1997 Toyota 4 Runner Rubicon

[GetitOffroad]

My wife bought the white 3.4 manual new, drove it for 10 years and wanted something different. She was going to trade it in but my 9 year old son pitched a fit so we kept it and I drove it until he got his license.

He drove thru high school, and just will graduate college next month. It's had it problems and fixes and has others that need fixing. As a graduation gift we're buying him a newer four runner or Rav4, his choice.

I plan on keeping it and setting it up to be a little more capable, for him to wheel it on occassion. I have been pouring over threads on upgrades so that hopefully we can do the rubicon or other notable trails.

Seems like with a 3 inch lift 33 inch tires seem to be the sweet spot. Not sure if I want to go bigger with IFS.

Gearing-. I think stock the axles come at 4.10. The transfer ratio is in the low 2's. So gearing needs help for technical wheeling. Searches yield many are going 4.88 and some do a 4.7 transfer case upgrade.

This what I have so far. Anyone input from those who wheel such trails would be greatly appreciated. THanks.

 

[Thebeastlives]

There are tons of build threads up here that you can visit and ask anyone there the WHY question. The stock 4 runner is great for offroading but depending upon your preferred terrain (rock, mudding, or desert) would make you go in 1 direction or another. I think you will find a ton of advice on any of those build threads.
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[APhelps]

I hate to burst your bubble but I think building a 4runner to run the rubicon is a mistake unless you go SAS. It's very costly to build a 3rd gen 4runner that is really capable on trails and not breaking. You're looking at a front locker, a re-gear, aftermarket cv axles, gussets, UCAs, most likely 35" tires, and such.


RCV axles (2k), front locker/regear (2k), UCAs and gusseting (600-1000). You're up to like 5k and its still not nearly as strong or able to articulate as a SFA.

If you have the skills I'd just SAS it immediately or go buy a vehicle with a SFA.

 

[GetitOffroad]

I hate to burst your bubble but I think building a 4runner to run the rubicon is a mistake unless you go SAS. It's very costly to build a 3rd gen 4runner that is really capable on trails and not breaking. You're looking at a front locker, a re-gear, aftermarket cv axles, gussets, UCAs, most likely 35" tires, and such.


RCV axles (2k), front locker/regear (2k), UCAs and gusseting (600-1000). You're up to like 5k and its still not nearly as strong or able to articulate as a SFA.

If you have the skills I'd just SAS it immediately or go buy a vehicle with a SFA.

Exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I dont know much about the avid toyota 4 runner wheeler, other than pouring over build threads and YouTube is about it, lol.

I dont mind putting some money up, and the beefing up of IFS (money) was bothering me.

 

[nobb]

+1 on the IFS comment. A mild lift with the stock IFS is good enough for most light to medium duty offroading, but I would not be doing anything hardcore with it. The axles on the stock IFS are already pretty puny and I would not trust this to haul a 5000 lbs vehicle up a 45 degree incline. Not to mention our LBJ's are known to be a weak spot.

 

[T4R2014]

Condition of the 4Runner? That's a nice spec. I wouldn't build one for the rubicon, but a mild lift and 33's would make a fun weekend vehicle and still be good to drive around town.

 

[Thebeastlives]

Rubicon

I've been up the Rubicon a lot in motorcycles, quads, utvs, and different Toyotas & Jeeps. This might be your trail to measure your 4 runner against but you don't need a hard core rock crawler to run the Rubicon. Pick your right line, bring the right recovery equipment, have great spotter and the right guys to 4wd with and a mildly equipped 4 runner is more than capable of running the Rubicon or similar trails. Guys that I used to ride with in CA had very well built rigs but some of the new guys had mild rigs (mostly stock) with rear lockers and 33" tires. They had solid recovery equipment (winch, tow straps, shovels, ) which in this group was considered basic. I once ran into young kids in mostly stock 4runners on the trail that was struggling change a tire up near the top of the Rubicon. Start simple with mild build and add the right recovery equipment and as your skills improve start replacing stuff u find not suitable for your new found abilities. A 4 runner in stock form is very capable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCWtHH_Mbdc&feature=youtu.be

 

[GetitOffroad]

I've been up the Rubicon a lot in motorcycles, quads, utvs, and different Toyotas & Jeeps. This might be your trail to measure your 4 runner against but you don't need a hard core rock crawler to run the Rubicon. Pick your right line, bring the right recovery equipment, have great spotter and the right guys to 4wd with and a mildly equipped 4 runner is more than capable of running the Rubicon or similar trails. Guys that I used to ride with in CA had very well built rigs but some of the new guys had mild rigs (mostly stock) with rear lockers and 33" tires. They had solid recovery equipment (winch, tow straps, shovels, ) which in this group was considered basic. I once ran into young kids in mostly stock 4runners on the trail that was struggling change a tire up near the top of the Rubicon. Start simple with mild build and add the right recovery equipment and as your skills improve start replacing stuff u find not suitable for your new found abilities. A 4 runner in stock form is very capable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCWtHH_Mbdc&feature=youtu.be

Another great post. thanks!

