Ryan's 02 4runner build

Ryan H

New member
Back in December I picked up my first Toyota, A 2002 4runner SR5 4wd. Previously I had a mildly built 2007 ranger Fx4 that was alright, but just didn't have the capability or all around quality of a well built Toyota. So I sold the ranger and looked around for a decent 4runner to start with. What I found was this
3C0B3D8F-CC63-49B9-8878-1CEBE210ECDA_2.jpg

It was a bone stock, the only exception being a set of 265/75/16 bfg ko's, with only one previous owner, all the maintenance records, and 128k on the clock. I jumped on it and ended up driving it home the same day.



my old ranger, 2007 Ranger FX4 W/5 speed manual.It had 2.5 inch drop shackles and an AAL, 33X10.5 BFG's, 8.8 rear with an aussie locker, and a torsen limited slip up front.
downloadfile-1.jpeg

After driving it stock for a few months and doing some mild trails with it I had decided on what suspension I was going to run. It being my daily driver I wanted to keep some of the ride quality but also to add the capability of running more technical trails. I ended up going with OME shocks in the rear coupled with FJ80 springs and OME 883's up front on tundra Bilstein 5100's.
20160720_135625.jpg
Front end all assembled, unfortunately I was too busy to take many pics of the process however its fairly straight forward and only took me around five hours. After installing the lift I headed over to discount tire and chose a set of 285 Duratracs. While they've been great tires I regret not going with 255's as I don't really like the look of the wider tires on my rig.
20160805_230032.jpg
A couple weeks later I swapped out my "fat lip" front bumper for a 96 style bumper, I personally think It looks much better. I then left for a week long overland trip through northern Arizona. The 4runner did great and I had a lot of fun wheeling it and putting the new suspension to the test. The OME rear flexes great and does a great job compensating for the somewhat limited articulation of the IFS.
20160315_163458.jpg 20160315_163426.jpg 20160315_171009.jpg
 
Last edited:

Ryan H

New member
Back in May I decided it was time for yet another change to the 4runner. I wasn't feeling the look of the stock 5star wheels and wanted something a bit more utilitarian looking. I've always loved the look of NATO style steelies on Defenders and Land cruisers and so I hunted down 4 3rd gen 4runner spare tire steelies at little tire shops around San Antonio. I then stripped them and had them powdercoated black. I think they're a big improvement over the original wheels. I also removed my fender flares and the TRD sticker under the rear window.

20160703_102715.jpg

20160703_104845_Richtone(HDR).jpg

I added a set of 4xInnovations DOM sliders with the kickout as well. After wheeling the truck with no armor besides the factory skids I felt like my luck was soon to run out.

20160703_105453_Richtone(HDR).jpg

20160703_104059_Richtone(HDR).jpg
 
Last edited:

Richie

Adventurer
I'm digging the look of your 3rd gen. I have a 98 Limited and plan on building it similar to yours. Thanks for the inspiration!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
189,908
Messages
2,922,068
Members
233,083
Latest member
Off Road Vagabond
Top