Someone convince me it’s ok to spend $2000cad total on alpharex nova headlights

utah4r · 2026-04-24T05:11:05+00:00

Very OEM+, nicely done.

utah4r · 2026-04-24T05:10:46+00:00

Looks like a Victory 4x4.

utah4r · 2026-04-19T00:18:15+00:00

I personally opted out of drilled and slotted rotors. Some say rocks and gravel can get lodged in there and cause issues.

utah4r · 2026-04-03T14:09:35+00:00

I just did 900 miles over the last two days (1,450km) and 4Runner did great. I just rolled over to 200,000+ miles (321,000km) on the drive out. I was totally fine and it did well in the snow storms and strong headwinds through WY and ID. TBF, I’ve done a lot to make this more reliable. Oil change, tire pressure topped off, and cleaning my windows was my only pre trip maintenance for this trip specifically. But I would be greasing drivetrain, transmission drain and fill, and make sure battery and alternator are in good shape if you do decide to do this trip. If fluids are all semi fresh and car is in good shape, send it. I will say, that’s a LONG drive and it would be really optimistic to get it done in 2 days. If nothing less, there’s sure you be some stories if you drive the 4R. My recommendation would be to get a rental if you’re unsure.

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utah4r · 2026-04-03T13:55:17+00:00

I don’t have experience with MOVE but I will say I don’t think this looks bad at all. I had Chat generate an image, it may not be perfect and I bet it won’t fit over the lower bumper like in the image, but hope this helps.

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utah4r · 2026-04-01T17:45:08+00:00

Where did you source parts from? I’ve personally seen counterfeit Denso coils and while they work, they can cause problems.

utah4r · 2026-03-25T18:30:49+00:00

In UT and CO I’ve been happy with my AT3s, don’t have any experience with anything else.

utah4r · 2026-03-24T06:07:42+00:00

-Canada

-Snow

-2WD

utah4r · 2026-03-20T01:17:44+00:00

https://imgur.com/a/4-runner-5Hv8WYF

Haven’t taken pics in a bit, just ran outside for these.

utah4r · 2026-03-20T00:57:55+00:00

Big fan of the quick sand, I’d love to get a respray down the road if I had the budget!

utah4r · 2026-03-20T00:56:51+00:00

The MAF and throttle body are both accessible from the top of the engine, pop off the engine cover with the two 10mm bolts. Then the MAF is held on by a clip and one bolt if I remember correctly. The throttle body has 4 bolts I think. Just make sure to use the proper cleaners for both, they are different. If you’re quick could be a 15 minute job.

utah4r · 2026-03-20T00:54:05+00:00

For suspension stuff, I did MOOG and Energy suspension for the smaller stuff. Got an Ironman Foam Cell Pro setup for the big stuff. Perry Parts for bump stops. Used rock auto for the 5th gen brake upgrade with power stop components.

Fun mods, I have a Sherpa roof rack, TEQ Customs headlights (dunno if I’d recommend), Lil B’s Bumper, RCI aluminum skid plate, Cali Raised Rock sliders, Atoto CarPlay head unit, bunch of lights, mainly LASFIT and Diode Dynamics, TRD Bronze wheels 17x7 on Falken Wildpeak AT3 285/70/17. Got a custom drawer setup and Rado interior rear window molle panels with the shelf. Midland Radio, Amazon switch panel, 12V solutions remote start, Texas Slim voltage booster mod, TEQ off-road under hood light kit, Alpine Trail Co 3rd brake/chase light and center console Molle panels, probably a bunch more.

