New and want to build!

[davidko_z]

Picked up a 87' Red 4runner. 22re 180k miles. Clean body and interior. Got it for 2k. I want to build it and put straight axles on it. Itll also be a daily driver so nothing to crazy. Anyone got any ideas what i can do to it? I need help putting it together im thinking dana 44 and 12 bolt rear 4.10 gears with chevy 63'' springs in rear. Im new to this so dont know how anything mounts and all but am eager to learn!

any ideas at all shoot em!:frog:

 

[KidVermicious]

I want to build it

Key words, right there. "I want to build it". Not "I want to follow buggies through rock gardens" or "I'd like to be able to take the hard lines on the Rubicon", but "I want to build it".

With respect, you don't know what you want. You've heard that straight axles are cool and so you want some, but most anybody that wheels hard enough to need to upgrade their axles has been around long enough that they don't need to ask questions like that. I think you need to get your new toy on the trail and learn what it can and can't do before you start talking upgrades, and I think you'll be surprised at what a stock 4Runner is capable of. No offense, but I got $10 that say that truck's axles are not the weak link in your equation. :

Wheel first, grasshopper. Upgrade if/when you need to. Have fun!

 

[BucknutBob]

KidV brings up some valid points, David. Is this your first fourwheeler? What types of wheeling do you plan to do? An IFS rig can get you through just about anything--are you sure you'll need straight axles? As far as installing the goods, it's a very serious modification that requires a lot of fabrication skills--all IFS bracketry must be torched off, the frame may need to be modified, and spring hangers must be perfectly aligned and welded in place. I would recommend one of the professional kits that provide everything but the axle and driveshaft (Trail-Gear, All Pro, etc.). You don't need to go to Dana's or GM axles--Toyota axles are very strong pieces, and many modifications are available to make them even stronger. If you're sticking with the Yota's engine, 4.10 gears will not cut it--the plans you're talking about will no doubt involve larger tires, and with the limited torque of the factory powerplants, your gearing will need to be lowered with each step up in size (4.56 for 31's, 4.88 for 33's, 5.29 for 35's are standard matches). Think about what you want, and what you REALLY need before tossing a ton of money at the truck.

 

[Hyde802]

^ Agree,

12 bots are garbage and dont belong in the off road world. They are also most likely full with which will be hard to make that streetable under your mini truck. You already have 4.10 gears, so plan on going lower...


Read this:

how to build a toyota, solid axle, rock crawler thread.

And this:

***Toyota Bible/FAQ 2.0 - Pirate4x4.Com

Do some research, and let us know what your new plan is..

Oh, and Welcome to the forum!

 

[Footofgod]

Building your rig is a blast, but like the others said, axles are the last thing on your list. I'm at a point now where I DO want to go solid axle in the front, but that is because I want to put a selectable locker in the front (IFS and locker don't mix well). As my rig stands now, there is very little it can't do on stock axles. Here's a quick list in order or importance.

Engine maintenance (Tune up and fluids)
Suspension maintainenance (Ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, etc)
Brakes
Tires
recovery gear (winch, bumpers)
Armor (skids,sliders, bumpers)
locker (rear)
Gears
Lift
Axle swap
External roll cage (optional, but when you reach this level you will want it)

There can be some debate on the order, but there is my reccomendations, BTW, stop talking to Jeep guys.

 

[fourwd1]

.... I want to build it and put straight axles on it... Anyone got any ideas what i can do to it? I need help putting it together im thinking dana 44 and 12 bolt rear 4.10 gears with chevy 63'' springs in rear. Im new to this so dont know how anything mounts and all but am eager to learn!

any ideas at all shoot em!:frog:

That is not a good plan, how did u come up with that bunch of parts ?
Why those axles? Why that ratio?

As others have said, do some more research.

 

[Pyroboy]

Like what everyone else said, drive the truck, figure out what you want, plan, then build slowly. The more you make it a 'wheeler' the less it will be a DD. There are a lot of build threads here and on other sites. Look at what others have done and see what you realistically need.

From my experience, stick with Toyota parts whenever you can, or suppliers that deal a lot with Toyotas.

Have fun!

 

[4runnin83]

I lifted my 4x4 put on 33s and thats good for me (for now). I use it as my DD during the week, and I can go play in the mud, but I know I can't go crawling with bucknut and nate. Have fun with it though, thats the main thing.

 

[SilentYoda3]

Building your rig is a blast, but like the others said, axles are the last thing on your list. I'm at a point now where I DO want to go solid axle in the front, but that is because I want to put a selectable locker in the front (IFS and locker don't mix well). As my rig stands now, there is very little it can't do on stock axles. Here's a quick list in order or importance.

Engine maintenance (Tune up and fluids)
Suspension maintainenance (Ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, etc)
Brakes
Tires
recovery gear (winch, bumpers)
Armor (skids,sliders, bumpers)
locker (rear)
Gears
Lift
Axle swap
External roll cage (optional, but when you reach this level you will want it)

There can be some debate on the order, but there is my reccomendations, BTW, stop talking to Jeep guys.

