So i picked up my very first Runner( 96blkLimited, 70k, 4x4 auto w/lockers) 5months back.. Have not got a chance to really do work to her yet.. She was sitting for 5.5 years with no TLC before i bought her. thus far i have replace battery, fan clutch, radiator & all hoses, thermostat, brake pads & rotors. Truck in perfect condition now. Looking to get some suggestion on rims & tires (size), a lift, ( 2''-3'' which is best) shocks & struts also where i can find skid plates (not factory). i have a general idea of what the end outcome will be. Checkout the pictures and any suggestions are welcomed.

Attached Images

       

Sounds like you have a good start on the Maintenance.

Lift- Use search there are tons of postings on this and many opinions. Also more info would be needed to address your driving and usage. www.toyteclifts.com , www.sonoransteel.com , www.arbusa.com (OME-Old Man Emu)

Skids- www.budbuilt.com or www.skidplates.com (Skid Row)

Tires and wheels- again use search at least one or two threads a week discussing this.
Stock-3" 265/75/16 largest you can fit, 3" 285/75/16 or 255/85/16 both 33" equivalant

A lot of people recommend removing the runningboards (myself included) and once off leave as is or get Rock Sliders if you plan on wheeling. My theory is find what will suit you best and the way you use your truck and go from there.

Hopefully this answer with some non-answers and more guidance on where to look helps you out.

Nice looking truck...and I think pikeman covered it all lol



also I see you're from NC...subscribe to this thread, I'm gonna be trying to set up a big east coast meet in Va Beach for next summer
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=55688

Yeah,thanks and ur runner is outstanding.. DID u paint ur rims urself? How difficult was it to install 2''body lift? did u do it alone? can it be done alone?

I did paint the rims myself...I did a whole how-to on this thread...way at the end:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=53403


I did the body lift....alone...In my driveway...
the instructions that come with the kit help ALOT..but I would say you'd need the following things to pull it off easily by yourself:
One 3-ton jack (two is better)
Air compressor with 1/2" impact gun
Set of metric sockets and 3/8" ratchet
and an above-the-average-treeshade-mechanic-knowledge

I had all my air tols at my disposal, 10k worth of tools, 2 jacks and 5 years of being a Toyota specialist...so obviously it was easy for me. If anything, you need help and wanna take a road trip, I'll help you out for sure.

Make sure you dont supply the Beer and Pizza until after the BL is installed....LOL

I learned a long time ago when having friends help with Maintainance for Pizza and Beer it's always better to "pay" them afterwards otherwise you end up with questions like "Did we tighten this or how come we have this left over, I dont remember that being one of the new parts" or it just doesnt get finished.

lol. i useully wanna work on my vehicles myself... No mech. but i can read and follow simple directions. i justneed more tools.. i have to get a air compressior before i start work... Dude, i am from Long Island buy live in NC now. I visit my mom from time-2time. So if i just wanted to get new shcok installed at like sears should i do it since they do it for free or just buy the kit and do all the work myself.

oh yeah? where from? how long has it been since you moved?

from Deer Park. I left long Island when i joined the Marines in 2000..Only been back 3times since i left. it shitty as hell now. too many immigrants, gangs an stupid children lol.

x2 on removing the running boards. T4R's look more like a off road rig and appear to have been lifted slightly after removing them.

Lol, what happened to your antenna from pics 2 to 4? haha.

oh nice! yeah there's more long islanders in NC than there are here now hahaha