Started out driving with 2 Jeep Cherokees. A 95 and a 99. Lightly modified them and goofed around on some mellow trails in VA/WV/MD. Got rid of those 2 and ended up buying a 2008 VW Jetta that i dumped wayyyyy too much money into. Started to get the itch for another project..i was missing wheeling trips way too much. Totaled my VW 2 weeks ago (blessing in disguise) and began searching for 2000ish Tacomas. This proved to be pretty tough as prices are pretty steep for a good example. Was losing a bit of hope until i ran across a 1985 4Runner for sale in PA. Had a pre purchase inspection done to get the basics check over since i was 4 hours away. Everything checked out so i made the trip up to pick it up.

One of the old Cherokee




VW



So onto the newest addition. EFI, Solid axle, 5 speed, Originally a California truck so rust is very minimal. Truck already had some serious work done. Full engine / trans rebuild (5k on build, 170k on body) headers/exhaust, Front winch bumper w/9k, rear bumper w/ tire carrier, OME lift, 33'' (32.6) tires with 18x9 American Racing wheels on some Yokohama AT's (no idea what the guy was thinking with the 18x9), Bushwacker Street flares, new manual hubs..and i think that about does it.

No pictures of this but i messed around with some stuff when i finally brought it home..took some mudflaps off, removed side steps, ditched the steering and seat covers, swapped out some cheesy LED headlights, repainted grille and swapped out all fluids.

Not so great picture from the original for sale ad




Ended up taking it on a little shakedown run at a local national forest (george washington) with a couple of members from the board. Truck did pretty well, desperate for a regear though. Heres some shots from the trip.






Which leads us up to now. Have a little list of things id like to get done. Some items are already in my possession.

4.88 Gears
33x10.5 BFG AT KO2s
15x8 Procomp Steelies
Locker (still need to order)
Rock rails
Convert interior to all black
Rhino Line top (OG job is pretty faded in spots, roof especially)
Rack for my fishing rods
Sleep/gear platform



Hopefully getting those mounted up tomorrow. I'll grab some more pictures when they are on the truck.

Looking forward to learning more about this thing and getting out on some trips with it.

Also make room for a gas can on the roof or rear bumper. Love the truck Ian looking forward to getting Murphy back on the road so we can hit the cove. Can't wait to see this beauty all done.

That's Murphys gig now

Nice 'Runner man! Looking forward to seeing what you're going to do with it.

Me too...

Anyone have any experience with the hot shot relay unit?

Truck hasn't started for me on a couple of occasions and it seems like that's the way to go.



Got the tires and wheels all mounted and balanced today. Hopefully throwing them on the truck tomorrow. Might pound the pinch welds while I'm at it. It's been rubbing slightly at full lock.

Threw the new wheels and tires on this evening. Forgot to take before shots.

Here are some shit photos

33x10.5 AT KO2 with 15x8 3.5" BS Pro Comp Steels








Having the top rhino lined this weekend. I'll hopefully finish up blacking out the interior as well.

looks good! much better than those 18's. hows the power/mpg with the 33's? I'm running 31's and cant imagine what 33's feel like.

It's pretty bad. Especially with hills.

Found a place (eastcoastgearsupply) that sells 3rd members with gearing/lockers of your choice for a decent price so I'm sending back the 4.88 kits I bought and I'm gonna grab the 3rds and do it myself to save some cash. Hopefully have all that done by the end of the month.

looks great, mind sharing the details on the 5th wheel mount?

Cant see your pics bro.