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Toyota 4Runner: Mods You Can Do in a Day (or Less)

There are some modifications that you can do in a day without breaking the bank. Read on to learn how you can modify your Toyota 4Runner in no time.

By Bassem Girgis - March 30, 2016

This article applies to the Toyota 4Runner (1984-2002).

Toyota 4Runner modifications can be a lot of fun, but they can also be time-consuming and cost a small fortune. This guide focuses on three modifications that won't break the bank or consume a lot of time. If you want to change up the looks, and even the performance, of your Toyota 4Runner, this guide is for you. We will go over some modifications that will change your driving experience along with the looks of your beloved 4Runner. Read on to learn which modifications you can do in a day or less.

LED Lights

DIY Cost – $24-200

Professional Cost – $30-400

Skill Level – Moderate; This job requires the removal of some panels and covers.

Sure, there are a lot of 4Runners on the road, but you can still make yours unique. Replacing the interior/exterior bulbs with LEDs is an instant upgrade. You have the freedom of changing all of your lights to LEDs, which can make your headlights brighter, and your interior moodier. Some people like to go as far as replacing their dashboard lights, making their instrumental panel display a custom color. Going one step further, you can also swap your foot panel bulbs with LEDs. This modification is sure to change your driving experience, giving your interior and exterior a personal touch. These bulb swaps are simple for the most part and require little to no electrical experience – just a few pry tools and screwdrivers.

Plasti-Dipped Rims

DIY Cost – $50

Professional Cost – $200-500

Skill Level – Moderate; This job requires some previous paint experience.

Let's face it: we would all love to purchase a new set of rims, but they're often a costly one. Painting your rims with Plasti-Dip can give your 4Runner the look of having aftermarket wheels while protecting the rims from mild scratches. The process, if done properly, can completely change the look of your wheels, thus changing the look of your exterior altogether. You have the option and freedom of choosing any color you want; you can go with a sleek black, or opt for bright red if you want to stand out. Visit a local car merchandise shop and you'll see a bevvy of Plasti-Dip cans to choose from. You can also remove the paint easily, so you will have the luxury of never regretting this modification. When you do this mod, be sure to cover all the brake components that you don't want paint on, or better yet, remove the wheel and do it far away from the vehicle; wind could blow excess paint onto your car.

Cold Air Intake Kits

DIY Cost – $200-400

Professional Cost –$350-600

Skill Level – Moderate; This job requires the removal of various engine parts.

Enough talking about how your 4Runner looks – let's talk about what's under the hood! Cold air intake kits are designed to pull cold air from outside of the engine compartment and into the warm engine, therefore increasing its performance. The beauty of such a modification isn't just the 10 to 15 horsepower increase; it's also the better fuel economy you will get with it. Not only will you go faster, you'll also end up saving at the pump. These kits are sold specifically for your vehicle, which means you can install it in a matter of an hour or two. You will have to remove the old air box, and install the new kit in place. There's no need to be intimidated, as these kits come with a thorough step-by-step guide that makes the installation an absolute breeze – maybe even fun – but it won't be nearly as fun as the performance increase you will get!

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