98 SR5 - The "Dirt Duster" build

Well my "summer" is over and I'm back in University for my last year. (finally, my 6th year in University...) This means that I hopefully will have some more time to wheel and wrench on the truck before winter hits.

I have been spending a lot of time on the net lately, planning where I want to go with this truck. I have really been pondering what my expectations are for the vehicle and what I plan on doing with it. I figure I am at a point in it's build now where I either just stop modding it, and wheel it until I graduate. At which point I sell the 4Runner and buy another Toyota. (probably something newer like a 100 series LC or a FJ or Tacoma) OR do I plan to keep it and continue it's progress towards my desired end state for the truck?

The side of me that is thinking about the money says to keep it. A truck that is fully paid for is better than one that isn't. So, progress will continue! Not to mention that I have always loved the looks of the 3rd gen. and so far it truly has been a solid platform that has taken me to many unreal places.

My ultimate goals for the Duster:
- reliability: I plan on using the rig for extended length offroad trips that will require thousands of kilometers of on highway driving to reach and return from. (AKA - Moab, Colorado, New Mexico)
- Dual purpose Expo/Crawler: I dont want the most hardcore rig out there but I do enjoy the technical stuff and like pushing the limits of my vehicle and myself. Keep it low and stable. Maintain the ability to drive it everyday if needed in relative comfort.
- keep it rust free: lol in Canada, this is hard. I need to buy a DD and stuff the 4Runner in the garage for the winters!

Therefore, my long term (next 2 years) mod wish list in order of importance:
1) new suspension to accompany bigger tires in future. Bilstein shocks on all corners and Tundra TRD coils in the mail. LC 8 Wraps in my garage!!
2) Tundra brakes, new rotors, pads, stainless brake lines (awaiting installation)
3) undercoat the truck (Toyota)
4) Alarm/Starter - probably Compustar 2 way of some sort...
5) More Armour - Budbuilts and Front and Rear bumpers
6) Winch
7) Snorkel
8) F150 gas tank in place of current spare
9) 35's
10) 4.88 gears and front/rear ARB locker
11) bodywork to go with the 35's. No BL here, I will be cutting the wheel wells larger when this day comes.... I have seen 35's on 1st gen Tacoma's with 2" of lift so I know it can be done with 2.5/3.5" of lift!!
12) Maybe a 5 speed swap?!!?
13) Marlin/Inchworm crawlbox - LLLOOONNNGGG term

And there will be a lot more maintenance along the way...... Let's hope I can stick to the plan.

I'll post some photos of the truck with the new brakes and lift when it gets installed.
 
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Were'd you end up finding the Tundra Coils from? I like your list and it doesn't just jump to the big stuff, but rather builds up to it. You will like the Tundras, I can tell a huge difference from stock and with Bilsteins they will be that much better.
 
SCRunner12 said:
Were'd you end up finding the Tundra Coils from? I like your list and it doesn't just jump to the big stuff, but rather builds up to it. You will like the Tundras, I can tell a huge difference from stock and with Bilsteins they will be that much better.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I was actually just on your lift thread. Looks great! Cant wait to see it with the other tires.

I bit the bullet and bought everything new. Tundra bilsteins (front and rear) from downsouth motorsports, coil isolators from Wheelers, TRD coils from toyotapartsales.com, and some new-to-me top plates off of a member here. Im VERY excited to see, or more like "feel" the results. I think the OME stuff is a little too jaring for me. The OEM setup is supposed to be the way to go!

Yah I really am trying to plan this build out and not jump all over the place, I know what I want to be able to do with the truck in the end!
 
rickashay said:
We need to figure out how to get Scotty's 4Runner across the border!
Click to expand...

I believe we do... but it states right on the RIV thing that any vehicle modified beyond original manufacturers parts is not eligible.

I think the Addicted 4Runner has been modified - slightly.
 
City_Rider said:
I believe we do... but it states right on the RIV thing that any vehicle modified beyond original manufacturers parts is not eligible.

I think the Addicted 4Runner has been modified - slightly.
Click to expand...

Really?!? You should post me a link to that quote. I have been doing some looking and found that "some vehicles that have been modified may not be eligible." Thats a BIG variation...
 
rickashay said:
Really?!? You should post me a link to that quote. I have been doing some looking and found that "some vehicles that have been modified may not be eligible." Thats a BIG variation...
Click to expand...

