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Cheap 4runner mods, emphasis on cheap

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by v_man, Mar 13, 2016.

  1. Jul 18, 2021 at 9:15 PM
    #61
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Just say no to bull bars
     
  2. Jul 19, 2021 at 9:50 AM
    #62
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

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    Or, pay attention when driving and avoid the deer, etc!

    As my Federal self-defense instructor said "Situational Awareness is 90% of being safe!"=That's what I taught in my bear safety classes for Federal employees.
     
    Jnkx likes this.
  3. Jul 20, 2021 at 2:30 PM
    #63
    wfxt

    wfxt Still figuring it out

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    Just as an update, I did this (and hope I connected the wire harness correctly, since the terminals were oriented differently on the replacement) and I am extremely happy with it. It really eliminates the blind spots and looks (because it is) OEM, which is very nice. Not bad for about $100, and slakes some of the bitterness I have about not having BSM.
     
    kmeeg[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Jul 20, 2021 at 2:35 PM
    #64
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    I emailed 2 Toyota dealerships and no response from either. I bet it is not something they are interested doing.
    (Not comfortable doing by self. Want to do it with dealership so I can go back if anything going wrong, like heating not working or mirror itself fall off,..)
     
  5. Jul 20, 2021 at 3:49 PM
    #65
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    Honestly, it’s very easy to do yourself. I could orient my mirror with my hand behind it to show you how to pull yours off. If I recall, you have about 3” of extra wire slack behind the mirror. So you just kinda brace your hand so you don’t yank it more than 3”. Then unplug the wire.

    It’s about as easy to put the new ones on as putting two legos together. You just plug in the wire and press the new mirror into place until it clicks.

    The heating wire is just a single little plug. For what a dealer will charge to do the swap, it’ll pay for the mirrors themselves. So if you do it yourself and don’t like them, put the old ones back on and you’ll still have more money in your pocket.
     
  6. Jul 20, 2021 at 5:52 PM
    #66
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    I'm not sure deer work like that
     
  7. Jul 21, 2021 at 10:46 AM
    #67
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

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    Avoided hundreds (including moose, elk, mulies, blacktails, etc.) during 20+ years as a Federal Wildlife Biologist. Only hit one white-tail in West Virginia that came out from behind a tree on my right=no time to stop!
     
    ElectroBoy likes this.
  8. Jul 21, 2021 at 12:36 PM
    #68
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    A first for me yesterday- had a large squirrel fall about 50 feet from a tree and land on my hood, then slid up over the windshield. Scared the absolute sh!t out of me!!! It was SOOOO loud I ducked! There was an old guy walking on the sidewalk next to me and the look on his face was priceless! He was absolutely dumbfounded.
     
    ElectroBoy, A&P and BearBio[QUOTED] like this.
  9. Jul 22, 2021 at 7:21 AM
    #69
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

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    We were driving to Portland along the Columbia and had a bald eagle grab a squirrel off the side of the road and almost fly into our windshield!
     
  10. Jul 22, 2021 at 11:32 AM
    #70
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

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    OREGON
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    1999 4Runner, bone stock
    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    I ran into a wild mustang on my motorcycle. How that SOB got on my motorcycle I will NEVER know (insert rimshot here).
    I was going to work on the highway, shortly before dawn, the Teusday before Thanksgiving, 1992. 1985 Kawasaki 4 cylinder police bike. Awesome ride. I loved it. Anywho, I saw a roan horse run across the road, left to right in front of me. No big, I thought, I'll just swing over to the left, go behind him. No other traffic to be seen, so a fairly safe option. At least it was, right up until the black horse right behind the roan turned the white blaze on his face towords me.
    Next thing *I* knew, I was walking around in circles, picking up pieces of the bike, and a couple guys were telling me I had to lay down, I'd been in an accident. They guided me off the side of the road and I passed out again. One ran down to a nearby Border Patrol inspection station to get help. That was about 4 or 5 miles away.
    Anywho, I lost my left eye, from my head bouncing along on the centerline. Neato bright yellow stripe down the side of my helmet. We figured the horse reared up at the last second and rode the fairing up and over, scraping me off the back. Me and the bike bounced off down the road together, roughly. Bruised my heart, had a heck of a bruise from the gauge set on my chest, messed up my eye, lotsa road rash. Yes, I was wearing leathers, not to mention a few layer of pretty thick clothes. Believe it or not, Yuma did get cold on rare occasions.

    Yes, I think there are times that some of the animals are simply invisible to humans traveling at highway speeds, so some kind of protection, ANY kind, can be a huge benefit. Not that I could have put a bull bar, or brushguard, on a motorcycle, but on a 4 wheeled vehicle...

    Have fun, all!
    Pat☺
     
  11. Nov 1, 2021 at 9:26 AM
    #71
    Chucklehead

    Chucklehead Enjoy the ride! You only get one trip

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    Stock AF, with subtle personality tweaks
    Interesting - is that plug and play without cutting and splicing? I assume you had to take out your head unit to connect it??
     
