98 SR5 - The "Dirt Duster" build

[Fishwerks]

Well BFAD and all the dudes above gave you all the info you need it looks like!

That price is hard to pass up for the blower, I would say go for it. From what I know the 2nd gen units are pretty reliable, and replacing the nose cone would be good insurance on it. Plus that TW write-up shows you how to check the rear bearings which is nice (I bookmarked that one!). I think even if you have to get this one rebuilt it will come out cheaper than a lot of the clean ones that come up for sale.

I don't have any hard evidence for or against going forced induction at high mileage, but I still say go for it.

One other thing I would go ahead and buy is the gasket that the install PDF talks about in step 24 (page 7). When I put my S/C on I could have used a new probably, but I didn't have one on hand.

Hopefully this works out for you! That would be a great deal on one of the best upgrades for these trucks.

 

[Shibby!]

If you don't buy it, let me know the details... =)

Really shouldn't, but you know how it goes...

 

[rickashay]

Well I ended up passing on the S/C. Kind of kicking myself but I knew the project would still set me back a couple grand or more after it was all said and done, and I just wasnt ready to do that.

Thanks to everyone for the info though, especially BFAD, as I am definitely now more school on an S/C and have some excellent information regarding it in my thread.

I havent been around much lately. Been pretty busy. Just got a new job offer on Friday and my life is about to flip upside down. I am not sure how much time I will be spending on the trails this year - work might change my plans a little, but it will be a good thing in the long run. Good news though, I need to buy a truck for work, and the company pays me a monthly vehicle allowance. I'm on the hunt for mainly a first gen Tundra with low miles but have also recently looked at a 08 RCSB 2nd gen Tundra with the 5.7 and that thing is pretty cool. Should have a truck in my hands within the next couple weeks.

On a 4Runner related note - The Duster is either going to see some serious garage time, or I'm pondering listing it FOR SALE. I can already hear everyone's shouts of dismay.... haha I should know within the next couple weeks if I'm keeping the Runner or not. I've been talking about getting an LC for a long time and one of my good friends who I wheel with, approached me with an offer for his no accident, Arizona original (rust free), low mile, LX450. It's mildly built and has copious amounts of OEM maintenance completed - although it would still see a TON of changes to suit my style/needs. He even told me he would park the LX in his garage until my 4Runner sells, if I'm willing to make a deal. I've got much to ponder. I really LOVE the Duster but I've always craved a little more space being such a big dude.

the LX:

20110626-IMG_9499 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120520-IMG_1652 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Please don't ban me for talking of this sacrilege on this forum! haha

 

[farmerjon]

Dude, no! haha. I would hate to hear of you selling the Dirt Duster, but sometimes we gotta do what we gotta do. In the end, it is our own personal choice, and I think a lot of us need to learn how to respect it when someone chooses to move on or change things up a bit... I personally can't imagine selling my 3rd gen, but there may be a time that I'll have to do that.

At least you're staying in the Toyota family! I would hope, that even if you switch to an LC, that you'll hang around here and put up a build thread for the LX! Plus, I need you to keep updating your wheeling pics thread! haha!

What job did you get? That's pretty awesome that you get a vehicle allowance!

 

[Hepar]

Please don't ban me for talking of this sacrilege on this forum! haha

Would hate to see such a great Runner go, but that LC is sweet too. However the only way I'd allow it is if you trade me the LC wheels.

 

[farmerjon]

Would hate to see such a great Runner go, but that LC is sweet too. However the only way I'd allow it is if you trade me the LC wheels.

If we're gonna start stripping his rig already, then I want that rack! :thumb:

haha, kidding. Good luck in the decision!

 

[Hepar]

If we're gonna start stripping his rig already, then I want that rack! :thumb:

Hey hey hey now. I was talking about the potential new LC with the LC wheels. I would never want to strip his Runner. It's a beaut.


That is a nice rack though...

 

[farmerjon]

It is, I would hate to strip it myself, I think the rack completes the look of his truck, for me, it is very hard to imagine his 4R without it. I realized what you were saying about the LC wheels on the FUTURE rig, after I replied, [MENTION=56396]Hepar[/MENTION].

Someday, I'm gonna have a WMW rack...

 

[rickashay]

Yah, It's weird cause my 4Runner is pretty much exactly how I want it right now. Maybe it's just vehicle flipping spirit inside of me getting the best of me. I have never owned a vehicle as long as I have owned my 4Runner @ 3 years. haha seems like not a very long time but it is for me!

Like I said it's not final yet but I need to decide pretty quick or the LC goes on the market to the masses. It will get snatched up quick given it's completely rust free body/undercarriage and ~120K miles on the clock, especially considering it's already in Canada - no need for importation.

