My '96 enhancements, mods, and various upgrades. (lots of pics)

**rocket** · 06-03-2006, 03:08 AM

Welcome to my pavement pounder.

(for now)
I figured i'd start this for a few reasons. One of them being theres not a thread like it that i've seen....and two, there seems to be a serious lack of interesting 3rd gen (& Tacoma) threads w/pics.

So I'm putting lots of effort, time, and $ into my 4runner that im gonna share.

As some of you know, i bought this '96 after my '92 was totaled. After much ongoing dilemma, i've decided to keep it "stock" but we'll see how long that lasts.

The paint was in BAD shape when i got around to finally waxing it. I used Meguiar's "ScratchX" paint cleaner followed by 2 coats of Meguiar's "NHT Tech Wax". I wish i would of taken before pics because it made a HUGE world of a difference that i'm happy about...

This was taken on the shaded side:

DavidA · 06-03-2006, 09:47 AM

Beautiful color. Nice!!

montypower · 06-03-2006, 10:45 AM

Another wax + new wheels post?? Nice Rig tho!!! Remember, you don't need mods to have fun off road.... Keep it up.

getitdone · 06-03-2006, 11:51 AM

Dig it.

JHupp · 06-03-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket

Welcome to my pavement pounder.

(for now)
I figured i'd start this for a few reasons. One of them being theres not a thread like it that i've seen.... and two, there seems to be a serious lack of interesting 3rd gen (& Tacoma) threads w/pics.

Did you check out my link, been up for about 6 mos. now, it has many pictures, and many stories I wrote while I was bored, including the complete list of mods I have done beginning with stock. HERE You can't post questions there, but I am very good about answering PMs. By the way, I like the Sequoia rims, hot!

fireteacher · 06-03-2006, 01:05 PM

nice wheels, where are the other mods? the lights? looks nice though

**rocket** · 06-03-2006, 04:49 PM

Thanks for the comments. I forgot to say that i'll be adding pictures of everything i'm doing as time permits. JHupp, your 4runner looks awesome!

Vinylex works wonders:

I sold my OEM hitch and bought an aftermarket hitch that i liked a little more:

Makes a good step too:

Added a hood deflector to help keep flying rocks off my windshield:

Avsfreak1234 · 06-03-2006, 05:01 PM

swap those running boards for sliders and put some 33" MTR's on and it will look perfect!! but as is it looks sweet too! I dont think Iv seen a 4runner that color before

getitdone · 06-03-2006, 05:16 PM

It looks better in person. Even on a cloudy day before he buffed it like crazy.

msw0085 · 06-03-2006, 05:36 PM

f-f-finally we get to see it! Looks great and I dig those wheels. For some reason I was under the impression your new 4runner was white..

I told myself when I bought my newest 4runner that I was gonna start one of these ongoing progress threads but I ran out of motivation and money to make it worthwhile..

Good work finding that, hope you keep it!

**rocket** · 06-03-2006, 06:35 PM

Bought a MIT Airaid intake tube, Trueflow air filter, replaced some hoses, cleaned the MAF sensor, thottle body, and airbox. The gains in performance were unbelievable!

I used brass fittings from Lowe's on the intake tube.

**rocket** · 06-03-2006, 06:38 PM

Before:

After:

fireteacher · 06-03-2006, 07:22 PM

clean engine comp!!

Rock Slide · 06-03-2006, 07:27 PM

Man, that engine sure did clean up nice!

I like the idea of your thread. Allows you to keep adding to it and allows us to see your ride transform.

Nice runner. I've always like that red on the '96s. You don't see it too often.

ebelen1 · 06-03-2006, 10:22 PM

It's really hard to keep that sucker shiny. I have the same color and after getting it about a year ago, I've put some time and dollars into getting her to shine more.

If you're interested, I had a detail shop do the whole nine yards on her and for preventative maintenance, do the following:

1. Only wash her once every three weeks or so;
2. Dust her off every morning w/ a California duster;
3. Once a week, go over the paint w/ a quick-detail spray and clean the windows;
4. Once a year, I'll have her detailed again. The paint has become pretty smooth but in no means does she look brand new. Since I have her washed at the car wash, I'll always have those swirl marks...

fireteacher · 06-04-2006, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebelen1

1. Only wash her once every three weeks or so;
2. Dust her off every morning w/ a California duster;
3. Once a week, go over the paint w/ a quick-detail spray and clean the windows;
...

thats sounds funny to me...to wash the car 1 time every three weeks and once a week hit it with a quick detail spray. did you mean once a week wash it and every three hit it with quick detail?
the duster isnt going to "clean" your car 100% and i feel like you are adding to the swirl marks by whipping it without being washed. maybe im wrong but it sounds strange to me.

