Index
Follow the evolution of a mostly stock 4Runner into a significantly less stock 4Runner.
This is the complete history of the build. Every upgrade, repair, maintenance item, and occasional poor decision is listed below in the order it happened.
It's equal parts build log, troubleshooting guide, and proof that no vehicle is ever truly finished.
The "Upgrade" - The Quest to Find the Perfect 4Runner Commences!
Day 1 As A 4Runner Owner - Embark on the Journey of Enhancements
Stripe Removal & More - Bidding Farewell to Stock Decals & Emblems
Engine & Undercarriage Cleaning & Fixing the Wobbling Shifter
LED Gauge Lights, Floor Mats, And More
Stereo Install - From 'Static' to 'Ecstatic'
Lift Gate Struts, Door Speakers, & a Hitch
Wheel Painting - The Art of Frugality
Back up Camera Install - Expressing Superiority by Reverse Parking
Finally Found A "Toolbox" - Cheap Storage for My Automotive Needs
155k Maintenance - 4Runner Gets a Sip of the Good Stuff
Torque Gauges and LED tail Lights - Dialing Up the Cool Factor
Hitch Wiring - Because Every Connection Sparks an Adventure
Lift Install - Elevating the 4Runner to New Heights
Starting the sound proofing - Embarking on the Automotive Acoustic Journey
Steering Rack Bushing Upgrade - Swapping Out Those Tired Steering Bushings for a Fresher Set
Front Bumper Replacement - From Mundane Bumper to Extraordinary Armor
Driving Lights - A Touch of Amber Elegance
New Year, More New Lights - Because Nothing Says "Class" Like Blinding Oncoming Drivers
Tires and Wheels - Filling the Fenders With New Shoes
Squeaky Belts, Trim Removal, & Transmission Plug Leak
Grille Upgrade - Giving it a Sleek Modern Makeover
Testing Touch Up Paint - Results Aren't Exactly A Masterpiece
Stubby Antenna Mod - From Vintage Antenna to Compact Stub
Horn Upgrade - The Classics Sure Make Their Presence Felt
Tundra Brake Upgrade - Boosting Braking Power
Retrofit Headlights - Bringing The Past Into The Future
Tie Rods and More - Out with the Floppy and Crusty
Washer Nozzle Replacement - Spraying in All the Right Places
Valve Cover Gaskets - Out With The Old & Brittle
Fuel Filter Replacement - Keeping the Fuel System Purring
Bed liner the Rear Bumper - That Chrome Looks Great, Said No One Ever
Vibration Reduction Continued - The Rattle Continues to Plague Me
Steering Guide Replacement - The Quest to Improve Steering Continues
Under-hood LEDs & Radiator Cap - Unexpected Twists in the 4Runner Plot
Spiker Hood Struts - Manual Prop Rods Are Boring
AC Recharge - Staying Cool in This Texas Heat Wave
Sherpa Roof Rack - A 'Crown' for the 4Runner
JBA High Caster UCA's - The Steering Improvement Quest Is Over!
Belt Change - Because Squeals are Embarrassing
160 General Maintenance Day - Keeping Fluids Fresh
Timing Belt Change - The Worst Job I’ve Ever Done
Bump Stops - These Actually Stop Bumps
Sunroof Repair - Just in Time for Summer
Sunroof Tint and Door Weatherstrip
No Power - Surprise Alternator Replacement
Rack to the Future - New Lease on Steering
Swinging into Action - Upgrading Lower Control Arms and Ball Joints
Small Parts, Big Difference - Sway Bar End Links
Resealing Lower Intake Manifold - Injector Disaster
165 General Maintenance Day - Keeping Fluids Fresh
Finally Cool - Installing the Iconic Fabrication Trans Cooler
Windshield Woes – Thanks, Houston Traffic
Rear Control Arm Upgrade – Finally Dialing It In
170 General Maintenance Day - Keeping Fluids Fresh
Driveshaft Rebuild — And a Few Surprises Along The Way
Three Years In - A Brutally Honest Look At Every Mod I’ve Done
Output Seal and Angle Recheck - Being Humbled By Rear Geometry
Heater Valve Failure (Perfect Timing, Obviously)
Rear View Mirror - “New Windshield” Doesn’t Guarantee The Mirror Stays Attached
Shift Indicator - Small Part, Big Difference
175 General Maintenance Day - Keeping Fluids Fresh
180 General Maintenance Day - Keeping Fluids Fresh
Dobinsons IMS Lift Kit - Righting My Wrongs
DDI Seat Jackers - The Most Middle-Aged Mod Yet
Kumho Road Venture AT52 - Finally Solving My Ride Quality Issues
Panhard Correction Kit - Correcting an Old Compromise
Center Console MOLLE - Ending the Passenger Seat Shuffle
Master & Wheel Cylinder Replacement - Stopping Is Highly Recommended