Kyngfish's Slowwww Poser Build

[Kyngfish]

Last October I realized my childhood fantasy (not kidding) and acquired a 3rd Gen - for years I thought 3rd Gens were pretty much the most handsome SUV around, with a perfect mix of leanness and athleticisim (personification folks), and while I love my 1986 P-car on the open road, when baby number 1 came, along came the realization that a 4Runner would really fit the bill when it comes to mobility, space, and reliability at the right price.

After checking out a few, beat to hell examples with questionable maintenance, asking for crazy money, I lucked out and found a sweet, single owner, 1998 Limited 4wd, no locker, some obvious repaired passenger door damage, and an extra 4wd badge (8wd - sweet), but an immaculate interior, no rust, and dealership maintenance records going back 15 years. At 5500 bucks, and 130k miles, it was a no-brainer.

Here it is when I brought it home, in its OEM and slightly sagging glory:

 

[Kyngfish]

Followup

I immediately took care of the lower ball joints and tie rod ends. Timing belt had been done recently, and my first order of business was taking care of the rear sag, so I watched Tim's video and put a set of 906s and Bilsteins in the rear - hear are the during and after shots:

 

[Kyngfish]

Wildpeak AT3W go on tonight, and the front 880s this weekend, along with a paint polish and wax.

I'd like to do the running board delete, but my wife, her grandmother, my mother, and other vertically challenged people frequently enter my car and need a step, looking at Nerf Bar or Slider Options - need something economical, as I'm modifying two cars at this point, though the 'Runner is significantly more affordable.

 

[NegroTundra]

Nice ride. You got a really good deal. What is the end-game plan for her?

 

[zoombyu86]

even at 6'1 (and some) it sucks getting in and out of my 4runner w 7.5/8 wraps and eibachs on tundra 5100s with 265/75. I end up sliding off the seat to get out which in turn will probably kill the leather and side bolster. I basically "hop" in. Haha.

 

[Kyngfish]

Nice ride. You got a really good deal. What is the end-game plan for her?

After I put on the 880s and 5100s in the front - I think I have to wait for a while, after OEM ball joints, tie rod ends, front and rear shocks and springs, all new belts, tundra brakes and new tires, I'm about 2k in, so I may need to pump the brakes for a few months.

Ideally I want a decent low profile rack, and something to replace the dumb running boards, I guess sliders?

Plus my split spokes look OK from far away, but they're pitted and look like hell, I'd like some FN 5 stars. I'll stick with 16s though.

 

[Kyngfish]

even at 6'1 (and some) it sucks getting in and out of my 4runner w 7.5/8 wraps and eibachs on tundra 5100s with 265/75. I end up sliding off the seat to get out which in turn will probably kill the leather and side bolster. I basically "hop" in. Haha.

Yes, I noticed a lot of the Limiteds and even SR5s I saw, had messed up seats around that area you "slide" in and out. Now I make a conscious effort to use the step. So I am thinking of getting the sliders and welding them on straight like some people do here, but I'm open to suggestions.

 

[zoombyu86]

Yes, I noticed a lot of the Limiteds and even SR5s I saw, had messed up seats around that area you "slide" in and out. Now I make a conscious effort to use the step. So I am thinking of getting the sliders and welding them on straight like some people do here, but I'm open to suggestions.

Yea, I plan on eventually getting some sliders and putting some non-skid material on there for a step.