Lost in the Sauce build thread

[Jeck]

Just got out of the military, moved back home and as an ETS gift my wife let me buy a 4runner and use a few thousand bucks to build it.

The result: 94 SR5 V6 recently rebuilt due to blown headers, 2 inch unknown lift, and almost new all-terrains:

Pretty clean, pretty nice. Almost free of rust, all together I'm happy with the purchase. I want to make it more of a overland/expedition vehicle for fishing, camping, etc. more so than a dedicated off-road vehicle. So reliability, cargo room/load capacity, comfort and gas mileage are all important.

First, question: Shortly after getting it, it threw some lean mixture codes which I tracked down to what looked like a bad O2 sensor. The previous owner hardwired the O2 sensor before, I'm guessing because the plug melted, so I went and bought a universal Bosch from autozone and did the same. After about 30 miles or so the CEL comes on again with code 21 (o2 sensor). I've checked, rechecked and triple checked my wiring and it all seems fine. Funny thing is, I've noticed a little bit more power without any loss in gas mileage with the new O2 sensor. Anyone had any experience with Bosch sensors? Are they pieces of shit, or am I just retarded?

First order of business I think is the suspension, because its currently shot and my ass hangs. I've heard good things about the OME 901's, and looking at a few OME distributors see they also have complete packages (springs, shocks, torsion bars). Anyone bought these? It seems a little pricey, is it worth it? Are there any cheaper alternatives that won't be sacrificing too much ride quality?

Next up is a locker. I only want to lock the rear, thinking about a select-able Yukon. Are they pretty easy to install? Would I be better off spending the money and buying a completely assembled differential if I plan on regearing anyway? Anyone have any experience with these? Good quality? Reliable?

Next on the list is front/rear bumper. I really like the ARBs, but they are ridiculously expensive. I've been unable to find any alternatives in a similar style, anyone know of anyone who offers anything similar for a reasonable price?

For a rear bumper I'd like to also incorporate a tire carrier, but have been unable to find anyone who makes them for second gen 4runners. Any suggestions there?

I'm definitely new to this, so any other suggestions, tips, comments you have are all appreciated.

 

[Footofgod]

First thing first: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/144490-classics-go-moab-part-ii.html

You should come join us! You are in Utah already. Yukon makes fantastic product. The yukon Zip selectable is a solid locker, but I would not do it yourself unless you have a lot of experience with gears and differentials.

Regearing is a good idea if you plan on going up to 33" tires. 4.88 with 33's a good thing.

Toytec lifts sells a nice complete 2-3" kits for the 2nd gen. Rides wonderful. and easy ehough to install.

As for bumpers, Are you partial to a plate style bumper? Addicted offroad, 4xInnovations, Marlin Crawler all make reasonably priced tube bumpers for both the front and rear. I know AOR can make a swing out tire carrier that goes with it.

 

[Jeck]

Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely have to check out the moab trip.

I have absolutely no experience at all with differentials, which is why I was considering just buying a completed one rather than trying to find someone to install. I'd probably save money it looks like with the latter option though, dunno I'll have to call around.

I was hoping for a plate style bumper for both the front and rear, but barring that wouldn't mind a tube bumper for the rear if AOR can make a tire carrier as well. I didn't see it offered on the site. Do you have a picture of one they've made off hand by any chance?

 

[Footofgod]

Look up Addicted Offroad on YouTube and there is a video of it.

 

[KidVermicious]

First thing first:

No no, FIRST things first join us over here: Utah DesertRunners T4R

Then, pitch that O2 and don't ever let anything that says Bosch touch your truck again (except the fuel injectors, those can stay). These trucks love OEM and get cranky when you give them anything else. In most cases, that's Aisin, Denso, or NGK. Denso makes an O2 sensor that's never given me any grief, they're about $30 on Amazon I think?

I love the OME on my '85 and '99 4Runners, I don't think you can go wrong with it. That's going to soak up a large chunk of your budget though - if you want a not-horrible ride on the cheap look into Landcruiser coils and ball joint spacers with Bilstein 5125s.

If you go with a selectable locker, that's going to eat up the other half of your budget. The Yukon air locker (Zip locker) isn't as pricy as the ARB or a new elocker, but it'll still run you north of $1000 once you factor in the install and the onboard air to run it. A better option is an automatic - $250 will get you a Spartan automatic locker that you can install in the driveway with no special tools or experience, and for the price they're awesome. You'll spend about a week adjusting to it and then you'll forget it's there until you get in the dirt and start climbing stuff you wouldn't have dreamed of before.

If you're going above a 31", I recommend regearing. You don't have to, but you'll want to for sure. To stay easy on the checkbook, get your gears and install kits from Ebay (1986 1994 Toyota 8" 4CYL 7 5" IFS 5 29 Ring and Pinion Master Install Gear Pkg | eBay) and I can refer you to the guy that does all the local offroaders gears - I can't say exactly what he'll charge you because I don't know if I'm getting the "friend" rate or not, but it'll be a lot less than a shop and a lot better job too.

AOR makes some pimp bumpers, and Scotty is a great guy. Also have a look at CBI offroad, they make a "weld it yourself" plate bumper if that's your speed.

And then once you've got all that done, THEN come to Moab with us.

 

[KidVermicious]

AOR calls that rear tire carrier the "Lambo" carrier. I dunno if he's actually selling it or not, call him and find out!