New 96 Limited w/ Factory locker

[Limited1996]

So I serendipitously came across a 1996 Limited with 192k and a factory locker. He was moving across the country and his wife didnt want for them to drive it all that way so I bought it for a decent price. It has had a few different owners according to the car fax and the most recent didnt have much info and did NOT do any of the current mods to the truck so basically I have no idea when things were done. He did back it into something and caused damage to the rear passenger side taillight area. Maintenance was not the previous owners expertise so I am working to get everything into order. I've replaced all the ball joints, steering rack/sway bar bushings and replaced the torn driver side CV. I changed all the fluids and have learned it has a leak coming from somewhere in the middle of the front diff. I am slowly crossing things off my list and will need everyone's help! Haha this is my second 4runner that I have built on but first 4wd!

 

[Frikx]

Congrats! Third gen best gen... I've put mine through ungodly amounts of punishment and then driven 400 miles home on the highway with 1 finger steering. Can't beat that

 

[Limited1996]

Shes coming along nicely! Fixed the leaking front diff by removing the actuator and resealing it with Toyota Orange FIPG and have rebooted the original torn axle and replaced it. Also went to replace the rear axle seal because it was leaking since I bought the truck and found one of the previous owners had FIPGed the whole inside of the hub and bearing. I guess this was an attempt to save the bearing for stop the leak but what a MESS. I've also upgraded to tundra brakes in hopes of fixing a slight braking issue to no avail. I just picked a new brake booster from a 98 so may try that. Also added 17" newer model 4runner rims to fit the bigger calipers with 285/70/17 patagonia mts. Shes actually drives better with the bigger tires believe it or not. I also have replaced a hack of an antenna job with a whip antenna and assembly from a manual 3rd gen 4runner. New optima battery, repainted the fenders back to their oem color and refined the bumper. I also got the rear window to function now as well! Next is a valve cover job because she is leaking some oil since I replaced the mud that was in it when I bought her. This truck has really given me something to do during covid thats for sure!

 

[llopness]

looks sweet!!

 

[robulicious]

congrats

 

[revox92]

Welcome aboard! That looks like one tough 4Runner!

 

[762NATO]

Good Luck! She looks awesome!

 

[4x4Runner96]

My first 4Runner was a 96, 2.7l.
Just got an 05 v6


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Limited1996]

My first 4Runner was a 96, 2.7l.
Just got an 05 v6


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My first was a 2000 sr5 over 10 years ago. I was young, dumb and made the engine run hot

 

[TeleYota]

I think if my 00’ 4Runner had the locker I would still have it. Sounds like you are well on your way to get a good reliable runner.