If you were just beginning your build again...

[Road Bull]

Let's say that you were going back in time with all your lessons learned.

Would you keep your build the same?

Would you make changes in components or the order of the things you changed first?

Would you tell yourself to leave something alone?

 

[Chim]

I would have not spent so much and taken more vacations!! On the other hand I am happy with my build and wouldn't really change anything yet

 

[JayRolla]

Would have done coil overs up front.

 

[4-Ripcord]

I had almost that exact opportunity. Basically what changed was that it was bigger, better, cleaner, more thorough, and more documented.

 

[theesotericone]

I wouldn't change anything. Except maybe getting gears before tires but I knew that going into it. I wanted clearance and was willing to sacrifice power in the short time till I get the lockers/gears.

 

[theesotericone]

more documented.

Yeah, good for you guys that like taking pictures and writing about stuff. We need more of you guys. I tried. I did. I just suck at picking up a camera, especially with grease on my hands. Then trying to think of something witty to go along with the photo. Really it's just too much work for a lazy bastard like me. lol

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

I'm not actually doing a "build" per say, but just making an old truck as reliable and safe to drive as feasible. My lesson- I would have waited to find a better rig to start with. Mine ended up costing just about as much as a clean, well maintained 'turn key' 'runner would have cost. My effort/labor has basically become absolutely worth nothing.

 

[snow junky]

Wouldn’t have spent a penny on the ifs and NO body lift. If I could do it all over I could do it for half the price and half the time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jmferg]

Sub'd as someone starting out


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Road Bull]

I know a few of you have had to start over again due to selling you 4runner or an accident took it out of the game. My hat's off to you.

The info that I gained researching builds and maintenance allowed me to apply a lot a best practices that have been proven useful.

I think I would just change the order of my mods. I would have gotten armor much later if I thought I needed it. But I would start with a solid lift and good tires. Then I would add things as needed.

Psychologically I felt like I needed certain things taken care of before I could go out and have a good time. Goofy things like a matching same size spare. And once I got a larger tire, it was just a matter of time before I needed to get it swing out.

All that said, I am happy where everything ended up. And... I am excited to pick up my 4Runner from Toyota where my SCS F5 are being mounted.

 

[TMP]

I would have started with a rig with an elocker. Wouldn’t really change anything else except addressing the seat cushion sooner. Still love my rig but I don’t think I’ll ever spend the $$$$ for an ARB.

 

[rkntoy]

I would start out by not kidding myself that it would stay a mild-build daily driver. Then I could just get going.

 

[octanejunkie]

I would have bought a 4WD 4runner LOL

 

[habanero]

I am incapable of leaving things alone.

A new build if I had to replace this one would probably go in about the same order other than some of the trial and error part. Hopefully that won't have to happen- I'm still in the middle of this mess and it is my daily driver.

If I was to do another build while keeping my daily driver (and had actual money!) I'd get another old beat-up truck and build a playToy. Something the neighbors could shake their heads at. A playToy!

 

[Kotrin]

I would change my build actually a lot.

I would do Icon Stage 5 Suspension, 305/65/17 Copper STT Pro, My rear bumper RIGHT the first time, correct headlight retro(versus the one I had laying around), my LED's underneath actually wire to a switch versus how I have it now, my CB antenna in a new location and some minor interior items. I'm currently slowly working on the under lighting to a switch, CB and more now after its' been installed

I've contemplated the super charger but just can't ever decide if it's really worth it to ME personally. The tires may force me to do a body lift but I believe the American Tire will bring one in to make sure it works for me. My dad and I have played with going to a 2" body lift to fit 35's since I <3 snow so much. Why I wanted the 305/65/17 cause it should be almost identical to the 35's(width wise)

 

[JayRolla]

Actually if I could go back to before purchasing I would have just saved more and got a Jeep Rubicon!!

Danas front and back
Lockers front and back
Disconnecting sway bars
Best approach angles

And all that without any work!! More time with the family wheeling.

Now chew on that. Lol

 

[Mark_BC]

Actually if I could go back to before purchasing I would have just saved more and got a Jeep Rubicon!!

Danas front and back
Lockers front and back
Disconnecting sway bars
Best approach angles

And all that without any work!! More time with the family wheeling.

Now chew on that. Lol

For a rock crawler I would agree. I'm not going to set up my 4runner for hard wheeling, it isn't designed for that with the IFS. It will be an all purpose well balanced adventure mobile.

I'd like to get a 78 series Landcruiser Troop Carrier for build up to more of a hardcore, reliable, off road machine. Problem is North America gets shafted and these kinds of vehicles just aren't available, you have to import them (no Nissan Patrol?? WTF??) We have fully auto, fully electronic Lexus luxury crap to choose from. Look what they did to the Nissan Pathfinder. What a joke.

 

[octanejunkie]

I'd like to get a 78 series Landcruiser Troop Carrier for build up to more of a hardcore, reliable, off road machine. Problem is North America gets shafted and these kinds of vehicles just aren't available, you have to import them (no Nissan Patrol?? WTF??) We have fully auto, fully electronic Lexus luxury crap to choose from. Look what they did to the Nissan Pathfinder. What a joke.

You can get a J70 here, they are just super rare expensive and yes have to be imported if not already here. More common is the FJ45 Troopie, which is also pricey - even rusted out.

All things being equal, an early 70s International Travelall is a nice, big 4WD bus but the 67-69 model years get the style points for body shape in my book.

Here's a nice, 1974

Here's a 67 stretching it's legs

 

[kolelt]

Actually if I could go back to before purchasing I would have just saved more and got a Jeep Rubicon!!

Danas front and back
Lockers front and back
Disconnecting sway bars
Best approach angles

And all that without any work!! More time with the family wheeling.

Now chew on that. Lol

If I could go back. I'd get a clean FZJ80. Solid front and rear. 4 links. Factory front and rear elocker. And probably more roomy then jeep.


I would take more time to use proof my 4runner, before modding. And I wish I went with icon stage 5 from gecko rather then buying 5100. Otherwise I'm happy

 

[ridefast]

I would have ordered eavier springs up front so i could put on an ARB bumper. but then again the bumper is only 80 ish pounds. So im sure it would work just fine with what i got.