I've done it back in 98 in a moderately set up TJ on 32's. I dont recall it being all that bad but the way most talk about it lately I figure it has changed over time to something quite worse (better). Its also likely we were brought on the easiest route since it was a jeep jamboree.

The Four Runner is for my son for when he goes wheeling with dear ole dad. I've gotten back into the sport recently and have my own well set up rig. 18 JLUR with 37s.

Nice video, looks like ours. I've watched others wheel some pretty nasty stuff on IFS and have to say I was impressed. Not sure how much money was dumped into them but impressive none the less.

 

[GetitOffroad]

Condition of the 4Runner? That's a nice spec. I wouldn't build one for the rubicon, but a mild lift and 33's would make a fun weekend vehicle and still be good to drive around town.

Arizona rig its whole life. Garaged, for 10 years, then open to the elements after that until my son payed for parking.

Body is great except for the passenger rear corner. A girl at school wasnt paying attention and hit him. Not bad, I recall getting 1k for it but we just left it and bought tires. lol

213k on motor. Runs like a sewing machine. It's got an oil leak somewhere and it appears to be the infamous valve covers. I saw the video fix on that and not real anxious to do that any time soon. lol

The undercarriage creaks like there's a herd of frogs, grasshoppers, en such underneath. Scoping it out shows every bushing needs replacement. Debating on toyota replacement or some poly aftermarket solution.
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Driver seat bolt is broken, actually it appears the weld is what broke. Read up on how to fix it.

That's about it. I really enjoyed driving this car prior to giving it to my son. It's doesnt have a great deal of power but there is a certain something about it that prevents me from getting rid of like every other vehicle we owned.

Edit: Check engine light is on. codes show PO446 and 446pd. evap fault, I dont know what the pd is??? I clear it and it stays away until it rains and than goes on again.

 

[Thebeastlives]

Another great post. thanks!

I've done it back in 98 in a moderately set up TJ on 32's. I dont recall it being all that bad but the way most talk about it lately I figure it has changed over time to something quite worse (better). Its also likely we were brought on the easiest route since it was a jeep jamboree.

The Four Runner is for my son for when he goes wheeling with dear ole dad. I've gotten back into the sport recently and have my own well set up rig. 18 JLUR with 37s.

Nice video, looks like ours. I've watched others wheel some pretty nasty stuff on IFS and have to say I was impressed. Not sure how much money was dumped into them but impressive none the less.

There r a couple of sections u can get banged up on but if u protect with the right armor and pick the right lines you will be fine. With the right crew and tools pretty much anything on that old 4 runner can be trail fixed if you had too. I don't run the Rubicon anymore because it has gotten crazy busy and it can easily turn into an entire weekend trip and then some waiting and other groups. I love the Sierra Nevada Mtns and views up there and since there are less crowded trails everywhere I tend to pick other spots to hangout. Even the bears are California chilled in the Sierra Nevada mtns.

 

[sleepydad]

Arizona rig its whole life. Garaged, for 10 years, then open to the elements after that until my son payed for parking.

Body is great except for the passenger rear corner. A girl at school wasnt paying attention and hit him. Not bad, I recall getting 1k for it but we just left it and bought tires. lol

213k on motor. Runs like a sewing machine. It's got an oil leak somewhere and it appears to be the infamous valve covers. I saw the video fix on that and not real anxious to do that any time soon. lol

The undercarriage creaks like there's a herd of frogs, grasshoppers, en such underneath. Scoping it out shows every bushing needs replacement. Debating on toyota replacement or some poly aftermarket solution.

Driver seat bolt is broken, actually it appears the weld is what broke. Read up on how to fix it.

That's about it. I really enjoyed driving this car prior to giving it to my son. It's doesnt have a great deal of power but there is a certain something about it that prevents me from getting rid of like every other vehicle we owned.

what is the project budget?

