SamSter0077's 97 4Runner build

[SamSter0077]

97 4Runner
Bought a 97 4Runner (Limited, 3.4L, Auto ), started this build thread to keep track of what I do/have done. Below is a list of what I intend to do..

Phase 1
And Trans Cooler - DONE
Take off Running boards - DONE
Sliders - DONE 4Xinnovations - Installed DONE
Rear Locker - DONE
CB - POS RADIO Shack with Firestick on the bumper
Tires - DONE 255/85/16 KM2
Lift - DONE SS1.2 Sonoran Steel
Front Bumper - ARB - DONE
Rear Bumper - CBI - DONE

Phase 2
Add Swing out - CBI DONE
35" Tires, no BL
Quick Disconnect Sway Bar
Front Locker - DONE
OnBoard Air
Winch


CURRENT PIC

Day One, drove it to the local beach. Wanted to see if 4wd worked, and if it would overheat. No problems at all..

Having the running board was kind of cool for my 5 year old who has been climbing the Door panel in my Tacoma to get in since I lifted it. Didn't really like the look of them, so.. I took them off. Looks much better in my opinion.

Next - I read a lot of posts from higher mileage 4Runners where the Trans Cooler (integrated into the factory radiator) was springing a leak and allowing Water from the radiator to get in the transmission and ruin it. So, I added a transmission cooler.. very easy except, I slid under the truck and cut my knee open with the freaking License plate. Ouch! Ok, I have now bled for this thing.. so soon? Never realized how much old ATF and Blood look alike until I saw them side by side..

Now for the fun stuff.. No factory Diff Lock... You definitely need one for those hairy mall parking lots..

How many guys can you fit under a 4runner?

See anything interesting in this picture of YotaRob?

that's Right! He got Iced!!!

OK.. time to take it to the Shop.. more pics later.

 

[SamSter0077]

Continued..

Here are the DIFF TEAR DOWN pics, and Locker install.

Clean it good.. 139k miles, time to shine!

Mark everything before Taking it apart..

Take it all apart (We did not have to remove the ring gear from the carrier for this.. COOL!)

6 Sets of eyes, surely someone remembers how to put it together.

Put the locker on top of the Gears with Shim. Insert Springs and little metal dowels with Grease to hold it all together.

Bolt it back together!

Put it all back together, and put everything back where it was and your Done.. put it back in the truck!

 

[MillerPKA]

Good looking truck, nice install and great writeup! Sounds like you're off to a good start with your truck and way to hit the ground running with a nice contribution. Best of luck with the rest of your endeavors and welcome to T4R!

 

[SilverBullet01]

hahaha how long did it take for your buddy to realize that he got iced?

 

[brian2sun]

Very cool. I like that you went for the locker right off the bat, you made a good choice. I look forward to seeing your rig get better and better!

 

[yc4runner]

Niice runner, one question is that a solid locker or is it like the ratchet style or what, im a newb to lockers but id like to get one for my runner

 

[SamSter0077]

Good looking truck, nice install and great writeup! Sounds like you're off to a good start with your truck and way to hit the ground running with a nice contribution. Best of luck with the rest of your endeavors and welcome to T4R!

Thanks!

hahaha how long did it take for your buddy to realize that he got iced?

We were all laughing so hard, it didn't take long at all...

Very cool. I like that you went for the locker right off the bat, you made a good choice. I look forward to seeing your rig get better and better!

Gotta Have a Locker! Doing some climbs at the end of the month, it is a Must have. Sliders will probably be next.

Niice runner, one question is that a solid locker or is it like the ratchet style or what, im a newb to lockers but id like to get one for my runner

Lunchbox Locker, yeah.. ratcheting. It clicks while turning with no throttle, and locks in when you step on it. Works Great! It does makes some funky noises in the "hood" though.

 

[SamSter0077]

I need help deciding.. would you... replace the stock bumper with the shrockworks bumper, lift 3" and hang on to the rugged trail 265/70/26 or.. go lift, and go up to 285/75/16 km2's with 1.25 spidertrax spacers and forget about the bumper for now. Opinions?

