First 4wd 97 4runner sr5

[AZ4Running]

First 4wd 97 4runner sr5 build thread

Hi everyone. New here and thought i would introduce myself and my new to me ride. Im Neal aka Az4Running im a mechanic and long time import sport compact lover and new to 4 wheeling. I also have a 1998 Civic Hx with a Ls Vtec swap and bolt ons ect. My new toy is a 1997 4Runner SR5 4wd 3.4L white with stock running boards totally stock 255xxx miles. Its super clean inside and out, does need a cleaning inside. I got all history on it back to 2007 and it was well maintained. Only had since friday so 2 days now. It runs and drives great. Took it an easy trail today that is close to my house, Butcher Jones if anyone is in Az. Did a good off roading test on it and tested the 4wd. All went well. It does need a new brake master. Pedal goes to floor under heavy braking. Thats was not so fun going down a steep rutted hill! 4 wheeling is pretty dam fun.
My plans as of now is to fix the brakes, need to repace hoses and going to get a new radiator because it still has the oem ones, timing belt kit all are first priority since i will be driving it a few times a week to work and weekend excersions a few times a month. Will be doing all the fuilds as well. After i recover from all that i wiol be replacing all the front end bushing with polyurethane counterparts probably new ball joints at the same time simce i will be in there.
Here is where i need some advise. I also want to level it or lift it a little nothing crazy though. I also need some new tires soon. What is a good budget leveling kit or lift kit and what all needs to be addressed when lifting and what are good budget tires for the stock 16 inch wheel?
I will post up some pics here soon.
Pics posted. Fresh from my first mild off road adventure. Dirts and rock marks on tires. Yeah! Sorry dont know why the pics are upside down.
Did i mention i stole this at only $850.
Updated. Pics on when i first got her and present

 

[hockeyman]

Welcome to the club! First lesson...always keep the rubber side down.....driving and when posting pics. There is a wealth of knowledge here. I am a first time owner myself having purchased my '99 about 10 months ago. I LOVE it! If you have issues, this is the place to look for answers and help. Morons of friendly people with great ideas.

Enjoy the new addiction!

 

[the great him]

aw man, you got the anti gravity package, lucky! those are rare

 

[AZ4Running]

I tried to fix the pics but no luck. Rotating them did nothing.

 

[Tsfc]

850...... It was a stick up!!! Well done on the snipe and enjoy!

 

[AZ4Running]

Thanks. I cant wait to get this thing in better than newish shape and sitting right. Thoughts on a simple cheap lift for mild 4 wheeling? Spacers or tundra front and LC rear?

 

[jstim]

It really all depends on what you define as cheap. There are probably 3x as many variations of lifts as there are members here. (Some may have a mild 4Runner addiction) Toytec is cheap and bolt on, Sonoran steel makes a complete kit too. Just really all depends... There are some really amazing built rigs around here too. Welcome.

 

[pluton]

Check out Cooper Discoverer tires; less $$ than my preferred BFG AT/KOs, but very well reviewed. See tire review in recent issue of Expedition Journal.

 

[AZ4Running]

I want to run a 265/75/16 will these fit ok on a stock suspension? No rubbing issues?

 

[Tsfc]

Thanks. I cant wait to get this thing in better than newish shape and sitting right. Thoughts on a simple cheap lift for mild 4 wheeling? Spacers or tundra front and LC rear?

What's good buddy,

You will get a million responses to this and people yelling at you to use the search function hah if you dedicated a new thread to this query

If your suspension is not super tired, take your time and piece it out if you want to go cheap.

There are always the kits from sonoron and toytec if you decide your time is too valuable and you want the convenience of a kit...just stay away from the spacers and you cannot go wrong if you aren't hardcore off-roader.

 

[cyclops13]

I want to run a 265/75/16 will these fit ok on a stock suspension? No rubbing issues?

I've got a set of Cooper ATP's running on my stock 97 SR5 in this size, no rubbing.

 

[Frey]

I want to run a 265/75/16 will these fit ok on a stock suspension? No rubbing issues?

I have a set of Hankook Dynapro ATMs in this size, too. 2002 T4R SR5 with some sag/settle. Also, no rub issues.

 

[AZ4Running]

Cool thanks. What is the advantage of running the larger tire instead of the stock size?
As for the lift i only want to go about 2 inches want to keep cost under $250 but $300 is doable with more time. I am liking the tundra trd up fron and LC in rear. Will this get me close to the 2 inches? Will i need anything else like brake lines ect for 2 inch lift? I also lime the emu lift springs.

 

[Tsfc]

8 months , no rubbing or issues!

