Here's what I got what should I do

[boarderc577]

Learning as I go here truck is fairly new to me and I'm no mechanic or fab guy learning as I go. Anyways I got about 2k to drop in truck here's some pics of it. Was going to put 4:88 gears in and a locker but is that where I should really start hell I don't even know what the lift on it is. I'm your poster child for newbie s . What would you do. I know I need a new seal at my transfer case but that looks easy enough. What else can u suggest and or tell me about this 1st gen 4runner. The only thing know I'm doing is installing a 42 inch led light bar but that's only because I have sitting in the garage. Supposedly it's the 22rre was only has around 20k on it. When I bought it they did have paperwork. Runs good drives OK completely lacks 5th gear though.

 

[boarderc577]

Just noticed this looks like something else leaking

 

[DeclansDaddy]

First thing I'd do is reconfigure that rear lift. Looks like the front may have alot of orange parts which would be a Trail-Master bracket lift. That's what I currently have on my truck and am planning to solid axle swap soon as funds are available. They aren't terrible lifts but have some weak links. But you have stacked lift block on the rear which is not only stupid dangerous I believe it's illegal in some states. Get you some lift springs on that thing ASAP. Trail-gear makes some pretty affordable and reliable ones. Looks like you have about 5" of suspension lift there. The bracket lift is 4 and it looks like someone may of turned your torsion bars some because your a-arms definitely have more angle than mine. As far as the motor leaks there ain't much to that other than to clean them up and periodically check and see where it's seeping from. Be careful because they can be deceiving and will drip somewhere totally different than the actual source. You've come to the right place for help and welcome.

 

[DeclansDaddy]

Also what tires are on it currently. If they are 33's and you don't plan on ever changing them then 4.88's will suffice. If you plan on going bigger than 5.29's will be a better route.

 

[boarderc577]

Yeah 33s is whats on there so should I deal with springs first? If so what is it I need to buy a leaf spring for a 5 inch lift or something like I said I'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff or should I use the 2k to do the gears. That's what it's gonna cost for local shop. Was thinking gears and a locker but maybe not if lift looks dangerous

 

[88Toy]

x2 on the rear blocks.

I ran the Trailmaster lift along with a ARB in the rear, Lockright (the only locker available at the time for the 7.5) in the front with 4.88 R&P's for several years and it served me well despite the limited travel. I think I ran 33's at the time and would recommend this set up for a start. I would follow that up with 4.70 gears in the transfer case.

Oh and, how 'bout a few shots of the Runner?

 

[KidVermicious]

The 33s are why you've got no fifth gear. And your rear springs are shot to hell from the blocks - that may be five inches of blocks, but you sure aren't lifted five inches, at least not in back .

Honestly, that truck has been rednecked. I'd start over if I were you - you can fit 33s with a balljoint spacer and a little trimming and pounding, so I'd pull the blocks and bracket lift, sell 'em for what you can get. Give the rear a Zuk mod to help those busted springs and do what you need to do in front, then use your cash for the regear. That'll buy you time while you decide if you really need lift, and a better way to do it.

I'd rock 5.29 even if you're sticking with the 33s, especially if it's an automatic. I'm a big fan of too much gears. Hold off on the locker, if you're new to wheeling it'll be a crutch anyway. Learn to wheel open/open. Definitely look into a set of 4.7 gears for the tcase, especially if you've got a five speed, that's my favorite mod ever.

Welcome to the board, now let's see the rest of the truck.

 

[broken wrench]

Start with an alignment ! Then your rear springs and oil leaks,then decide on tire size . That will let you pick the right gears. With a bracket lift your front end prts are abused big time, you could be needing to rebuild your front end .

 

[boarderc577]

Yea I put the tires on it as they needed it bad. Got an alignment done. Put together an auxiliary fuse block together when I was bored yesterday. I really just don't know anything about lifts. Guess I'll have to look into it alot more. I think I'll do the gears either way (4:88) Seems like that would make since then figure out the rear end lift. Not sure what I need to take the blocks out and match the front height. Here's a pic of fuse block I put together with things I had laying around will post pics of the rest of truck later today

 

[KidVermicious]

Not sure what I need to take the blocks out and match the front height.

Search "Zuk mod". It's basically a coil spring inserted as a helper between the leaf spring and the frame.

 

[boarderc577]

Here's some pics of it. Fairly clean and almost no rust Not making a show car that's for sure gonna use for hunting and playing mainly

 

[broken wrench]

Well the alignment is good, thats a start. 4.88s and 33s will be a good match. For rear springs you can get procomps or skyjackers. They will be a little stiff without your camper on but better with gear loaded in , but if you use a crawler type spring it will be soft and have body roll. So you have to choose the best setup

 

[boarderc577]

So how do I determine what rear leaf kit I would need so that the stance of my truck still looks the same. Would it be like a inch lift in the rear to match the front? Where do I measure to figure this out. I have looked all over for an answer with no luck.

 

[broken wrench]

that is a 4" trail master lift, so you need at least 4" in pro comp or skyjacker. Then maybe a longer shackle or lower front down, if you go with a TG or Marlin crawler spring then go 5". But be ready for some body roll, once those settle you will be at 4" or so. They will not hold a good stance with a bunch of gear though without a shackle and rotating axle perchs. good luck

 

[boarderc577]

Got to go play yesterday truck did great. Although I need to replace my idler arm now. I think I will do the gears soon. Thinking a Detroit Tru trak in the rear and an arb in the front. Still haven't completely decided.

 

[CAN-03runner]

An ARB in the front is going to just about eat your 2000$ budget.

For Hunting and some little fun.

Skid plates and rock sliders. And alternate solution for rear springs maybe OME with longer shackles or even sky jacker soft ride 4". Trail gear springs requires welding.
Trail gear winch mount or winch bumper and winch or other vendor winch bumper. All stuff you can install yourself with simple tools. Except rock sliders you'll need to get a welder to do it for you.

The winch is a do it yourself install, doesn't need to blow your budget and will unstuck you. The lockers are good but have their limits...some are budget limits.