1997 Toyota 4 Runner Rubicon

[GetitOffroad]

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.

Excellent insight. I have RCV shafts on my jeep for the reasons you gave. I didnt know they made them for IFS. Good news, but guessing the differential is put into play as the failure point. I've read posts that say they want the fuse to be on the cv vs the differential.

BTW not ever being satisfied is a good thing. Keeps you looking forward rather that being satisfied and bored.

 

[hntz4x4]

I used to run the Rubicon in the early 2000's with really built up 1st gen 4Runners. Got out of wheeling for many years. Now my sons are getting into it. So this post hits home with me since you are intending on making this a family deal. So my wife and I bought a fairly built rig to get back into it with the boys.

Last Oct we took our 3rd gen (armored, 4:88s, 35s, dual ARBs) and one of my sons 4th gen (sliders, 33s, rear ARB) into Upper Walker Hill and back out for a day trip. Made it in and out without issue. We just took our time, didn't pick crazy lines, and others were more than ready to help spot.

So yes, it can be done. Go enjoy your family time.

 

[APhelps]

Excellent insight. I have RCV shafts on my jeep for the reasons you gave. I didnt know they made them for IFS. Good news, but guessing the differential is put into play as the failure point. I've read posts that say they want the fuse to be on the cv vs the differential.

BTW not ever being satisfied is a good thing. Keeps you looking forward rather that being satisfied and bored.

Thanks, just wanted to help a fellow offroader out. I think its much better to know what to expect.

Also with RCV axles you can get them long travel as well. If you're starting out and haven't modded the truck and want to stay IFS I would highly consider that route. You'll end up having to install UCAs most likely so its either pay now or later for a lift.