4Running Daily
New member
Hey thanks guys! I appreciate it. This entire thread is filled with very deserving rigs and people as well! I believe the vote for who actually wins the wheels will be on December 20th. Thanks!
Stealth Custom Series 2013 Holiday Contest
- Thread starter SCSPerformance
- Start date
Hey thanks guys! I appreciate it. This entire thread is filled with very deserving rigs and people as well! I believe the vote for who actually wins the wheels will be on December 20th. Thanks!
dirtbike250x
New member
In my family we call our 4Runner "The Family Treasure", this truck has done so much for the family that both of my parents and now I, each have our extensive stories of how well this truck did its job.
A brief back story of the truck begins with the purchase of the truck in 1996. My father originally had a '87 Toyota Pickup Turbo, however with the birth of my sister then me the regular cab pickup was not going to cut it anymore. So here came the 4Runner. I was three years old when my parents bought the truck, and as a new family we certainly used its utility capabilities. The truck took my family down to Florida (multiple times) over to Wisconsin and out of the country to Canada. It was the truck that allowed my family to drive to our vacations. I was recently talking to my mom about the truck and her favorite part about the truck when she drove it was the security it provided when she was needed in the hospital to supply her RN position even in the worst snow storms. She said "it always got me home". And now 17 yrs later, I can now say "it always gets me home".
As a child it brought me to my first day of school, brought home my first dirtbike (something I am also very passionate about), became my first vehicle at 17 to finish high school with, took me to college and now brings me to my nursing school were I am studying to move into the profession. The truck is fully considered part of our family. I am now the one who is responsible for the care of the truck. And I am so very fortunate to have that opportunity. I have learned so much about the truck over the years of maintenance and modifications, from simple things to more involved custom fabrications projects whether it be with wood or metal. I never plan to sell the truck and continue to use its capability as a truck off-road as well on.
I hope I was able to give you all a clear story of the connection I have with the truck and the passion it allows me to carry out on the off-road trail runs. Here are a few pictures of my "Family Treasure". Enjoy.
Here it is, the first picture we took of it in 1996.
As I got my hands on it, it made its way into something I can really be proud of. Just a few current shots. More can be found in my build, here... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/132212-dirtbike250xs-build-thread.html
A brief back story of the truck begins with the purchase of the truck in 1996. My father originally had a '87 Toyota Pickup Turbo, however with the birth of my sister then me the regular cab pickup was not going to cut it anymore. So here came the 4Runner. I was three years old when my parents bought the truck, and as a new family we certainly used its utility capabilities. The truck took my family down to Florida (multiple times) over to Wisconsin and out of the country to Canada. It was the truck that allowed my family to drive to our vacations. I was recently talking to my mom about the truck and her favorite part about the truck when she drove it was the security it provided when she was needed in the hospital to supply her RN position even in the worst snow storms. She said "it always got me home". And now 17 yrs later, I can now say "it always gets me home".
As a child it brought me to my first day of school, brought home my first dirtbike (something I am also very passionate about), became my first vehicle at 17 to finish high school with, took me to college and now brings me to my nursing school were I am studying to move into the profession. The truck is fully considered part of our family. I am now the one who is responsible for the care of the truck. And I am so very fortunate to have that opportunity. I have learned so much about the truck over the years of maintenance and modifications, from simple things to more involved custom fabrications projects whether it be with wood or metal. I never plan to sell the truck and continue to use its capability as a truck off-road as well on.
I hope I was able to give you all a clear story of the connection I have with the truck and the passion it allows me to carry out on the off-road trail runs. Here are a few pictures of my "Family Treasure". Enjoy.
Here it is, the first picture we took of it in 1996.
As I got my hands on it, it made its way into something I can really be proud of. Just a few current shots. More can be found in my build, here... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/132212-dirtbike250xs-build-thread.html
Attachments
mikey's2010SR5
New member
Well done Vin and SCS. Some deserving member is going to get a awesome set of wheels. Good luck to everyone.
