Best products from r/4Runner

This is what I wrote to another user the other day regarding the chrome strips on the early 5th Gen SR5:

I actually just did the full chrome delete this past weekend. I originally only had the emblems.

So there are two schools of thought or process, perhaps three.

One, paint - plasti-dip or paint. Two, Vinyl wrap. Three, overlays.

I went the first route as it was cheaper. I used Rustoleum Peel Coat but there are others. Step 1, clean the surface. Might as well clean the whole car. My neighbor who is a car dude says a nice wipe alcohol after a clay bar will make sure its not only debris free but perfect for the plastic paint to adhere to. Step 2, Tape, tape, tape. Using blue tape you want to cut in under the door handles and where the chrome pieces "hang" over the painted areas. For the large emblem on the trunk I actually taped far away and let the paint overspray and then just rubbed the plastic off up to the emblem. Step 3, after you tape a gorgeous amount, add on plastic or cardboard or whatever barriers to protect from overspray all over your doors and trunk, etc. A quick way for the front is to insert newspaper behind the grill and actually paint the grill black too... it won't hurt it, hell, maybe even give it a boost. Step 4, start nice and slow with a good distance (6-12" freedom units) away with very light coats. I think I ended up with 6 coats on most areas and 8 or 9 on the handles due to the constant handling of myself and my radical children. Make sure to hit it from different angles to get good coverage. Step 5, peel away slowly and if you want to be super careful you can use a small exacto knife to cut under edges but it must be a new blade to actually slice the plastic otherwise it will stretch it, likely peeling it off. I recommend plastic snap off knives because metal can scratch versus plastic which is less likely link here. This is where the distance comes in with the pre-taping and you can just rub it off the paint instead...this video is a good example. Step 6, take pics and show me how it turned out!

Option 2, I suck at Vinyl wrap, I did it on the handles of my Highlander and it was so hard to do that I decided not to do that for the 4runner. If you go this route the get 3M vinyl wrap and watch YouTube for hours.

Option 3, Door Handles and emblems but there isn't much for the chrome stripe on each bumper or even the surround on the fog light.

Hope this helped and I'm sure it will look leagues better after the fake chrome is deleted...!

Cheers.

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Please note, yes, it does get dirty, it can chip/peel off, reapply is likely, yada yada yada. However, until you decide what you major moves will be, its an afternoon project that provides a big appearance change. So, up to you...

Not sure if you're interested in keeping the factory look and just upgrading, but I've got one of these installed in my truck and love it. I now have bluetooth streaming and hands free talking. I use my phone as my GPS, and it's great to use the JBL system if you want to watch movies on a tablet (not while driving, obviously).

The entire thing is plug-n-play; took me about 2 hours and 4 or 5 beers, including disassembly and reassembly of the dash/center console.

This was a year ago and I’ve done a few upgrades since then. This is a write-up with some links for those interested in it. Hopefully this wall of info might be useful to someone looking to do what I’ve done. It is a headache and a half along with hours of time just trying to find straightforward info for modding these trucks.

Full specs: 2018 TRD ORP w/ KDSS. Bilstein 6112 2.4” lift (5/5 clip settings for KDSS) & 5160 rear shocks. Eibach ProLift rear springs 1”(note: the KDSS models sit about a .5”-1” lower up front in stock.) Super bump kit. OME rear Right 10mm trim packer for lean correction. 275/70/17 KO2 tires. Stock OR Rims. JBA high caster UCAs. Tyger Auto TG-AM2T20148 side steps (for the little wife, to mitigate the tires flinging rocks at the paint and they also help with parking lot door dings)


Lights: The LEDs are Nineo Gen2 for H11 and 9005. It was around $100 total from amazon. They are identical to the Supernova v.4. So if you’re thinking of those, save your money with these.

