1992 4runner build

[j2custom]

Hello all. I just picked up a 4runner and am going to do some modifications to it involving lower gears, locker in the rear, front and rear bumpers, rocker protection, 2" lift, exhaust work, and bigger tires of course. The truck is very clean for being in this state (MN). It has the 3.0 V6, 5 speed trans and 316xxx miles on it. I have ordered Trail Gear front and rear bumpers, rocker protection, front and rear ring and pinions (5.29:1) and a lockright locker for the rear from Low Range Off Road. Great guys for sure! I am going to order the 2" ball joint spacers and some springs from Toytec. I need some pro comp shocks that are 2' longer. I am planning on 33" tires on 15x8 wheels for right now to keep the IFS alive for now. It will eventually get the 3 link solid axle swap as I build a Toyota solid axle. Anyway I will likely lower the IFS diff too. Here it is just starting out on the stands:

I put a 35" tire on to see how it fits:

I need some Aisin lockouts (so if anyone has a set let me know).

 

[j2custom]

Well this week all the parts showed up and it is going to be a build fest on Sunday!!! I am very exited!!

arty:

The Harley box has the carb for the FJ55... the other boxes are the R+P, locker etc. Front bumper, Rocker guards, rear bumper...

 

[hondaracer11]

sounds like you got a plan man! good luck on build keep us posted with pics!! sounds like the 3.0 has a good amount of miles on it are you gonna rebuild motor or swap it with 3.4 ??

 

[j2custom]

sounds like the 3.0 has a good amount of miles on it are you gonna rebuild motor or swap it with 3.4 ??

I am just going to tune it up, remove the cat, make some free flowing exhaust, remove the air intake stuff and install a K&N filter, replace the valve cover gaskets and run it. When and if it dies I will likely have a plan then...:banana:

 

[stomper4x4]

Yeah dang, I thought I was crazy starting my project with a '92 with 280,000 miles on it. You got me beat!

My build is going to be a tad milder than yours. I'm not lifting, but going with lockers, bumpers, winch and sliders probably. I already did the manual hubs.

I'm going more for the expedition, back country vehicle than a crawler or mudder.

I already did balljoints, and when I got the center link done under the toyota service bulletin, they redid all the steering for me, except the idler, free of charge. How nice of them

Other than that, I'm doing like you, replace and rebuild as needed. I just hope I have no breakdowns in the boonies.

 

[j0hnnyblaze123]

im in the process of doing rebuild my self i have a 90 v6 3.0 with a blown head gasket just waiting for my heads to come back from the shop anyone have any opions on what else i should change while im in there aside from the water pump and timing belt

 

[fourwd1]

im in the process of doing rebuild my self i have a 90 v6 3.0 with a blown head gasket just waiting for my heads to come back from the shop anyone have any opions on what else i should change while im in there aside from the water pump and timing belt

Maybe a mild cam, and headers would be a really good addition (eliminating a weak point in the stock exhaust).

 

[j2custom]

2" lift shock recommendations

So I am going to lift the 4runner 2" using the BJS and coils. What shocks do you guys recommend running? I don't want anything too stiff. Brands? Lengths? Part numbers? Any info would be great! Thanks!

 

[j2custom]

So over the weekend I got the front diff pulled, shocks pulled, noticed the CV boots were all shot, removed the vacuum actuated 4wd, had my 15x8 aluminum wheels sandblasted, and found out that my #6 cylinder is dead (no change in idle when I removed the spark plug wire). So I have ordered some CV boots, will replace the plugs and wires, checked the other diff I have and confirmed the 5.29:1 ring and pinion, measured the stock shocks so I can order some longer ones, and noticed the original diff cover front mount is lower (toward the bottom of the diff) than the one that has the 5.29:1 r&p. I am thinking about using the higher one to lower the diff and space the 2 other mounts down too. Anyone try this? Time to order the lift kit and shocks I think. I will pick up the wheels and drop them off for powdercoating.

 

[mbulger]

transmission problem

i have a 1992 4 runner with 208,000miles. i have replaced the AT fluid and filter. the AT oil temp light comes on mainly after an hour driving with AC on in hilly terrain. when i am driving in hills should i turn the OD off and leave it in the normal driving mode? after sitting for 10-15 min. the light goes off and i leave the AC off. i need help!!! thanks mike b.