I have 33"'s and a 3" lift on my truck. rear ARB locker and it goes a lot of places. in fact I would say it goes way more places than I need it to go.

it really depends on how much work you want to put in to it. once you change the stock form of the truck things will start happening. pushing it hard offroad will also accelerate that wear and tear. remember it's been just chugging along doing whatever is asked for it for a long time. you turn it into a hoopty truck and your in for your share of work.

I'm not saying that to discourage you but you need to like to work on it and fix it up if your going down this path. it's going to need a lot of things done to it once you mod it.

 

[GetitOffroad]

There r a couple of sections u can get banged up on but if u protect with the right armor and pick the right lines you will be fine. With the right crew and tools pretty much anything on that old 4 runner can be trail fixed if you had too. I don't run the Rubicon anymore because it has gotten crazy busy and it can easily turn into an entire weekend trip and then some waiting and other groups. I love the Sierra Nevada Mtns and views up there and since there are less crowded trails everywhere I tend to pick other spots to hangout. Even the bears are California chilled in the Sierra Nevada mtns.

Good to hear. Yeah it's busy but I'd like my son to do it with me once. It's kind of a right of passage type trail.

 

[GetitOffroad]

what is the project budget?

I have 33"'s and a 3" lift on my truck. rear ARB locker and it goes a lot of places. in fact I would say it goes way more places than I need it to go.

it really depends on how much work you want to put in to it. once you change the stock form of the truck things will start happening. pushing it hard offroad will also accelerate that wear and tear. remember it's been just chugging along doing whatever is asked for it for a long time. you turn it into a hoopty truck and your in for your share of work.

I'm not saying that to discourage you but you need to like to work on it and fix it up if your going down this path. it's going to need a lot of things done to it once you mod it.

I have money to build it, I just want return on investment. I really dont want to change the character of the vehicle to to much. Yours sounds pretty good and it sounds like with some armor it will do the rubicon.

What gears you running with the 33's

 

[sleepydad]

I have money to build it, I just want return on investment. I really dont want to change the character of the vehicle to to much. Yours sounds pretty good and it sounds like with some armor it will do the rubicon.

What gears you running with the 33's

forget about gearing unless your heading to 35" tires. not worth it for 33" IMO. 4.10 are just fine for 33".

this is one of my builds

2000 limited SleepyDad build

ROA usually means you want to make $ profit off it?

you can usually get away with 33" and a 2"-3" lift without too much trouble.

get SPC upper control arms for the front, this will allow you to move the tire forward just enough to clear rear fender well.

personal preference on lift; sky is the limit on suspension. King will get you tons of internet karma points.

get new front CV axles, napa is a fine choice. CV axles come and go so these are an expendable item IMO. your going to mess some up, it comes with the IFS turf. new ones should last quite a while but I'm guessing your OEM ones will leak right away after you lift the front. so just replace them while your doing the lift.

get some toyotec super flex for the rear; good all around rear coil with good flex and very good on the road ride as well. 3"-4" of lift without too much messing around. they can be fun to smoosh into the coil buckets

replace front LBJ with OEM Toyota, just do it and don't even ask why.

I would replace your radiator if you have not done so already, they do wear out and yours is probably past due. your good with the manual for trans stuff so no worries about the auto trans pink milk shake for your rig.

that is probably the shortest path to greatness I can devise.

if your dead set of re-gearing then call east coat gear supply or there is another guy from AZ ZUK.

Toyota Gear Install Harrop

East Coast Gear Supply

I had east coast do my ARB locker and they did fine. people around here like ZUK and he does a great job.

 

[APhelps]

forget about gearing unless your heading to 35" tires. not worth it for 33" IMO. 4.10 are just fine for 33".

Uh what...... My 4runner has 4.30 gears and 285/75/16s and its awful. It's not terrible at coastal elevation but the truck flat out sucks at higher elevations. Driving a 4runner that isn't regeared in any of the mountain areas are going to be awful unless you plan on v8 swapping / supercharging it.

CV axles don't come and go. The factory axles are weak and can't handle the stresses of a lift.

 

[GetitOffroad]

forget about gearing unless your heading to 35" tires. not worth it for 33" IMO. 4.10 are just fine for 33".

this is one of my builds

2000 limited SleepyDad build

ROA usually means you want to make $ profit off it?

you can usually get away with 33" and a 2"-3" lift without too much trouble.

get SPC upper control arms for the front, this will allow you to move the tire forward just enough to clear rear fender well.

personal preference on lift; sky is the limit on suspension. King will get you tons of internet karma points.

get new front CV axles, napa is a fine choice. CV axles come and go so these are an expendable item IMO. your going to mess some up, it comes with the IFS turf. new ones should last quite a while but I'm guessing your OEM ones will leak right away after you lift the front. so just replace them while your doing the lift.

get some toyotec super flex for the rear; good all around rear coil with good flex and very good on the road ride as well. 3"-4" of lift without too much messing around. they can be fun to smoosh into the coil buckets

replace front LBJ with OEM Toyota, just do it and don't even ask why.

