WU7X
New member
This is my first post of this type here. So let me give you a little background info. Back in 2000, I got fed up with my built up 1990 Range Rover and traded it in for a brand new Taco Xcab 4X4. I spent a couple years adding ARB bumper with Warn 8000i winch, Stout Equip. (anyone else remember them?) rear bumper, OME HD shocks, coils, and springs, rooftop tent, etc. After 10 years of carefree driving I went crazy and sold it to fund a new found dual sport motorcycle fetish. Well, after two years, the bikes are still here but the craving for something with four wheels is back.
So, I just picked up a 1997 4Runner with 195 K miles on the frame. It is an auto tranny, all stock rig with lots of nice options. I think the PO suffered through a dreaded strawberry shake attack because it now has a grade A pulled engine with only 130 K miles, a new tranny, and new radiator. The undercarriage looks like it just came off the showroom floor. The interior needs a little TLC, but everything works perfectly and the front end and entire rig is rattle free. The mechanic who did the new engine install has a great reputation, so I'm thinking I lucked out on the buy.
Plans are to keep this much more stealthy than the Taco ended up. I'm think a medium OME lift, 31" BFG ATs, reinstalling my Columbus rooftop tent, my ARB fridge/freezer on its slider tray in the back, and tie-downs for the Action Packers holding my gear. I may add a dual battery option and two off-road lights to help at night. That's it. I'm well past the rock crawling stage and plan on using this rig for dual tracking on public lands and hitting some trails. Probably 10 K miles of dirt a year.
Any opinions on the planned build? No pics yet; everyone has seen a white 4Runner with the ugly running boards still mounted, right?
So, I just picked up a 1997 4Runner with 195 K miles on the frame. It is an auto tranny, all stock rig with lots of nice options. I think the PO suffered through a dreaded strawberry shake attack because it now has a grade A pulled engine with only 130 K miles, a new tranny, and new radiator. The undercarriage looks like it just came off the showroom floor. The interior needs a little TLC, but everything works perfectly and the front end and entire rig is rattle free. The mechanic who did the new engine install has a great reputation, so I'm thinking I lucked out on the buy.
Plans are to keep this much more stealthy than the Taco ended up. I'm think a medium OME lift, 31" BFG ATs, reinstalling my Columbus rooftop tent, my ARB fridge/freezer on its slider tray in the back, and tie-downs for the Action Packers holding my gear. I may add a dual battery option and two off-road lights to help at night. That's it. I'm well past the rock crawling stage and plan on using this rig for dual tracking on public lands and hitting some trails. Probably 10 K miles of dirt a year.
Any opinions on the planned build? No pics yet; everyone has seen a white 4Runner with the ugly running boards still mounted, right?
