Just bought a '95 SR5 4wd

[shawnstcyr]

Hi guys. I bought a '95 SR5 4wd, with a 5 speed today. She has 315k on the odometer and a relatively straight body. I paid $1100. Before I bought it I looked in the glove box and found the previous owner's maintenance receipts. She changed the oil religiously, every 3000 miles.

I own a heavily modded '99 SR5, and I completely understand why you call these things the 3.slow. My regular ride is in need of a locked rear end , so I bought this one to drive until I can find time to install it. I figure I'll give it to my fiance when I have the '99 back on the road.

I have a few questions, though. I noticed the rear has that classic 4Runner rear sag. I have my stock rear springs from my '99 laying around. Fronts, too. Any chance these will fit the '95?

Secondly, the rear hatch has no external handle, and the inside one doesn't work. Should this door open using the key? The window rolls down. Just curious.

You guys who offroad these pretty hard, what brand of clutch do you recommend? I got mine pretty hot today climbing up a muddy hill. Saw a little smoke and really smelled it.

Any tips you might have for performance mods would be much appreciated. I spent many years in the automotive industry, but it's been quite some time since I've gotten my hands on the 3.0. Looks pretty primitive next to the 3.4. Thanks guys.

 

[fourwd1]

95 uses t-bars up front, so no
If the OD's on the rear coils are the same, sure
With 315K on the engine, any money spent on performance mods would be a waste. The $ would be better spent on a rebuilt engine or rebuilding yours.

just my .02

 

[shawnstcyr]

It does run like a charm, surprisingly. What is the biggest size tire you can run on it? I haven't made up my mind whether to keep it long term or not. Just exploring my options. My fiance loves mudding in my '99. But like I said earlier, I have put alot of money into it to get it that way.
This second 4Runner was just a matter of convenience and price. I never really had a desire for a '95 model.
As far as the engine goes, if and when it goes I will either scrap the truck or upgrade to a supercharged 3.4 litre or a Vortec 4.3 Chevy drivetrain.

 

[Savage]

key alone will not open the rear gate. inside handle is what opens it