Hello! Here's my 1997 SR5

[starclassic]

I've been a member over at the T4R forum for a little while and have a more fully established build thread over there that you can check out if you're so inclined. But I've been lurking on this forum and wanted to join so I can contribute and follow some of my friends' build threads. Here's my rig...

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4L V6 4x4 "Jake"

This is my first 4X4. I got my driver's license in 1997 and the 4Runner was the vehicle I wanted but couldn't have. Fast forward to today: better 20 years late than never! Until 2015, this truck lived in the Southwest (Arizona and New Mexico). It is in fantastic shape given its age—besides fading clear coat/paint on the hood and roof, the finish is still in great shape. I bought it for $6500 at 221k miles. There is no rust on the frame. The interior is also very clean. Here are the current/planned upgrades:

Suspension
Bilstein 5100 front shocks w/ OME 881 springs
Front diff drop
Bilstein 5125 rear shocks w/ OME 890 springs
Sonoran steel rear adjustable panhard rod

Wheels/tires
Pro Comp 7069 wheels
LT285/75/16 Goodyear Duratrac tires

Performance/drivetrain
B&M external ATF cooler w/ radiator line looped
Deckplate mod
K&N drop-in air filter

Exterior
Whitson Metalworks roof rack
Rocky Mountain super sliders
Addicted Off-road rear bumper
Plasti-dipped OEM fender flares w/ 3D printed end caps
Fixed antenna conversion (OEM Toyota Parts)
TRD off-road decals

Interior
Weather Tech floor mats & trunk liner
Hi-lift jack with custom mount in trunk

Lighting
99+ headlight conversion (OEM glass)
Auxbeam F-16 LED headlights
Crystal front turn signal lenses
Dashboard/gauge cluster LEDs—Red
Map/dome light LEDs—White

---------------------------------------------

Planned upgrades
Tundra brakes
eLocker retrofit (currently hunting for parts!)
Performance UCAs
Hood and roof repaint (original color)
Aftermarket audio (probably will go with the Pioneer AVH4200NEX double-din head unit)
Wet Okole seat covers
New roof rack
Front bumper

 

[White Stripe]

I've been a member over at the T4R forum for a little while and have a more fully established build thread over there that you can check out if you're so inclined. But I've been lurking on this forum and wanted to join so I can contribute and follow some of my friends' build threads. Here's my rig...

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4L V6 4x4 "Jake"

This is my first 4X4. I got my driver's license in 1997 and the 4Runner was the vehicle I wanted but couldn't have. Fast forward to today: better 20 years late than never! Until 2015, this truck lived in the Southwest (Arizona and New Mexico). It is in fantastic shape given its age—besides fading clear coat/paint on the hood and roof, the finish is still in great shape. I bought it for $6500 at 221k miles. There is no rust on the frame. The interior is also very clean. Here are the current/planned upgrades:

Suspension
Bilstein 5100 front shocks w/ OME 881 springs
Front diff drop
Bilstein 5125 rear shocks w/ OME 890 springs
Sonoran steel rear adjustable panhard rod

Wheels/tires
Pro Comp 7069 wheels
LT285/75/16 Goodyear Duratrac tires

Performance/drivetrain
B&M external ATF cooler w/ radiator line looped
Deckplate mod
K&N drop-in air filter

Exterior
Whitson Metalworks roof rack
Rocky Mountain super sliders
Addicted Off-road rear bumper
Plasti-dipped OEM fender flares w/ 3D printed end caps
Fixed antenna conversion (OEM Toyota Parts)
TRD off-road decals

Interior
Weather Tech floor mats & trunk liner
Hi-lift jack with custom mount in trunk

Lighting
99+ headlight conversion (OEM glass)
Auxbeam F-16 LED headlights
Crystal front turn signal lenses
Dashboard/gauge cluster LEDs—Red
Map/dome light LEDs—White

---------------------------------------------

Planned upgrades
Tundra brakes
eLocker retrofit (currently hunting for parts!)
Performance UCAs
Hood and roof repaint (original color)
Aftermarket audio (probably will go with the Pioneer AVH4200NEX double-din head unit)
Wet Okole seat covers
New roof rack
Front bumper

Nice truck. How do u like the led headlights?

 

[starclassic]

Nice truck. How do u like the led headlights?

So far I like them a lot. They seem solid and very well made. Install was a little tricky due to the fan at the base of each light which doesn't play nice with the rubber bulb housing but I got it to work okay.

Low beams make a really nice line. They're 6000k—not too blue, which I didn't want. High beams do great as well. Really the factor here is how long these fans last. Because once they stop working, that's the end of it.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

How do you like the bumper? I'd like to see more of it.

 

[starclassic]

How do you like the bumper? I'd like to see more of it.

So ... this Addicted Offroad tube rear bumper. I like it okay. It's very heavy and sturdy and I'm a big fan of the high clearance—there is tons of room under the back end (I have since removed the spare since I carry a full size in the trunk). What I like the least is the side profile—I'm leaning toward plate bumper or combo plate/tube. Functionally, though, it's super solid.

The finish isn't great, and I clearly need to clean it up and re-coat it. These are bolt-on (no welding required) for the 3rd gen and come as bare metal. I'm actually looking to sell mine, since I'm looking for a tire carrier on the back (have been looking at CBI).

Here are some pictures (just coming out of cold season here in Chicago):

 

[yotadude520]

Hey buddy! Welcome to the forum man and nice 3rd Gen, I'm digging what you've done. If you have any questions on building it man, feel free to ask - my first rig was a 1998 5 Speed!

 

[starclassic]

Hey buddy! Welcome to the forum man and nice 3rd Gen, I'm digging what you've done. If you have any questions on building it man, feel free to ask - my first rig was a 1998 5 Speed!

Thank you sir! Nice to be here. I've got a lot planned for this year. Repaint, Tundra brakes, eLocker retrofit (fingers crossed), stereo, interior soundproofing.