Im going to look into getting a 3rd gen 4 runner and I wanted a sport model. Color keyed flairs, bumpers and runningboards and of course, the hood scoop. I have a coworker that has a brother that finds cars for people. He has access to the auction databases and has gotten several great deals for my friend. It seems the limiteds may be easier to find and also they have the leather that I want and the woodgrain dash. Cost not being an issue for this post, what all needs to be changed on a 99 and up Limited to turn it into a sport model? If I see things clearly, It looks like I would need to change the Hood, Grill and front/rear Bumpers to make it look like a sport. Is that it, or are there other issues? Would It be easier to turn a sport into a sport/limited? Im looking at 99 and up 4x4s. I like the multi mode of the limited. My main issue here is being able to find just what I want. I would be just as happy finding close to what I want, then modding it to make it exacally what I want it to be. Any thoughts?

 

Well if you go all out, you will need to take the automatic climate control out of the limited for the dial HVAC system. I don't think that Sports have driver and power seats like the limiteds do, so those have to go!!

Ok joking aside, for "looks". I think its the hardest part would be getting the side cladding off of the limited. Which could be a problem since they are bolted in, so you will have holes in the door after that. Then paint the fender flares the same color and sport hood , get a color keyed front/rear bumper and grille. The Sport edition wheels (they look like flower pedals IMO, keep the limited straight spoke wheels).

Interior you will need to either buy or paint your trim pieces silver.
I think that's it

 

just paint the cladding & grill and change out the hood. it will be *VERY* close to looking like a sport. the only noticeable difference will be the cladding on the doors on the exterior.


oh, and of course, remove all the limited badges...

 

I've talked a couple of times to the local used car dealer owner, he claimed that he can buy any SR5 or Limited 4Runner any given day at the auction but he RARELY saw the Sport Edition there. That makes me so proud of mine Special Edition one.

To make the Limited look like the Sport you need to do the following (I don't know if you want to do that or not)
1- buy the hood scoop, 2 "Sport Edition" emblems
2- install the front aluminum skid plate (for 02 sport)
3- rip off the Auto climate control
4- take out the power heated seat
5- replace the "Limited" emblems for SR5.
6- swap the wood grain to the aluminum one


I wouldn't do all of this, Ill just buy the hood scoop and the front skid plate.

 

As far as I know, 2002 was the only year for the "Sport Edition".

Prior, it was the "Highlander Package".

Have your source look for that option and he may turn up more for you to choose from.

 

i have a 2000 with a sport package; neither "sport edition" nor
"highlander package".

 

uuhhmmmm...I bet you have a highlander if you have a hood scoop.....

 

To the best of my knowledge:
-1999 and 2000 were SR5 Highlanders.
-2001 were SR5s with the Sport Package.
-2002 were SR5 Sport Editions.

I'm too lazy to double check this, so the 2000 might have been in the second category instead.

 

I forgot about the side cladding. Id rather not have the cladding. Thats one reason I like the sport style. Anyway, what I want is a highlander/sport with all the frills of the limited minus the cladding. Rip things out?? Naw, just the outside cladding and the chrome. I may just have to stick with the highlander/sport. Thanks.

 

The hood scooped 2000's were SR5 Highlanders. I still have the window sticker from mine.

 

Just my 2 cents because I've been dreaming about the same thing for a 4th generation.

I'd think I would just do the hood and be done with it.

Also, my 98 with sport package has a different rear end ratio and bigger front brake roters.

Good luck finding the right rig.

 

I have a 2001, It has the sport package... no badges... but I got the silver trim inside... so... the 2001's are Highlander Sports?

I was thinking of getting the sport badges, but eh... I like it all blacked out. I want to swap my silver stock badges for the black pearl ones...

 

Well, since you will be getting such a good deal...
What if you got the ltd, then dropped it off at a body shop and had them take off the side door cladding you don't want, paint the bumpers/fenders etc. and find a "sport" hood and have them paint it and just add that into the price of the car, then you will have everything you want...? Just what I would do if I HAD to have a highlander. Personally... I would just paint the bumpers and get the hood scoop. Though... actually, i'd just go ahead and replace the bumpers b/c stock bumpers suck off road but thats just me...

Good luck finding/making your perfect 3rd gen!