rideexileex
Senior Member
^ I meant, "I wouldn't want to spend it all - I would want some in the bank"
5000$ into my 1997 4runner. Suggestions?
- Thread starter dudeyys
- Start date
^ I meant, "I wouldn't want to spend it all - I would want some in the bank"
rideexileex
Senior Member
There's gotta be quite a few write up's on here, but all you need is a can of MAF cleaner (just spray the MAF - dont scrub) and Carb/Throttle body cleaner+toothbrush (Oreilly's/Autozone/Walmart). Shouldn't take long to do.
I'd keep it fairly stock. As per previous comments
* do the LBJs.
* The next 'mod' on my list would be Tundra brake upgrade (done it - the difference is amazing).
* If you're not into serious wheeling - 99' tall coils + bilstein hd shocks (depending on condition of your current ones).
* maintenance (that just can just do yourself following the awesome write-ups) - check/replace rear brake shoes, replace differential/t-case fluids, spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter
Drive it, enjoy it, keep the rest of the $.
* do the LBJs.
* The next 'mod' on my list would be Tundra brake upgrade (done it - the difference is amazing).
* If you're not into serious wheeling - 99' tall coils + bilstein hd shocks (depending on condition of your current ones).
* maintenance (that just can just do yourself following the awesome write-ups) - check/replace rear brake shoes, replace differential/t-case fluids, spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter
Drive it, enjoy it, keep the rest of the $.
blueblur1984
New member
My 2 cents is probably less fun than some of the other guys here, but I would start off by making sure the 4runner is in tip top shape. Is the drive train in good shape? Any major services due? Any rust spots or potential rust spots? Lower ball joints? Bushings? You'll be happier in the long run (and will get a better selling price) if you handle these things first. Hopefully you're in a position where none of these are an issue.
Next, from the financial planning standpoint, do you have $5k total, or $5k in addition to 6 months of living expenses? These days more than ever it's important to have a safety net.
Assuming the previous two criteria are met have some fun! I'd do a lift, some fresh tires, and then go for bolt ons you can transfer to the next 4x4 when you're ready. Here's what I'd recommend:
-CB radio with antenna. Easy install, makes those back woods trips safer if you get stuck, and can be moved to the next truck (I yanked mine from my old truck)
-A good set of fog lamps. Personally I'm gunning for a set of piaa's...$170 but they are supposed to work well and last a long time.
-If you are going to do a lot of wheeling (or hunting for that matter) a winch is great. Granted, this is a big commitment because they're expensive and you would need a new bumper to accomodate it, but it's transferrable. Mine's gotten me out of a tight spot or two.
-Driving lamps are awesome if you get stuck at night. I don't ever plan on being on the trail after dark but it seems to happen from time to time. A set of ARB's or KC with relay and switch will set you back about $150. Plus...it has that sweet sweet redneck look to it.
-If you don't have one already, a high lift jack is handy on and off the trail.
-What shape is your interior in? Neoprene seat covers and good floor mats will keep them looking good (or in my case, hide it if it's not).
-If you're into camping a roof top tent is pretty sweet.
No matter where that money goes I hope you have a blast and the t4r keeps you on the road for years to come.
Next, from the financial planning standpoint, do you have $5k total, or $5k in addition to 6 months of living expenses? These days more than ever it's important to have a safety net.
Assuming the previous two criteria are met have some fun! I'd do a lift, some fresh tires, and then go for bolt ons you can transfer to the next 4x4 when you're ready. Here's what I'd recommend:
-CB radio with antenna. Easy install, makes those back woods trips safer if you get stuck, and can be moved to the next truck (I yanked mine from my old truck)
-A good set of fog lamps. Personally I'm gunning for a set of piaa's...$170 but they are supposed to work well and last a long time.
-If you are going to do a lot of wheeling (or hunting for that matter) a winch is great. Granted, this is a big commitment because they're expensive and you would need a new bumper to accomodate it, but it's transferrable. Mine's gotten me out of a tight spot or two.
-Driving lamps are awesome if you get stuck at night. I don't ever plan on being on the trail after dark but it seems to happen from time to time. A set of ARB's or KC with relay and switch will set you back about $150. Plus...it has that sweet sweet redneck look to it.
-If you don't have one already, a high lift jack is handy on and off the trail.
-What shape is your interior in? Neoprene seat covers and good floor mats will keep them looking good (or in my case, hide it if it's not).
-If you're into camping a roof top tent is pretty sweet.
No matter where that money goes I hope you have a blast and the t4r keeps you on the road for years to come.
sn0wrunner
New member
$5K into a 3rd gen is going to make a way more capable offroad vehicle than $5K into a 5th gen. Please don't take offense to that comment. I'm not saying I don't like the 5th gens, theeeeeeeeir great! I'm sure they are much more comfortable to drive on the road than the 3rd gens.
To the OP I would do the maintenance that people are talking about LBJ, etc. Then lift it, put some 33's on it and supercharge it. Done. Learn the vehicle, how it wheels, it's capability, etc. Then you can decide for yourself if you even need a locker. With all the wheeling I've done I've never had to turn around because I didn't have a locker.
I waited a long time before throwing the S/C on my '96 and I would have done it way sooner had I known what a HUGE difference it makes.
