YotaTech Member Gives 4Runner a Second Chance at Life
Forum member turns a well-worn, bone-stock ’00 4Runner into something he can be proud of.
One thing we all undoubtedly share is a love for Toyota trucks. And that love, like most, causes us to go to great lengths to preserve our objects of affection. Chances are, you’ve spent countless hours and dollars either maintaining or upgrading your beloved ride. Or most likely both. But if you want to be rewarded for your unending dedication, there’s always a price to pay first.
YotaTech member damnthemansam paid that price and more when he picked up his current labor of love – this 2000 Toyota 4Runner. The well used ‘ute showed 225,000 miles on the odometer, but was completely stock. We like to think it served some family well, hauling a lot of groceries and kids in its time. But now it was time for a late life transformation of sorts.
To make his 4Runner into something he could be proud of, damnthemansam went to work ordering parts. On went a slew of suspension bits, including a Toytec 3″ lift and adjustable upper control arms, front & real coils, and OME shocks. Then, a set of 16×8 D-window steel wheels and 285/75/16 mud tires replaced the tame rolling stock. And of course, the brakes received a refresh to slow it all down.
Next, it was time to address the outside. Trail gear rock sliders and Addicted-Offroad bumpers help protect the bodywork. A Warn M8000-S winch and ARB on-board air compressor are there in case he needs to be bailed out. The Yakima roofrack holds a spare tire, and a pair of light bars illuminates dark trails. And even though the 4Runner was running good, damnthemansam performed a full tune up with new plugs, wires, and coil pack.
With the build completed, the 4Runner began its second life with a snowy run up a mountain. Then it was off to Hollister, California for an off-road adventure. And the results of his labor (and money invested) were worth every penny. “I need to take out and break more stuff for an excuse to upgrade more components, but she never ceases to amaze every time I test her,” damnthemansam reported.
And that, my friends, is what we call a true labor of love. There’s no doubt that this 4Runner is enjoying its new, fun-filled life. After many years of boring mall crawling, she finally gets to do what a real Toyota ‘ute is supposed to. Be sure and check out the entire build thread here in the forums for all the details. And no matter what kind of Toyota truck you’re into, there are countless other awesome lovable build threads from other like minded enthusiasts there as well.
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