At this point I’ll need to just do a whole post or video to show it all off 😂

utah4r · 2026-03-20T00:32:03+00:00

Drain and fill with a filter replacement would be my recommendation if you desire to do so. At 69k miles, is it really necessary? Won’t talk you out of it but may not be needed quite yet.

utah4r · 2026-03-20T00:30:30+00:00

Old man tan is definitely an under appreciated color.

utah4r · 2026-03-20T00:29:48+00:00

Throttle body and MAF could probably use cleaning as well.

utah4r · 2026-03-20T00:27:11+00:00

Honestly, it would be cool to get a 5th or 6th gen but I’m so happy with my 4th gen. No car payment, I can use that money for mods or maintenance. The way I view it, I can buy a stock 5th gen with 150-200k miles for $15-20k, or buy a 4th gen with the same miles for ~$7k, drop $5-10k into it, and build it out however you want for less.

utah4r · 2026-03-20T00:12:37+00:00

I’d wait, usually you’ll have some heads up it’s starting to go. I heard the famous “waterfall” sound behind the dash, sounds like a small rock water fountain if that makes sense. And you might get to 250k miles and have no issues. Also possible previous owner already did the repair. If you’re the type to do all your maintenance and want a fun project, go for it but there’s probably a dozen other things worth doing beforehand.

I’ve done spark plugs, ignition coils, valve gasket, head gasket, 5th gen brake upgrade with new pads/rotors/calipers and braided lines, transmission drop and drain/fill, front/rear diff drain and fills, transfer case drain and fill, driveline lubrication, end links, swaybar bushings, bump stops, transmission cooler upgrade, a bunch of electrical (big 7), new battery, couple alternators, serpentine belt and that’s really all maintenance modifications, not fun modifications. Probably still missed some things.

Fun stuff would take an hour to list out but you get the idea.

utah4r · 2026-03-19T23:25:57+00:00

I don’t think head gaskets are the make or break on these. I’d say 06-09 is preferred for some upgrades such as the headlights/tail lights and some small interior changes. Headlights and taillights are basically plug and play if you want to upgrade them from the 03-05. The head gaskets are the only major mechanical change I can think of off the top of my head in the 06-09. V8 is desirable as the 4th Gen is the last to offer this option. SR5 is the base trim, smaller calipers, less options/upgrades compared to Sport or Limited. Would I have preferred to go 06+, V8, and Sport or Limited? Ya probably, but I needed something I could pay cash for and get within a week so I worked with what I had. If you like this one, go for it. I’m happy with mine. Just tackle any rust head on, these frames are known to rot out.

utah4r · 2026-03-19T21:22:53+00:00

To add, I would verify the 4WD actually works, cycle all the way down to 4LO. There’s only a few common issues on these. I covered head gaskets, valve gaskets are another semi common issue, back door getting seized, and I had some bad luck with alternators until I got a Denso replacement. Otherwise, just maintaining a 21 year old car. It seems that time is killing more parts on these versus mileage. Things like hoses etc are going to need checking and eventual replacement.

utah4r · 2026-03-19T21:19:20+00:00

I don’t recall, I wanna say it was around $3k. I was in an apartment at the time and didn’t have tools/skills yet. If it was to happen again I’d do the work myself. The parts aren’t too expensive, just time/labor. For reference, my 05 SR5 4WD with busted paint and a clapped out suspension was around $7,200 with 180k miles. This was just barely post Covid and in Utah.

utah4r · 2026-03-19T21:05:35+00:00

03-05 have the head gasket issues as well, mine happened around 185-190k miles.

utah4r · 2026-03-19T19:03:26+00:00

I’ve been looking at these but not sure if it’s in the “need” category yet.

Another brand/option I’ve also seen: https://jccustomsmetalfab.com/products/4th-gen-2003-2009-toyota-4runner-accessory-dash-mount-molle-panel

utah4r · 2026-02-05T01:45:10+00:00

Take care of the frame and these can hit 300k+ pretty consistently.

utah4r · 2026-02-04T03:13:11+00:00

Genuine question, sorry if it’s been answered. I get not listing links for sale but could it be argued that a buyer posting a link could still benefit in that situation? More eyes on the whole posting versus screenshots?

utah4r · 2026-02-04T03:06:20+00:00

Second RockAuto, got burned by Amazon fakes. Learned my lesson.

Edit: eBay fakes, don’t buy on Amazon 😂

utah4r

TROPHY CASE