The DRLs do work fine, believe it or not, and the flicker when in DRL mode is BARELY noticeable and looks kinda cool imo, it’s $50 vs $180 for xenon depots, and I don’t think XDs are $130 better imo. They also do dim. I’ll post more pics and a video of the flicker later when I get the headlights adjusted. If you still can’t stand the flicker the XD LEDs with the DRL driver is the way to go or you can just shut off the DRL mode completely without messing with other lighting functions, this is also a warranty safe and non-permanent solution as you can just push the wire back in if you decide to change your mind. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5-lFBDFjs4VOUtFN2RETDJPd0E/view)

Xenon Depot 9005 LED kit w/ DRL module: https://www.xenondepot.com/9005-Xtreme-LED-kit-pro-p/xt-led-9005-pro.htm

Nineo GEN2 9005: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JCSRS7H/

Katana H11(the Nineo looks sold out, but these are the other identical brand): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078W5WJZ2/

Fog Lights, Yellow LED, installing today along with a yellow film, will post pics later: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9S49GP/

Lamin-x Yellow Film: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P2EZFI/



Rubbing, death wobble and suspension: The only rubbing I have is on the front mudflaps at full lock, might modify or just remove flaps completely. No rub on UCAs or body mount.

For grease I use Valvoline VV615, if you go JBA, I highly recommend this 90 degree grease adapter. No mess and super easy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G76OMA/

Or you could replace the straight zerk fittings with 45-90 degree zerk fittings.

The rear right OME trim packer that corrected the lean also fixed the steering wheel death wobble some may experience after a lift. So for this particular case I’ll attribute it to a suspension geometry problem. If you still experience the wobble after lean correction there is a bushing to replace the spider bearing in the front left differential, made by ECGS. it’s about $170 for the full install kit with a new cv axle seal. I highly recommend either of these if you’re are finding yourself getting your wheels balanced way more than you should be.

OME 10mm Trim Packer: https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25490059-rear-trim-packer-for-2003-4runner-2007-fj-cruiser-150pr10.html

ECGS bushing kit: https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

Bilstein 6112 Front Assembly with standard coilovers: https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-26910006-bilstein-6112-height-adjustable-front-strut-set-for-2010-4runner-47-259768-or-47-281202.html

Bilstein 5160 rear shocks with oil reservoir: https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25489698-bilstein-5160-remote-reservoir-rear-shock-set-for-2003-4runner-2007-fj-cruiser-25-227611-x2.html

JBA STD High Caster UCAs: https://jbaoffroad.com/jba-std-high-caster-upper-a-arms-for-toyota-tacoma-05-plus-4runner-03-plus-fj-cruisers-07-plus.html

Super Bump Kit: https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25490332-wheelers-front-superbump-bumpstop-set-for-2005-tacoma-2003-4runner-2007-fj-cruiser-2007-tundra-01superbumpkit.html


DIY lift info that helped me:

If you want to lift your KDSS 5th gen 4Runner: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/154230-how-lift-installation-kdss-equipped-vehicles.html

How to install new UCAs on your 4Runner: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/237425-4th-5th-gen-upper-control-arm-uca-install-write-up.html


Information pit #1: Toyota-4Runner.org

Information pit #2: 4runners.com

Other useful sites: tacomaworld.com, tacomaforum.com, tundratalk.net

trail4runner.com(review site, decent tutorials)

Its from amazon. I saw a guy in a parking lot with a sweet 3rd gen. He had this basket. He said it was sold on amazon as a "Bison Roof Basket". When i searched for it I found that they changed ownership or names etc, and now operate under "Arkensen roof basket". Its a 3 piece and really well put together. Also really fits the size of the roof proportionally as well


here is the link.







Very solid buy and also qualifies for amazon prime which is nice :)

After beginning to measure my 4th gen for a sleeping platform I realized I recognized the measurements... Because they were the size of a twin bed! On a wim I ordered this from amazon for $40 in twin size. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MIPW70/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It fits perfectly with plenty of storage space underneath! I did cut the last 3 inches or so off one side until the horizontal support bar so all the legs would fit on the seat backs. Super easy with a tiny hacksaw and even easier with a dremel. There is 14in of storage underneath currently, however I will also be cutting down the legs to allow for more headroom. This is a great option for someone lacking woodworking skills or time! I put an exped megamat duo on mine, but it will obviously fit a twin foam or air mattress.

