(Part 2) 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.

​

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...

It's not a vehicle-specific muffler, it's universal. So it should have a similar size. I want to say the 3rd gen has 2.25" piping, but even if you get a larger one (mines 2.5"), they can adapt your existing piping to make it fit.

I'm pretty sure this is the one I have.
https://www.amazon.com/MagnaFlow-Exhaust-Products-10416-Muffler/dp/B000COTCI0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=magnaflow+10416&qid=1568393297&sr=8-1

As for the tips, that's mostly subjective so take a look on Amazon/eBay, see what you like. I have a 2.5" inlet / 4.0" outlet tip. It's a good size, looks pretty nice.

Yup. I've had it on since around Christmas. Love it so far...here's my few gripes.

• UI outside of Android Auto is pretty bad (aka when flipping through FM radio stations)
  
• The FM presets are in a vertical ascending top-to-bottom order (1 at top, 6 at bottom). This means the up button on my steering wheel goes "down" the list. This can be flipped with the adapter, but then I have to hit "down" in Android Auto to go to the next track. It's a bit weird.
  
• It does an alright job with fingerprints, but does need to be wiped occassionally. I keep some lens cleaning moist wipes in the center console to and both this and my sunglasses. Easy fix.
  
• I use hangouts+Google Voice for all my messaging, but if I ask Google to voice-to-text someone, it will do it from my phone's physical number rather than my GV number and from Messenger rather than Hangouts. Annoying.
  
• Google Play Music is a bit limited in accessing things without audio commands (aka I can't go into the menu and select a genre, but I can ask it to play "synth pop" via OK Google). Spotify also works here, and it's fine.
  
  Otherwise, I have no issues or regrets whatsoever. Very happy camper. Obviously, YMMV with CarPlay, but I think you'll be just as happy.
  
  Finished Product
  
  Here are the parts I ordered (aside from the unit itself)
  
  
• Steering Wheel Control Adapter
  
• JBL Amp Adapter
  
• Dash Kit. (I've heard mixed reviews about the Metra fit/finish. This one seems to fit fine, although it's a bit snug when removing/applying the screen back to the unit...I just leave it on, so it's never an issue)

I've got the grey as well.

At some point very soon, I'm replacing my factory rack with this one. You basically remove the plastic covers over the factory mounts (they pop right off), and each rack has mounting feet specially designed for that year and models indentations on the roof whit holes that line up perfectlu with the mounting holes on the roof. They give you the waterproof mounting hardware, but I'm going to run a little sealant as well. 300 pound capacity.

Best part is that in the front mounting wells there's an accessory hole where you can run wires. It's for GPS units and the like.

They also sell all manner of stuff to attach to it, shovel mounts, jack mounts, light mounts.

I've already got some of the lights, and wiring harness/relays I'm going to add. I also have the switches that will fit into the factory holes to the lower left of the steering wheel.

I'm putting in two LED spots in the back corners, and hooking them into the backup lights. Then I'll run another wire so I can also turn them both on manually from inside. They're going to be angled outward a little so each sideview mirror will be nice and bright.

Each side will have three floods with each side on its own switch. So if you are setting up at night and only need the left, so be it.

Front I haven't decided on a light bar or 2/4 spots. I was thinking having a pair of spots angled on the corners similar to the rear, and then two pointing ahead.

I got switches with white LEDs, because I wanted to be able to see them separately from the amber stock switches. Here's an example of what I got: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0117B8U48

There were other options for rocker switchers, but I didn't like the mix between those and pushers too well.

We don't do fishing but we always seem to get to a hunting or camping spot at like 9 damn pm. Wearing headlights is all fine, but I wnt to see what's what.

I’ve had these for ~5 months and think they are great. Had to cut away some of the stock rubber covering but was super easy and all fits well.

OPT7 Fluxbeam LED Headlight Kit w/ Clear Arc-Beam Bulbs - H4 (9003) - 80w 7,000Lm 6K Cool White CREE - 2 Yr Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBEJ1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JrrbAbFWGG5NY

I threw a button for my front LED lights in there. Great button and works perfect. My only complaint is I got the white version and it's SUPER bright. One day I'll quit being lazy and put a resistor on it to dim it down a bit. Would also be nice to find a way to color match the orange color all the rest of the buttons are.

But overall, button works great.

Nice, the same one/color I have minus the side rails. Working on new tires and a roof rack next.

I really like this cargo liner so I can throw the dogs/bike in the back - there may be better but this one fits perfect:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01439XBKE/

Note they do slip and slide so I usually throw down a blanket also.

I also bought a custom Covercraft window sun shield (awesome here in AZ) and some slip cover rear window screens that fit perfect but I can't remember the brand of now (for camping).

I found it on Amazon. It was $89 when I bought it 2 days ago and it now says it's $99. It's a little pricey for an air mattress, but nothing compared to what those Airbedz go for. I set it up and it fits perfect and is really comfortable. The inflatable pillow section near the seats, is separate from the main mattress which is awesome.

Correct, you don't want gas in the vehicle. If you are looking for something easy you could get a hitch-mounted cargo tray. It will limit your off-road clearance (specifically your departure angle) but if you are just talking about camping/overlanding and not hard-core rock climbing it would probably be OK.