I know I am going to purchase a set in the new year. Just have to decide on which ones. That is if I ever get my truck fixed.
layball:
I know I am going to purchase a set in the new year. Just have to decide on which ones. That is if I ever get my truck fixed.
layball:
the great him
Elite Member
part 1
It was late summer 2010, I had just gotten home from 11months in Iraq, I was getting to know my son (who was born 5 days before I left), and adjusting back to life as a family man, and a “normal” adult, trying to pick up where I had left off some 14 months before, and catch up to where everyone else was. Things were defiantly differen, and about to get a whole lot more different. A few weeks after I got back, we got a dog, I had never owned a dog, but always wanted to, and some friends of ours had bread their dog (pure bread English lab) the previous summer and had the litter just before christmas. I remember seeing pics on facebook while I was overseas, and thinking, man I wish I could have one… well they still had one, or well one had come back, a couple of times actually, the same one too. So they offered him to me, at first I was like heck yes, then I remembered I was a father, and had others to think about, so I brought the family over to meet the dog and just see how our son and him would do together. The pupy was super mellow, and instantly bonded with our son. I was sold, so was Joanie my wife. At this time I was driving her truck, a 1985 Toyota pickup extra cab, 4x4, efi, 5spd, solid axle the works. I had just paid her dad (a senior tech for a Toyota Dealer with over 30years experience) to rebuild the tans in the truck and install a centerforce dual force clutch, as well as a few other things it needed. It was great, the truck was in much better condition than mine (same year same truck only white and ran not as good). It was great the dog would ride in the back our son in the car seat up front (facing back he could also see the dog this way and that just made him the happiest camper) it put a smile on my face. Those three things were my outlet, my son, the dog, and the truck.
I had no job, I was still on leave (from deployment) and so I had time to kill during the day while Joanie worked. One day I got to thinking, hey I should put some of my military training to good use along with my knowledge of being an EMT and first responder… and so I got into Search and Rescue. I went down to the local sheriffs office, and got the info I needed, filled out the application and went through the background process. Got the call on the same day my wife told me she was pregnant with our second child, our daughter, wow I thought I was bored huh… guess that changed really fast lol. So it soon became apparent to me that while I loved the pickup, this was not gonna work so well. The search was on for a vehicle that could replace the trucks capabilities, and dependability, but carry 2 adults and 2 small children and a dog. Naturally a Toyota was first on the list, I wanted something rugged yet comfortable, the 4runner was a natural choice, the trick was finding one. I looked for a few weeks, not sure what it was that I was looking for, Joanie didn’t want white, we both wanted a 5spd 4wd was a must… well I found a 97 that looked promising, and it was. We bought it a week later for $5500, a steal here in the PNW, I found this site a week or so later, and happy I did.
Throughout the next 8months I started modding my runner for both personal use and SAR. Started off with the basics like bringing any maintenance issues up to date ie lower ball joints, installing a aftermarket transmission cooler and temp gauge, tundra brakes, getting a set of tundra wheels for it, and a new car seat. I was helping my driver from Iraq move one day the same day my wifes cell phone decided it was a good day to poop out on us…. Anyhow that was the day her water broke, I was already on my way home, when my driver called me, she told me that Joanie had just Facebooked her that her water had just broke and she needed me to come home. Well speed limits went out the window, most other traffic laws were omitted and or ignored, red lights were ran, some oversteer and slides were induced… that was the night I found out my runner was capable of 112mph. Two days later our daughter was coming home with us in our 4runner. The 4runner became our cornerstone. It was the vehicle we took and still take everywhere. Family trips to the beach, to the zoo, to the mountains to go play in the snow.
It was late summer 2010, I had just gotten home from 11months in Iraq, I was getting to know my son (who was born 5 days before I left), and adjusting back to life as a family man, and a “normal” adult, trying to pick up where I had left off some 14 months before, and catch up to where everyone else was. Things were defiantly differen, and about to get a whole lot more different. A few weeks after I got back, we got a dog, I had never owned a dog, but always wanted to, and some friends of ours had bread their dog (pure bread English lab) the previous summer and had the litter just before christmas. I remember seeing pics on facebook while I was overseas, and thinking, man I wish I could have one… well they still had one, or well one had come back, a couple of times actually, the same one too. So they offered him to me, at first I was like heck yes, then I remembered I was a father, and had others to think about, so I brought the family over to meet the dog and just see how our son and him would do together. The pupy was super mellow, and instantly bonded with our son. I was sold, so was Joanie my wife. At this time I was driving her truck, a 1985 Toyota pickup extra cab, 4x4, efi, 5spd, solid axle the works. I had just paid her dad (a senior tech for a Toyota Dealer with over 30years experience) to rebuild the tans in the truck and install a centerforce dual force clutch, as well as a few other things it needed. It was great, the truck was in much better condition than mine (same year same truck only white and ran not as good). It was great the dog would ride in the back our son in the car seat up front (facing back he could also see the dog this way and that just made him the happiest camper) it put a smile on my face. Those three things were my outlet, my son, the dog, and the truck.
