1996 T4R Limited -- Just Picked It Up!!

[Cobbhunts]

Well, I just purcahsed my first 4runner. I owned a 97 Tacoma for years and then switched to a 2500HD Chevy and really missed my Tacoma. Sold the Chevy last week, bought an accord for a daily, and found this 1996 Limited 4Runner on Craigslist this weekend. Picked up the T4R this morning and couldn't be happier. I've been reading on here for the last few days and have really gotten some great ideas.....this is a great forum.

Oh, and I think I even lucked up and got one with Diff Lock...see pic!!


207K Miles and all stock at the moment....for $2,900....I thought that was a good deal. Everything seems mechanically sound and she gave me all of her service records from 2002-present. She has changed the fluids regular. The front seats are rough, but the rears look like they've never been set in. She did just have a rebuild on the tranny in October and she needs new tires fairly soon. But overall it's pretty solid. Harldy any rust at all to boot. What do you guys/gals think? Good project truck?

 

[Cobbhunts]

Also, what would you guys start with in regards to modifications. I don't have a lot of $$ left over. It needs tires, but I'd kind of like to wait until I can afford a proper lift. Will 285's fit on it as is? Doesn't look like it. Could I start with a 1" body lift and buy my tires now, then do suspension lift later?

 

[nissanh]

you got something what we all want.....a Diff lock!

 

[hearno]

Start with plastidip on the gold badges - make them black. Congrats on the buy tho.

 

[jmcn]

Nice find! Welcome back to the Toyota club.

 

[brosama]

Also, what would you guys start with in regards to modifications. I don't have a lot of $$ left over. It needs tires, but I'd kind of like to wait until I can afford a proper lift. Will 285's fit on it as is? Doesn't look like it. Could I start with a 1" body lift and buy my tires now, then do suspension lift later?

I'd start with any outstanding maintenance that is required.

Check out the buyer's guide and FAQ for some things you may want to do when you first get it.

WRT tire size, from the buyer's guide the biggest tire with 'stock' suspension is 32": 265/75-R16 OR 265/70-R17.

I guess it's really just a matter of how much you want to trim :biggrin1:

I'd pass on the body lift for now.

Nice rig!

 

[Cobbhunts]

you got something what we all want.....a Diff lock!

That's good to know. I was pleasantly surprised when I looked down and seen the locker button!! This was after I picked it up by the way....so that made it even better.

Start with plastidip on the gold badges - make them black. Congrats on the buy tho.

Already planning on doing the plasti. Going to Home Depot Saturday, thanks!

 

[Cobbhunts]

I'd start with any outstanding maintenance that is required.

Check out the buyer's guide and FAQ for some things you may want to do when you first get it.

WRT tire size, from the buyer's guide the biggest tire with 'stock' suspension is 32": 265/75-R16 OR 265/70-R17.

I guess it's really just a matter of how much you want to trim :biggrin1:

I'd pass on the body lift for now.

Nice rig!

I will check that thread out, thanks a bunch. The only outstanding maintenance that I am aware of at this time is the timing belt. I will do that first and the money has already been budgeted for it. It was last changed at 85K miles and, as stated, it's at 207K now. So it is due for sure.

While on the subject, do they always change the water pump when doing the TB maintenance? It's another $300 basically. I don't mind doing it if it is necessary. I just don't want them to tell me it has to be done when it doesn't.

I guess I will have to buy tires now and save for a lift then. The only bad part about that is; I will not be driving the 4R much at all and I can't stand the thought of buying antoher set of tires when I lift it. Especially when the set that I will buy now will only have 5-10K miles or so on them by then.

 

[jmildoc]

nice man, i remember getting mine and being excited about the diff lock button as well, I like to call it my easy button.

 

[brosama]

While on the subject, do they always change the water pump when doing the TB maintenance? It's another $300 basically. I don't mind doing it if it is necessary. I just don't want them to tell me it has to be done when it doesn't.

