Hello Everyone!

I've been a LONG time lurker here (about 1.5 years) and I'm finally able to say that I'm a T4R owner. I picked up a '96 Limited 4x4 in Anthracite Metallic with 132,XXX miles from a friend for a measly $2,500! I'm a former military man who decided on a career change to medicine.

History: The 4Runner was bought at an auction 3 years ago with 89,XXX miles by my friend. He drove it until the current day with no problems doing only regular maintenance. He's not a car guy so fine maintenance and care was not performed.

Condition: Engine and tranny are good. Starting takes a couple seconds...tried changing the starter contacts today but too much of a PITA. Lots of vibration at speed, so I'll take it in to get the u-joints or driveshaft repaired/replaced. Interior is great but dirty. Leather on rear seats are near perfect, but the fronts are nearly destroyed. The driver seat looks like a dog took a bite out of it. Paint is a bit faded with lots of fade on the roof...no big deal.

Here's a quick pic of it. The roof rack and rear spoiler are off because I'm repainting them. Roof rack was also broken so I expoxy'd it together.
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I'm no stranger to off roading. Used to have a Nissan Titan that I had set up for off road adventures. Sold it and family friend gave me his high mileage '98 Ford Explorer with 225,000+ miles, which I drove for the last 1.5 years. Spent all this time look for a good T4R (thanks to everyone who gave me advice during that time!). Here are a few pics of my former rig.




My plan for the T4R is to use it as a daily driver and light off road vehicle. I'm hoping to drive it for at least the next 5 years...hopefully more. For now I'll be doing maintenance procedures and needed repairs (i.e. all fluids, clean/detail, driveshaft, starter, Ripcord's buyer guide thread items, etc.). I plan to do some upgrades like a small lift, skids/sliders, Tundra brakes, trans cooler (which I just received today!), and who knows what else. Really...much, much thanks to all those who have chimed in to answer my many questions over the past year!

Welcome!! What a deal....and I love that color!

Welcome to the madness!!! 89k / $2500!?!?! DAMN!

1. Replace Lower Ball Joints - NO EXCEPTIONS!

That should be a mandatory requirement to be here!

welcome, looks like you will fit right in. nice titan btw

Welcome, welcome! Glad you're here, that looks like a really nice truck on the outside... Love the color, one of my favorites...

Titan looks pretty cool!

lol His friend got it with 89k, he has it now with 13x,000.

And ball joints: jack the front end up and check the ball joint for play with a pry bar wedged against the control arm and try to move it up and down. If its nice and tight, you're fine.

Welcome, i always loved the anthracite color!

DITCH THE RUNNING BOARDS lol