I had no job, I was still on leave (from deployment) and so I had time to kill during the day while Joanie worked. One day I got to thinking, hey I should put some of my military training to good use along with my knowledge of being an EMT and first responder… and so I got into Search and Rescue. I went down to the local sheriffs office, and got the info I needed, filled out the application and went through the background process. Got the call on the same day my wife told me she was pregnant with our second child, our daughter, wow I thought I was bored huh… guess that changed really fast lol. So it soon became apparent to me that while I loved the pickup, this was not gonna work so well. The search was on for a vehicle that could replace the trucks capabilities, and dependability, but carry 2 adults and 2 small children and a dog. Naturally a Toyota was first on the list, I wanted something rugged yet comfortable, the 4runner was a natural choice, the trick was finding one. I looked for a few weeks, not sure what it was that I was looking for, Joanie didn’t want white, we both wanted a 5spd 4wd was a must… well I found a 97 that looked promising, and it was. We bought it a week later for $5500, a steal here in the PNW, I found this site a week or so later, and happy I did.
Throughout the next 8months I started modding my runner for both personal use and SAR. Started off with the basics like bringing any maintenance issues up to date ie lower ball joints, installing a aftermarket transmission cooler and temp gauge, tundra brakes, getting a set of tundra wheels for it, and a new car seat. I was helping my driver from Iraq move one day the same day my wifes cell phone decided it was a good day to poop out on us…. Anyhow that was the day her water broke, I was already on my way home, when my driver called me, she told me that Joanie had just Facebooked her that her water had just broke and she needed me to come home. Well speed limits went out the window, most other traffic laws were omitted and or ignored, red lights were ran, some oversteer and slides were induced… that was the night I found out my runner was capable of 112mph. Two days later our daughter was coming home with us in our 4runner. The 4runner became our cornerstone. It was the vehicle we took and still take everywhere. Family trips to the beach, to the zoo, to the mountains to go play in the snow.
Attachments
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the great him
Elite Member
part 2
About 9months after my daughter was born we had a late snow storm here in the PNW it dumped pretty good I decided to take the kids to my aunts house (she was watching them while I looked for work) the back way, up and over the hills behind our house so the kids could see some snow, and I could see how well my new tires did in the white stuff. As I was traversing the top road that fallowed just below the ridgeline through about 8” of new snow it was becoming more and more apparent this might not be such a good idea. I did not bring my tire chains, I had no winch, and had told no one that I was going that way. Progress was slow, the cloud level was low and thick enough it was hard to distinguish the snow covered road from the fog, and as soon as I came out into the opening from the trees in a clear cut area it was a total white out. I decided to turn back the way I came as this was not something I wanted to subject my kids to. The way back was not as easy as the way out, for now I was battling gravity going up hill and with the thick fog, I could not see far enough to have any significant speed to pull hills. I got within about 10’ of the crest of a hill when the back end slid out right to the edge of the road. That was it, I was going no place, I had no room to back up and straighten out and was unable to go forward. I tried digging out but that wasn’t gonna work. I called the wife, thankfully she did not yell at me –I always had extra food and water along with warm cloths and blankets in the 4runner, as well as plenty of diapers and formula for our daughter. Joanie said she would call my aunt and let her know, while I called around to find some people to come get me. I made some calls and thankfully a friend who is a contractor and has a nice XJ had taken the day off and agreed to come up and get me out. I got out and let the kids play in the snow with the dog till every ones hands and paws were cold, then we hopped back into the runner and warmed up just then I heard a noise, it was Joey, my friend with the XJ –at this time I did not know him that well, but he was the only one I could get ahold of who had a rig capable enough to come get me. He had me out with a quick tuck from a strap, and away we went. That was enough to convince the wife that I needed a winch and a bumper to hold it, but money was tight, I had still not found full time work. So it would have to wait, but it was the next priority.
