talisman
New member
I'm copy/pasting this intro from expedition portal since after poking around over there I found this site.
Hi there. My name is Eric, and I live in Arlington, Texas. After a roadtrip to several National Parks this last August I decided I wanted to get a vehicle I could road trip and take off road on mild trails here and there. After much looking around, I decided I was looking for a 4Runner, 96-02. I picked one up a couple of weeks ago, a 1997 Limited 4x4, with a 2 inch lift, TRD wheels, ARB front end and roof rack, and 189k on the clock. Previous owners pic:
It was a North Carolina truck that spent a lot of time in New England, so I got it for fairly cheap since most Texans are scared of a little rust. Since purchasing, I've got it inspected, titled, an Alpine Cd player with iPod and USB installed, and the darkest legal tint, which is limo all the way around aside from the doors. Now that some of the easy basics are covered, I want to address the suspension. Looking underneath, it looks to have been awhile since anything was replaced. It doesn't ride too horrible, however, I have a lot of back problems and neck problems from a bad wreck over a decade ago. I'm looking for advice on what I can do to make it more comfortable. Seeing as I won't be going outrageous offroading it, but still want to be able to drive around a mountain to a camp site here and there, what would you gents suggest? I've been told Land Cruiser 80 Series front springs on the rear are a good option, and have found this:
OME coil springs for 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser
How would the the stock/light be, or is there a better option? Someone else suggested Icon, but I've only found info for the front, and man, those things are a bit pricey. Are they really worth that huge dollar sign? Any other options you guys prefer?
This is my 28th vehicle, but the first 4x4 I've owned, having mostly been interested in racing Mustangs in the past. As I've gotten older my interest in that has waned and I'm hoping a more useful vehicle will help me pick up some new hobbies, while still staying automotive centric. Anyways, I'll shut the hell up now, and thanks in advance for any advice you can give a newb. Here's one more pic of it in my garage:
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Hi there. My name is Eric, and I live in Arlington, Texas. After a roadtrip to several National Parks this last August I decided I wanted to get a vehicle I could road trip and take off road on mild trails here and there. After much looking around, I decided I was looking for a 4Runner, 96-02. I picked one up a couple of weeks ago, a 1997 Limited 4x4, with a 2 inch lift, TRD wheels, ARB front end and roof rack, and 189k on the clock. Previous owners pic:
It was a North Carolina truck that spent a lot of time in New England, so I got it for fairly cheap since most Texans are scared of a little rust. Since purchasing, I've got it inspected, titled, an Alpine Cd player with iPod and USB installed, and the darkest legal tint, which is limo all the way around aside from the doors. Now that some of the easy basics are covered, I want to address the suspension. Looking underneath, it looks to have been awhile since anything was replaced. It doesn't ride too horrible, however, I have a lot of back problems and neck problems from a bad wreck over a decade ago. I'm looking for advice on what I can do to make it more comfortable. Seeing as I won't be going outrageous offroading it, but still want to be able to drive around a mountain to a camp site here and there, what would you gents suggest? I've been told Land Cruiser 80 Series front springs on the rear are a good option, and have found this:
OME coil springs for 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser
How would the the stock/light be, or is there a better option? Someone else suggested Icon, but I've only found info for the front, and man, those things are a bit pricey. Are they really worth that huge dollar sign? Any other options you guys prefer?
This is my 28th vehicle, but the first 4x4 I've owned, having mostly been interested in racing Mustangs in the past. As I've gotten older my interest in that has waned and I'm hoping a more useful vehicle will help me pick up some new hobbies, while still staying automotive centric. Anyways, I'll shut the hell up now, and thanks in advance for any advice you can give a newb. Here's one more pic of it in my garage:
