What would you do with $2,000?

[ceebs40]

Here's my 99' SR5 2WD runner. Got her a year ago with 106k miles.

Decided it was time to get the mods going.

Important - I live in FL and this is my daily driver with a majority of highway driving. I won't be doing anything offroad, towing, etc. Just want something with a little more meat on the bone.

Things i've already committed too:

1. Removing fenders and re-painting
2. Removing running boards
4. Installing front mud flaps with running boards gone
3. Clear corners

What would you do with $2,000? :shrug:

 

[Clemsonfan15]

New exhaust tip.

Wheels and tires will make a HUGE difference.

 

[4RUN1T]

theres always things to do with the interior, since youll be driving it alot an upgraded sound system would benefit you

 

[ceebs40]

theres always things to do with the interior, since youll be driving it alot an upgraded sound system would benefit you

Interesting point. I'd like to get something on the outside taken care of first... running boards, fenders painted, etc.

Speaker upgrade isn't a bad idea.. replace all interiors and maybe put a box in the back.. do like my space though.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I can't tell, but do you have clear turns and signals?

You can fit 265/75/16 on there stock.

I'd take the running boards off and try to find the mud flaps that fit those flares.

 

[ceebs40]

I can't tell, but do you have clear turns and signals?

You can fit 265/75/16 on there stock.

I'd take the running boards off and try to find the mud flaps that fit those flares.

Nope, stock corners now. Clears on the list. Thinking ebay..

I can fit 265/75/16 with no lift and no rub? That's great news. :banana: I think the black Crager 16x8's would look real nice. Still need to decide on a tire since I need more of a highway tire as opposed to a terrain. Any suggestions?

I found the mud flaps for the front, for SR5 flares.. straight from the dealership.

Part #'s:

PT413-35966-DF
PT413-35966-PF

 

[DC runner]

Vegas...

 

[Nelsonmd]

What do you want it to be? If it's your DD and not going to go off road, then I would go easy on the wheels and tires. For sure get a nice road tire, but I wouldn't go above 265/75/16 for sure, and I would just look for a set of stock 5-spoke's or Sequoia wheels or the like, then clean them up and make them look nice.

Other things to consider...
Replacing the suspension - not sure what condition your's is in, but replacing mine made a huge improvement, just don't lift it for an on-road DD.
Addco sway bars - this could be a great on-road handling improvement

Other than that, I would just bring it fully up to speed on all maintenance/tuning. If you don't need the mods, then IMO you will be happier in the long run making it run perfect. To me, the novelty of the mods will wear off, and if you compromise performance at all (like with bigger tires) you will regret it in the long run.

A nice stereo is a good buy too if you listen to music alot. I love mine, and it didn't even cost all that much since I shopped discount retailers online and installed everything myself. I also love my scangauge, you should check that out as well, especially if your gas gauge is as inaccurate as most of ours are.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

If you do a lot of night driving I would look at a projector retrofit. You will get great output from them.

 

[WrexHAmm]

With $2,000 I would first find a set of used Toyota rims. You can get a really good set for $200. I would match them up with the Michelin LTX AT tires. They last a really long time, fairly quiet on the highway, and look a little aggressive.

Next I would get a new Kenwood deck, which would be up to you. Have a custom built sub box that fits flush to the rear seat and holds one 12. Amp's for the sub and speakers, probably used from Craigslist or something. New Polk Audio speakers all around.

Next would come some clear corners and fogs from Burtman. Ebay ones are crap so don't waste your money.

LED interior swap for around $50. LED tail lights.

Ditch the running boards and modify some mudflaps to fit the fronts.

Spend the rest on maintenance or pay off what you don't owe on the runner.

But hey, a guy can dream right.

 

[DirtDawg]

I would use $2000 and put it toward a SAS.

 

[ceebs40]

What do you want it to be? If it's your DD and not going to go off road, then I would go easy on the wheels and tires. For sure get a nice road tire, but I wouldn't go above 265/75/16 for sure, and I would just look for a set of stock 5-spoke's or Sequoia wheels or the like, then clean them up and make them look nice.

Other things to consider...
Replacing the suspension - not sure what condition your's is in, but replacing mine made a huge improvement, just don't lift it for an on-road DD.
Addco sway bars - this could be a great on-road handling improvement

Other than that, I would just bring it fully up to speed on all maintenance/tuning. If you don't need the mods, then IMO you will be happier in the long run making it run perfect. To me, the novelty of the mods will wear off, and if you compromise performance at all (like with bigger tires) you will regret it in the long run.

A nice stereo is a good buy too if you listen to music alot. I love mine, and it didn't even cost all that much since I shopped discount retailers online and installed everything myself. I also love my scangauge, you should check that out as well, especially if your gas gauge is as inaccurate as most of ours are.

