Well Guys,

This is the new rig... She' a 96 SR5 4x4 5 MT. My plans for her are unknown at this point, usually this is how the best builds start... lol... However.

First I believe I'm going to do the Tundra Brake conversion, However, for the size wheels and Tires I want, I need about 2 inches of room. I was thinking I could convert to the 99 Tall Springs, with the Bilsteins, If anyone can offer any pointer's they would be greatly appreciated.

Secondly, she has about 200K on the clock, and a few stuck valves, I've actually bought a JDM 3.4 with about 50K, and its sitting in my garage until I find the time, and the help to replace the motor. In the meantime, I'm driving this one until it blows up.

Thirdly.... Cosmetics, I'm going to do the Satoshi Grill at some point. I haven't quite decided on what to do with the front bumper, I believe I'll more than likely end up with a bull bar, with the PIAA lights. I also would like a roof rack, and a rear bumper guard.

This is going to be a work in progress, and I'm a mortician (so the job takes up alot of my time, and the woman takes up just as much time as the job) so that leaves little time for the projects... However, like with anything else, I'll get there if it takes a year... or 5 years... Any advice is appreciated, Looking forward to many years of wheeling....https://www.yotatech.com/forums/imag...es/theking.gif

 

Looks like a good starting point, in my opinion a good way to plan a build is to decide what you want to do with it, that's not to say plans won't change (both my runners have went thru this) but it makes it much easier to decide what upgrades are best. I'm not familiar with the 99 springs you mentioned I will have to look into that. You can to the rite place for advice and help.

 

After doing a little research, I guess what I am really looking for is a set of "PP" Springs, and I believe they give about 2" of lift... I'm not wanting to go very high, because I keep it in the garage, AND I drive it to the office everyday about 30 minutes from home. I was thinking about going with the 16 inch Star pattern wheels from the 99-02 models with a set of 285's

 

I think you're looking for 1rst gen tundra springs, good option but I think you may get more lift than you want, somebody that runs them will chime in I'm sure. The five Star wheels look good too but I think you will have to run wheel spacers.

 

It's not so much the lift that'll keep you out of the garage as the roof rack...at least, that's why a Volvo's sitting in my spot in the garage now. Well, that, 33's AND a lift. In other words, choose the height of your basket carefully. It's a 96 with a shade under 250,000 miles and it's my daily driver. Different lifts have different road manners, I'm very happy with mine and I did a lot of research to make sure I would be.

The 99 'tall coils will give you about 1 1/2" lift on a 96 if I remember correctly. Been awhile. Sonoran Steel sells several kits including that one or you could do your own cobbling.

Do your research, there's lots to be had here. IIRC the Tundra brakes will work with the 5 star wheels without spacers. Get conformation on that, though. I know the Tacoma 'snowflake' wheels work with 231mm brakes because that's what's on my 99. You will definitely need at least 1/4" spacers if you stick with those split spokes. Personally having used both, I'd go with adapters over spacers every time.

Mortician, now that's an interesting vocation. I may never complain about being a lunch lady ever again.

 

See I knew somebody with more knowledge than me would chime in, it just happened to be everyone's favoritere third guru Lol.

I guess I should have done a lot more research before giving out advice, it seems I was off on everything I said. I was not aware of the different coils, that's interesting. I also assumed that the wheels were the same dimensions, but having not done the tundra brakes that's an issue I have not gotten into. At this point I will sit down shut up and listen Lol.



In a past job I dealt with a lot of morticians. Most of them were good guys. And enjoyed there work.

 

I was looking online last night at Sonora Steel, and I was thinking about going with the System 3.0 lift it seems like it was give me almost exactly what I am looking for.... Has anyone used this particular lift?

 

Jason- you are wayyy too nice! I'm just a bundle of trial and error and error, as you well know. Pretty sure you were right on with the Tundra Springs.

I've got Steve's 1.2 lift. Have seen a few people have the 3.0 so a search is in order there. He's a good guy, would not hesitate to do business with him again.
Here's a small start:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...eel-3-0-a.html

 

So, the steering wheel in the Runner is in piss poor shape, I was thinking that I could have it replaced, I was thinking about upgrading to the 1998 Steering wheel, because well it just looks better... Thoughts?

I actually changed the oil last night, the whole process when fairly quick, only had to make one trip to the auto parts store for the plug gasket -_-.... After doing some research I ended up using Castrol High Mileage 10W 30, and I also did the Lucas treatment which has actually quieted my lifter chatter down (I also did a Sea foam treatment before the oil change (smoked like a sum' bitch).... So the motor seems to be running a little better... I have a shopping list put together, If any of you fellow 4Runner lovers have any of these parts, I'm willing to purchase them off you...