Sooo, I went to battle with squirrels, TWICE on this issue. https://www.reddit.com/r/4Runner/comments/axt5r2/losing_the_war_against_4runnereating_rodents_any/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x

As I understand it, environmental laws require manufacturers to use eco-friendly parts. For Toyota, this means soy-based wiring coatings/tubings. Yep ... our 4Runners' wires are coated in FOOD that animals like to eat. And, when it gets cold, cuddling up in your warm engine bay with a good food source equals penthouse living for rats/squirrels (and a huge bill for you.)

For me, they camped out on the driver's side wheel well, (where there's a flat, open space they could build a nest and dine on the ABS wiring harness.) First repair was $1000, second time was less than 3 weeks after the first was repaired in same spot, but because the dealership felt sorry for me, they reduced labor to $500. Insurance would have covered both, but my deductible was $1000, so I was S.O.L.

I then began hunting for solutions. I tried the dryer sheets, mothballs, peppermint spray. I finally settled on this: https://www.amazon.com/Fanhome-Rodent-Repellent-Repeller-Vehicle/dp/B073DZ1SCN/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?keywords=under+hood+repellent&pd_rd_i=B073DZ1SCN&pd_rd_r=b00b9b52-6b49-41dc-a51d-23eedd4fb548&pd_rd_w=Nd6VS&pd_rd_wg=QAAHC&pf_rd_p=1cb3f32a-ccfd-479b-8a13-b22f56c942c6&pf_rd_r=1H6E4YVHQR383AHFAD06&psc=1&qid=1573835810

I connected it to the battery and zip-tied it to the side of the open cavity, placing the lights to flood the area rodents are likely to nest in. I can't hear the high-pitched sound it emits, but my teen can. I coupled it with this: https://www.amazon.com/Packrat-Rodent-Deterrent-Device-RC-4/dp/B010OCZLNO/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=rid-a-rat&qid=1573835925&sr=8-6 (It's just an LED light, but it takes up some of the empty space as well.)

Haven't had a problem since.

Good luck!

I've had the Heat Shield ones as mentioned below, but I also got one from Covercraft for the Highlander.

This fits a 4th gen - https://www.amazon.com/Covercraft-UV10847GD-Custom-Sunscreen-4Runner/dp/B007V2BO0U/

It folds up clean and easy, the Roll up kind from Heat Shield isnt quite as compact. I live in Phoenix, so I think its a fair review. The HS works slightly better I think.

I purchased mine from amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N9HHPK5/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

The spread is pretty good and they are very bright. I’ve been happy with them.

I ended up buying some new headlights off eBay and they are pretty good quality. I didn't want to ruin my OEM ones just in case I wanted to go back to stock. If you have any questions, let me know! I know the headlights inside and out and I'd be glad to help!

Parts List:

Wiring harness

HID Ballasts and Lights

Projectors

Headlights and Corner Lights

I bought a wireless charging mount from Amazon. This mounts on my dash and it’s honestly a great charger. Wireless might not be a requirement for you, but I’ve loved it!

Edit: the link doesn’t seem to have posted so here it is!


www.amazon.com/dp/B07H33CLXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_74nLDb9P9BRAM

Bilstein 33-187174 2" Lift Rear Shock for Toyota FJ Cruiser - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007N6R2NM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_l5tByb2788RET


Bilstein (24-186711) 5100 Series Front Shock Absorber - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009FU77ZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_d6tBybEZQP0Y2


Moog 81045 Coil Spring Set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YMHDWO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_26tByb6TQCHHV


Moog 81090 Coil Spring Set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VJYAVI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_k7tBybEZP5CCK

I had some serious rake going from the saggy XREAS so I pulled out all the XREAS and went with these. I only needed to lift the front because of the rake and just wanting it leveled so I set the fronts to the highest or second highest setting and put stock springs on the back.