FOG i just want to say that i'm pretty much already following that. I find that funny. BTW did you use a set of 33's BFG a/t? or is that when you switched to your other ones. I wanna put my 31's on. but i think they might end up looking a little small. (i know that's what you said haha)

 

[Footofgod]

I lifted my 4x4 put on 33s and thats good for me (for now). I use it as my DD during the week, and I can go play in the mud, but I know I can't go crawling with bucknut and nate. Have fun with it though, thats the main thing.

I think you would be surprised what a runner lifted on 33's is capable of. That's how I am now except my locker. I'm sure you've seen video of me doing some fairly cool stuff.

 

[Footofgod]

FOG i just want to say that i'm pretty much already following that. I find that funny. BTW did you use a set of 33's BFG a/t? or is that when you switched to your other ones. I wanna put my 31's on. but i think they might end up looking a little small. (i know that's what you said haha)

They don't look small unless you have seen it with 33's. I thought mine looked fine till I put some bigger tires on. After that I had to put the 31's back on for a week and they looked pathetic.

I had BFG AT's (31's), now I have the BFG KM (33's).

 

[SilentYoda3]

They don't look small unless you have seen it with 33's. I thought mine looked fine till I put some bigger tires on. After that I had to put the 31's back on for a week and they looked pathetic.

I had BFG AT's (31's), now I have the BFG KM (33's).

Did you change your gearing for 33's? How do they do on the road? mpg? I can't remember if i told you but i got a set of 5 BFG A/T for $225, i couldn't pass it up. Great tread on them. Waiting to have time to go home and through my BJ spacers on and swap tires with an align and balance. I've thought about taking my trim and running boards off, but i don't wanna leave it unprotected. Worried about rocks and stuff coming off the front tires.

 

[KidVermicious]

I think 31s look great on a stock rig or with a small lift. Once you get up over 2 inches they start to look small.

 

[BucknutBob]

I've thought about taking my trim and running boards off, but i don't wanna leave it unprotected. Worried about rocks and stuff coming off the front tires.

I'd just get some mudflaps for the front tires, SY. Those running boards can get caught on stuff if you're on more "interesting" trails, and they won't provide a lick of protection against bigger rocks--they'll just crumple up like a beer can. Sliders aren't terribly expensive--just don't go for "nerf" bars or "step" bars, which don't have the necessary support bars like sliders, and are more likely to fold up and actually CAUSE damage to your rockers.

 

[Footofgod]

Did you change your gearing for 33's? How do they do on the road? mpg? I can't remember if i told you but i got a set of 5 BFG A/T for $225, i couldn't pass it up. Great tread on them. Waiting to have time to go home and through my BJ spacers on and swap tires with an align and balance. I've thought about taking my trim and running boards off, but i don't wanna leave it unprotected. Worried about rocks and stuff coming off the front tires.

No gear change yet. I have the stock 4.56 ears.

 

[4runnin83]

I think you would be surprised what a runner lifted on 33's is capable of. That's how I am now except my locker. I'm sure you've seen video of me doing some fairly cool stuff.

I thought you were regeared already. You're right though I have a blast driving mine off road. Wish I had lifted it sooner lol

 

[Pyroboy]

No gear change yet. I have the stock 4.56 ears.

I'm running 4.56s with my 36" tires (actually closer to 35s). I decided to go to dual cases instead of re-gearing. It was cheaper and provided more benefits, IMHO. With a 1" BL and RAD triple sticks, I only had to do some very minor floor trimming.

 

[davidko_z]

Building your rig is a blast, but like the others said, axles are the last thing on your list. I'm at a point now where I DO want to go solid axle in the front, but that is because I want to put a selectable locker in the front (IFS and locker don't mix well). As my rig stands now, there is very little it can't do on stock axles. Here's a quick list in order or importance.

Engine maintenance (Tune up and fluids)
Suspension maintainenance (Ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, etc)
Brakes
Tires
recovery gear (winch, bumpers)
Armor (skids,sliders, bumpers)
locker (rear)
Gears
Lift
Axle swap
External roll cage (optional, but when you reach this level you will want it)

There can be some debate on the order, but there is my reccomendations, BTW, stop talking to Jeep guys.

Sorry Fellas that im just getting back to this have been stuck with my academy.

But you guys are right. Even about the talking to jeep guys part! haha.
But this isnt my first 4 wheeler. Ive previously had 2 4runners both 3rd gen. 4x4 with stock rear lockers. Had 3 inch lift kit on it, and 31's. Did everything it was capable of on it and fell in love with the hobbie. and just want more now. Also own a tacoma same engine 4x4 same lift same tires, honestly i think i just need to go higher off the ground. Drove these things through deep waters and never had mechanical problems.. Just bottoming out on the offroad alot so definently want at least 35s. With who knows what kind of lift.

Bought this 1st gen specifically to make it a toy. Got my hands on tires and bumpers already just need to figure out what to buy or what not to.