John's 99 4runner rebuild/build

[FrankM23]

i think my favorite part of this build is the land cruiser tranny. you can gear that transfer case even lower without having to worry about adding another transfer case. awesome build. any specific reason why you went with the link setup. looks a lot easier if you just went with leafs IMHO. either way nice build.

 

[mmml4]

i think my favorite part of this build is the land cruiser tranny. you can gear that transfer case even lower without having to worry about adding another transfer case. awesome build. any specific reason why you went with the link setup. looks a lot easier if you just went with leafs IMHO. either way nice build.

Thanks FrankM23, I started out on leafs and found I had no good steering solution so I changed to 3 link. I like the LC xfer case because it is a beefy gear driven case. Someday when this thing is all working I plan on going with coilovers and that way I can tune my suspension.

 

[mmml4]

Man this thread is awesome!

You have some serious skills. I'm surprised more people aren't commenting. These level of modifications are very rare on T4R :laser:

Good luck lane:

Thanks Brian

 

[LINY4Runner]

WOW.

this is an awesome build...I love this new trend on this forum of people thinking outside of the box...between this and Clownmeat's build...just love it

 

[Fishwerks]

FR4R, I was checking out your build and the color matched grill creates a powerfull visual that I had to keep looking at, it really changes the intire look of the front end. How do you like the LC wheels, I think I would like to get a set someday.

Thanks mmml4! I definitely like the LC wheels. They look good and have 4.5" backspace and are 8" wide so you could slap some big tires on them. I recommend them if you can find a set for a good price! I picked mine up off craigslist for $200.

 

[muttbutt]

awesome build, i wish i had the mechanic skills that you have! looking forward to seeing the final product

 

[mmml4]

Here we sit waiting on the rear drive shaft (friday).

My new transmission dipstick bracket.

Somehow I let the pinion rotate down 1 degree while installing the rear axle, so I am going to go ahead and build my adjustable upper link. Those are 2-1/2" Johnny Joints with 18mm thru holes and 1-1/4" 12 threads.

 

[mmml4]

I have'nt had much time to work on it lately due to work, 30 days in a row.
Well I got my drive shaft in and it works fine. I hacked together an exhaust system that consist of an 18" Magnaflow. I took it for a road trip to our local LKQ salvage yard and the transmission did fine. :happy:

I am going to start driving it to work while I tie up a bunch of loose ends like, a shifter for the transfer case, finish wiring the CDL, install the adjustable rear upper link, transmission temp sending unit, front drive shaft and a few other things.

 

[BrianSD_42]

When are you getting 35s!!!!!! ?

I cannot believe the patience you show by keeping the stock tires on there this whole time. I assume you are waiting till everything is done to start on those things. So many guys here are the opposite, ordering stuff months before it can even be installed.

 

[mmml4]

I figured no need to buy tires until I could use them. I'm still not 4wd yet, but all I need is the front drive shaft and few loose ends tied up and I will be in the market.

I have only burned about 2 tanks of gas over the 6 years of this project. This will change starting today. I have to say this thing rides better than my daughter 2wd 4runner but handling is a different story, still need a front anti-sway bar.

 

[4Running Daily]

I figured no need to buy tires until I could use them. I'm still not 4wd yet, but all I need is the front drive shaft and few loose ends tied up and I will be in the market.

Well hurry up! haha

I remember this build on another forum a couple years ago.

 

[mmml4]

Got my rear adjustable upper link and new bracket installed today.

 

[mmml4]

A few updates,

80 series Land Cruiser tranny cooler, electric fan coming in the future.

1/4" rubber under the 2 lower mounts to help with vibration.

Gauges,

 

[mmml4]

The one part that brings all this together,

Now I will be 4WD as soon as my drive shaft fastners come in that I forgot to order when I ordered the ones for the rear.

Next pictures should be doing some offroad testing. :reddance:

 

[farmerjon]

I read through this build a while back, and then when you added the last few month's worth of posts, I read through the ENTIRE thing again, it was so interesting and intriguing.

I don't even understand half of the stuff you did, since I know next to nothing about mechanics and frame structure, but I really liked seeing parts of 4Runners and LC's that I wouldn't see unless I tore apart my 4Runner...like what the inside of my transmission looks like, etc... Plus, all the innovation and thought and creative stuff you came up with was fun to look at and read about...

This is one serious build, I really like it! Looking forward to seeing you in 4WD! whoo!

 

[mmml4]

Thanks farmerjon,
sorry no trail pics but since my neighbor has this nice pile of gravel I thought what the hell.

 

[mmml4]

I can now shift from 4H to 4L from inside the truck,

4H position

 

[mmml4]

Trail poser pics at Hale Mountain offroad park in New Market,Al. I broke one of my shock tabs and had to call it an early day. I have too much up-travel and the shock bottomed out and the bracket welds broke.

 

[downpour11]

Looks great John! When are you gonna get some new tires under there?

 

[4RunnerChaos]

This is an amazing build o.o seems like it your baby..
Got any pictures of the broken parts/damage?