 

[Tsfc]

Cool thanks. What is the advantage of running the larger tire instead of the stock size?

Easiest way to get a little more ground clearance til you have pieced together your lift bud

 

[AZ4Running]

Ok cool thanks. What about info on the lift setups i mentioned?

I guess i need to take back the thread title. The T4R is my second 4wd vehicle. About 3 years ago i picked up a 96 Tacoma TRD Sport single cab 2.7l 5spd with manual front hub locks for $800. The right lower ball joint let go at 65mph on the highway and the owner did not want to fix it. Sadly i had a radiator explode on me at work resulting in 2nd and 3rd degree burns shortly after fixing it and i was out of work for over a month healing. That resulted my need to sell it to pay bills. All things work out in the end because i wanted a 4runner when i had the taco because of the 4 doors. Family and all it would not fit us all on camping and wheeling trips. So in the end i ended up with what i wanted.

 

[AZ4Running]

Might as well make this my main thread on my runner.
Today i planned to get the brake issue looked at while at work. I stead i found the top tank on the radiator cracked and leaking. So i replace it along with the hoses and flushed the coolant. It had OE hoses and radiator still so i knew i would need to replace them soon anyways. 255k and they where OE. While i was in there i pressure washed the engine and got all nice and cleanish. I have a new brake master waiting to go on but i think the boostrr is going I ut as well so looking for a good used one. More to come as i get it done.

 

[poleclimber63]

Welcome!

Might as well make this my main thread on my runner.
Today i planned to get the brake issue looked at while at work. I stead i found the top tank on the radiator cracked and leaking. So i replace it along with the hoses and flushed the coolant. It had OE hoses and radiator still so i knew i would need to replace them soon anyways. 255k and they where OE. While i was in there i pressure washed the engine and got all nice and cleanish. I have a new brake master waiting to go on but i think the boostrr is going I ut as well so looking for a good used one. More to come as i get it done.

There are so many mods and upgrades you can make!

Check out these links, these guys (and lots of others if you search) are the ones I've followed over the last 2.5 yrs:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/68346-i-found-one-2001-sport-ed-trd-scd.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/70298-bandit-runners-build-thread.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/65520-turbo-rock-lobster.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/105400-rescue-runner-build-thread.html

serious:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/74558-downpour11s-build-thread.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/105661-4running-dailys-build-thread.html

wow:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/95322-dirtcos-1999-4runner-build.html

ART:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/67705-blcktpgsrs-97-transformation.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/61636-cobs-4runner-timeline-pic-heavy.html


HOW TO's:

BFAD has a TON of how to's but this one maybe at the top for you if you're off-roading and/or towing:http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ements-231mm-13wl-tundra-calipers-rotors.html

tranny cooler:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...oler-transmission-cooler-install-3rd-gen.html

if you're planning a winch:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...wiring-ugrade-3rd-gen-toyota-4runner-how.html

You'll need this:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...e-information-replacement-thread-3rd-gen.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...faq-tutorials-documentation-reference-v2.html

LIFT INFO:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/48552-about-rear-sag.html

transfer case seals:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...r-case-output-shaft-oil-seals-how-diyers.html

EYE CANDY:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/116034-**rickashays-wheeling-pics-thread**.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/53403-photo-timeline-my-4runner-{lots-pics}.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/17585-3rd-gen-toyota-4runner-picture-gallery.html

I know I've added a ton of info but once you get reading, you'll be hooked! If I had the money and the time, I'd do more with mine! If you want a FSM pm me! Good luck and happy reading!!!

 

[AZ4Running]

Some good reads there.
Replaced the broken cd player with one i had laying around that was almost new. Just an older Pioneer unit but it does the job nicely. Need to fix the broken power antenna now. I did not hook up the acc wire for the power antenna since i plan to delete in aways. I neeed to get some pics up.... ones that are not upside down.

 

[poleclimber63]

Some good reads there.
Replaced the broken cd placed with one i had laying around that was almost new. Just an older Pioneer unit but it does the job nicely. Need to fix the broken power antenna now. I did not hook up the acc wire for the power antenna since i plan to delete in aways. I neeed to get some pics up.... ones that are not upside down.

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones... I still have all original, all works. A ton of guys here have replaced their antennas, mine keeps working. Some have also had trouble with the rear window.
I did an engine replacement this Spring to to a rod failure... It wasn't a hard job and she's running great now. Really, the design of these trucks makes the job like I did, reasonably straight-forward. This isn't a job to be afraid of, if anyone has to do it in the future.

link:http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/167172-my-engine-swap-progress.html