EDIT: I also have to add... I know a lot of people think carrying around extra gas cans looks badass but for most people it's really unnecessary. With a little bit of planning, the 25 23-gallon tank built in is enough for almost anything. Not saying you shouldn't do it, but there are definitely costs associated with the hardware required. Plus it's also a bit of a safety hazard... if you get rear-ended or back into a tree, there's a good chance those tanks will puncture and make the situation a lot worse.

Do the H11 to H9 upgrade:

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-12361B1-Standard-Replacement-Headlight/dp/B003YMPN3A/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=philips+h9&qid=1562825412&s=automotive&sr=1-3

And yes, those bulbs are only $8 a piece, and they produce 75% more lumens than your standard H11 bulbs you have. Saves you a shitton of money over LED "upgrades" and helps you see better. Done.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/150621-how-headlight-bulb-conversion-h11-h9-9005-9011-a.html

I've been there, done that with regard to LED bulbs when I was younger. Wasted literally $100s. Got absolutely no improvement. Went back to standard halogens and have been happier ever since. Became an engineer and learned why my "upgrades" weren't really upgrades at all.

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.

Thanks man, loving it so far and it's a absolute beast off the pavement. Stock tires Nito Grappler 32s (if I remember right). Rola cheapo rack from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004R34HDC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503797322&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=rola+rack&dpPl=1&dpID=41xQkXPkI-L&ref=plSrch


Fixed link

Some basic cheap steelies

Vision 84 D Window 16x8 6x139.7/6x5.5" -12mm Gloss Black Wheel Rim https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXZT4QN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zWFmDbZ3WFQ0H

Along with spacers - Spidertrax WHS007 Blue Wheel Spacer Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGRDMOM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_R0FmDb97Q18P7

With bf good rich mud terains 285 75 16

Best $20 you can spend, IMO. Portable and heavy duty:

https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Entrenching-Tool-F08-N-Folding/dp/B0038A05X6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542031084&sr=8-3&keywords=collapsible+shovel

Highly recommend this 3M Headlight Restoration Kit if you're interested in fixing the yellowing of your headlight lenses

Yeah, I was looking on Amazon and the ones I saw looked really sketchy. Is this similar to what you had? This kind of clamp looks like it might just fly off at speed.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B019YJCBF4/

It was a lot:

• Pull the seats and carpet out and clean out any mud from under the carpet. Point box fans on the foam pads under the carpet to dry them out. This needs to be done immediately to prevent mold.
  
• Pulled out the floor AC vents and cleaned mud out of them.
  
• Swap out cabin air filter and run that on high to move out any moisture that I missed inside the system.
  
• Used Damp-rid bags to pull out moisture
  
• Drove around with activated charcoal bags for months
  
  • https://www.amazon.com/DTXDTech-Charcoal-Activated-Natural-Friendly/dp/B07Y1LJYZL/ref=sr_1_8?crid=22U17VSIBW9JX&keywords=activated+charcoal+bags&qid=1571074742&s=home-garden&sprefix=activated+charcoal+%2Cgarden%2C249&sr=1-8
    
• Lots of post-burrito farts to exchange the mildew smell for something better

At a minumum I would: Buy multiple 4lb buckets of Damp-rid (https://www.amazon.com/DampRid-FG50T-Hi-Capacity-Moisture-Absorber/dp/B0029EGUNG). Make sure all interior vents are closed and set to recirculated air. Each day pour some fresh Damp-rid into a large 5 gal bucket placed in the vehicle, then seal all the doors and windows and let the vehicle sit. Every 24 hours, open vehicle, dump out bucket, and repeat. I wouldn't stop until it wasn't collecting any noticable liquid anymore. I suggest being careful to never leave the vehicle parked with any windows open, and continue to keep a Damp-rid in the vehicle indefinitely in attempt to continue to combat mold growth, especially if you live in a high humidity area.

Update: I've decided to just replace the housing and buy some good LED/HID lamps. link!

I've heard this one fits nicely: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY2TIHU/?coliid=II0JZOINOVOCV&colid=2UBZQ8G2B3497&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I did a Sony XAV-AX100 + Scosche kit + Metra harness + Metra antenna adapter + another adapter + Metra ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Controls + backup camera.

To be clear, it was kinda a bitch to get it all installed and working but 100% worth it now. Shoutout to /u/bon_temps for the camera link and advice, looks completely factory once installed.

Looks like one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Rola-59504-Vortex-Mounted-Basket/dp/B004R34HDC

Rola Racks are affordable https://www.amazon.com/59504-V-Tex-Rooftop-Cargo-Basket/dp/B004R34HDC

SPPC Black Headlights For Toyota 4 Runner - (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0128SCDJC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_feO87wFDCfrBQ

https://smile.amazon.com/CURT-18153-Basket-Style-Cargo-Carrier/dp/B00JF5LRN0/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=CURT+18153+Basket+Trailer+Hitch+Cargo+Carrier%2C+500+lbs.+Capacity%2C+60-Inch+x+23-1%2F2-Inch+x+5-1%2F2-Inch%2C+Fits+2-Inch+Receiver&qid=1557178441&s=automotive&sr=1-1-fkmrnull

Rola Vortex

Rola rack + optional extension