Without tempting fate to much, I’ve got my truck back to a fairly reliable state. Still need to convert the AC to 134 and do timing chain and guides but otherwise she’s running and humming along.

With that said, what’s a good first mod to do? This isn’t an off roader or overlander. It’s just a toy to drive around, hit a few dirt roads, just enjoy.

And no, I’m not leaving it stock. It’s gonna get modified someway. Just wondering what’s a good way to go.

 

The best thing you can put on it is the miles.

Got a picture of it? Id go for functional mods, storage.. stereo.. recovery gear.. but it really depends on what your into.

 

This is what it looks like when I brought it home. Still looks the same except new tires. I've got a bluetooth head unit in it with some existing Blaupunkt speakers. Speed and power are my main go to but these aren't exactly built for that. No real plans to go off roading and in Texas not any real public land to go on. I'm slowly working on things like new seals and vac lines. What are some cheap stuff to do to these? I'm for sure going to redo the exhaust but keep it pretty much factory but it's a bit hacked at the moment. Plan is to fab a new rear bumper as it's missing it entirely.

 

New plugs, new distributor cap and rotor, new plug wires, new radiator hoses (3 of them, remember), new fluids (OIL/FILTER! brake fluid, coolant, power steering, transmission, differentials). Check the brake pads and shoes, as well as the clutch (presuming manual trans). Is the radiator in good shape, inside and out? New valve cover gasket, and set the valve lash while you're in there. New PCV valve and grommet, as well as the PCV hoses. They are preformed, specialty hoses, but readily available and no trouble to replace. Maybe a 5 min job.

All inexpensive, all easy to do, all necessary. Good stuff to do, and will get you learning about the engine quickly.
Good luck!
Pat☺

 

All that’s been done except the vc gasket and PCV valve. Been driving this truck for a couple of months regularly. That’s why it’s time to start modding. Baseline tune up and all of that’s done.

 

For a mod, headlight upgrade. It's been a few years since I have done mine so I dont know whats available and new and good but, H4 housings and bulbs will make a big difference over the sealed beam lights it probably has

 

headlight mod is a good idea, it uses it's own relays to get the power directly from the battery.

the chrome/seal around the windshield is notorious for leaking and rusting out the cab pillars, which is a nightmare repair job when the pillar rusts out inside: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120...d-rust-311124/

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...58/index2.html

i would do that before anything else.

 

I had the same question when I first got my truck. Ironically the best thing you can do is NOT modify or replace anything that you dont need to. In all honesty power mods or aftermarket performance parts wont improve anything, and will probably make your truck perform worse. Replace all the aftermarket parts if theres any and replace them with OEM Toyota parts specific for your make and model.

Dont get any "power adders" like cold air intakes or exhaust. They wont do anything in fact they'll probbaly make your performance worse.

I recently install a new Cat and cat back from LC Enginneering and my performance basically was the same, albeit my exhaust sounds way better...My stock one had holes in it and needed to be changed out.

Changing the air filter to WIX filter is probably your best alternative to paper.

An H4 headlight conversion kit is a good idea if you are still rocking stock sealed beams. LED lights are tricky because you will inevitably have to also purchase an additiona LED headlight harness to make it work right.

I recommend finding some cheap SR5 buckets from a 4Runner and replace the bench seat if you have one. It requires some modifications to the mounting holes, but its possible, and your back will thank you later.

Mods I recommend.
Lifting: Sounds good on paper, but you have to do it properly unless you want to prematurely break your balljoints and other suspension components, not to mention make your ride suck.

2in balljoint lift max for the front, dont crank the torsion bars too much for more lift. I don't know what 4Runners use for the rears... Old man EMU 0-2in lift shocks and steering stabilizer is a good start point for some more lift without heavily modifying your suspension.

You can achieve more ground cleareance with bigger 32in tires. 33s may/may not rub.

Bottom line, If the previous owner installed any aftermarket mods, just remove them. Chances are he did a piss poor job and made more problems for you down the road. Saying this from experience.

 

Hella makes some GREAT replacement H4 headlights. Combined with the mod above it really makes a huge difference in safety.
Rear shoulder seat belts (mounts are on the rollbar)
Get this of course https://www.bh3dprinting.com/product...pillar-badges/

Grease stuff yet?

 

Maintenance is either done or in progress.

The windshield mod looks like a pia. My truck is already a hodge podge of left over 88 and newer 89 stuff and from looking at those threads I can either go gasket or no gasket but may or may not have to sand down the windshield since the correct one isn’t available stateside.

Gonna have to research the rear shoulder belts. I like that way better than lap belt.

Thanks for the link on the badges. Definitely need to grab those.