 

[brian2sun]

I say tires and lift, get the bumper later.

 

[2000runr]

Agreed, save the bumper for later. I just ordered my shrockworks bumper a couple weeks ago, and despite the 4 month potential wait, it was still worth doing everything i wanted to do before then. Lift, tires, cat back, the list goes on and on...

 

[SamSter0077]

That is kind of what I came up with.. Thanks! Another question though.. what's your opinion on the Sliders from Sonoran HD SKO, Shrockworks, or..... 4xinnovations.

425 for shrock
350 for the Sonoran HD SKO
210 for 4xinnovations (have a lot of 1st gen friends that swear by them.)

 

[2000runr]

Got my shrockworks sliders installed this past week, love em!

 

[SamSter0077]

Got my shrockworks sliders installed this past week, love em!

I put those on my 09 Taco, and I love them too but DAMN! they take so long to get it made. For half the price and all my buddies swear by them anyways.. I ordered the 4Xinnovation's today.

Sonoran Steel lift will be on order Monday.

Going to run 265/70-16 rugged trails for a while until I find a good deal on 285/75-16..

 

[SamSter0077]

Ordered the Sonoran 1.2 Monday, and 4xinnovation sliders with KO Sunday. Will post pics when I get them on obviously.

Need tires badly, any suggestions/deals? looking for a 33..

 

[brian2sun]

Coming along very nicely. Can't wait to see pics with the new lift and sliders on!! I will probably never run 285s again, I love my tall skinnies! They were <$700 for the set on ebay too. Driffter33 just got some Summit Mud Dawgs (which are identical to my Bighorns) for ~$100 cheaper than I found.

 

[SamSter0077]

Before

After

So, got it Thursday and installed it Sa****ay. It took me almost all day, any problem you can imagine was encountered.. put in the wrong shock, didn't realize it until starting the driver's side.. GRR! (I know better!) had to take it apart again and redo it with the right "color coded" springs. The Front was very easy compared to the 2nd Gen Tacoma.. didn't even need to loosen the Upper Ball joint.. sweet! Noticed I needed brakes while it was apart so.. had to go to the store to take care of that. Then lost a Locknut for the DIFF DROP kit.. somehow fell in a perfectly sized hole in the frame and I was unable to locate it and retrieve it.. back to the store for a replacement lock nut (AUGH!). OK, Front is done.. now the back. I was expecting the back to be super easy.. BS! It was a true pain in my ..... anyways, got the coils in started putting it back together.. voila it was done.

Love the lift! Great ride, good feel, instant satisfaction. Wheeled it hard Sunday. Had some loud "bangs" with metal on metal thuds and all kinds of weird noises. Turns out, I have the Pan Hard bar too long one way.. I went by a measurement of 37 5/16" from the center of each hole.. you can visually see the axle is shifted to the left a bit and during a hard flex with the Drivers tire stuffed.. the Axle rubs the Gas Tank skid plate. The balancing weight on the drive line has actually "grabbed" the factory skid and bent it a little.

I have a feeling the Axle shifted to one side is the source of all my mystery noises. Anyone know the correct length by chance?

JUST TALKED TO STEVE.. great guy. Going to try some adjusting on level ground soon to see if I can fix it.

Wheel Pictures below.

Todd's Sweet 1gen..

High Centered!

Damn, I need tires.. little Flex action

This is what the view looks like when you are stuck on a hill.. freaking Highway tires..

Stud Muffin pic..

Ever wonder what those "stingers" are for..

Glamour Shot..

 

[(4)runnin'it]

Good stuff man. Can't wait to see new tires on it.:roadkill:

 

[spongerx]

Cool pics. :guitar3:

 

[brian2sun]

Damn dude, that hill looks friggin steep!

 

[SamSter0077]

Sonoran 1.2 installed, BFG KM2 255/85/16 installed..

I have also got my sliders on, but no pic of that right now. Will try to snap one later today.

Edit -

Slider pics, 4xinnovations.. $210.00 with KO + $68 shipped.