JARVIS's build thread - nothing crazy, just the basics

I never cared about cars or trucks before, maybe because I grew up in the U.K. A buddy in high school restored a 1970s MGB GT, but don't ask me anything about it - all I know is it looked cool.

We bought the 4Runner in 2018, a 2001 4WD SR5 with center locker and 235,000 miles. I never pictured myself doing upgrades or mods - but it needed new tires in 2020, and one thing led to another... so...here's my build thread. Nothing crazy, just the basics.


Here's a list of sources for the mods:

Suspension - https://ironman4x4america.com/foam-cell-pro-2-lift-kit-suited-for-1996-2002-toyota-4runner/
Ditch light brackets - Security screws - https://www.brycefastener.com
Switches - https://www.otrattw.net
Tow hitch - https://factor55.com
Wire hider - https://www.kchilites.com
Chase lights - caliraisedled.com
D-ring anchors - http://4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/DRingAnchor.shtml
Pretty much everything else came from Amazon.

This is how it looked when we got it.

 

After a couple of years as my daily driver, it needed new tires.

 

That truck is beautiful. I would love to have one of the older gens like that. Simply amazing.

 

A few months later, I got a surprise birthday present.

 

Lucky for me, a generous friend agreed to do the install and let me be his sidekick/apprentice. He is super knowledgeable, and taught me a lot.

 

End result, a 2 inch lift and a smooth ride. Maybe I should've bought bigger tires...

 

Needed an alignment, and the suspension shop recommended new lower control arms. Another friend (yeah we have some really good ones) agreed to install new OEMs and rebuild the CV axles. It's a messy job...

 

First trip out to the desert was fun (and beautiful). I was told the rear end was bucking at every bump and maybe the panhard bar was to blame. Drunk on enthusiasm, I bought EIM Keith's panhard bar correction kit. https://eimkeith.com/buystuff/pck/
Then I chickened out (for one thing, I don't know how to weld ). I still have the kit and will give it away to anyone who is willing to pay the shipping. I'm considering the adjustable panhard bar from Sonoran Steel but since I only go off-road 2 - 3 times a year, I don't know if it's worth it. If anyone wants to chime in, I'd welcome your thoughts.

 

Next thing I decided to tackle was a Blue Sea install. Found this awesome video, and basically copied what he did but without his finesse.
https://youtu.be/SPe17SUL9nw

 

Second desert run was great, but...the last obstacle was a major challenge for me. It took me an hour to make it up. I was lucky to be surrounded by experienced off-roaders with boatloads of patience. https://youtube.com/shorts/XeHoukvzcmM

I'd smashed my driver side corner light while trying to make it up the hill. Figured I may as well replace both so they'd match.


Then I got to thinking...maybe I should get new headlights too. Found a Memorial Day deal on a base build from BXBuilt. More on that later.

 

Who cares about a battle scar when you've got new corner lights and shiny tires?

 

Replaced the factory ties with these. Super beefy. Some say it's not needed, but I'd learned I was the weakest link on that last trip and wanted to make sure I'd get invited back. I still have the OEM factory tie and tow hook if anyone wants them.

 

Green shackles to match the coils. Liked the look of these but they were the wrong shade of green. I just couldn't stand it, so I bought another pair that actually matched and a black one to go with the tow hitch.

 

Time to upgrade the duct tape and zip ties, plus add some dust lights. I have no interest in drilling into the roof, and this wire hider made it nice and neat.

 

We got Baja Squadron Sport dust lights second-hand, good as new.

 

As far as I can tell, there's really no way to mount chase lights on a 3rd Gen unless you get a roof rack. I don't need or want one, so I got some U-bolts from Home Depot. Not pretty, but they did the job for now. In this case, I'm all about function over form.

 

Next outing was to Sedona. A beautiful trip; we ran Broken Arrow and I conquered it (with the help of spotters). There are photos out there somewhere to prove it. While there, I admired a friend's BXBuilt color-changing halos, so I added those to my original order when I got back.

After many months of patiently waiting, the BXBuilt headlights finally shipped.

Between them, these two videos had everything I needed as a guide:

https://youtu.be/sEt_1guBsXo
https://youtu.be/Qy22_bKuGI0

BXBuilt 3rd Gen 4Runner install.


Used a lot of zip ties.

 

That's it for now. I'd like to get new wheels, but I recently had to get essential maintenance done...a new timing belt, water pump etc. $$$. A few weeks later, the (original) radiator pipe cracked and completely broke off, so I had to put in a new radiator as well. Still lovin' this truck!

Here's a list of sources for the mods:

Suspension - https://ironman4x4america.com/foam-cell-pro-2-lift-kit-suited-for-1996-2002-toyota-4runner/
Ditch light brackets - Security screws - https://www.brycefastener.com
Switches - https://www.otrattw.net
Tow hitch - https://factor55.com
Wire hider - https://www.kchilites.com
Chase lights - caliraisedled.com
D-ring anchors - http://4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/DRingAnchor.shtml
Pretty much everything else came from Amazon.

 

Woohoo! Awesome thread!

 

Love the rig. I got those lights too. Waiting for them to arrive and I was wondering did you keep the day time running light function? Or did you delete them like the YouTube video installs did?

 

Thanks! Yes, I disconnected the DRL. Any other questions, hit me up. Good luck with the install!