Good point. I did think the 265 wide was a bit much for a daily driver. It's got 30x9.5 Michelin's which I think come out around a 240..

Suspension is definitely shot. It works but could be way better. So maybe shocks and springs with a minimal lift?

I haven't ran into any maintenance issues since purchase, just synthetic oil changes every 7k. I'm going to have this taken care of via my "other" funding.

Gas gauge inaccurate? I'm getting around 275 miles until the gas light comes on. Is that not accurate?

 

[ceebs40]

If you do a lot of night driving I would look at a projector retrofit. You will get great output from them.

Lights aren't at the top of the list. Might just do Silverstar Ultra bulbs as a "cheap" fix.

 

[ceebs40]

With $2,000 I would first find a set of used Toyota rims. You can get a really good set for $200. I would match them up with the Michelin LTX AT tires. They last a really long time, fairly quiet on the highway, and look a little aggressive.

Next I would get a new Kenwood deck, which would be up to you. Have a custom built sub box that fits flush to the rear seat and holds one 12. Amp's for the sub and speakers, probably used from Craigslist or something. New Polk Audio speakers all around.

Next would come some clear corners and fogs from Burtman. Ebay ones are crap so don't waste your money.

LED interior swap for around $50. LED tail lights.

Ditch the running boards and modify the some to fit the fronts.

Spend the rest on maintenance or pay off what you don't owe on the runner.

But hey, a guy can dream right.

I like to dream. Agree on the Toyota rims. Seems to be the best alternative and you can't go wrong with the Michelin tires (what I have now).

I already have a nice Kenwood deck with ipod integration so got that covered. I was thinking maybe a 12" with 1000 watts. Would be plenty.

Will check into Burtman now. Thanks for the heads on ebay. Makes sense, alot of stuff from ebay is garbage.

Don't owe any on the runner so that's good news. Paid $7,200 last year.

 

[ceebs40]

I would use $2000 and put it toward a SAS.

Sorry for the noob questions but what is SAS? :ybrick:

 

[Hepar]

Sorry for the noob questions but what is SAS? :ybrick:

Solid axle swap. And I agree with the wheels and tires. Would give your Runner a whole new look. Maybe an All-Terrain tire? Something more aggressive, but that still runs well on the street.

 

[ceebs40]

Solid axle swap. And I agree with the wheels and tires. Would give your Runner a whole new look. Maybe an All-Terrain tire? Something more aggressive, but that still runs well on the street.

Soild axle swap.. i'll need to do some research as my knowledge is limited on that..

Would 00' Toyota 4runner rims have same pattern as my 99'?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Suspension is definitely shot. It works but could be way better. So maybe shocks and springs with a minimal lift?

Gas gauge inaccurate? I'm getting around 275 miles until the gas light comes on. Is that not accurate?

If your suspension is shot, then I would definitely replace that. I had alot of steering slop at highway speed (to the point that it felt unsafe hitting bumps) and it was completely fixed by replacing the suspension. Plus the ride will just be better. You should think a bit about if you want any lift at all. The stock suspension is pretty comfortable, and is a great option as most lifts are going to be stiffer. If you want something else, then I'd just say be careful not to get anything too stiff. You can check out my build thread in the sig to see what I have. The fronts feel pretty good, but the rears are stiffer than I would like. Though if you tow alot, then you might want something a little stiffer in rear.

hehe...

Anyway, definitely go minimal lift if you do. I did 2", and I wouldn't want any more than that.

Sounds like your gas gauge works. My light comes on after about 150 miles. scangauge is still cool though.

 

[ceebs40]

If your suspension is shot, then I would definitely replace that. I had alot of steering slop at highway speed (to the point that it felt unsafe hitting bumps) and it was completely fixed by replacing the suspension. Plus the ride will just be better. You should think a bit about if you want any lift at all. The stock suspension is pretty comfortable, and is a great option as most lifts are going to be stiffer. If you want something else, then I'd just say be careful not to get anything too stiff. You can check out my build thread in the sig to see what I have. The fronts feel pretty good, but the rears are stiffer than I would like. Though if you tow alot, then you might want something a little stiffer in rear.

hehe...

Anyway, definitely go minimal lift if you do. I did 2", and I wouldn't want any more than that.

Sounds like your gas gauge works. My light comes on after about 150 miles. scangauge is still cool though.

I can agree on the suspension.. feels a little squirrelly at times but it keeps me on my toes. Very minimal towing if any..

I'm thinking my biggest bang for the buck would be to find a used set of 16" rims/tires on Craigslist for around $500. I need new tires so why not spend the same amount and get some rims in there as well right? :girl: Found a pair off a totaled 2000 for $500 with new yokohama 265/75/16.. :AK47:

 

[WrexHAmm]

Not sure I would understand a SAS in this situation. It's a 2wd and he doesn't plan on going off road. Maybe in your case yes but in this case heck no.