2000 4runner

[aontkos]

Hello all,

I've been a long-term lurker and I've just now decided to start sharing my story on Expo. While this won't be the most intensive, expensive, or extensive thread on the forum it is a much welcomed distraction from graduate student monotony. I've always enjoyed browsing the builds on here (big and small), so I feel the need to contribute.

I bought my 2000 4runner my last semester of undergrad since I knew I would need reliable and comfortable transportation as I started my career. I got lucky; it was the only vehicle I looked at during the buying process. The truck had one owner, full Toyota service records, no accidents, and only 119k miles. It also had a factory locker, so I bought it with absolutely no remorse. It was definitely the unrecognized gem of that used car lot.

First day:




I slowly caught up on basic things like fluid changes, LBJ's, OTRE's, added an external tranny cooler, and removing the running boards. I ended up running 265/70 Terra Grapplers right off the bat since most of my driving was in the city.

Progress with this truck has been relatively slow, but worthwhile. It is clean, reliable, and a capable stock vehicle.

 

[aontkos]

Eventually, when funds allowed, I upgraded the suspension to OME 881's and 906's anticipating larger tires and increased cargo loads. So far I am very happy with this setup. Until now I have not done any other mods, but that's about to change.

Last fall I almost lost the 4runner to a tree branch; if I was parked in one spot further over it would have been totaled. I was lucky to get relatively minor collateral damage.



The 4runner has been a great vehicle for exploring. It has been the host of several hiking and fishing trips, which is why I've decided to continue with modifications to make camping more enjoyable and comfortable.

 

[aontkos]

This build is inspired by the future aspirations of the lady friend and I. I am currently in grad school in Miami, which just so happens to be a place we mutually dislike. For this reason, weekend trips are a welcome distraction. We are also planning a long trip after my graduation, which will include the Appalachians and Canada.

We decided that adding a roof rack to accommodate additional gear is necessary. I love the look of platform racks, but I could not justify spending a substantial load of money on one. I decided to go the DIY route and construct one out of FRP Fibergrate. I am very happy with the grating, mounting system, and finished product.




This stuff is super strong, relatively lightweight, and reasonably priced in comparison to a manufactured roof rack system. It also allows for customization, which I am a fan of. It essentially creates a half rack since it is roughly 48" long and 42" wide. A low profile was maintained since it only adds an additional 1" to the factory rails.

We also mounted the 2000 size ARB awning to the rack. This particular awning fits the 4runner quite well and will undoubtedly make car camping trips more enjoyable.




And I suppose I will leave this post with a teaser of what is to come:

 

[jgilbreath]

That frp roof rack looks like a great idea. Where did you purchase that material?

 

[pluton]

and...what are the fasteners used between the FRP Fibergrate and the factory slots?

 

[aontkos]

That frp roof rack looks like a great idea. Where did you purchase that material?

I ended up buying the Fibergrate from Amazon for the sake of free shipping, but McMaster Carr has it at a reasonable price.

I just used the original nutserts from the roof rail and some extended M6 screws through saddle clips designed for FRP grating (seen here).

 

[JasonRedwood]

Nice work on the rack.

 

[RobD]

I had a '99 Limited and loved it. Very capable vehicle.

Two mods I did right away, and I'm not sure if you've done them, but I didn't see anything where you mention them:

1) Diff lock anytime - takes about ten to fifteen minutes and a short jumper wire. You can have your rear diff locked in any drive mode. http://backcountryjournal.blogspot.ca/2010/01/4runner-gray-wire-mod.html
2) Tundra big brake upgrade. The 4Runner's stock front brakes are woefully anemic. You can upgrade to much larger calipers and rotors from a first generation Tundra. I went with 2005 calipers (the 231 mm version). They bolt up after you trim the dust shield (I used snips). No more warped front rotors. You have the good 5 spoke rims, so the calipers will fit behind them with no modifications. http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/tech/project1620.html

 

[aontkos]

I had a '99 Limited and loved it. Very capable vehicle.

Two mods I did right away, and I'm not sure if you've done them, but I didn't see anything where you mention them:

1) Diff lock anytime - takes about ten to fifteen minutes and a short jumper wire. You can have your rear diff locked in any drive mode. http://backcountryjournal.blogspot.ca/2010/01/4runner-gray-wire-mod.html
2) Tundra big brake upgrade. The 4Runner's stock front brakes are woefully anemic. You can upgrade to much larger calipers and rotors from a first generation Tundra. I went with 2005 calipers (the 231 mm version). They bolt up after you trim the dust shield (I used snips). No more warped front rotors. You have the good 5 spoke rims, so the calipers will fit behind them with no modifications. http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/tech/project1620.html

Thanks for the heads up, Rob. I have looked into the diff-lock mod and it is probably something I will do during a lazy Saturday afternoon.

As for the calipers- the factory calibers haven't been much of a bother to me. I've always felt like they stop the truck adequately, but then again I haven't really done any towing with it. I did notice that they were replaced at around 90k miles, so I will probably stick with those for a while or until I have problems.

 

[aontkos]

I finally got around to installing the good ol' ARB. The installation went pretty smoothly, but getting all of my parts was a little bit of a hassle. I had the bumper delivered to a local 4 Wheel Parts store but the mounting hardware was left out. After several days of waiting, I finally got the hardware and a $125 refund :wings:

I still want to revisit my wiring for the signal lights and Hella 700s, but that will come a little later...

Poser shots:

 

[TwoTrack]

Can't wait to see the ARB mounted up. Nice East Cape btw, I've been eyeing a Glide.

*Ha, ARB looks great!

 

[aontkos]

Can't wait to see the ARB mounted up. Nice East Cape btw, I've been eyeing a Glide.

*Ha, ARB looks great!

My brother just started building his Glide! It is supposed to be done late in the spring. East Cape makes a great boat; their finishing is phenomenal. Have you stopped by the factory in Orlando? Its worth swinging in to see if you're in town.

 

[RobD]

Thanks for the heads up, Rob. I have looked into the diff-lock mod and it is probably something I will do during a lazy Saturday afternoon.

As for the calipers- the factory calibers haven't been much of a bother to me. I've always felt like they stop the truck adequately, but then again I haven't really done any towing with it. I did notice that they were replaced at around 90k miles, so I will probably stick with those for a while or until I have problems.

The diff lock mod is so easy, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

It's not the calipers that are the issue (but the bigger ones help) as much as the thin rotors. The beefier Tundra rotors soak up more heat.

Down the road, if you notice the brakes pulsing (and not ABS related), I would advise it. Everything bolts right up.

Enjoy your 4Runner. I do miss mine.

 

[aontkos]

Finally got around to taking the 4runner on a camping outing. Our trip got delayed by a week due to high water levels in Big Cypress. Most of the Bear Island Campground was closed, but there were still several sites available for reservations. Unfortunately these were in the wide-open RV loop, but we were lucky enough to find one that was a little more secluded from the others.












Flooded ORV trails...


Wetland prairie and cypress strand landscape...


Obligatory SWFL alligator shot...


It was our first trip out since the last round of upgrades. The awning was definitely a worthwhile addition. I've come to realize that a better solution for storage is in order, but I'm not sure which route I want to take. At some point I will add a sleeping platform for longer trips, but it is nice having the back seats so friends can join in.

For now it's time to catch up on some routine maintenance like a transmission and power steering fluid flush, replacement radiator and coolant flush, and an alternator.

 

[tip]

Clean 3rd gen, looking forward to watching this!