Over the next few months the 4runner served very useful to not only me and my family, but to some people who needed some help. I was called out on a search one night late in bitter cold temps for a elderly lady who had walked away from her home. She had some dementia and cold weather and darkness does not help. While out looking through the neighborhood I looked down a long brick wall separating two properties, I saw something that looked out of place, and called another guy over I was searching with to take a look and then it moved, it was her, she was cold disoriented and and tired. We pushed through the brush and trees and got to her, took off our jackets and put them on her, carried her out to my waiting 4runner with the heater blasting. Put her in the front seat gave her some blankets I had in the back and called for EMS to come to our location. A few months later I found a couple in their car stuck on some back road, I was just bored and out for a drive. I have no idea how they got in there as it was not the easiest for me with 4wd and a lift to negotiate. But here was this couple in pickup stuck in the mud, gave him a quick yank and fallowed him back out to make sure he made it out safely… a few other SAR missions I have been on included being a personnel and equipment transport into remote areas that would require at least an hour or two of hiking had we not had a vehicle capable of traversing such terrain. One day on my way to work I noticed a Bud Light truck half out in the street just sitting there, and a cop car blocking the lain of traffic with his lights on that the truck was in, I pulled around and into the parking lot where the truck was coming out of and instantly saw what the problem was, he was stuck, had gotten high centered on the exit and the sidewalk. I pulled up beside the truck and asked the driver if he wanted to be pulled out. Yeah but didn’t think I could do it, but was willing to let me try. I hooked up to him and drug that truck out and free. Both he and the officer were amazed, the driver got me a case of beer for getting him out and saving him the embarrassment of telling his boss. –that was beer truck number two –first one was with my white 85 4x4 pickup, and that one was in the snow and ice, up a hill…
About 9months after my daughter was born we had a late snow storm here in the PNW it dumped pretty good I decided to take the kids to my aunts house (she was watching them while I looked for work) the back way, up and over the hills behind our house so the kids could see some snow, and I could see how well my new tires did in the white stuff. As I was traversing the top road that fallowed just below the ridgeline through about 8” of new snow it was becoming more and more apparent this might not be such a good idea. I did not bring my tire chains, I had no winch, and had told no one that I was going that way. Progress was slow, the cloud level was low and thick enough it was hard to distinguish the snow covered road from the fog, and as soon as I came out into the opening from the trees in a clear cut area it was a total white out. I decided to turn back the way I came as this was not something I wanted to subject my kids to. The way back was not as easy as the way out, for now I was battling gravity going up hill and with the thick fog, I could not see far enough to have any significant speed to pull hills. I got within about 10’ of the crest of a hill when the back end slid out right to the edge of the road. That was it, I was going no place, I had no room to back up and straighten out and was unable to go forward. I tried digging out but that wasn’t gonna work. I called the wife, thankfully she did not yell at me –I always had extra food and water along with warm cloths and blankets in the 4runner, as well as plenty of diapers and formula for our daughter. Joanie said she would call my aunt and let her know, while I called around to find some people to come get me. I made some calls and thankfully a friend who is a contractor and has a nice XJ had taken the day off and agreed to come up and get me out. I got out and let the kids play in the snow with the dog till every ones hands and paws were cold, then we hopped back into the runner and warmed up just then I heard a noise, it was Joey, my friend with the XJ –at this time I did not know him that well, but he was the only one I could get ahold of who had a rig capable enough to come get me. He had me out with a quick tuck from a strap, and away we went. That was enough to convince the wife that I needed a winch and a bumper to hold it, but money was tight, I had still not found full time work. So it would have to wait, but it was the next priority.