[MENTION=56396]Hepar[/MENTION], if the LC deal goes through we'll chat about the wheels. They were re-finished and powdercoated the silver color you see in the pics. It's a set of 5. I have a feeling IF I got the LX, some SCS wheels would find a new home in the wheel wells. hahaha

[MENTION=81047]farmerjon[/MENTION], the WMW rack is seriously awesome. I have a non-stop flow of compliments going out to it. The rack and my headlights definitely get the most attention when I chat with people. I am going to be a MWD (Measurement While Drilling) Tech. I will be working on the oil rigs with the directional drillers and engineers. Pretty excited, and the pay is pretty decent too. (My girlfriend is already cringing at the "mods to come....") It's either the LX or 35's on the 4Runner....

PS - love your sig Jonathan!

 

[98LtdT4R]

Honestly, I would not blame you one bit for making the change to the LX. Our 4Runners are awesome vehicles, and yours is undoubtedly one of the best built on this site, but the LX/LC is a logical step up in my opinion...especially if you crave more space and more capability (SA vs IFS). We won't hate you so long as you post your build thread on here for the LX as well!!! After all its still in the Toyota 4x4 family! Good luck on your decision!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Its infectious isnt it? The prospect of selling.. I have had the same thoughts recently.:hiding:

I, for one, support the move. I love the duster dont get me wrong, but those LX/LC's are just tempting as all hell. I can see having a dedicated weekend truck like that and then a more economical daily driver as a much better option than the all in one 4runner.

 

[4Running Daily]

Its infectious isnt it? The prospect of selling.. I have had the same thoughts recently.:hiding:

I, for one, support the move. I love the duster dont get me wrong, but those LX/LC's are just tempting as all hell. I can see having a dedicated weekend truck like that and then a more economical daily driver as a much better option than the all in one 4runner.

I second this. Make the move to the LX if you feel it will better suit your needs.

Ripcord, don't sell it. Don't do it. I will drive to NM and slap you across the face.

 

[SCRunner12]

Honestly I'd sell it if you really want a LC/LX. I find the 4runner a little too small for any kind of road trip or having more than 4 people. The LX will be nice for all your stuff and your dog, plus they are pretty badass and the front and rear lockers would be nice. Plus we would get to see what you come up with for the new build.

I've thought about selling mine, but it would only be for a DC 1st gen Tundra or DC 2nd gen Taco and both of those are out of my price range. I can only imagine your gf will kill you if you get 2 new vehicles and a pay increase.

 

[farmerjon]

I second this. Make the move to the LX if you feel it will better suit your needs.

Ripcord, don't sell it. Don't do it. I will drive to NM and slap you across the face.

Sooo... why would you slap Ripcord, but not rickashay? haha

As for the elephant in the room, don't the LCs have a LOT worse gas mileage, like 10-12 MPGs? That's one reason I wouldn't get one, at least as a DD, since my 4Runner can get almost 20, if not over....

 

[4Running Daily]

Sooo... why would you slap Ripcord, but not rickashay? haha

As for the elephant in the room, don't the LCs have a LOT worse gas mileage, like 10-12 MPGs? That's one reason I wouldn't get one, at least as a DD, since my 4Runner can get almost 20, if not over....

Because I'm making Ripcord wheel with me in Moab next year. Chances of me ever wheeling with Rickashay are slim.

 

[NateMob]

Because I'm making Ripcord wheel with me in Moab next year. Chances of me ever wheeling with Rickashay are slim.

Count me in for this get together!


I like the smaller size of my 4runner, perfect for my wife and I. No kids and no pets, the only people ever in the back of mine are us!

 

[rickashay]

Honestly, I would not blame you one bit for making the change to the LX. Our 4Runners are awesome vehicles, and yours is undoubtedly one of the best built on this site, but the LX/LC is a logical step up in my opinion...especially if you crave more space and more capability (SA vs IFS). We won't hate you so long as you post your build thread on here for the LX as well!!! After all its still in the Toyota 4x4 family! Good luck on your decision!

Thanks for the kind words! Don't worry, you guys would not be seeing the last of me if the 4Runner goes.

Its infectious isnt it? The prospect of selling.. I have had the same thoughts recently.:hiding:

I, for one, support the move. I love the duster dont get me wrong, but those LX/LC's are just tempting as all hell. I can see having a dedicated weekend truck like that and then a more economical daily driver as a much better option than the all in one 4runner.

You nailed it Jim. I dont care about fuel mileage or the "Capable DD" factor because now my position has changed and it will be a garage/weekend warrior. I bet I put less than 10,000kms (er... 6000 miles to you guys) a year on it once I get my work vehicle.

I second this. Make the move to the LX if you feel it will better suit your needs.

Ripcord, don't sell it. Don't do it. I will drive to NM and slap you across the face.

lol that would suck.

Honestly I'd sell it if you really want a LC/LX. I find the 4runner a little too small for any kind of road trip or having more than 4 people. The LX will be nice for all your stuff and your dog, plus they are pretty badass and the front and rear lockers would be nice. Plus we would get to see what you come up with for the new build.

I've thought about selling mine, but it would only be for a DC 1st gen Tundra or DC 2nd gen Taco and both of those are out of my price range. I can only imagine your gf will kill you if you get 2 new vehicles and a pay increase.

Yah I've already got 1000000 ideas floating around my head to update the LX and make it more "modern" looking like my 4Runner. 37's would be cool too... hahah It doesnt have e-lockers unfortunately, but the current owner put an Aussie in the rear last summer. It would hold me off until the F/R air lockers could be swapped in.

DC Tundras and Taco's are awesome. I feel you there for sure. The 4Runner is tight with more than two people as far as my standards are concerned. Well 2 people and a dog, at least...

haha the gf is already sick of hearing all my recent vehicle talk. She thinks I'm crazy I think. Maybe I am? lol

Sooo... why would you slap Ripcord, but not rickashay? haha

As for the elephant in the room, don't the LCs have a LOT worse gas mileage, like 10-12 MPGs? That's one reason I wouldn't get one, at least as a DD, since my 4Runner can get almost 20, if not over....

Agreed but as I said above, it won't really be an issue. I'll just bite the gas bullet on the rare occasions that it would get used.

Because I'm making Ripcord wheel with me in Moab next year. Chances of me ever wheeling with Rickashay are slim.

Hey don't say that, I'm planning on heading south a few times over the next few years!

Count me in for this get together!


I like the smaller size of my 4runner, perfect for my wife and I. No kids and no pets, the only people ever in the back of mine are us!

It's a great vehicle for your circumstances.

 

[farmerjon]

Yah, It's weird cause my 4Runner is pretty much exactly how I want it right now. Maybe it's just vehicle flipping spirit inside of me getting the best of me. I have never owned a vehicle as long as I have owned my 4Runner @ 3 years. haha seems like not a very long time but it is for me!

Like I said it's not final yet but I need to decide pretty quick or the LC goes on the market to the masses. It will get snatched up quick given it's completely rust free body/undercarriage and ~120K miles on the clock, especially considering it's already in Canada - no need for importation.

[MENTION=56396]Hepar[/MENTION], if the LC deal goes through we'll chat about the wheels. They were re-finished and powdercoated the silver color you see in the pics. It's a set of 5. I have a feeling IF I got the LX, some SCS wheels would find a new home in the wheel wells. hahaha

[MENTION=81047]farmerjon[/MENTION], the WMW rack is seriously awesome. I have a non-stop flow of compliments going out to it. The rack and my headlights definitely get the most attention when I chat with people. I am going to be a MWD (Measurement While Drilling) Tech. I will be working on the oil rigs with the directional drillers and engineers. Pretty excited, and the pay is pretty decent too. (My girlfriend is already cringing at the "mods to come....") It's either the LX or 35's on the 4Runner....

PS - love your sig Jonathan!

I think it will be a long time before my 4R is how I want it, though that is a restriction of not only money, but for my current purposes - like I don't want a heavy winch right now, as it is my DD, and I don't need a winch on a college campus haha.

120K is almost nothing it seems! That seems like a steal of a rig - like I said, if you choose to go that way, we'll respect it, so long as you stay around! As for the WMW rack, it is my ultimate rack, and the one I'll get, should I ever spring for one. Have you noticed a drop in MPGs at all, that is one of my biggest concerns regarding any rack, though this one is ultra low profile...

That sounds like a cool job, are you gonna have the views like the job you had where you rode heli's into remote places? Glad the pay is decent, more $ never hurts haha.

Thanks for the compliment on the sig, I rather like it!

 

[TCMach]

Well. I agree with what alot of the others said. Theres no way I would go to an LC from my 4R. Its just too big for me. I look at them and I see body damage and pinstriping. That being said I wouldn't blame you at all if you swapped to one. I see the appeal of it already being SA, much more room for a engine swap, possibility of huge tires, and much larger for people and gear.

Either way you go I look forward to seeing the continuation of this build or the beginning of what I know would be a badass LC!

 

[Dous]

Can't blame you for wanting to sell for such sweet LX. I have been thinking about getting an LC/LX for the past month too....it's a hard choice to make