Just bought my first 4runner, what next?

[alan.burwell]

I just bought my first ever 4runner, and so far I'm happy as a clam It's a manual '98 sr5 4wd in great shape with only ~50k miles I got really cheap. It's about as stock as 4runners can come though, even has the original cassette deck. While I'm happy with stock in most areas, I'd like to do some upgrades and have some questions that I can't really find good no-nonsense answers for searching around.

1. Is there any way to tell (based on VIN or anything else) specifically what type of 4wd I have as far as locking rear dif, etc goes?

2. What are the biggest tires that can fit on a stock 98 sr5 4wd? I'm hoping to get some bfg at/ta's as I've had good luck with them in the past and the current tires have virtually no tread left.

3. Are there any recommended tow packages that are installable by someone with pretty limited experience working on cars? Do the bolt-on types work well?

4. Any recommended roof racks? Just for skis and strapping random bags and whatnot.

5. Is there a way to post pictures if I don't have a website to upload them to? I want to post some pics of my new baby...

Last thought: What an awesome website!

 

[proudrunner]

Congrats on your purchase, you are very lucky to find one with low miles!
Let's see now..
1. Is there any way to tell (based on VIN or anything else) specifically what type of 4wd I have as far as locking rear dif, etc goes?
You might be able to, I know when I ask to see what kind of gears I had at the dealership they could not give me an answer.

2. What are the biggest tires that can fit on a stock 98 sr5 4wd? I'm hoping to get some bfg at/ta's as I've had good luck with them in the past and the current tires have virtually no tread left. You should be able to use 265/75/16 with no lift.

3. Are there any recommended tow packages that are installable by someone with pretty limited experience working on cars? Do the bolt-on types work well? Yes, bolt on will work. It is very easy to install.

4. Any recommended roof racks? Just for skis and strapping random bags and whatnot. Look at thule racks.

5. Is there a way to post pictures if I don't have a website to upload them to? I want to post some pics of my new baby...
The only way to post is from a website or if you have them in your computer or external hardrive ect.

Last thought: What an awesome website!

 

[alan.burwell]

Picture attached! I didn't realize you could just attach it like a file ... when I went to insert image it asked only for URL.




Also, I think I have 15s, not 16s. You happen to know roughly what that tire size translates to on a 15 in wheel?

 

[proudrunner]

That is a nice runner looks very clean. How is the interior?

 

[steezemcqueen]

1. if you don't have this button then you don't have the rear locker

5. photobucket.com works well

 

[alan.burwell]

That is a nice runner looks very clean. How is the interior?

Interior is actually really nice and clean. Like I said it has 0 options so it's the very basic interior with cloth upholstery but it doesn't really even have signs of use. I love it!

 

[alan.burwell]

1. if you don't have this button then you don't have the rear locker

I definitely do NOT have that button. My understanding of the different 4wd systems is a little limited so please bear with me. Does this mean that the rear two tires can't be locked to turn together (or the front for that matter), so if say the left rear starts to slip, it will just continue to slip until [hopefully] one of the other tires pulls my t4r along enough that the left rear grips something? And then wouldn't this be true of all 4 of the tires when it's in 4wd?

How important is a locking rear dif? Do you often find there isn't enough torque on one tire to get you along ... and is that the only time it would really be necessary?

Thanks!

 

[adamg32]

Nice 4Runner, and welcome!

As for roof racks, Thule and Yakima both make some good stuff, I work at REI over the summer and always find myself pricing them out haha. They're nice because they're compatible with the various things like bike holders, rocket boxes, etc. See if you can find a used one with all the hardware, might be able to save some money that way.

I'd also recommend taking the running boards off. I did on mine and it looks much better, IMO. I don't have a lift or anything, I'm all stock as you are, but the truck looks more aggressive. Again, it's a personal preference thing.

 

[alan.burwell]

I'd also recommend taking the running boards off. I did on mine and it looks much better, IMO. I don't have a lift or anything, I'm all stock as you are, but the truck looks more aggressive. Again, it's a personal preference thing.

I never use the running boards so I'm intrigued hehe... do you happen to have a picture with the boards off?

 

[adamg32]

Not of mine specifically (took them off right before driving down to school, keep forgetting to take pics :/

But Here is a thread with before and after pics of people without running boards.

It took me maybe 20 minutes to do with a few hand tools. Wear eye protection though so you don't get a bunch of dirt and junk falling in your eye. It hurts haha

 

[alan.burwell]

Not of mine specifically (took them off right before driving down to school, keep forgetting to take pics :/

But Here is a thread with before and after pics of people without running boards.

It took me maybe 20 minutes to do with a few hand tools. Wear eye protection though so you don't get a bunch of dirt and junk falling in your eye. It hurts haha

Looks like I have a project for this weekend

 

[adamg32]

Looks like I have a project for this weekend

Good choice. And the great part is that it is totally reversible if you don't like it. Just keep all the nuts and bolts together!
Also, you'll want an offset screwdriver for a couple screws that are in line with the tire, or else get creative with some pliers, a driver bit, and some duct tape haha

 

[Fireball]

Truck looks awesome! Congrats on the nice find. Where'd you find one with such low mileage?

If you're going to take the boards off, get under there today with some penetrating oil and give everything a quick spray. Will make things much easier to remove. It's a quick job if you don't have to deal with any rusty bolts or bits.

I'd look for an OEM roof rack if I were you. You can then add the Thule or Yakima bits to hold skis. And the OEM rack has three movable supports so you can throw bags/etc up there without it sitting directly on the roof.

 

[alan.burwell]

Where'd you find one with such low mileage?

Surprisingly enough I found it in a little ghetto dealership in Denver. Was worth the hour drive up from the Springs. Mechanically sound with that few miles, I plan on keeping it pretty much forever.

 

[JohnsD90]

Picture attached! I didn't realize you could just attach it like a file ... when I went to insert image it asked only for URL.

View attachment 28282


Also, I think I have 15s, not 16s. You happen to know roughly what that tire size translates to on a 15 in wheel?

Those look like 16's but look at the tire size written on the side of the tire, for a 16 inch it will say something like 265/70/R16 or for 15's 31x10.5x15.

Welcome to the Manual 4runner club, not too many members here.

 

[fightman80]

Nice find man! When I was shopping for my Runner I was looking for a manual, but couldn't get one.....I'm really happy with my Auto though!