Just phone them - go through the prompts and it specifically states what I said above. Bummer.

Phone Number: 1-888-848-8240
Prompts: 1 - 2 - 2

'Vehicles that have been modified from their original state for reasons other than regular maintenance are not eligible for importation to Canada.'
 
Well if you got it from the horses mouth, then that's the answer. Total bummer. Are you looking to import a rust-free stock 3rd gen out of the states??
 
rickashay-
Im new to the forum, actually joined because of your runner and the mods youve done. Is there any chance you can post or pm me the detals and instructions behind the LED mod on your tailgate? i really want to do that to mine and would love some help. As well as where i can order the same LEDs you have in your runner. They look incredible!
 
rickashay said:
Well if you got it from the horses mouth, then that's the answer. Total bummer. Are you looking to import a rust-free stock 3rd gen out of the states??
Click to expand...

It's looking like - and I know you've had good luck doing just that.

One with some factory / OEM mods would be nice too - perhaps a supercharger already installed? I am picky about colour though (which you know) and so finding the 'right' one could be tricky.

And on a side note, having fantastic luck with vehicles - just plowed a deer last night in the Tundra. Bugger. Now driving a GMC Sierra till I get it fixed - straight through the center grill and into the rad. Awesome...

/End Thread Jack
 
rickashay said:
Therefore, my long term (next 2 years) mod wish list in order of importance:
1) new suspension to accompany bigger tires in future. Bilstein shocks on all corners and Tundra TRD coils in the mail. LC 8 Wraps in my garage!!
2) Tundra brakes, new rotors, pads, stainless brake lines (awaiting installation)
3) undercoat the truck (Toyota)
4) Alarm/Starter - probably Compustar 2 way of some sort...
5) More Armour - Budbuilts and Front and Rear bumpers
6) Winch
7) Snorkel
8) F150 gas tank in place of current spare
9) 35's
10) 4.88 gears and front/rear ARB locker
11) bodywork to go with the 35's. No BL here, I will be cutting the wheel wells larger when this day comes.... I have seen 35's on 1st gen Tacoma's with 2" of lift so I know it can be done with 2.5/3.5" of lift!!
12) Maybe a 5 speed swap?!!?
13) Marlin/Inchworm crawlbox - LLLOOONNNGGG term
Click to expand...

That's a heck of a list...I'll look forward to seeing it all in your thread someday soon. Nice job on the cargo storage / sleeping platform too!
 
sleepswithagun said:
rickashay-
Im new to the forum, actually joined because of your runner and the mods youve done. Is there any chance you can post or pm me the detals and instructions behind the LED mod on your tailgate? i really want to do that to mine and would love some help. As well as where i can order the same LEDs you have in your runner. They look incredible!
Click to expand...

Wow, thanks! Thats a big compliment!

As per the specifics on the tailgate LED mod: well I kinda "winged it". haha I bought the LED's here: 12V Tiny SMD LED Modules : Super Bright Surface Mount SMT LEDs

I did not wire in a relay, due to the low draw from the tiny LED modules. I just ran power directly from my fuse block the switch mounted in the rear. The LED's did not stick on their own and needed some convincing from Gorilla Glue to stay put. Other than that..... just plan carefully where you want them located on the hatch. I now wish they were higher as when I clode the tailgate, my sleeping platform blocks them from sight. Now, they only really work when the gate is open. (Where I get the most use of them anyways....)


BigFishAllDay said:
That's a heck of a list...I'll look forward to seeing it all in your thread someday soon. Nice job on the cargo storage / sleeping platform too!
Click to expand...

Thanks Big Fish! I get too many ideas from your build!!! Damn mod bug.
 
Thanks for the info, im gonna try and tackle all that soon.

Gotta start a build thread and go from there. lol. Do you have pictures and some info on your rear window screen? i love the idea and do alot outdoors! have you thought about doing it to the other windows too?

btw your latest pictures are puuurdy!
 
^ Thanks man!

I am actually just packing my rig up for the weekend to do some wheeling/camping. I will try and grab some close-up shots of the screen and my hatch LED's while I have my camera out and post it on here when I get home on Sunday or Monday.
 
man your rig looks great! crossing that rut seems was close but turned out awesome. I only have 31s so I wonder if I would have made it.
 
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