 

[j2custom]

A small update: I got the CV's out so I can rebuild them, and I took off the outer axle plates (they are where the lockouts will go) kinda like "slugs" for the Dana axles. I think for hard core they may work for someone to eliminate the lockouts if they wanted too. I replaced the spark plugs and wires are ran a can of "engine rebuild in a can" to help with #6 cylinder. I cut off the cat, muffler etc to mock up the new exhaust. I ordered all new steering TRE's and adjustable sleeves. The lift kit should be here this week and I will order shocks this week. Wheels are blasted and now I will get them powdercoated. I will order the Total Chaos IFS bracket too. No pics at this point, everyone has seen a 4runner on 4 jackstands before...

 

[j2custom]

Another update. I received my upper and lower new ball joints and BJ spacers so i installed those items. I ordered the shocks for the front and I installed the new TRE, pitman arm and idler arm. I am looking for some creative ways to make the front CV axle swaps on the trail easier. I may pound out the studs in the flanges and weld on some nuts so I can pull the bolts out and slide the CV out... we'll see. I am certainly open to any insights/tips/tricks etc. I will get the upper shock mount that I bought from Low Range Off Road welded in,OME coils installed and then flex it out to see what length shocks I need for the rear. I also just got my new discs and pads for the front and the OEM CV boots to replace the torn ones to be installed soon. Pics this weekend I promise... :banana:

 

[4runner_kid]

Like the front bumper, i got the same one. Any updated picture's of your's? Check out my build thread and tell me what you think.

 

[GonOvr]

:worthless it's a build thread so let's see some build progess!

 

[j2custom]

GonOvr,

That is too funny! I was just thinking that I should add more pics of the build up so I don't get that exact post!!! I actually did some work on it this week and here are some pics:
Here are the new Ball Joints and Spacers:

Here is the exhaust at the front:

Here is the exhaust rear:

I removed the cat and the muffler, both were rusted out. I am running a supertrapp muffler at the end which isn't installed yet.

Here is the front with the diff installed, the new steering components installed and the Ball Joints and spacers installed:

I am trying to find a Superlift IFS Toyota drop steering center section or maybe fabricate one. I don't like those tierod angles at full droop.

Sorry the pics are so small. Still figuring out the new laptop. EDIT: Got it figured out

 

[j2custom]

35" tire and IFS?

So my brother rolled into town on Saturday with 4 35x12.50x15 mud terrain tires for me... Now what do I do? I know I can make the 35's fit but can I wheel them without blowing up CV's all the time? I am open in the front with 5.29:1's so the gearing is alright... Any thoughts or feedback is appreciated...

 

[j2custom]

Got some more work done on the front of the runner. I have the new CV's installed, packed the hub bearings and put 1 of the 35" tires on a rim and put it on the truck to see what I was in for...

It fits well and there would only need to be some slight massaging of the fender and floor board/kick panel. I don't know if the steering is up to the task of turning the bigger tires even though all the parts are brand new. I don't know if the CV's are up to it as well...

I got the Total Chaos brace welded in today too:

The rig also needed front rotors so I splurged on some drilled and slotted ones and matching pads:

More work tomorrow, I pick up my newly sandblasted and powdercoated black wheels, put on the red pinstripe and decide wether or not to run the 33's or the 35's. I will start tearing the rear end out and pull the axles, 3rd member etc for the gear/locker swap. I will also install the new lift springs and shocks. I need to fabricate a track bar drop mount or fab up a new adjustable dropped track bar. :biggrin2:

 

[GonOvr]

:wtf: Is it just me or did zero pictures show up for the last 2 posts? If its my end I retract this statement in advance.

 

[GonOvr]

It will handle 35's just fine. That used to be the norm quite a few years back. What will really matter is when you turn half way to lock either way and stuff a tire. Will it still clear? I cant see any pictures except for your very first post so it's hard to tell being blind and all.

 

[j2custom]

Hopefully I was able to fix the pics today:AK47::ybrick::gun5::sleepy: