My new-to-me 2000 4Runner SR5 4x4

[namewatname]

So, I have been shopping for a while and finally pulled the trigger. This 4Runner checked all my boxes: 2000, 5-speed, 4x4, black, hood scoop, etc. It's got 145k miles on it currently, and those have mostly been highway miles. There is some slight underbody rust, but I've been reading up about that and it seems to be something that I could fix, paint over, etc. No door/door frame/tail gate/exhaust pipe/etc rust though. Needs new sway bar end links, but I figure I can do without those for a while. Its gonna need new back shocks soon, and brake pads. All in all, I feel good about paying $4800 for it!

Now comes the fun part. After the minor repairs, what are the first mods I should look at? Thinking about starting with the interior, but if there are some budget exterior mods that you can think of, fire 'em off!

 

[JasonRedwood]

Congrats on the 4runner, looks nice.

A cheap or free mod is replacing the throttle body D gasket with a gasket that doesn't restrict air flow. I just trimmed the stock one with a pair of small metal shears.

Recently upgraded my brakes to the tundra brakes. Not the most economical mod, but definetly the best one I have done so far.

 

[enzo]

Good score. I have the exact same 4Runner but without the 5 speed. As far as mods go you should drive it awhile and see what you need. Check out T4R.ORG as that is strictly a 4Runner site with tons of info.

 

[tanglefoot]

Looks great!

Ebay has a good selection of affordable, replacement sway bar links.

For undercarriage rust, you might think of using a rust converter. They use an acid to change the rust into an inert compound and then protect the surface. I used one that goes on black on the '85 and am pretty happy with the results, but the ones that go on silverish-light gray and then turn dark gray are supposed to be the most effective.

I agree to focus on repairs and maintenance first. When it comes to mods, just use the vehicle the way you'd like to use it and then decide what it needs, if anything. Mods that aren't carefully thought through end up just being a waste of money and clutter up the truck.

Enjoy!

 

[Byrnie Mac]

Seeing what you got here makes me a little jealous! One like that is a perfect starting point for what I have in mind.

As for maint./mods, maintenance always demands the priority, so kudos on that front. And as for mods, be careful not to waste your money, don't get sucked in by brand names and the like. If you can do it yourself, do it!!! (And post up pics!)

Lastly, on every vehicle I have owned and will own, 3 mods are a must. 1: Window tint (as dark as you can get away with) 2: Intake system upgrade & 3: Exhaust system upgrade

Enjoy it! I dig the 5-speed, and I will be looking for one just like yours haha

 

[PetitFrereArmada]

Congrats on your purchase. It looks great.

 

[namewatname]

Looks great!

Ebay has a good selection of affordable, replacement sway bar links.

For undercarriage rust, you might think of using a rust converter. They use an acid to change the rust into an inert compound and then protect the surface. I used one that goes on black on the '85 and am pretty happy with the results, but the ones that go on silverish-light gray and then turn dark gray are supposed to be the most effective.

I agree to focus on repairs and maintenance first. When it comes to mods, just use the vehicle the way you'd like to use it and then decide what it needs, if anything. Mods that aren't carefully thought through end up just being a waste of money and clutter up the truck.

Enjoy!

Awesome! Thanks for the tips. I'll check EBay. Do you have any product name on that rust converter? That sounds like something I'd like to pursue. I was gonna get some POR15, heard that's effective also.

 

[namewatname]

Seeing what you got here makes me a little jealous! One like that is a perfect starting point for what I have in mind.

As for maint./mods, maintenance always demands the priority, so kudos on that front. And as for mods, be careful not to waste your money, don't get sucked in by brand names and the like. If you can do it yourself, do it!!! (And post up pics!)

Lastly, on every vehicle I have owned and will own, 3 mods are a must. 1: Window tint (as dark as you can get away with) 2: Intake system upgrade & 3: Exhaust system upgrade

Enjoy it! I dig the 5-speed, and I will be looking for one just like yours haha

Haha yeah, I got lucky. The car was seriously everything I was looking for. You should definitely look for one! I've got my eye on an intake after I've done the repairs. Love the window tint too.

Oh and don't worry, I'll post PLENTY of pics haha.

 

[Simons]

Lower ball joints!

 

[JasonRedwood]

Lower ball joints!

X2
This is the first thing you should do. Completley slipped my mind.
As far as the POR15 you can see a short conversation here that might shed some light on it for you.

 

[4runnerteq]

Good looking truck

 

[namewatname]

X2
This is the first thing you should do. Completley slipped my mind.
As far as the POR15 you can see a short conversation here that might shed some light on it for you.

Enlightening. I wonder if that guy sanded off the flakes before painting? Do you have any other suggestions besides Rustoleum? The rust converter mentioned above sounds like a good way to go, may have to just research some more.

Good call on the lower ball joints. Don't have much mechanical experience but I'm smart, stubborn, and willing to learn. Is it a fairly standard DIY job?

 

[JasonRedwood]

No suggestions on rust converters or protection here. Never really was concerned about it living in socal.

Heres a link on the LBJ instal. Seems pretty straight forward. I had my mechanic do it for me.
toyota-4runner.org will most likely be the first link that pops up in a search for anything 4runner related.