1 Set of 5 Star 99 Wheels http://www.finishlinewheels.com/prodimg/ALY69354U.jpg
Steering Wheel with Airbag for a 1998 - 2002 4 Runner (BLACK in Color)
Gobi Toyota Stealth Roof Rack.
Set of SR5 or Limited Fender Flares... (I'm going to either have them painted or Line-Xed)
Clear Corner Lenses, and Bumper Lenses...
Knowledge of a Good fabricator/welder in the Houston (or surrounding) Areas (Ordering Rocksliders from Sonora Steel w/ my lift)
5VZ- FE full take out motor with less than 100K on the ODO (Tall order I know, my Motor plans fell through)...
Any advice on the front and rear differentals, as far as when to service/ replace....

Thank you guys for all the advice so far... I will post pictures, as the warden allows me to purchase these things for my rig....

 

Well guys we are progressing... The repair process has begun... So far I have replaced....
Rear Bumper (was dented)
All four center caps (faded, swapped them off of a junkyard 4Runner)...
Locking mechanism in passenger side door...

Still searching for the right 5VZ-FE to put in my runner.... I am going to look at one tomorrow... Wish me luck....
My steering wheel is beat to ˟˟˟˟, so I've order a replacement, steering wheel and airbag from a 98 4runner.... All things point to them being interchangeable... I like the look of the 4 Spoke better... So we shall see...
The Brakes.... It's time to do the brakes, and I believe she needs new wheel bearings as well... Wish me luck...
I'm still looking for a set of 5 Stars, I don't care the condition, I'm just going to paint them any way....
Thanks for all your advice guys... Pics coming soon...

 

I found a 5VZ- FE in a totalled 99 4Runner Limited, Motor had 78K on the ODO (VIN on motor matched totaled truck, and I Carfax the truck), Picked the motor up from $750 Bucks. I've replaced the Timing Belt, Spark Plugs, Wires, Cap, and Rotor, and its ready to drop in... I am dropping the 4Runner, and the Motor off at my Mechanic's Shop this weekend, will update when I get it back....

 

Well after almost 2 weeks of waiting, and about $3500 bucks, the new motor is in... I am just waiting on one more injector, and it will be back on the road again.... See Picture Below....

The First on is my empty engine bay...

The Second is the Old Motor... In all of its leaking Glory....

The Third is the replacement....

 

Yesterday, I had the windows tinted... the Texas State law is 35% on the front, dark as you want in the back ... so naturally I did limo tint...

Also, I replaced my steering wheel with one from a 98 4Runner.... Now If I could just get rid of the previous owners fake wood dash trim...

And I also added a picture of the crossdrilled rotors I installed, I ran out of day light so I couldn't take pics of me doing the work...

I'm still looking for a Set of 5 Stars from a 99 or 2000 4 Runner Limited... I am searching the classified and craigslist day and night. So if anyone can point me in the right direction.... I don't care the condition, just as long as they are straight.

And If anyone has an extra 96-98 Grille they are willing to part with, I am willing to pay want to do the Satoshi grill mod...

 

Runners looking good man. The grill your looking for is the earlier 2nd gen grill 90 to 93 Ithink, Im looking for one for the same project.

 

Yeah... I am just looking for an extra grill for mine, just incase I f*** it up... Which is known to happen from time to time.... lol

 

Finally got around to painting those old center caps... I'm happy with the outcome... I also cleaned her up, washed and waxed!

 

So I haven't done much but drive the 4Runner for the past few weeks however, I have been lurking through the classifieds, like a hawk looking for his next meal and I was able to find these....


I picked them up for $140, and I am having them powder coated dark grey, I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures to post once I get them mounted with new tires... I am considering running Bridgestone Dueler A/T 265-75-16's, Any thoughts?

 

So I'm thinking about running OME 881s on the front, and OME 906s on the rear with the Bilstein 4600 shocks.... I'm running 85% highway, and light off road the other 15% at the farm, and deer lease.... What do you guys think?

 

Just get some DAYSTAR spacers, sounds like all your after is looks.

 

Yeah, I am going for an aggressive look, But I also need a little bit of function, I'm not trying to do a dif drop or anything like that... I don't want to go too high either... I just want something that I'm comfortable driving 6 hours on the highway in, but also able to cross the creekbed at the farm...