The listing for the rear shocks says it will lift it 2" but this doesn't do the lifting like the front shock does, it only accommodates extra lift from a stronger spring so those could be paired with fj springs rather than 4Runner ones. I didn't do this and mine is just about perfectly level, but it would've looked fine with an inch or two of lift in the back too.


I ended up with just about 3" of lift in the front and a .5-1" in the rear due to the old springs being saggy.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B016FJ8NQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 <---this to organize your center console

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G2VWX9Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Not as good for the glovebox but the user manual holds it up perfectly on the long end.

This is what I used. Definitely worth the money to not have to worry about taking off the emblems. Very easy to install.

2015 - 2016 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA 4RUNNER BLACK OVERLAY BUNDLE KIT 00016-89016 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F42IS20/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pWDCDb6T1HZE3

Toyota 00016-89707 - 4r Trd Off Rd Ovrlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3SXLG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.aj0DbSGVNRM2


2015 - 2016 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA 4RUNNER BLACK OVERLAY BUNDLE KIT 00016-89016 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F42IS20/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Jbj0DbVXWRW10

Also didn’t use stencils. Look up on YouTube how to do it. Pretty easy!

I did a lot of looking before I bought and after what I saw I decided I didn't want to spend a ton because I really don't need rack that can support a roof top tent and I dont want to start hacking factory parts off my new truck. So I found this very inexpensive happy alternative.


Here is the link to Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013COCXDC/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It requires a bit of assembly and I added a few steps to ensure that for the most part its water/rust resistant, adhesive silicone to fill jointed pieces and lock tight for assembly screws. Added some flat black anti rust paint at places where it needed.

The mounting to my 5th gen took a bit of re-engineering. The brackets needed to be inverted to work with the stock cross bars. Once I did that it held very well and I can shake the whole truck by grabbing the rack.

The max weight limit is 250 lbs but I doubt I'll ever need that for my camping gear.

All in all I am very satisfied with my purchase and its 200 less than the cheapest high end one piece universal rack.

I can’t take credit, this was all my Fiancé’s work - this truck is his long term project haha. He got an overlay kit on Amazon

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Performix-11203-Multi-Purpose-Coating-Aerosol/dp/B0006SU3QW/ref=sr_1_1

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I just put these on my 2016 SR5. Looks great and took about 20 mins to install.

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-Accessories-PT938-89100-Running/dp/B0097M85AE

I got these (link below). They're OEM sans chrome and work great for me and the other 5'3" members of my family/friends. Sturdy, no rust issues so far (from the chicago winters).

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Link: https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-Accessories-PT938-89100-Running/dp/B0097M85AE/ref=sr_1_16?crid=3JKMPGKX69HFS&keywords=4runner+running+boards&qid=1561999514&s=gateway&sprefix=4runner+running+%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-16

I took my 2015 rails off 2 weeks ago, laid them out and just put a few coats of "Plastidip" on them. They look much better.

https://www.amazon.com/Performix-11203-Multi-Purpose-Coating-Aerosol/dp/B0006SU3QW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502383536&sr=8-1&keywords=plastidip

You can also buy overlays, but I think they look chunky. And if you are going to dip the bumpers, might as well do the emblems while you are at it.


Cardiytools 3D Letters Black TRD ROAD OFF Door Fender Tailgate Emblem Sticker Decal Badge Nameplate for 2010-2019 4Runner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RK993YX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PK3RDbPW9D5A2


2015 - 2016 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA 4RUNNER BLACK OVERLAY BUNDLE KIT 00016-89016 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F42IS20/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5L3RDb23FQT12

Well if you can find the stock silver ones I can send you the black covers that I bought. I have a Trail so no need for the SR5 ones.

2015 - 2016 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA 4RUNNER BLACK OVERLAY BUNDLE KIT 00016-89016 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F42IS20?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I’m not a huge plasti dip fan, so I went for the covers.
https://youtu.be/aIMaZkEKJxU


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01F42IS20/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517501678&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=4runner+emblem+black+out+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ra75dUVWL&ref=plSrch#immersive-view_1517501713770

$85 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01F42IS20?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd

Here you go!