JHupp · 06-04-2006, 08:38 AM

Awesome, looking good! I just had 2 questions for ya,

1: Did you just wash down the engine with degreaser, or did you power wash it, or a combination of both. I want to do mine, but, I was seeing if anyone had any tips, you definately want to leave the engine off right?

2: Did you have to add the ifttings for the vacuum lines on the air raid? Were the holes pre-drilled or did the air-raid tube offer no holes, and no fittings?

Thanks for the compliments before, my only suggestion would be to ditch those running boards, the 4Rs look sooo much better without them, and at least you can get front mudflaps for your body style. Lookin good,

ebelen1 · 06-04-2006, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireteacher

thats sounds funny to me...to wash the car 1 time every three weeks and once a week hit it with a quick detail spray. did you mean once a week wash it and every three hit it with quick detail?
the duster isnt going to "clean" your car 100% and i feel like you are adding to the swirl marks by whipping it without being washed. maybe im wrong but it sounds strange to me.

It sounds weird to me but that is what the detail guy recommends. By dusting it everyday, you're really not letting dust build-up, which ends up being the dirt on the truck. The quick detail is done after a wash but also between washes to take off any excess dirt.

I've been doing this for about 8 months and the truck stays clean and smooth. I even took it to the detail guy to ask when should I come back in and he said I really didn't need to.

Swirl marks do not come from the quick detail spray b/c I only wipe off the spray, not rub it in. Swirl marks were there before I got the truck and until I start doing true hand washes, they will stay.

06-03-2006, 03:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
rocket Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,337	My '96 enhancements, mods, and various upgrades. (lots of pics) Welcome to my pavement pounder. (for now) I figured i'd start this for a few reasons. One of them being theres not a thread like it that i've seen....and two, there seems to be a serious lack of interesting 3rd gen (& Tacoma) threads w/pics. So I'm putting lots of effort, time, and $ into my 4runner that im gonna share. As some of you know, i bought this '96 after my '92 was totaled. After much ongoing dilemma, i've decided to keep it "stock" but we'll see how long that lasts. The paint was in BAD shape when i got around to finally waxing it. I used Meguiar's "ScratchX" paint cleaner followed by 2 coats of Meguiar's "NHT Tech Wax". I wish i would of taken before pics because it made a HUGE world of a difference that i'm happy about... This was taken on the shaded side: __________________ under construction: '96-'02 gone: '92 Last edited by rocket : 11-27-2007 at 04:39 AM.

06-03-2006, 09:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
DavidA Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 919	Beautiful color. Nice!! __________________ 2002 Stellar Blue 4Runner Sport Edition Cold Air Intake Magnaflow Exhaust Iridium Sparkplugs Kenwood KDC-MP628 Blaupunkt Separates in all of the doors Two RF P2002 amps Kenwood 12" Subwoofer My baby: Pics

06-03-2006, 10:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
montypower Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 285	Another wax + new wheels post?? Nice Rig tho!!! Remember, you don't need mods to have fun off road.... Keep it up. __________________ www.gitout.com 1986 4runner - Auto - 35s - Fun! - Peter

06-03-2006, 11:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	Dig it. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

06-03-2006, 01:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
fireteacher Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 1,677	nice wheels, where are the other mods? the lights? looks nice though __________________ Shaun 99 limited 4runner 3.4L MODS: TJM-17/Sonoran shackle hangers/driving lights - DIFF Breather - Sliders - Cobra 19 ULTRA III cb and 3ft. Wilson ant - 265/75/16 Definity Dakota A/T - "SATOSHI MOD" - All Weather Mats - Locker Mod - Fog Light Mod - Vortex Classic Muffler My profile http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=96117

06-03-2006, 04:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
rocket Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,337	Thanks for the comments. I forgot to say that i'll be adding pictures of everything i'm doing as time permits. JHupp, your 4runner looks awesome! Vinylex works wonders: I sold my OEM hitch and bought an aftermarket hitch that i liked a little more: Makes a good step too: Added a hood deflector to help keep flying rocks off my windshield: __________________ under construction: '96-'02 gone: '92

06-03-2006, 05:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
Avsfreak1234 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Estes Park Co Posts: 430	swap those running boards for sliders and put some 33" MTR's on and it will look perfect!! but as is it looks sweet too! I dont think Iv seen a 4runner that color before __________________ My Rides 98 Taco 4X4 2.7 2003 Gary Fisher Sugar Cessna 172...not really mine