  12. Nov 1, 2021 at 10:13 AM
    #72
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

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    While snake collecting in the Mojave at night (along Edwards AFB), we leaned the best way to avoid jackrabbits was to steer AT THEM! If you swerved to avoid, they'd run in front of you every time!
     
  13. Nov 1, 2021 at 11:44 AM
    #73
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

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    OREGON
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    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    I was on my way to work one morning, on the highway out in the middle of the desert near Yuma, Az, on my motorcycle. A jack came out of nowhere, I went one way, he followed. After a couple of those, he turned directly away, during a turn, and my front tire ran right up his fluffy little tail.
    I thought, Oh well, so much for him. When I got to work the WORST smell ever rose from my bike's engine. I looked, and there were bunny-guts all OVER the engine. The smell was horrific. Later that day, I had to steam clean the bike. Heck, I couldn't even get close enough to it to ride home. BLECH!!

    Yeah avoid those jackalopes at all costs. They STINK when they get cooked on an engine or exhaust system!

    Have fun all!
    Pat☺
     
    BearBio[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Nov 4, 2021 at 7:32 AM
    #74
    importman

    importman The mountains are calling and I must go...

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    Blacked out, Ironman 3" Nitro Gas Suspension lift, JBA High Caster upper control arms, Differential drop and sway bar relocate, Upgraded to Sport Front Cardone Calipers with Brembo Rotors and Akebono Pads, Added Spoiler, Sony XAV-AX100 with Apple Carplay, USB Jack, Backup Camera, Black TRD Pro Wheels with General Grabber ATX 265/70/17, Rear differential vent extension, Auto Dimming Mirror with Compass and Homelink, Map Light Mod, Tekonsha 90160 Trailer Brake Controller, Recoil SL1708 Sub, Sealight LED Headlamps, K&N drop in air filter, Weathertech floor mats, Homemade rear storage compartment with built in pull out table.
    It was pretty simple. I did have to remove the head unit to plug in one wire,(I think). Might have been more then one; it's been a while and I have an old man's memory, lol. And you have to run a power wire from the battery and provide a ground. With all that said, it was really pretty easy. I ran the wires under the carpet on the driver's side and up under the back seat. And it won't be turning any heads at the traffic lights but it does what I wanted which was to give me a little more bass for my own enjoyment. It sounds pretty good. After I installed it I added some music to my Spotify that showcases the bass. Then I played with that for a while and now I just enjoy listening to my favorite songs with sufficient bass..
     
  15. Dec 5, 2021 at 5:36 PM
    #75
    RETRObeam

    RETRObeam New Member

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    Trashed the 8 janky factory speakers added powered sub. Bilstein 6112 suspension lift w/ 285 70 17"s
    4R Pro's.

    Anyone come up with a way to hack the 2021 4R premium from turning the radio or phone off when you shut it off ? Everything stays on in my 2018 GMC Sierra when you shut the thing off, and you get to choose the time duration as well.

    Thanks~
     
  16. Dec 5, 2021 at 6:55 PM
    #76
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    Press the start button without pressing the brake pedal? So car won't start but stay in accessory position.
     
  17. Dec 15, 2021 at 12:12 PM
    #77
    BionicRandy

    BionicRandy New Member

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    Lots of goodies
    These velcro net bags are good for keeping important, lightweight things handy. Dog poo bags, shower/baby wipes, rain jacket, toilet paper, watch cap, sunglasses, etc. The main thing: the TP never gets smashed, wet, and you never have to dig for it.

    https://www.amazon.com/DiMiK-Univer...Net+storage+velcro&qid=1639598424&sr=8-2&th=1

    C048D23F-C9F9-4017-80C3-2F31836CF312.jpg
     
  18. Dec 19, 2021 at 5:54 AM
    #78
    GenoBluzGtr

    GenoBluzGtr New Member

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    I think he means AFTER it's been running, when you shut off the car, not kicking the phone out of the bluetooth connection for a period of time.
     
  19. Dec 19, 2021 at 6:14 AM
    #79
    jmkulbeth

    jmkulbeth Have you tried turning it off and on again?

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    Bone stock!
    Kill the engine in neutral instead of park and it'll leave the stereo on for about 20 minutes. I discovered that accidently.
     
    gunny0628 and BionicRandy like this.
  20. Aug 2, 2022 at 7:20 PM
    #80
    Whiptastichandling

    Whiptastichandling NCrunner

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    3in Ironman 4x4 nitro stage 2 suspension lift 285s
    Love this light idea, just ordered them! What is the power source? Do you need to get an auto a/c converter to plug in? If you could provide the link to Amazon for the power source that would be super stellar!

    Thanks


     
  21. Aug 2, 2022 at 7:22 PM
    #81
    Whiptastichandling

    Whiptastichandling NCrunner

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    Does anyone have any suggestion for a 5th generation cup holder/cell phone holder solution? I cannot seem to find a good place to put me cell phone while driving that wont end up on the floor. There just never seems to be enough cup holders as well.

