It's coming around...

[illzoni]

I bought my '87 pretty cheap and knew I'd need to put some money and/or effort into it. So far I've:
Replaced a bad O2 sensor and had it tuned a bit;
Had the A/C recharged (happily blowing cold on this 107F day);
Replaced clutch master and slave cylinders (spewed fluid and clutch nearly useless);
Replaced window tint (rear sides made headchecks almost useless);
Replaced the somewhat chunked BFGs with some affordable SUV tires;
Lowered the rear 1-1/2" to put it nicely 3/4" above the front;
Had the front end aligned (front BFGs worn badly; had to wait until rear lowered).

The truck now rides smoothly down the freeway, with no front-end wander. I can see clearly out the windows. Shifts smoothly. While I'm sure I've sacrificed some offroad capability with the SUV tires and lowering the rear end, the truck is much more street friendly.

Still to do:
Get the (aftermarket?) cruise working...sure would be nice on my upcoming drive to Cali (560 miles each way);
Replace the stereo with one that'll take aux input from my XM;
Install the bikini top that arrived today (and build the top hoist in my garage).

Other things to do:
Install a receiver hitch (and maybe a bumper);
Get some 16" wheels (wheels link);
Get some offroad rubber...either BFG KM2s or Cooper STTs probably at 285/75R16 (maybe 305/70R16).

Watcha think?

Jon

 

[ChoochCharlie]

I started my 4x4 life with a '77 FJ40. Then bought a '92 Pathfinder and put aftermarket suspension and gnarly tires on it. But, now older and wiser, I think of my vehicles diffferently. My last 4x was an s10 Blazer. I went to the tire shop, and asked for "quiet, good gas mileage tires". Now, my 4Runner has decent no-name tires from the previous owners choice, yet they are undersized from the stock 31's.
I am satisfied. Not in my heart, but I like my daily driver. And, I do get offroad for my hunting and camping, and I have never been stuck. I respect a well used daily driver rig as much as a rock crawler.

I like your progress, and your plans.