I_Drive_TOYOTA’s 1999 Toyota 4Runner

Page 1: OverviewPage 2: My ModsPage 3: Performance Page 4: Suspension, Wheels, and Tires Page 5: Armor and Trail Toys Page 6: Security Page 7: Exterior Lighting Page 8: Sound System   Page 9: 4WD/5 Speed ConversionPage 10: Off-Road PicturesPage 11: Body Work   Page 12: Castrol Edge Unlock Your Performance ContestPage 13: Pictures

Page 1: OverviewPage 2: My ModsPage 3: Performance Page 4: Suspension, Wheels, and Tires Page 5: Armor and Trail Toys Page 6: Security Page 7: Exterior Lighting Page 8: Sound System   Page 9: 4WD/5 Speed ConversionPage 10: Off-Road PicturesPage 11: Body Work   Page 12: Castrol Edge Unlock Your Performance ContestPage 13: Pictures They say pictures are worth a thousand words... so here is a thousand pictures.

TONS OF PICTURES!! February 4, 2010My drivers side door had been misaligned since I bought it. The lowest tip of the drivers door was bent out. The door and fender look like the may have been in a fight or two. It never gave me any problems, though. There was some serious rubbing issues with my new tires, though. I took off the front wheels and hammered away at the pinch welds. I missed one swing and hit the inner fender (I was swinging the hammer away from the engine, towards the outside of the car). It looked fine, and didn't stop until I finished both sides. Wheels back on, opening my drivers door and BAM, the door squashed in the fender and the fender popped out making a huge noise, which scared the shit out of me. I ended up having to pull the fender out with my hands just to get into the truck. It only shed light on the fact that the fender and door were already in need of repair. Another insurance check came in, and my 4Runner was off to my dealership where we have the largest state of art body shop in the US. It's also the largest Mercedes-Benz authorized body shop in the world.

ARMOR AND TRAIL TOYS1. 4.56 GEARS AND DETROIT TRUETRAC POSITRACTIONA great way to restore your car's performance after a tire upsizing, but without actually adding any power, is to regear. I changed from my factory 3.91 gears to 4.56's. This in turn compensates for the extra tire size, and the motor has less trouble turning the tires. Essentially, the motor turns more times to get you the same distance, but it's easier and more torque efficient. Too high of a gear and your truck could struggle to keep up, too low of a gear and your truck will run at too high of an RPM on highways.On top of the gears is Postitraction. Positraction, in a way, is similar to a locker, in the way that it applies torque to both wheels. In one wheel stand situations, the wheel with the most traction gets power, rather than the airborne wheel. It does not actually lock, though. The positraction is very effective on road, as well, where a locker is unable to be used. Youtube videos and explanations can be found online on how they work. Many run postraction in their front end IFS trucks because they are less likely to snap CV joints like a locker. I've been through 4WD only trails with just 2WD posi.I bought my Turbo/V6 3rd member assembled from Jaw's Gear. I run Redline Synthetic gear oil (75W90).

Due to vandalism, I got a DEI Viper alarm, model 791XV. Directed Electronics is one of the biggest names in vehicle security. They manufacture Python, Viper, Clifford, Wasp, and a host of other systems. The Viper 791XV is the flagship two way remote start and security system. It's the same alarm my brother has in his truck. We have the modules for rolling up/down my windows, etc, that I also want to wire in, as well as another horn for the alarm.Now my car is equipped with shock sensors, glass break sensors, a sensor for each door, hood, trunk, and gas door. It senses changes in level in case someone were to attempt stealing the wheels. I also installed a starter kill relay and two PIAA sirens. The car is also equipped with remote start, as well as shutting the car off. The remotes range runs for a half mile as to warn if your vehicle is being tampered with. The remote vibrates, lights up, and chimes.Even if someone were to actually have the keys to my car, they're not getting anywhere. The alarm is automatically tripped as soon as that key is inserted. The starter is automatically killed when the vehicle is armed, as well as the steering locked. There is also a tow sensor if someone actually attempts to tow my car.Coupled with this, I have 4 night vision security cameras that run 24/7. They record every single car that enters the street, as well as anyone coming from the park area. It also records every single movement in front of the house, including our cars. In the darkness of night, they record clear as day. They're hardwired to a 500GB receiver with power backup in case of power outtage, capable of running for hours on end, and network broadcast to the internet so I can watch over the house, any time, any where. The receiver holds 2 months straight of HD video from all four cameras. Here's a basic diagram of the remote:

2. SKID ROW OFFROAD SKID PLATEIt's pretty much mandatory that if you're gonna wheel your truck, you need some armor. While Toyota does what's practical for it's stock trucks, the standard skid plates simply do not cut it.After a good ol' bashing, the old skid plate was beat. I already broke one radiator due to the old skid, and the lower control arms already found their way through.Found a sweet skid made by a company by the name of Skid Row Offroad.Quoted from their webpage:"The front skid plate is completely bolt-on using only existing threaded holes and fasteners, and it looks quite stylish with the skid marks cut into it. These skids are shipped with semi-gloss black powder coating. Compare our skid plate to your factory part. There's really no comparison! Our front skid plate provides you with the real offroad protection and durability you need since it's made of sturdy 3/16" thick steel that's laser cut and CNC folded. You can't buy a better skid plate. The photo to the left shows the business of our skid, while the photo on the right shows the top."

ACCESSORIESI have an iPod hookup that goes straight into the glovebox, no holes required. The iPod is controlled via the Alpine head unit. MTX AUDIO THUNDER SERIES AMPLIFIERSI have two MTX Audio amps. They're both mounted underneath each front seat. My sub amp is underneath my drivers seat, the speaker's amp underneath the passenger. My 4Runner wasn't equipped with rear air or heat (I'm surprised I had anything), so the whole area underneath the passengers seat is depressed lower than underneath the drivers seat. They are also relatively cheap amps, I will be upgrading them soon since I want 4 channel amps rather than 2 channel. For $100, the deal was to be taken up.

OFF ROAD PICTURESHere's just a compilation of some photos I've taken off-road. Here is just a few select times. I go often but I don't always bring a camera or anything. Most of my offroading takes place in Holy Jim's canyon because it's simply the closest place. Some pics and vids from Big Bear: Friday night My CV boot tore, so my buddy who came along fashioned a sweet grocery bag/zip tie boot to keep stuff out of the grease. Our burritos got cold, so... Camped out in a small clearing at about 7600ft. On the way to the Big Bear Discovery Center Later in the day: Making CBI snow angels (lol) View the rest here: Big Bear Weekend pictures by corvettekorn - Photobucket This is my first time ever wheeling a stick. I was the second one to go up, so I had no spotter, either... just a bunch of dudes staring... lol!   I call this piece, BACONRUNNER. After all of the festivities, I gave the interior a deep cleaning.    The following photos were all taken while my 4Runner was still 2WD.April 7/8. 2011: Lake Arrowhead Camping Trip/Pilot Rock 2N17XCamping trip up in the mountains. Great time, great people, excellent steak!

SUSPENSION, BRAKES, WHEELS, AND TIRESBRAKESThe base model Toyota 4Runner was never meant to have the stopping ability of a truck with large tires. They obviously knew that when they equipped the 15" wheel toting 4Runner with puny, useless brakes. A way to combat this, thanks to Toyota's smart engineering, is to swap brakes over from a Tundra.Leave it to Toyota to make the caliper bolt locations 100% the same, a direct bolt on application. THe Tundra came with two separate types of brakes from 2000-2006, though. In early Tundra years, you were provided with a 199mm caliper (S13WE). Mid-generation, and people wanted better braking. They provided the 231mm caliper (13WL), which meant nearly an entire inch of extra braking surface.The Tundra rotors are therefor larger in diameter than the 4Runner (16" or 15" wheel models), and wider. They're a much better alternative. Best of all, they require absolutely no modifcation whatsoever, not even brake booster or master cylinder.One day, after countless attempts of preventing brake warp, I warped my rotors for the millionth time. I couldn't stand it anymore. I ordered myself a set of 231mm Tundra brake calipers, remanufactured and had them powdercoated red. I then ordered a set of Brembo Slotted rotors, which were on backorder for 60 days. I then opted for the blank rotors, and EBC Greenstuff 6000 series pads.Best of all, no more warped rotors, and the ability to stop!

ENGINE:A 2.7 liter engine is not the first thing that comes to mind when you load your truck with armor and 33" tires.For my 4WD/5 speed conversion, I bought a 2000 SR5 for parts. This truck came with a 5VZ-FE V6 engine. I could have swapped that motor in, though I decided against that. I'll be keeping the 2.7 and upgrading it. The 3RZ-FE is a beastly motor, many run over 300hp on mostly stock motors. I plan to build an entire performance 3RZ-FE and swap it in when done. My goals are to achieve anywhere from 400-500 horsepower, which is not unrealistic  at all when given the choices in aftermarket 3RZ-FE parts.FORCED INDUCTION:Forced induction makes it's way onto my 3RZ in the form of a TRD/Alpine Supercharger (Eaton M62). While this method may not prove to be most effective (see: Turbo), it's instant, and on the tap torque is a must when on the trail. The best thing about positive displacement superchargers is instant response and consistent boost pressure.My particular supercharger came from Jeff Moskovitz. He had a 1998 4Runner 2.7. The time came for him to sell the truck, and he removed the supercharger. I purchased it from Jeff with a multitude of extra parts for $1,580 shipped, as well as a MAPECU2 and 4 330cc 1JZ-GTE injectors from a JDM MKIII Toyota Supra.

T4R.org/YotaTech: ChildrenOfBodom3rd Gen 4Runner Fanpage on FacebookPage 1: OverviewPage 2: My ModsPage 3: Performance Page 4: Brakes, Suspension, Wheels, and Tires Page 5: Armor and Trail Toys Page 6: Security Page 7: Exterior Lighting Page 8: Sound System   Page 9: 4WD/5 Speed ConversionPage 10: Off-Road PicturesPage 11: Body Work   Page 12: Castrol Edge Unlock Your Performance Contest Page 13: Pictures  4WD CONVERSION R150F 5-SPEED SWAP... DONE! SEE HERE: 4WD/5 Speed Conversion Here's the truck as of July 2012.For clarity, I don't frequently update this site.  Please view my build thread for the latest updates. Thanks. This is the best looking body style of the 4Runner ever produced.This is my 1999 Toyota 4Runner. I bought it on March 30th, 2008. It was completely base in every way. I've taken it and updated the look with mostly OEM parts and made it a clean, respectable ride. There is no flashy colored lights, huge rims, gaudy chrome, or things not put to use. It started out as a base model 3RZ, and now it's equipped with everything from an SR5, aside strictly from the engine. It was absolutely trashed when I bought it. I have spent a lot of money and time fixing and replacing parts and tons of miscellaneous items. I have also spent a lot of time making everything look just right. For a list (outdated) of all modifications, replacements, and additions, please visit Page 2: My Mods.The story goes like this, I needed a new car that was reliable. I had a few different models in mind. I was looking out of my bedroom window and saw a Realtor setting up Open House signs. He drove a silver 2002 Sport Edition. I thought it looked way cool. I could only afford a 2nd gen, but I couldn't find one that I liked. There were a few beater 96's in my price range, too. The previous owner of my 4Runner passed through a family friend's smog test shop. He notified my dad, who borrowed it for a test drive. He brought it by the house so I could take a look. It was a smoker vehicle and had been involved in 2 DUI's. The interior was very dirty and there was makeup smeared all over the steering wheel, shifter, and buttons. The radio was broken. Most of the bolt covers and a bunch of interior parts were missing. I found a smashed cigarette in the glovebox and beer bottle caps under the seats. The paint was messed up, all of the plastic was faded, the tires were crappy, the antenna was broken, and there was a cracked exhaust manifold. It was the only 1999 within my budget, so I bought it. I just wanted something to daily drive, I didn't think I was gonna own it for very long. 2WD Auto 4 cylinder just meant good gas mileage to me. These 4Runners, though... they get to you...Yes... it was 2WD, something that is practically pointless to modify. Understood, and trust me, I've heard more than enough crap about it. Where most people would stop there, I've gone ahead converted my 2WD to 4WD. It went from a 2WD Automatic base model to a 4WD 5-Speed.Keep in mind that everything done to this 4Runner was done on a budget. There are people out there whose daddy will by them nice cars, buy them nice mods, and even pay to have them installed. This is all what I've done, all what I've paid for personally, all of the work done to this car was performed by me and/or friends. Best of all, this is the most functional this car has ever been, and it's not because "daddy" paid for it.Thanks for looking at my 1999 Toyota 4Runner! There's a guide on the bottom of each page to help navigate between each page.T4R.ORG Build Thread: COB's 4Runner Timeline (Pic Heavy) Day 1:

