My "new" '97 SR5 4x4

[webmaster]

I just traded my '02 Subaru Impreza WRX for this '97 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD. I got a pretty good deal on it, however, the dealership SUCKED! I would never recommend them. It was aweful. Okay, well enough of the dealershit.

Let me say that this is my first SUV and I absolutewe ly LOVE it! I am so happy that I did all that research to find the perfect one for me. There are a couple little problems with it, but they should have them fixed when I take it in next week 22. One of my favorite features on this beast is the roll down rear window. Basically everyone that I show my car to is always like "Did someone steal your back window?" or "What happened to your back?" It's rather funny. Anyways, here are the pics :

 

[Thai]

Looks nice, webmaster! Now, modify time??

 

[webmaster]

Now, modify time??

Of course!!! However, I'm not really interested in making more power (that's what my last car was for.) Basically, what I want to do with this vehicle is heighten and give it a wider stance. I plan on doing a lot of off-roading but will still have to be a comfortable street car. The thing is, I have NO idea on how to achieve these goals because my knowledge is lacking when it comes to SUVs and the like. I'd also like to add a brush guard and a winch and other various items which brings us to my next problem I have ran into. I don't know where to purchase such items for my vehicle. I've searched ebay and came up with a few legit items, but the rest crap. I can't find any quality 4Runner stores or parts and what not. I don't know, sorry about the rambling, it's just I'm treading in new water and I have so many questions and ideas that I don't know where to begin.

 

[Thai]

A few things to think about:

1. Stock suspension is designed for stock loads.

2. If you add a winch, brushguards, etc. may cause sagging due to the increase load on the stock suspension.

3. Therefore, if you're gonna go all out, then you may have to consider aftermarket heavy-duty springs/shocks combo (e.g. OME).

4. Putting on aftermarket suspension MAY be harmful to the other parts of the suspension, especially your front independent suspension. Because of IFS, lfiting means changing the CV angle...thus, your CV joint has increased risk of rupturing (many cases of this i know of).

So, in conclusion, modifying your truck for off-roading takes a lot of planning. You should know your priorities. Ask yourself...DO YOU REALLY WANT TO MODIFY THAT MUCH??

My advice: start slow and basic. Want more ground clearance...then get slightly bigger tires (265/75/16 or 275/70/16). Put in auto tranny cooler. Run your rear differential breather tube (see ACCESSORIES: Breather install).

 

[webmaster]

WOW! Is all I can say about the suspension info. There's a lot more involved when changing the suspension bits on a SUV/truck than there is compared to a car. So, I don't think I will be modifying that anytime soon. Thank you very much for the advice, it was very much wanted. Right now, I'm just gonna start small by working on that Breather mod and then we'll see where I'll go from there! Thanks again!