Hey Folks,
Brand new to the forum. A few years ago I sold a 1993 sr5 4x4 pickup, and I've missed it and regretted the decision every single day. Thing was awesome and came with all the bells and whistles when new. So a few months ago, I bought a new (to me) black 1997 4runner. Took a while to find one in manual, but I got it for an insanely cheap price. Needed new tires and a bit of work, but I love it. I've since replaced the timing belt, w/p and new rear bearings. I used to do basic work on my truck (oil changes, etc), but i've never dug too deep in a 4 wheel vehicle. I've re built a few vintage motorcycles, so I am relatively mechanically inclined. I guess trucks have been a bit more intimidating as they are so large, heavy, and much more complicated (and I need to invest in new tools, lifts, etc).
Anyways, I've been lurking around the forum for a bit. I love these communities and they have been vital in any other mechanical projects I've undertaken. So a huge thanks to everyone for all the info that is already out there, and all the info to come.
My next move is a suspension upgrade. Basically, the truck is used as an adventure-mobile. I don't do any serious rock crawling, but my wife like to get far into the "back of beyond" as it were, for camping and backpacking. So I do enjoy bouncing around and having fun, but as I mentioned, I'm not trying to build a crawler. I've done some research all over the interwebs, and this forum provided some really helpful info here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html
I'm planning on going for an Old Man Emu kit (coils, shocks, struts, etc). From what I read in the link above... I was originally going to order the 881 for the front and the 890 coil for the rear to get a bit more height (as it is listed as a standard/stock weight, and I'm not going to be adding aftermarket bumpers). I went into a local shop/dealer to place the order, and the sales person was convinced that those coils were for heavy duty (adding weight). He told me I'd be bouncing around like a pogo stick and suggested that I go the 880 route (less height).
I know a lot of this comes down to personal preference, and I apologize if this has been covered to death... But I could really use some guidance. Is this guy totally mistaken, and should I stick with my guns??? Or should I take his advice and go for the 880 kit? Any tips, personal experiences, suggestions, questions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks SO much and promise that I'll post pics soon!
Adam
Brand new to the forum. A few years ago I sold a 1993 sr5 4x4 pickup, and I've missed it and regretted the decision every single day. Thing was awesome and came with all the bells and whistles when new. So a few months ago, I bought a new (to me) black 1997 4runner. Took a while to find one in manual, but I got it for an insanely cheap price. Needed new tires and a bit of work, but I love it. I've since replaced the timing belt, w/p and new rear bearings. I used to do basic work on my truck (oil changes, etc), but i've never dug too deep in a 4 wheel vehicle. I've re built a few vintage motorcycles, so I am relatively mechanically inclined. I guess trucks have been a bit more intimidating as they are so large, heavy, and much more complicated (and I need to invest in new tools, lifts, etc).
Anyways, I've been lurking around the forum for a bit. I love these communities and they have been vital in any other mechanical projects I've undertaken. So a huge thanks to everyone for all the info that is already out there, and all the info to come.
My next move is a suspension upgrade. Basically, the truck is used as an adventure-mobile. I don't do any serious rock crawling, but my wife like to get far into the "back of beyond" as it were, for camping and backpacking. So I do enjoy bouncing around and having fun, but as I mentioned, I'm not trying to build a crawler. I've done some research all over the interwebs, and this forum provided some really helpful info here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html
I'm planning on going for an Old Man Emu kit (coils, shocks, struts, etc). From what I read in the link above... I was originally going to order the 881 for the front and the 890 coil for the rear to get a bit more height (as it is listed as a standard/stock weight, and I'm not going to be adding aftermarket bumpers). I went into a local shop/dealer to place the order, and the sales person was convinced that those coils were for heavy duty (adding weight). He told me I'd be bouncing around like a pogo stick and suggested that I go the 880 route (less height).
I know a lot of this comes down to personal preference, and I apologize if this has been covered to death... But I could really use some guidance. Is this guy totally mistaken, and should I stick with my guns??? Or should I take his advice and go for the 880 kit? Any tips, personal experiences, suggestions, questions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks SO much and promise that I'll post pics soon!
Adam