I guess I will have to buy tires now and save for a lift then. The only bad part about that is; I will not be driving the 4R much at all and I can't stand the thought of buying antoher set of tires when I lift it. Especially when the set that I will buy now will only have 5-10K miles or so on them by then.

Although not always required, with 207k I'd do the water pump while I was in there. That's just me, at least. Have you considered doing the job yourself? Take a look at the write ups on it, you may be surprised how straightforward it is.

I'm with you on not wanting to get a "temporary" set before the lift. I'd probably pick up a set of used tires for the interim.

 

[a_young240]

Nice! Is it the 3.4L? Auto or manual? 4x4?

I would start with removing the running boards - it's amazing how it changes the look right away. I almost have the same 4runner. Mines a 1996 Limited 3.4L V6 Auto 4x4 with the Diff Lock as well... we just got her on the road. Here's what mine currently looks like - I can't wait to get my new bumpers and winch on there... Harrison West FSR [001] - YouTube

 

[a_young240]

I would also do the water pump and thermostat. You're in there already, may as well do it.

 

[Brian757]

I vote for doing maintenance first.
Nothing gets under my skin more than a highly modified vehicle broken down on the side of the interstate.
Put your money in right places and your truck will return the favor.

 

[Cobbhunts]

Nice! Is it the 3.4L? Auto or manual? 4x4?

I would start with removing the running boards - it's amazing how it changes the look right away. I almost have the same 4runner. Mines a 1996 Limited 3.4L V6 Auto 4x4 with the Diff Lock as well... we just got her on the road.......

3.4L auto 4x4....nice ride man, looks outstanding. I'm far away from getting to then point you are. But I'll get somewhat close eventually. I'll probably remove the boards this weekend. Thanks

 

[Cobbhunts]

I would also do the water pump and thermostat. You're in there already, may as well do it.

Good point. I'll probably just go ahead and get that's done as well then. Thanks

 

[a_young240]

Good point. I'll probably just go ahead and get that's done as well then. Thanks

Definitely can't hurt. Anything to aid in not being the dude on the side of the road (like Brian was talking about) :clap2:

 

[TheArkMaster]

I will check that thread out, thanks a bunch. The only outstanding maintenance that I am aware of at this time is the timing belt. I will do that first and the money has already been budgeted for it. It was last changed at 85K miles and, as stated, it's at 207K now. So it is due for sure.

While on the subject, do they always change the water pump when doing the TB maintenance? It's another $300 basically. I don't mind doing it if it is necessary. I just don't want them to tell me it has to be done when it doesn't.

I guess I will have to buy tires now and save for a lift then. The only bad part about that is; I will not be driving the 4R much at all and I can't stand the thought of buying antoher set of tires when I lift it. Especially when the set that I will buy now will only have 5-10K miles or so on them by then.

I would change it. It's overdue. I keep em together for easy tracking.

As for the tires, Don't buy new tires if you are going to get a lift soon. Waste of money. Go buy used tires. Thats what I do when I'm saving for something. I walk around their tire yard and pick out what has the most tread. Its cheap and temporary but will save you 5, 600 bucks.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Maint. should always be first. The good thing about the motor is that even if the timing belt it will not blow on you like other motors. Take car of it and it will take care of you. Even if you drop 3k into it you are ahead.If it is in tip top shape the truck is worth 6k pretty easy with the locker in most places i think.

Blue

 

[Cobbhunts]

Good advice all....now to wrap my head around this lift stuff. I've read every page of the stickied lift thread. And came out of it more confused than when I started. I found some tundra springs cheap. I'm just not sure they are the right springs to buy. Wish I could afford the toytec lift.

 

[TheArkMaster]

Good advice all....now to wrap my head around this lift stuff. I've read every page of the stickied lift thread. And came out of it more confused than when I started. I found some tundra springs cheap. I'm just not sure they are the right springs to buy. Wish I could afford the toytec lift.

HOw much of a lift are you going for?