This page is dedicated to my 1996 Toyota 4Runner, also known as the Hilux Surf. It is the 2.7L, 4 cylinder base model with a few upgrades.  It can be considered underpowered,  but in my honest opinion it is unquestionably reliable and unproblematic.   Below you will find photos and a description of the modifications already accomplished, feel free to comment at the end of it. 

UPDATED:

Below are some updated photos. I decided to switch the grille from the Satoshi mod to the 2002 front grille. I also removed the fog lights due to the protruding front end of the grille; not enough room.  Also added are JDM mud flaps (KaddisEarly) directly imported from Japan; thanks again Andrey .

Newest addition to my vehicle, OEM Toyota Japan spoiler/rear power under mirror from a Hilux Surf 185 SSR-G.  It has been painted to color match my 4Runner, along with original rear "Hilux Surf badging" and "Surf" spoiler decals from my friend Andrey and his team at Horoki-Motor, Japan.

Pictured above and below are some photos of the OEM JDM fender mirror and OEM JDM Toyota rain guards; direct from the Toyota factory in Japan.  In addition, are some original Toyota 5" fog lamps used for driving at night. You can also see among the photos the 6000K KLight HID to brighten up those dark spots at night; very useful. 

I  also added a pair of Eagle Eye LED taillights, along with some genuine Toyota signal sider markers off a Hilux Surf 185. Both incorporate LED bulbs. Also pictured is the addition of the 4Runner SR5 fender flares, which were not included when the vehicle was first purchased in 1996.  An OEM roof rack was also added at a later date.

Tire and Wheel: 15" Pro Comp RockCrawler steel wheels wrapped with some 33/12.5/15OR Cooper Discoverer STT mud terrain tires.  I plan to later change my tire/wheel package to run the 16" ROTA Grid to incorporate the future addition of the Tundra 231mm brake upgrade.

To compensate for larger diameter tires, I decided to update my original gearing from 3.90 in the rear to 4.30.  Engine wise, a TRD high performance air filer was added, along with Downey Off-Road ceramic headers. Exhaust consists of a high performance 3" Magnaflow OBD-II catalytic converter, connected to a 3" Dynomax muffler. A high performance resonator was added to quiet the sound a bit.

In the near future I hope to add the benefit of a 2.7L Alpine Developments supercharger, which was released in 2000 and used by TRD USA as a performance product. 

The suspension lift is made up Old Man Emu coil springs (881/891) in the front and rear. Combined with that are Daystar coil spacers along with a 1" WabFab body lift.  KYB shocks in the front and rear are also in use.  

In addition to all the other modifications/upgrades, I decided to tackle the ever-so popular Satoshi mod, which was first seen in Japan.  The Toyota emblem is genuine, and you can even see the Hella twin supertone horns, which were a good upgrade from the stock horns.

Additional shots demonstrate the grille work done to my 4Runner.  My ultimate goal with this vehicle is to give it that authentic JDM appeal. I have attempted through the parts purchased from the team and services at Horoki-Motor, Japan and can only hope people may appreciate the effort.