2nd gen 93 4runner

[braxton 14]

Hey guys my names Braxton ( sophomore in high school) just brought a 1993 4runner 3.0 v6. I'am not sure what exactly I should do to it to take it off road not to interested in crawling as much as running ! if any one has ideas for me i would appreciate it. 3.0 /v6/ 2wd/ sr5 thanks

 

[4runnin83]

Congrats on the new truck, you're going to be limited since you have the 2wd model. Don't try to keep up with your buddys jeeps and Z71s, you'll destroy your truck. A mild lift and better tires would be best. But of course don't do any of that until you get that engine running as good as you can.

 

[92-SR5]

Good choice of vehicle! Just watch for the normal head gasket stuff associated with the 3.0.
You should post some pics up!

 

[Footofgod]

What part of the country do you live in? A good set of tires is your best friend when it comes to offroading. The BFG all terrain is a great all purpose tire. Even though I have 4x4, I do most of my offroading in 2WD. Having an automatic locker (Detroit or Yukon Grizzly) gives me some great performance offroad without 4x4, but if most of your driving is street, you may not want that. You may want to consider a front bull bar with a winch. Not having 4x4 may lead you to get stuck more than you like and some good recovery gear will go a long way.

MOST IMPORTANTLY-Make sure your runner is in top working order. It sucks to get out in the middle of no where and have your engine die for some stupid reason or another. Make sure your suspension and breaks are fully functional as well.

 

[Hyde802]

Locker and a winch.

And never go alone.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Jonny]

Locker and a winch.

And never go alone.

Welcome to the forum!

this!
suspension/traction/momentum will get you places :banana:
then a winch and straps will get you out of the bigger problems.
locker, aggressive tires + airing down will get $h!t done lol
Have fun with it!

 

[92-SR5]

The biggest weakness I see with having a 2wd model is not having low range.

 

[braxton 14]

hey thanks guys for the feed back! super stoked about my runner! ordered all new timing at O'rilley yesterday and new spark plugs! lots of good info hopefully after the holidays I can start with the bfgs and recovery equip ment ! if you guys see any deals I would appreciate it if you sent them my way ! any suggestions on a lift ? ( I have quite a few friends with 3rd gens and a few with jeep I plan on going out with )

 

[braxton 14]

@foototgod I live in the high desert of California barstow apple valley area

 

[Footofgod]

Before you go ape sh&t on a 2wd runner, you might consider trading it for a 4wd. If you want to keep up with Jeeps and 4x4 Toyotas, a 4x4 might be a better platform. Not to say a 2wd with a locker can't go places, but........

 

[Jonny]

@foototgod I live in the high desert of California barstow apple valley area

Socal eh?
Im way down the highway from you in redlands.
PLENTY of 4X parts for your swap at the san bernardino pick a part...
Save your pennies!

 

[snow junky]

tune up..... then sas

 

[snow junky]

auto or 5speed?

 

[braxton 14]

@foottogod I would like a 4x4 ! But the 4 runner I have right now I worked really hard for to get and at the moment thats like my baby so right now and to get me threw high school I think im just going to keep it and do what I can to make it better and learn from it.

@jonny redlands isn't far , a trip to the pick apart could be us full.

@snow junky ( auto )

 

[Footofgod]

@foottogod I would like a 4x4 ! But the 4 runner I have right now I worked really hard for to get and at the moment thats like my baby so right now and to get me threw high school I think im just going to keep it and do what I can to make it better and learn from it.

Completely understood. Then I will say again, start with a good set of tires. The BFG All Terrain is a great on/off road tire that can really take you places without breaking the bank. Start a build thread too. Build threads really help other noobs like yourself (and me a while back) get ideas and learn.

It is possible to convert a 2wd to 4wd, so maybe WAY down your build you can do that.

 

[KidVermicious]

If you're planning on dune bashing and rallying desert roads instead of more traditional slow-speed wheeling, 2wd will be ok. Get some good tires and go get dirty.

As you get to be a better driver you're going to want to invest in long-travel suspension, better shocks, and maybe a locker or limited slip. There's a couple guys on the board who have sweet desert rigs you could get some pointers from. But you don't need any of that right now, your truck is not your weak link. In addition, I'm guessing if you rally it frequently it won't last you past your senior year anyway. Wait and mod your second truck, after you've learned a little about how not to crash it. :

 

[braxton 14]

Thanks man appreciate it ! ill probably start some time after xmas went to the local pick apart to see if I could find any thing useful and they wouldn't let me in even with my father their so my weekend went no were with the 4 runner !