    Thanks in advance for any ideas, links to the item in Amazon would be a huge help!
     
  22. Aug 3, 2022 at 2:42 AM
    #82
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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    Check out ProClip.
    Mounts:
    https://www.proclipusa.com/collections/dashboard-mounts-toyota-4runner-2019

    Then a device holder:
    https://www.proclipusa.com/collections/iphone-car-mounts
     
  23. Sep 8, 2022 at 4:23 PM
    #83
    Whiptastichandling

    Whiptastichandling NCrunner

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  24. Sep 11, 2022 at 8:53 AM
    #84
    erikbones8

    erikbones8 New Member

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    Wescott lift, Rigd tire carrier, Baja ditch and fog amber lights.
    Thanks for this!
     
  25. Sep 27, 2022 at 6:32 AM
    #85
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

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    Had a buddy years ago who totaled a Corolla or Corona on a jack. Hit it with the bumper and it bounce up and came through the passenger floor. Said it exploded l;ike a grenade on the inside of the roof. Was doing about 100 in west Texas. Or so he said!
     
  26. Jan 30, 2023 at 9:07 AM
    #86
    JarydYX

    JarydYX New Member

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    Icon stage 1, Fifteen52 Range HD wheels, Yota Xpedition TRD Grille, Yota Xpedition black out badges, Airaid Snorkel, Sherpa roof rack and window panels, Roam awnign and roof tent, TRD Intake OEM Rock sliders
  27. Feb 2, 2023 at 8:37 AM
    #87
    Cowboy59

    Cowboy59 Enjoy the Adventure

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  28. Feb 2, 2023 at 11:33 AM
    #88
    Beachguy

    Beachguy Normal turned up too loud

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    I've had that same screen protector on for almost 2 years and love it. Easy to wipe off and, as noted, seems to be much sharper.
     
  29. May 15, 2023 at 10:23 AM
    #89
    NorthVan4Runner

    NorthVan4Runner New Member

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdvCvUzbAsg

    See link to DIY bed platform - super solid and wrapped in nice clean dark mat - works great but just preferred my tent in the end - $100 for the whole thing including tie downs!

    Text David - 604-716-2784 and I can send some pics. Apologies if this is not the etiquette - I tried to post in for sale but I am new member and trying to make room in my storage!
     
  30. Sep 15, 2023 at 10:43 AM
    #90
    Bluesky 07

    Bluesky 07 New Member

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    Northern Georgia
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    Silver ‘07 Sport 4WD @ 253K
    “Deep” Satoshi grille | X-REAS delete / TRD Offroad front springs & Bilstein 4600 shocks + FJC rear springs | Weathertech front & rear mats | Tinted front windows | Floor Armor cargo mat | TPMS bypass | LED interior, tag, & reverse lights | BlueSea Systems console USB power ports | Gentex 453 autodim mirror w/Homelink & compass | Kenwood DDX373BT HU + Audiovox backup camera | Fumoto F-103S | Bazooka tube subwoofer | Kenwood speakers & KAC-M1804 amp | Philips H9/9011 headlight bulbs | Rexing V1 Gen3 dash cam | Map light mod | Breather mod | Off-road Nav Setup | Power Stop Z36 brakes | OBD Fusion diagnostics
    4th Gen Cup Holder Solution
    I ran across an article featuring cup holder adapters and bought some to test. These have expandable bases - you put them in the existing holder, turn the top, and little arms come out and snug them up.

    These are the three I bought:

    Amazon Basics Expandable Car Cup Holder

    Upgraded 64oz Large Cup Holder Expander for Car


    And the winner, the Seven Sparta Upgraded Cup Holder Expander.

    I like the Seven Sparta for several reasons. The base expands enough for a tight fit in the OEM holder; despite the little rubber tabs looking flimsy, between them and the rubber coaster, everything I put in it stayed upright; and it has a feature the others don’t – you can reposition the base for an offset fit. They did this so two would work in most side-by-side setups (like 4th Gens have) but I’ll only be using one so I moved the top back, away from the climate controls, as shown in the pics. Having items up around the climate controls doesn't bother me b/c I use the Auto setting exclusively and just change the temp, which is easily accessible even with the biggest cup.

    This is the best solution I’ve found yet and for $25, I highly recommend it.

    Note - these pics are before I did the offset adjustment.

    No surprise that this big bastard doesn't move around:

    [​IMG]

    And this is big enough to stay put too:

    [​IMG]

    But I thought there was no way this would stay upright. It proved me wrong - stayed just like this for my entire 41-mile commute over back roads, interstates, and city streets.

    [​IMG]

    The offset screw holes:

    [​IMG]

    Base reinstalled with offset:

    [​IMG]

    Final placement:

    [​IMG]

    Update 15Sep23: I've had this for a couple of weeks now and it's golden. Highly recommend.
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2023

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