgement, but I don't think the ride is harsh at all. You definitely feel pebbles and cracks in the road more than with the old springs, and they maybe thump you a little more on certain bumps, but everything else is better. Handles washboard at least as well as before, no body roll or rocking on rough roads, feels more secure in turns, and carries weight no problem. Very good ride on rough roads with a load. Our '99 will definitely be getting a set of these. One thing that's really noticeable now is that the front dives into holes more than the rear. To me the springs work like a good suspension is supposed to, and I think it will be even better with stiffer shocks. When the stock shocks wear out I plan to change to 880's up front, and stiffer shocks all around. Springs have only been on for about 2 months so remains to be seen how much they will settle, but for now there is a fair amount of rake with the stock '00 front.



With 630lbs in the back. The ground is sloped toward the camera, so maybe not the prefect shot to show how it sits, but you can see there is still a little rake. I haven't measured how much this much weight makes the springs set down, but it's not a lot.


Not sure what I want to do with the flairs and chrome. Somehow the flairs don't look as bad to me without the pinstripes setting them off. After looking at everyone's suggestions I definitely prefer the color matched look like ryhi's rig, but black seems to go with blurple pretty well too. I'll probably just sit it out for a while before changing anything. The rear bumper corners have pinholes in them from rocks hitting the inside, so they are on their way out. Maybe when they need to be replaced I'll think about starting a color match all the way around.

I think next on my list will be LBJs.

 

[Ol'Blue]

For what it is worth I actually like this color. You do not see to many of them. When they are clean and waxed they look nice. Now I'm still dreaming of the Orange color 4Runner one day. Like dirtco has. Love that one! Keep up the good work.

How much snow did you get that last storm?

Blue

 

[MtnChick]

For what it is worth I actually like this color. You do not see to many of them. When they are clean and waxed they look nice. Now I'm still dreaming of the Orange color 4Runner one day. Like dirtco has. Love that one! Keep up the good work.

How much snow did you get that last storm?

Blue

Should have taken a picture right after it was all waxed up and nice looking. It's like black- shows the dirt.

Only got a couple inches at my elevation and happily it's mostly melted. Another month and we won't see the ground again until spring.