Last year I discovered that 4wheeling had instantly become a hit with the whole family so I had to sell my 89 Toyota pickup cuz the kids car seats just won't fit in the back even with the Xtra cab. So I looked high and low and found this 97 4runner limited 3.4L V6 Auto E-locker with 170k In North Van. I'm now the third owner and the first to 4wheel it. As much as I'd like nothing more than to go crazy with the mods, this will also be the family grocery getter so the mods will be modest but that's cool because so is the budget.
Since getting my hands on it I've only done a little regular maintenance. Oil change, replaced all the spark plugs and got a new set of NGK wires, replaced the PCV Valve, cleaned the MAF and throttle body, replaced the fuel filter and reset the EFI relay.
The truck is in serious need of some new rubber and other day I saw a great deal on some Duratracs so I decided to give them a try.
Tonight the running boards are coming off and I'm getting a set of TG sliders installed next week out at NWF.
After that I'll install the 3" lift I've ordered and am still waiting for.
Have to go back to work at the end on this month but will be hitting the trails for sure around the end of May when I get back.
nice pick up.
Thanks. How do you like those Duratracs? What size are they? I've always been a Toyo tire guy, but that was because I grew up in a Toyo family I guess. Also what kind of spacers are you running? I'm looking at a set of spidertrax cuz I know the 285/75/16 I'm getting a gonna rub for sure.
Got the new tires but they're not going on until I install the lift I've ordered.
so far the duratracs are great. have taken them in the bush a few times and no complaints so far. mine are sized 31x10.5 as for the spacers they are 1.25" thick forged with grade 10.9 hardware. i dont know the brand of them but i know they are not spidertrax.
Thanks for the info. I'm probably gonna go with the same size spacers.
Got the running boards off this afternoon and the truck is looking better already. Tomorrow I'll remove the front and rear bumpers and paint them along with the limited trim with bedliner.
First thing I did to my truck. Took running boards off.
Nice platform to start modding. You'll have fun with it.
Spent the weekend painting all the trim, flares and rear bumper with bedliner. Also painted the wheels. I'm happy with the result but won't know for sure until I see how it holds up after a couple of trail runs. Should be getting some parts in the mail today and they will go on tonight and rock sliders go on tomorrow.
Got back from work two days ago and have been working on the runner solid. Oil change, rad flush, ATF flush, pulled and re-boot both cv's, installed 1" diff drop, replaced both lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends, rebuild front sway bar and end links installed 1.25" wheel spacers all the way around and FINALLY FINALLY after a marathon 5 hour session and the tire shop I've got my new tires on and alignment done. Now to find time to get out on the trails.
Looks good. Now time to get it dirty.
Awesome-looking ride you got there
Your truck is looking great. I have been building a 4runner for awhile now. I am traveling the Island all summer. I live out of mine at the moment. Overlanding on a budget. There is always more one wants to do. There is some nice third gens on the island.
Thanks. Next up is gonna be a front bumper and winch. And a rear bumper.
Finally got the time and the nerve to install my snorkel. Hitting the trails today.
Badass - and just in time for the rain!
Bumper and winch will be here tomorrow. Will post the pics once I get it all installed. Then I'll be ready for some more challenging trails. Custom rear bumper is being designed as well, should have the plans soon. Planning on building it this fall/winter.
This arrived the other day and I'll be mounting it tomorrow. And the rear bumper design is almost done.
Any chance you want to make two of those rear bumpers? :)
Maybe even 3?
damm dude, its coming together great.
Thanks, after three 3 hour sessions I've finally got the bumper and winch on. Only problem is I've gotta go back to work for a couple of weeks before I can enjoy the new additions. Also a couple more pictures of what the rear bumper is gonna look like.
Installed some lighting and new rear bumper. Decided against the custom option was just gonna be too much $$$ as I'm not a welder myself.
Looks great!