Cleve's 97 4Runner

[88Cleve4runner]

I guess I can finally start somewhat of a build Thread. Please ignore the 88 in my handle, that's from my last rig which I sold.



Current:
1997 4Runner
3rz, 5spd, 5.29 gears, 223k
255/85/16 Maxxis Bighorns
Rear: Detroit Locker
4xInnovations DOM sliders, front Budbuilt skid, Gas tank skid, Belly Pan, Fabbed rear bumper

In progress:
Install SAWs
Lower Links
LCA mount skids


Guy had owned it since 1998 and babied / DD'ed it since then. here's the day Crolison and I went and picked it up:

Plan is to build it up basically like the 88 was with the potential for a swap with LC control arms in the future.

Ran across a budbuilt for pretty cheap so I picked it up:

Flipped the rear tow hitch for a little more clearance and less "dragging resistance" until I get a bumper:

Installed the 255/85 Bighorns and will be running them w/ no lift. I beat the pinch welds and the firewall as much as I could and may have to end up trimming a tad... but so far, not bad:

Took a trip to Prentice Cooper and tested out the fitment of the 255/85s:

And these showed up on my door step:

Got the sliders installed. 66" DOM w/ kickout and 4 legs from 4xinnovations. I really like these and Adam got them to me very quickly:

 

[Scat Adams]

Lookin good! Those wheels really look at place on your rig

 

[88Cleve4runner]

Lookin good! Those wheels really look at place on your rig

Thanks man, the stock spares are much cheaper than buying aftermarket steelies.

 

[88Cleve4runner]

You can see in the last photo I posted how the SR5 flares I used to have faded the paint and left quite a few bare spots. I painted the fenders a few days ago and did the lower door last night. I think it turned out decent.

 

[88Cleve4runner]

SAWs



Picked these up fairly cheap and can't decide to go ahead and run them until the need a rebuild or hold off and send them when I have the funds.

 

[darkfader]

i like it! curious what paint you used for your rockers and fenders?

 

[88Cleve4runner]

i like it! curious what paint you used for your rockers and fenders?

Rustoleum flat black bed-liner spray paint. Wasn't too expensive and I wanted something that if It got scratched off was easy to touch up. Taped off my sections, sanded, (no primer... sure a lot of people on here will freak out about that) and sprayed away. took maybe 3-4 coats to cover well and I added 1-2 more just for "insurance". Honestly can't remember how many coats are on there.

 

[88Cleve4runner]

well well well, the parts collection is coming along nicely. Hopefully installing this within the next 2 weeks. SAWs and OMEs will have to wait.

 

[88Cleve4runner]

Picking this up soon

 

[42s on u]

well well well, the parts collection is coming along nicely. Hopefully installing this within the next 2 weeks. SAWs and OMEs will have to wait.

Have you had a locker like this before?

 

[88Cleve4runner]

Have you had a locker like this before?

I had an Aussie in the rear of my 88.

 

[42s on u]

Ok, just checking. I had a Spartan in my 94 toy and I hated it. Wanted to make sure you knew what to expect when you put this in.

 

[white_n_slow]

More details on the rear bumper? Looks like a homemade beefed up version using the stock plastics?

 

[88Cleve4runner]

More details on the rear bumper? Looks like a homemade beefed up version using the stock plastics?

It is homemade. ADH8796 made it a while back and after being sold, wrecked, and bought for part out I'm going to be the next with it. He has a build of it over on YT I believe. I have a few modifications I plan to do (antenna mount, extra reinforcement on hitch, possibly an extra side reinforcement), but nothing major to it.

 

[NateMob]

How has the spartan been treating you? I just installed one in my truck and it wont unlock. I must have missed something in the shitty instructions.

 

[88Cleve4runner]

How has the spartan been treating you? I just installed one in my truck and it wont unlock. I must have missed something in the shitty instructions.

Mine for sure locks up more than my Aussie did, and also bangs and pops a heck of a lot more. It's not as "fluid" as my aussie was. The Aussie would unlock very softly and ratchet when needed. This Spartan binds up and won't unlock and then all of a sudden.....BANG. It is kind of irritating... but I paid $250 to my door, did my own install, and it locks up on the trail rig so I'm not complaining too too much. But over-all... I liked my Aussie much better than the Spartan. But my at least does unlock though haha. I just followed the instructions that came with it, seemed super simple to me.

 

[88Cleve4runner]

Bumper mounted after the few "tweaks" and cutting and welding I did to it.

Working on the belly pan today after work and should be done with it. I'll try to snap a few "under-skirt" shots for you guys at some point of the belly and gas tank skids.

 

[5vzT4R]

Looks good! I love the stock steelies for some reason. Fits your rig nicely. Thinking of putting them on mine also..

 

[white_n_slow]

Try running thicker gear oil to help out with your lunchbox locker. I ran heavier oil in the diff with an aussie ('84 hilux) and a lockright ('85 FJ60), and it was noticeably quieter... I don't think it changed the performance at all, but being quieter can't hurt.

 

[88Cleve4runner]

Try running thicker gear oil to help out with your lunchbox locker. I ran heavier oil in the diff with an aussie ('84 hilux) and a lockright ('85 FJ60), and it was noticeably quieter... I don't think it changed the performance at all, but being quieter can't hurt.

I'll keep that in mine when I get rid of the break in oil. Thanks.

Skids are done

SETO 9 Pics