Dropzone's 1994 4Runner Expedition/Overland Build
 

I haven't been really active on this forum since my long term project has been an 81 Toyota Trekker:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...j.jpg~original
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...7.jpg~original
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...c.jpg~original
The truck is highly capable: 5.29's, dual cases, full caged.
It has been fun for the last 8 years but it is just getting beat to death. Frame is about shot. I am kind of tired of the whole beat the truck in the rocks phase.

I have been thinking about another truck/4runner as a replacement. SOmething that can act as a capable weekend warrior/semi daily driver.

So a few days ago look what the Dodge dragged home
http://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...c.jpg~original

Picked up my neice's 1994 4runner with 195k on it.
Recent rebuild on the 3.turd so it actually runs decents, dog slow with the Auto.
I got it dirt cheap, low 3 digit numbers due to a failed bearing/CV on the right front wheel that lead to this
http://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...a.jpg~original
Totally froze on her and freaked her out. Her mom said come get it.

It is kind of dirty but should clean up nicely
http://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...c.jpg~original
http://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...e.jpg~original
Has the usual drivers side torn seat but other than that nothing sometime with a vacuum and carpet cleaner can't cure
http://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...6.jpg~original
http://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...d.jpg~original
http://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...5.jpg~original
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...t.jpg~original

Plan is to tear apart the right front and see what got fubar'ed.
It needs tires, an exhaust and the left rear passenger window won't roll down.

Long term plan is to turn it into a more family friendly trail runner, won't have the same capabilities as the Trekker but time will tell. Looking to build something I can take the grandkids out to enjoy the woods in and maybe the occasional 2-3 night weekend expedition.

It will get some front (with a winch) and rear bumpers, probably an extra gas tank, drawer unit/sleeping platform. Maybe something like an ARB fridge.
Definitely a locker, sliders.
Thinking 33x10.50's for tires.

Build will be a slow one

Same year and color as mine.... I am intrigued

@Dropzone Nice runner it is also the same color as mine. Im in Lakewood WA and i am parting out a 2nd gen if you need anything let me know

Thanks, I kind of like the color too

Ryan- thanks, may hit you up for some stuff.
Gotta figure out what direction I am going to go suspension wise (LT or SAS) but may fixed the Fubar bearing and axle and drive it stock this winter.

Im planning a SAS this winter and maybe rebuild my engine or swap it. I have to get the wifey out of the hospital first.

Prayers your missus gets better, been there myself a long time ago. It can be rough

Installed my $5 pick N pull vent visors I scored at the Labor Day sale
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...j.jpg~original
And scored a bunch of parts I need now and some for just in case since the price was to good to pass up, most of it compliments of the Great Him, thanks Isaac
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...f.jpg~original

[QUOTE=Dropzone;2131041]Prayers your missus gets better, been there myself a long time ago. It can be rough

Thanks for your thoughts. She gets to come home today or tomorrow :happy:. I actually saw a fresh set of vent shades this weekend at my pick n pull. I would have bought them if i had the extra money. Scored some seats for my bro in law's 86 2wd yota project and some brand new lowering/lift blocks. We are going to put a real healthy 327 into his 2wd once he gathers all his parts together.

Started pulling stuff off the Trekker over the weekend
I am really glad I never installed my winch on this bumper, it took about 10 minutes to drill out rosette welds and cutting with a cut off wheel to get it off. I am pretty sure the winch would have peeled it off.
But it certainly served it's purpose over the years and I am hoping it will bolt up to the 4Runner since the T-G winch plate was designed for later trucks
http://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...25873f263e.jpg
Sliders are beat but new legs will let them have a new life on the 4Runner
http://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...c0a78e37a1.jpg

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO you're taking the Trekker apart??? Don't do it man!

I hear you. It was a tough decision but after almost 9 years the Trekker is just plain tired. Financially it was an easy decision to recycle a lot of stuff from the trekker. I figure by the time I buy brackets, an auto to geared t/c adapter and other junk I will be into the 4runner for less than $2k including the purchase price of the truck

What are you going to do with the trekker? It's a great looking truck man. Shame to see it taken apart.

If your thinking of selling it I may be interested. But I think you should keep it and turn it into a nice DD/weekend toy! I would hate to see another Trekker bite the dust...

Thanks for the compliments. The Trekker is being stripped down to the shell, frame, engine & Transmission. I am keeping the dual cases, axles, springs and seats
The trekker was pretty beat when i got it 8.5 years ago. The top leaks in a couple of places. I am kind of tired of dealing with 35 year old truck issues as far as wiring etc. It looks like it will be going back to one of the former owners of the truck.
I am pretty burned out on the truck. I took the front axle apart back in June to rebuild it and it has just sat. Since picking up the 4Runner my wife has said it is nice to see me motivated again.

Having a 4 door weekend warrior will be nice for mild trail running. My kids are getting older. My first grandson was born in July so the 4Runner will make hauling him around easier.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...q.jpg~original
Pretty confident I found the root cause for the right front wheel seizing
When pulling the axle out I found this little gem
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...e.jpg~original
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...m.jpg~original
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...z.jpg~original

Started swapping out what some of were probably the original bulbs. I am going to need to clean some contacts, some of the LED'S made a huge difference, some not so much.
Map light with 4 SMD 5050 LED compared to the old one
http://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...358b5de10e.jpg
Old vs. New
Maps lights I should be able to find stuff :hillbill:
http://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...aee4841795.jpg
With all the domes/maps
http://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...3833edc876.jpg
I will probably add a couple 3w LED rock lights in the back to brighten it up in the cargo area.
Hard to tell from the picture but the brake lights are way better
http://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yota...8ac68cbeb5.jpg
The 21 year old lens are pretty faded so i'll either need to polish them or pick up new housings.