Hi All,

I am new to this forum coming from the FJ forums

I had an FJ that was pretty dialed in and sold it back in 2014.








Well now I have a wife and 7yr old daughter and looking to get back into off roading. This time around I am looking for a 4 Runner as I didnt like the limited space in the FJ. The idea is to pick up something cheap but reliable (Around 12K-15K Budget) and beat on that to see if we are going to all like it. I like to do heavy crawling trails and obstacles and would use it to go up in the mountains/desert for shooting a such. Would like to go on trail runs with some groups too. If we like it then I can go all out and build something really sikk.

(UPDATE: I found a Gen 3)
Just did a deal on this build here with Todd, Going to get payment and transport squared away and hope to have it in a week 1997 BUILT 4Runner



I like this because Crazydubman spent a lot of time and worked out all the Kinks. Its very capable and in my price range. Its dialed in with no rubbing and a lot of travel and has all the Armor I would want. I could beat on this and not worry bout scraping it or damaging it like I would with a $70k build. Do you guys think this would be a good starter 4Runner for me? Do you all worry about this kind of mileage for reliability? It has approx. 190k and motor is Bone stock. I think it is going to be great vehicle to get me back into this.

I am in Orange county and will need a reputable shop near Irvine preferably to work on it and maintain it for me. Any Suggestions? Any good shops that could do suspension work and maintenance in Orange County other than Outlaw Offroad.


I have been doing a ton of reading and excited to get back into this. If anyone knows of some good groups around Orange county that do day and weekend trips, please let me know. Once I get this truck I will def be wanting to go all over.

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. Cant wait to get this going and super stoked I found this forum. Ohh How can I send and Receive PM's as a NEWB?

Sincerely,

Patrick