06-03-2006, 05:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	It looks better in person. Even on a cloudy day before he buffed it like crazy. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

06-03-2006, 05:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
msw0085 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Southlake/Lubbock, Texas Posts: 1,995	f-f-finally we get to see it! Looks great and I dig those wheels. For some reason I was under the impression your new 4runner was white.. I told myself when I bought my newest 4runner that I was gonna start one of these ongoing progress threads but I ran out of motivation and money to make it worthwhile.. Good work finding that, hope you keep it! __________________ TOYOTA\|moving forward 1996 3.4 Litre \| 4-Wheel Drive \| 5-speed Manual Transmission \| Magnaflow Exhaust Deckplate \| Intake Silencer Removal MasterDebater

06-03-2006, 06:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
rocket Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,337	Bought a MIT Airaid intake tube, Trueflow air filter, replaced some hoses, cleaned the MAF sensor, thottle body, and airbox. The gains in performance were unbelievable! I used brass fittings from Lowe's on the intake tube. __________________ under construction: '96-'02 gone: '92 Last edited by rocket : 11-27-2007 at 04:32 AM.

06-03-2006, 06:38 PM	#12 (permalink)
rocket Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,337	Before: After: __________________ under construction: '96-'02 gone: '92

06-03-2006, 07:22 PM	#13 (permalink)
fireteacher Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 1,677	clean engine comp!! __________________ Shaun 99 limited 4runner 3.4L MODS: TJM-17/Sonoran shackle hangers/driving lights - DIFF Breather - Sliders - Cobra 19 ULTRA III cb and 3ft. Wilson ant - 265/75/16 Definity Dakota A/T - "SATOSHI MOD" - All Weather Mats - Locker Mod - Fog Light Mod - Vortex Classic Muffler My profile http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=96117

06-03-2006, 07:27 PM	#14 (permalink)
Rock Slide Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: B'ham, AL... 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD Posts: 1,695	Man, that engine sure did clean up nice! I like the idea of your thread. Allows you to keep adding to it and allows us to see your ride transform. Nice runner. I've always like that red on the '96s. You don't see it too often. __________________ 2002 4Runner Sport 4WD My 4Runner Profile Accessories: SS 7.1 Lift Kit, WabFab 1" BL, TJM T15, Stubb Sliders, FX/TSX HID Headlight Retrofit, 1st Gen Rollbar, Tundra Brake Upgrade, Hilux Surf Field Monitor, TRD I.S. Wheels, Nitto TG 265/75s, Hella HID 4000s, Tint, Black Pearl Emblems, Clear Corners, TRD Decals, JBL Door Speakers Mods: Disabled DRLs, Disabled Keyless Entry Chirp, Disabled VTRAC/VSC/ABS, Fog Light Mod, Air Elbow Mod, Ashtray Mod, Mud Flap Mod, Rear Diff Breather Mod

06-03-2006, 10:22 PM	#15 (permalink)
ebelen1 Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Socal Posts: 1,969	It's really hard to keep that sucker shiny. I have the same color and after getting it about a year ago, I've put some time and dollars into getting her to shine more. If you're interested, I had a detail shop do the whole nine yards on her and for preventative maintenance, do the following: 1. Only wash her once every three weeks or so; 2. Dust her off every morning w/ a California duster; 3. Once a week, go over the paint w/ a quick-detail spray and clean the windows; 4. Once a year, I'll have her detailed again. The paint has become pretty smooth but in no means does she look brand new. Since I have her washed at the car wash, I'll always have those swirl marks... __________________ ____________ Edwin 1999 SR5 4unner

06-04-2006, 08:38 AM	#17 (permalink)
JHupp Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,148	Awesome, looking good! I just had 2 questions for ya, 1: Did you just wash down the engine with degreaser, or did you power wash it, or a combination of both. I want to do mine, but, I was seeing if anyone had any tips, you definately want to leave the engine off right? 2: Did you have to add the ifttings for the vacuum lines on the air raid? Were the holes pre-drilled or did the air-raid tube offer no holes, and no fittings? Thanks for the compliments before, my only suggestion would be to ditch those running boards, the 4Rs look sooo much better without them, and at least you can get front mudflaps for your body style. Lookin good, __________________ Jason '06 F250 Super Duty Daily Driver '01 Toyota 4Runner Sport 265/75/16 BFG ATs, OME 881s w/ spacers front, OME 891s rear, SS roll bar, and some other stuff. Out of Commision njttora.com