I would replace your radiator if you have not done so already, they do wear out and yours is probably past due. your good with the manual for trans stuff so no worries about the auto trans pink milk shake for your rig.

that is probably the shortest path to greatness I can devise.

if your dead set of re-gearing then call east coat gear supply or there is another guy from AZ ZUK.

Toyota Gear Install Harrop

East Coast Gear Supply

I had east coast do my ARB locker and they did fine. people around here like ZUK and he does a great job.

ROI (return on investment)= bang for buck. lol

Good info! I will definitely click the links!

If I'm in the axles doing an ARB, regearing is a possibility.

 

[sleepydad]

Uh what...... My 4runner has 4.30 gears and 285/75/16s and its awful. It's not terrible at coastal elevation but the truck flat out sucks at higher elevations. Driving a 4runner that isn't regeared in any of the mountain areas are going to be awful unless you plan on v8 swapping / supercharging it.

CV axles don't come and go. The factory axles are weak and can't handle the stresses of a lift.

To be fair I live in flat land. My truck is also supercharged with headers and TRD pro exhaust. So I do have a few extra beans in the pot.

Regear + lockers can get pretty expensive. Just saying you can have good fun off-road without the regear. In the ideal world Oprah giving out new 3rd members and front diffs would be terrific. I think auto trans vs manual is a different world as well.

Cv axles come and go I have messed up quite a few. I really don’t see them as a long term investment. It’s not like they cost a lot of money? They are like $60 for remand and $90 for new ones.

 

[GetitOffroad]

Uh what...... My 4runner has 4.30 gears and 285/75/16s and its awful. It's not terrible at coastal elevation but the truck flat out sucks at higher elevations. Driving a 4runner that isn't regeared in any of the mountain areas are going to be awful unless you plan on v8 swapping / supercharging it.

CV axles don't come and go. The factory axles are weak and can't handle the stresses of a lift.

What gears would you go to? You running a manual or auto?

 

[APhelps]

What gears would you go to? You running a manual or auto?

I'm auto. I'd probably elect to go with 5.29s over 4.88s but that's just me. If I keep the truck I'm going 35s, I want more sidewall flex. I'll give up some gas money to have more power, I absolutely loathe slow vehicles. If you're going to re-gear you might as well lock the front. You could throw in an ARB and install the compressor later to save a few hundred at the time.

To be honest I'm at a serious crossroad with my 4runner which is just selling it and buying an 80 series landcruiser / lx 450 but I never know what i want to do. I got a good bit of coin sunk into the rig and don't use it enough to justify swapping rigs honestly.

People say all the time that CV are cheap but I don't like working on vehicles doing the same job multiple times when you keep installing the wrong solution. I blew up my front diff and outer cv axle at the same time doing a trail called "valley of the moon" so I installed RCV axles. I want to do it once, do it right and move on. But frankly from what I've seen over built trucks don't break that often or easily at all. I'd suggest looking up how many times people have broken their front diffs / CVs it's quite common.

I'd rather twist my drive shafts apart than replace cv axles / differentials but perhaps I'm a bit odd.

 

[APhelps]

To be fair I live in flat land. My truck is also supercharged with headers and TRD pro exhaust. So I do have a few extra beans in the pot.

Regear + lockers can get pretty expensive. Just saying you can have good fun off-road without the regear. In the ideal world Oprah giving out new 3rd members and front diffs would be terrific. I think auto trans vs manual is a different world as well.

Cv axles come and go I have messed up quite a few. I really don’t see them as a long term investment. It’s not like they cost a lot of money? They are like $60 for remand and $90 for new ones.

Well I think that's important to point out. A supercharger is going to overcome a lot of the lack of torque / elevation issues.

I sort of dislike the term off-road since its very ambiguous. What is offroad? Beach driving? Mudding? Rock Crawling? Desert Running? Overlanding? All of them really change the game of what you need to do and have a huge effect on $.

Re-gearing and lockers are pricey but I have no faith in my front diff. I suppose one could do manual hubs but that's pretty expensive and you're closing in on halfway of the price of RCV axles.