Opinions Wanted About Modification of Original 4Runner

[eighty64runner]

I know that generally speaking, modifications to an originally kept 4Runner will diminish value, but I can't help but want to mod mine a little. I'm really wanting an ARB Bull bar for both its appearance and protection, but am wondering how it will affect the value of my 4Runner. I have an 86 1st Gen with 84,000 original miles.

What do you think adding an ARB Bull bar would do to the value? Opinions, please. . .

 

[markfagus]

Post a few pics. I dont think any bolt on mod will effect value much as they are easily removed and restored back to original

 

[topdown4runner]

Post a few pics. I dont think any bolt on mod will effect value much as they are easily removed and restored back to original

X2

Just keep the parts and you can always re-install them or sell them with the truck if a buyer wants the bull bar.

:worthless

 

[eighty64runner]

Unfortunately, the ARB is not just a bolt-on. To install it requires that you cut/grind off the factory bumper mounting tabs from a cross member attached to the frame. ARB suggests that you could re-weld them on, but it is not your typical bolt-on application.

 

[cometobanks]

You can pry bar the factory mounts off... They are a simple L shaped bracket and could be easily replaced. Do it if it makes you happy.


Heres a consideration though. The factory bumper is made to fold up protecting the frame and body from damage in a typical fender bender. Your Bullbar will not fold up but will transfer the energy of a small crash into your frame and body. Just food for thought. This topic is why I have 2 4runners...

 

[93toy]

I say go for it. You can't buy a 1st gen 4runner for investment value like you would a classic muscle car or an exotic sports car because you have a realitively small pool of potential buyers. In this economy, the muscle cars and sports cars aren't even a sound investment anymore.

Even if you had an ultra-low mileage 1985 loaded SR5 4runner, and let's say you were going to ask 12K for it. Sure, everyone on here and Yotatech would be drooling over it (I would too!), but how many on here would have that much money to buy it? And then we'd face the same mod dilemma you have.

When I bought my 85, it was a solid platform but needed alot to get it to where I wanted it. But honestly I could have gone for a factory fresh restoration if I wanted (even though it had passed 300K) or I could semi-restore it and mod it how I wanted in the process. I went with the latter. They way I look at it, I have as good a chance finding that "right buyer" for a modded rig as I would for a stock rig if I ever go to sell it.

IMO- Do what makes you happy, enjoy your baby and never look back. The mod bug is all powerful!

 

[markfagus]

Very sharp!

 

[93toy]

here is a picture of my 4runner after a fresh waxing . . .

absolutely beautiful!!!!

 

[rlpjw1959]

Dont Mod "this" truck... :thanks:

 

[projectX4runner]

Wow thats an amazingly clean 4runner!! Love it!:wow:

 

[cztheman64]

i wouldnt go with an ARB if i was you... mainly because they are so big and heavy. i would go with something a little smaller

 

[topdown4runner]

I retract my original statement.

That truck is too beautiful to modify.

Enjoy it and take it to classic car cruise-in's.

If you are in a "sunny" location, remove the roof ( easily done ) and store it inside a garage. Get yourself a soft top and enjoy the beautiful weather in your sweet convertible

 

[eighty64runner]

Thanks for the feedback, all. The photo is of my 4Runner a few months ago. I've actually put some 235/75R15 Duratracs on matte black powder coated SR5 wheels off a second gen (looks the same as 1st gen SR5 wheels, but has the proper offset for the slightly wider tires - from 225 to 235). The original wheels and tires that you see in the picture are covered and stored in my garage.

The mods that I have done can be "undone" very easily, whereas the ARB bumper -- well, not so easily -- but still can be done.

Other than the wheels and tires, I've changed the shocks, upgraded the stereo, and then Deaver Springs fixed the rear-end sag. I'll try to post some newer photos with the wheels and tires later.

Thanks again for the nice compliments.

 

[eighty64runner]

Heres a consideration though. The factory bumper is made to fold up protecting the frame and body from damage in a typical fender bender. Your Bullbar will not fold up but will transfer the energy of a small crash into your frame and body. Just food for thought. This topic is why I have 2 4runners...

I, too, would like to have 2 4runners. One to be modded and driven as a daily driver, and the one that I currently have, to keep mostly stock and drive on the weekends. Lucky you, for having found 2 good ones!