2nd gen Runner build by BSG Customs

[BSGcustoms]

So a little back story on this truck, I got it from a friends tow yard after it went unclaimed. I got it for a smoking deal, mostly due to the fact that half of the motor was in the back seat of the runner. Someone had started to do a head job on it and gave up part way through, at least that is my best guess. It was a basket case for sure but I have always really wanted a 4runner so I jumped at the chance.

Enough of the boring stuff and on to the plans. The idea behind this build is a pretty looking daily driver that I can wheel on occasion, it will not be a hard core trial rig or an all out show truck but a compromise somewhere in between the two.

Phase one : Balling on a budget-

SAS with 84 axle
Aussie lockers front and rear
5.29 gears front and rear
Chevy springs in the back
all pro up front
Bilstiens all the way around
34" swampers to start
chop off rear to make a 4 door pickup
keep a full function roll down rear window
keep a functional tail gate
make sheet metal bed
redo interior
tint the windows wayyy past legal and then some
wrap the dash
wheels, grille, taillights, etc will all be blacked out
fix all the dents and paint it, black and black
trail armor, sliders front and rear bumper

I'm sure I am leaving something out but that is the basic idea, this build is one of those free time off the clock deals so it will probably be slow but should be a pretty cool truck when all is said and done.

 

[BSGcustoms]

here she is

 

[BSGcustoms]

hurdle one was to get it running again. The head had been redone and there were fresh gaskets, studs, timing belt, etc. Since it was all apart I also replaced a few little tings like the thermostat, tensioner, a few hoses here and there. I also ditched the gigantic air filter box and replaced the battery with a yellow top optima. I got it all put together and took it around the block for a spin, the truck seems solid and all the power options still work which was a big relief. The 3.0 is a bit of a dog but that was no big surprise. Does any one on here have any experience trying to tow with this motor?

 

[BSGcustoms]

There are still a few vacuum lines that need to be sorted out but I will deal with that in a bit. Today I took out all the seats so that my upholstery guy can come pick them up tomorrow. The front seats are pretty bad and will need foam repair but the back seats weren't too bad. I am having the head rests eliminated from the rear sets along with that silly carpet backing they have.

Yanked the carpet out of the rear and tossed it, it was trashed and I won't be needing it anyway. I am on the fence about the rest of the interior, I will probably take it all apart and give it a good cleaning but just run it stock for now. A full interior color change can be a pain so I will just wait until phase two before tackling that.

 

[Downeys4Runner]

Still working on it?