First time on the forum and a new 4runner owner. There is nothing noteworthy or especially inspiring about the rig except, maybe, its purpose. This aged and neglected beast must carry my girlfriend and me the 6,000+ miles between Burlington Vermont and Buenos Aires, Argentina. We are setting off on our expedition in January and expect to be over landing through Latin America and South America along the Pan-American Highway for the next six months or so. Along the way we plan on engaging in various civic volunteer opportunities wherever we might find them, ideally as frequently as one per country we travel through.
I've been enduring Vermont winters for the past four years whilst at university and have reached a lives limit. As such we plan to depart the frozen north on our southerly adventure in January. This gives me about three months to repair, upgrade, tinker, and prepare my neglected 96' SR5 for the Journey. And that is why I've joined the forum.
The requirements; An affordable, reliable 4-wheel drive vehicle that can take whatever treacherous obstacles the Pan-American Highway might throw our way. A V6 engine that is not too thirsty but capable of supplying whatever power we might need. A platform that is customizable and old enough to be mostly mechanical. I.e. decipherable by a weekend mechanic like myself. (I've lifted, fixed, customized and generally rebuilt my old Wrangler TJ more times than I care to remember) A cabin that can accommodate my girlfriend and myself comfortably, as we will most likely be sleeping in it on a variety of occasions, and our necessary supplies.
The contender; a 1996 Toyota 4Runner with 180,000 ks on the odometer. The rocker panels have rust, the rear bumper is partially rotted away, rear brake drums should probably be replaced and the u-joints on the main driveshaft have just a little too much play. On the positive the body and interior are mostly in good shape, starts and runs fine, 4 wheel drive works and all the electronics function. Happened to get a ridiculous deal on the thing and, after ensuring it had a clean vehicle history, snapped it up. Young, twenty-something post grads arn't generally gushing money and we are no exception. Bargain hunting and some fiscal conservatism are vital if we are going to drag, prod and coerce this dream into a reality.
What I need from you; help and advice. You know of a part in the year of my 4runners production with a history of failing ? I'd love to know so i can have one packed in my toolbox. Known issues? What should I modify? What parts should I replace or upgrade? Have a suggestion of a spot to travel to along our expedition? Know of a worthy cause or volunteer opportunity along our way that we should look in to? Where I can find used yet functional accessories like a roof rack cargo basket and the like? I'm hoping with some community support I can get answers to my 4runner restoration questions and learn which questions I should probably be asking. Your input is appreciated.
Cheers,
Josh
I've been enduring Vermont winters for the past four years whilst at university and have reached a lives limit. As such we plan to depart the frozen north on our southerly adventure in January. This gives me about three months to repair, upgrade, tinker, and prepare my neglected 96' SR5 for the Journey. And that is why I've joined the forum.
The requirements; An affordable, reliable 4-wheel drive vehicle that can take whatever treacherous obstacles the Pan-American Highway might throw our way. A V6 engine that is not too thirsty but capable of supplying whatever power we might need. A platform that is customizable and old enough to be mostly mechanical. I.e. decipherable by a weekend mechanic like myself. (I've lifted, fixed, customized and generally rebuilt my old Wrangler TJ more times than I care to remember) A cabin that can accommodate my girlfriend and myself comfortably, as we will most likely be sleeping in it on a variety of occasions, and our necessary supplies.
The contender; a 1996 Toyota 4Runner with 180,000 ks on the odometer. The rocker panels have rust, the rear bumper is partially rotted away, rear brake drums should probably be replaced and the u-joints on the main driveshaft have just a little too much play. On the positive the body and interior are mostly in good shape, starts and runs fine, 4 wheel drive works and all the electronics function. Happened to get a ridiculous deal on the thing and, after ensuring it had a clean vehicle history, snapped it up. Young, twenty-something post grads arn't generally gushing money and we are no exception. Bargain hunting and some fiscal conservatism are vital if we are going to drag, prod and coerce this dream into a reality.
What I need from you; help and advice. You know of a part in the year of my 4runners production with a history of failing ? I'd love to know so i can have one packed in my toolbox. Known issues? What should I modify? What parts should I replace or upgrade? Have a suggestion of a spot to travel to along our expedition? Know of a worthy cause or volunteer opportunity along our way that we should look in to? Where I can find used yet functional accessories like a roof rack cargo basket and the like? I'm hoping with some community support I can get answers to my 4runner restoration questions and learn which questions I should probably be asking. Your input is appreciated.
Cheers,
Josh
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