n00b here with an '89 T4R.

[jalapenocheddar]

Hey folks, long time lowered VW driver that has always had a sift spot for back road sillyness. my first vehicle was an 83 Ford Ranger, since then I've had Jettas an old rabbit and a Corrado that is still a project.

But we're here for our runners and I just picked my 4Runner up last week. It came with a couple of mods, tires and sliders. Here's a couple pictures and I'll just let you guys tell me which direction i should head from there.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Looks pretty straight and rust free from the pics. To start, get up to date on the maintenance; oil change, plugs n wires, cap n rotor, belts n hoses, the usual stuff... get 'er mechanically sound. BTW those aren't sliders. :yo:

 

[KidVermicious]

Them ain't sliders, them's nerf barfs. Those will crumble as soon as they see a rock.

There's a cat in the way and I can't tell for sure, is that the 22RE?

 

[jalapenocheddar]

Cool, thanks for straightening me out, I wasn't sure. It's got some rust on the rear quarters. Yeah 22RE.
Got all the fluids checked/changed yesterday, transfer case was bone dry.

It fires right up and runs well, gonna look into new belts next probably, just not sure how long they've been run.

Need to figure out a rear bumper than i can hopefully tow a small trailer for firewood with. My dad is a top notch welder with cancer so I'll probably be doing the work with expert guidance.

 

[KidVermicious]

So the big weak spot with the 22RE is the timing chain. If you don't know when it was serviced last, plan on servicing it soonish. No hurry if it's not rattling yet, but eventually the chain will stretch or the guides will break, and that can be bad news.

New belts are a good idea, take the old ones and toss them in back for spares. I'd do the plugs, wires, cap and rotor, air filter, get everything baselined just so you know where you're at.

 

[Tanner]

Hey folks, long time lowered VW driver that has always had a sift spot for back road sillyness. my first vehicle was an 83 Ford Ranger, since then I've had Jettas an old rabbit and a Corrado that is still a project.

But we're here for our runners and I just picked my 4Runner up last week. It came with a couple of mods, tires and sliders. Here's a couple pictures and I'll just let you guys tell me which direction i should head from there.

I just love when I buy a new vehicle and it comes with tires! Sure does make the journey back home a little easier! haha, I'm just kidding

So far your 4Runner is looking great. Like Kid said, keep an eye on the timing chain. Well mainly the plastic chain guides. They're really the only weak spot on these trucks in my opinion. If you do end up replacing the chain/guides etc. Be sure to get the metal-backed chain guide that "engnbldr" sells. With that and a new chain and tensioner; the engine is pretty much bulletproof from then on.

 

[jalapenocheddar]

I'm aware of the joys of a timing chain motor, is the 22RE an interference engine?

I got the truck for 2000, I see the prices thread and I'm feeling like that was a pretty good deal.

Are there any cheap/ free upgrades i can do to up the joy factor?

 

[KidVermicious]

It is an inteference engine, yup. Don't let that chain break or you're gonna teach yourself new words .

Are you talking engine mods or wheeling mods? And define "cheap"... significant mods to the 22RE start at $500 and go up. A lunchbox locker for your rear can be had for less than that, but if you're new to the offroad scene it won't help you much right way and will teach you bad habits.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

The pinch-weld mod is free. Then u can run 33/10.50s on the stock rims with no lift.

 

[jalapenocheddar]

Haha, I've taught myself new words with my vr6 already, the Corrado is down right now because of timing issues causing a piston and head to catastrophically fail.

I'm just looking for stuff like the h4 lighting upgrade, cheap little things that have maybe helped keep these trucks modern, safe and fun all around.

As a 4wd vehicle this thing already gets me through whatever I'll ever want to throw at it. I just need a rear bumper/recovery point and i wouldnt have a fear in the world.

 

[KidVermicious]

If you're looking for little stuff, there's a sticky in the General forum with an index of build threads. Happy reading!

Oh, and google "4crawler cheap tricks". Wait until you have hours and hours to kill, though...

 

[jalapenocheddar]

Ahh I found that site yesterday and planned a more thorough reading. Good stuff there.

Thanks for the help folks.

Are there any other Wyoming members here? There's not much for a VW scene here but this is definitely a place better suited to the 4 wheeling crowd.