(?) 4runner into a Prerunner

N

nrgwar

New member
I own a 2001 SR5 V6 2X4 Automatic.

How could I set up my 4runner to be a Prerunner & WTF is the difference between the 2 ? Tacoma Prerunner & 4runner 2X4 ? I know they are both 2x4 but what is so great about a Prerunner ?

& Is there away to make my 4runner become a Prerunner ?

What are the upgrades that I would need to do ?
 
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yeah pre-runners have all the parts of the 4x4 versions except for the 4 wheel drive, so upgraded billstein shocks and different wheels to name a few. I wasn't aware toyota made prerunner 4runners though, thought that was just for tacos'.
 
I just got rid of my 05 prerunner and the main difference between the normal taco and the prerunner is the prerunner is basically the 4x4 wihout the 4x4 as has been stated. Stffer suspension, higher ground clearance and bigger wheels. Im sure you could duplicate that in a 4runner by lifting it a little and adding bigger wheels. I believe you could get the prerunner with a rear locker but don't quote me on it.
 
yes if you get the TRD off road package it has a rear e-locker, the TRD sport (hood scoop) has the limited slip differential instead. That's with the current gen Tacomas though, I don't know about 4runners.
 
I guess my main goal with my 4runner is to lift her a bit & add bigger tires , exhaust system , upgraded bumpers & a better sound system.

I would not mind being able to go fast & play in the sand dunes :)

I also want to add a roof rack but keep the 4runner clean lookign while being able to haul things & play in the sand

So I guess that is what I am after

I was just seeing what is so great about the prerunners & how I could make my 4runner become a prerunner & play in the sand or even on a dirt track.
 
I am still exploring my options as of what I can and can not do. I will be making this a daily driver. I have plans for upgraded front bumper not going with a brush guard but looking more into a stinger set up with light monument. I also plan on adding a roof rack been thinking hard about the Gobi one with the ladder on the back of the hath. Also I have plans on removing my fender flares and stock running boards.

I will be getting exhaust work done in about 2 weeks or less & I now have a K&N intake system installed with a cone filter and heat shield I love the sound it makes ;)
 
Just remember one thing though! I have a 2WD Runner and it doesn't have a Posi. rear end or a locker. So if you're stuck in the sand, one wheel will move while the other is stationary. The one thing that stops me from lifting my Runner. It sounds unorthodox, but I want to lower it just a tad, throw some Volk TE37s, and top it off with some boost. Possibly turbo. That's all after rebuilding my transmission, like changing valves and what not.
 
Sounds like a good set of coilovers for the front (check out Toytec's coilovers, Icon, King, Saw 2.0s, and Allprooffroad.com to start) and some nice Bilstein or Old Man Emu shocks and some OME 890 coils for the rear would be what you're looking for.
 
brian2sun said:
Sounds like a good set of coilovers for the front (check out Toytec's coilovers, Icon, King, Saw 2.0s, and Allprooffroad.com to start) and some nice Bilstein or Old Man Emu shocks and some OME 890 coils for the rear would be what you're looking for.
Click to expand...

Also thinking about dual shocks in the front with long arm as well. I am on the hunt for BAJA style fiberglass fenders & maybe event a hood as well so far this is how I feel about my search :smashputer:
 
nrgwar said:
Also thinking about dual shocks in the front with long arm as well. I am on the hunt for BAJA style fiberglass fenders & maybe event a hood as well so far this is how I feel about my search :smashputer:
Click to expand...

If you are considering doing long travel in the front I would also look into converting the rear to leafs. You will have a lot more option and be able to get more wheel travel for less money. If you aren't going to be doing a lot of offroading I would just look into just getting some icon ext travel coilovers with uniball uppers and icon rear reservoir shocks
 
If you want to go fast in the Sand and possible dirt track then the minimum is what PHD said with the ICON coilovers and uniball upper a-arms. Since you are mentioning fiberglass fenders sounds like you want long travel. Camburg, Total Chaos both make kits for the front of our trucks and the fiberglass fenders would be the same as the Tacos 96-03. I agree that you can get more travel for less money by going to leafs in the back instead of reworking the factory 4 link. Here is a thread on another board of a guy building a pre-runner/ race truck.
1997 4runner Race Rig Buildup - TTORA Forum

If you aren't looking to break the bank and go all out Pre-runner then you might want to look at ChildrenOfBodoms truck. He is a 4cyl 2wd but he regeared and locked the back to make it more capable. I think he has taken one of hte best build approaches to his vehicle. Looks super clean and very functional.
 
same thing

nrgwar said:
I guess my main goal with my 4runner is to lift her a bit & add bigger tires , exhaust system , upgraded bumpers & a better sound system.

I would not mind being able to go fast & play in the sand dunes :)

I also want to add a roof rack but keep the 4runner clean lookign while being able to haul things & play in the sand

So I guess that is what I am after

I was just seeing what is so great about the prerunners & how I could make my 4runner become a prerunner & play in the sand or even on a dirt track.
Click to expand...

i feel the exact same way!
i want my4runner to be my DD but still have some of the performance capabilities as a desert pre runner.
like lifted, long travel, suspension, bigger tires, bumper, fiberglass fenders, etc.
just something to go offroading in after work or drive to hills in the desert
 
There are a few 3rd gen 4runners on dezertrangers.com

one problem you'll run into is that nobody makes glass bedsides for our trucks,other than that it should be pretty cut and dry depending on how far you want to go.
 
2WD 4runners are already Prerunners.

2wd tacos (not Prerunners) and Prerunners differ by the suspension (same as 2wd 4runner).

2wd tacos have 5 lug wheels, prerunners use 6 lug wheels (same as 2wd 4runner).

2wd tacos use tapered roller bearings while Prerunners use sealed unit bearings (same as 2wd 4runner)

2wd tacos use a shock absorber while the Prerunner uses a strut (same as 2wd 4runner).

2wd Tacos use a braced J-arm lower control arm while the Prerunner uses the robust A arm lower control arm. (same as 2wd 4runner)
 
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