BreakawayChris’ SR5 build

I’ve been wanting a 4Runner for YEARS. I mean, test driving back in 2010 kinda timeline. Life kept getting in the way though, marriage, kids, deployments (I’m in the Army). The time was just never right.

Then, two weeks ago, I’m coming home from Afghanistan, and my wife says, “I’ve got a surprise for you.” She hits the garage switch and BAM, a 2020 SR5.

She went for the SR5 because the talk was always “IF” we get a 4Runner, it had to have a third row (I always wanted a TRD Pro).

But to make up for it she looks at me a says, “have fun with the build.”

I’ll be posting my build progress here, so be sure to check in once and awhile for updates.

Thanks!
-BreakawayChris

 

Well that answers my question. Congrats on the new SR5!

 

Congrats.

 

Awesome gift! Congrats

 

So here’s where we started:


A 2020 SR5 Premium. Oddly, my 4Runner was assembled in Japan. I didn’t realize that was even a thing.

Here’s a couple photos of it being received from shipping:

 

Next up was the “baseline” modifications.
Like I said earlier, I’ve been wanting a 4Runner for a pretty long time. Long enough for my wife to REALLY get to know what I like and I don’t like.

She knew that I HATED the baseline, silver emblem, no running board, “Mom-car” looking 4Runners.

So before she even had the big reveal she set in to getting the running boards added, the wheels swapped, and the emblems blacked out.

The dealership did the heavy lifting for the running boards and wheels, but my kids were all to happy to help all the emblem covers!

 

With the baseline mods out of the way, the kids decided they couldn’t give me the car until it had been properly cleaned:




Hopefully I can keep this momentum going and get a free car wash for time to time.

 

This is where we are now:


The 4Runner is looking great, and we have a few more mods lined up, so stay tuned for more updates. Until then, thanks!

-BreakawayChris

 

Congrats on the new 4R!

My wife also wanted the SR5 w/third row (I was set on the TRD OR). We seldom use the third row, but it made my wife happy and she has been onboard with all the modifications I’ve had done so far (lift, locker, etc) and still plan on doing (sliders, hybrid bumper, winch, full rack, RTT) in the near future.

 

Just an FYI, all 4Runners are built in Japan

 

My wife is super happy with the third row. It gives us just enough room to go camping with all three kids.

 

Build update:

Yesterday I vinyl wrapped the the front garnish piece below the emblem and added a front valance.

I got a couple of used valances off eBay and spray painted them with the Rust-Oleum Black Spray-can Bed Liner.

Cutting into the bumper was the most nerve racking part, but the valance covers everything so it is VERY forgiving.

I also Plastidip’d the two chrome trim pieces in the grill.

Here’s where we’re at now:



I’m going to add the rear valance in a couple of days (also sprayed with black bed liner). I just needed a break from the abrasive sounds of a dremel cutting into my car.

I’m thinking that my next mods will be some of the TRD add-ons (TRD Hood, Skid Plate, TRD Intake, etc). Do you guys have any suggestions for a mod that would look good on a white 5th Gen?

-BreakawayChris

 

Sharp looking 4Runner! Painting the silver roof rails would add to the blacked out look.

 

Looks great! My heart could not stand cutting anything, and so I just plasti-dipped the valences and the 2 little chrome pieces.

 

I might go ahead and do that. I have a Gobi rack on order, so I’ll be stuck with the OEM rails until October (not even kidding... OCTOBER!!). But I hear that Gobi Racks are worth the wait.

 

now I need to go get more plasti dip..

 

You wasted no time!

 

I had extra plasti dip and some free time. It’s only 8 bolts to get one of the rails off.

 

Just finished with the roof rack rails. The black looks much better.


There are a few rubs where the plasti dip peeled, but it’ll be fine until the Gobi rack shows up.