T4R.org/YotaTech: ChildrenOfBodom3rd Gen 4Runner Fanpage on FacebookPage 1: OverviewPage 2: My ModsPage 3: Performance Page 4: Brakes, Suspension, Wheels, and Tires Page 5: Armor and Trail Toys Page 6: Security Page 7: Exterior Lighting Page 8: Sound System   Page 9: 4WD/5 Speed ConversionPage 10: Off-Road PicturesPage 11: Body Work   Page 12: Castrol Edge Unlock Your Performance Contest Page 13: Pictures  4WD CONVERSION R150F 5-SPEED SWAP... DONE! SEE HERE: 4WD/5 Speed Conversion Here's the truck as of July 2012.For clarity, I don't frequently update this site.  Please view my build thread for the latest updates. Thanks. This is the best looking body style of the 4Runner ever produced.This is my 1999 Toyota 4Runner. I bought it on March 30th, 2008. It was completely base in every way. I've taken it and updated the look with mostly OEM parts and made it a clean, respectable ride. There is no flashy colored lights, huge rims, gaudy chrome, or things not put to use. It started out as a base model 3RZ, and now it's equipped with everything from an SR5, aside strictly from the engine. It was absolutely trashed when I bought it. I have spent a lot of money and time fixing and replacing parts and tons of miscellaneous items. I have also spent a lot of time making everything look just right. For a list (outdated) of all modifications, replacements, and additions, please visit Page 2: My Mods.The story goes like this, I needed a new car that was reliable. I had a few different models in mind. I was looking out of my bedroom window and saw a Realtor setting up Open House signs. He drove a silver 2002 Sport Edition. I thought it looked way cool. I could only afford a 2nd gen, but I couldn't find one that I liked. There were a few beater 96's in my price range, too. The previous owner of my 4Runner passed through a family friend's smog test shop. He notified my dad, who borrowed it for a test drive. He brought it by the house so I could take a look. It was a smoker vehicle and had been involved in 2 DUI's. The interior was very dirty and there was makeup smeared all over the steering wheel, shifter, and buttons. The radio was broken. Most of the bolt covers and a bunch of interior parts were missing. I found a smashed cigarette in the glovebox and beer bottle caps under the seats. The paint was messed up, all of the plastic was faded, the tires were crappy, the antenna was broken, and there was a cracked exhaust manifold. It was the only 1999 within my budget, so I bought it. I just wanted something to daily drive, I didn't think I was gonna own it for very long. 2WD Auto 4 cylinder just meant good gas mileage to me. These 4Runners, though... they get to you...Yes... it was 2WD, something that is practically pointless to modify. Understood, and trust me, I've heard more than enough crap about it. Where most people would stop there, I've gone ahead converted my 2WD to 4WD. It went from a 2WD Automatic base model to a 4WD 5-Speed.Keep in mind that everything done to this 4Runner was done on a budget. There are people out there whose daddy will by them nice cars, buy them nice mods, and even pay to have them installed. This is all what I've done, all what I've paid for personally, all of the work done to this car was performed by me and/or friends. Best of all, this is the most functional this car has ever been, and it's not because "daddy" paid for it.Thanks for looking at my 1999 Toyota 4Runner! There's a guide on the bottom of each page to help navigate between each page.T4R.ORG Build Thread: COB's 4Runner Timeline (Pic Heavy) Day 1:

I used this to my advantage.New drivers side fender paint, repair/repaint drivers front and rear door, repaint rocker panel, new sport hood insert paint, repaint the under headlight fillers, and oh baby am I excited!Freshly stripped:

2. SKID ROW OFFROAD SKID PLATEIt's pretty much mandatory that if you're gonna wheel your truck, you need some armor. While Toyota does what's practical for it's stock trucks, the standard skid plates simply do not cut it.After a good ol' bashing, the old skid plate was beat. I already broke one radiator due to the old skid, and the lower control arms already found their way through.Found a sweet skid made by a company by the name of Skid Row Offroad.Quoted from their webpage:"The front skid plate is completely bolt-on using only existing threaded holes and fasteners, and it looks quite stylish with the skid marks cut into it. These skids are shipped with semi-gloss black powder coating. Compare our skid plate to your factory part. There's really no comparison! Our front skid plate provides you with the real offroad protection and durability you need since it's made of sturdy 3/16" thick steel that's laser cut and CNC folded. You can't buy a better skid plate. The photo to the left shows the business of our skid, while the photo on the right shows the top."

Since then, it's undergone a complete SR5 conversion. Some of the parts required for said conversion: SR5 Flares, SR5 Bucket Seats, SR5 Hood with Scoop, SR5 Tailgate badge, SR5 Springs (which have since been replaced for Old Man Emu lift springs), Imperial Jade Mica Grille, Imperial Jade Mica front bumper the way only 1999 Highlander model SR5's came (replaced with a Shrockworks plate bumper). Imperial Jade Mica door handles and side view mirrors, SR5 Sunvisors with lights, OEM Floormats, OEM Tweeter pods for the mirrors, rear air deflector, OEM Hella fog lights, and OEM roof rack. Other things that have been covered are larger front brakes and larger wheels from a Tundra, which are larger than what the Highlander came with. I have an entire sunroof clip ready to be installed when funds permit.

Installation was more intensive than that of a 5VZ supercharger. It required harness and vacuum line rerouting and took about 7 hours total. I chose to use LC Engineering Teflon Throttle Body and Intake Manifold Gaskets for heat reduction. The supercharger is mounted using grade 8 bolts. The throttle body coolant line has been removed and bypassed to reduce heat in the intake system.