Over the next few months the 4runner served very useful to not only me and my family, but to some people who needed some help. I was called out on a search one night late in bitter cold temps for a elderly lady who had walked away from her home. She had some dementia and cold weather and darkness does not help. While out looking through the neighborhood I looked down a long brick wall separating two properties, I saw something that looked out of place, and called another guy over I was searching with to take a look and then it moved, it was her, she was cold disoriented and and tired. We pushed through the brush and trees and got to her, took off our jackets and put them on her, carried her out to my waiting 4runner with the heater blasting. Put her in the front seat gave her some blankets I had in the back and called for EMS to come to our location. A few months later I found a couple in their car stuck on some back road, I was just bored and out for a drive. I have no idea how they got in there as it was not the easiest for me with 4wd and a lift to negotiate. But here was this couple in pickup stuck in the mud, gave him a quick yank and fallowed him back out to make sure he made it out safely… a few other SAR missions I have been on included being a personnel and equipment transport into remote areas that would require at least an hour or two of hiking had we not had a vehicle capable of traversing such terrain. One day on my way to work I noticed a Bud Light truck half out in the street just sitting there, and a cop car blocking the lain of traffic with his lights on that the truck was in, I pulled around and into the parking lot where the truck was coming out of and instantly saw what the problem was, he was stuck, had gotten high centered on the exit and the sidewalk. I pulled up beside the truck and asked the driver if he wanted to be pulled out. Yeah but didn’t think I could do it, but was willing to let me try. I hooked up to him and drug that truck out and free. Both he and the officer were amazed, the driver got me a case of beer for getting him out and saving him the embarrassment of telling his boss. –that was beer truck number two –first one was with my white 85 4x4 pickup, and that one was in the snow and ice, up a hill…
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the great him
Elite Member
part 3
Then just over a year ago I had a job and finally enough money to get a bumper, I did and I found a winch as well, although the winch needed some help. A couple guys at Warn Industries stepped up and took my winch, completely tore it down, cleaned it and rebuilt it, using brand new parts if the old ones showed any sign of wear or damage, they installed new seals, and gaskets in places that the winch never had them before, and they gave me a brand new motor that hadn’t even been released out to the market yet and was for their top of the line winches, and special applications. It was a huge blessing and complimented the runner nicely, even though you cant see it in behind the bumper. I was itching to use my new winch, and well wouldn’t you know, opportunity would come knocking. About 3 months after I installed it I saw a post on Facebook from a friend who was a deputy for the Sheriffs office I do SAR through, it was his patrol rig stuck up to the doors in snow. I instantly recognized the location, as only a year or so earlier I had spent several hours sitting there stuck in much deeper snow with my kids. I grabbed some spare recovery equipment and headed out… what I didn’t know was there was two of them. I got to them and started giving them a pull, although this was not going to be easy as they both had sunk to the frame, and the heat of their rigs had melted down into the snow and then froze… I ended up having to tie off my runner to a tree to be able to pull them out, but I did, and they were both very happy.
My runner has also saved my family from injury a few times as well. I have been hit a total of five times in my runner, the most recent was the other night dec 11th 2013, a lady thought that my lane looked better than hers and decided she wanted in it, but didn’t want to tell anyone else. As I was passing her she started to merge, hitting my right rear tire. Did nothing to me or my runner other than give me a white wall tire, but it tore the front of her car up and left black down the side of her nice new camry. She didn’t want to exchange info, and it didn’t seem like a big deal to her, I asked her twice and nope. I wasn’t gonna try and get a claim even though she was at fault, it did nothing to me and I figured she got the bad end of that deal if she isn’t gonna try to get anything that’s on her, I had nothing to gain so that was that. I was rear ended with the whole family and the dog one day coming home from church. It totaled out the jetta that hit me. My rear tow shackle punched a hole in the radiator and pushed the hood back, I drove away, nor harm done to me or the family. Had a lady back into the side of my 4runner in a parking lot, only left a scratch, it matched the 30-40 others I have all over from branches and rock chips so I gladly collected the insurance money her insurance company offered me and put it back into the 4runner.
I think one of my best moments though was two summers ago, when I went down to California to go 4wheeling with my best friend and his family, something we used to do at least once every summer growing up. His family has some property in the Lassen National forest, and old mining claim, and a big ranch out of humbug. He has a couple old FJ40s –what I learned about 4wheeling in, and what his father and grandfather taught him about in. I decided to take my dad along on this trip as our daughter was only a year old and Joanie could not get the time off work (weeklong trip) and I wasn’t quite up for the task of watching two energetic young kids on my own (I have a fear they would somehow tie me up and over run me….) so we loaded up my runner, spare parts, axles, LBJs, U joints, extra fluids, floor jack, jack stands, ect and food and cloths of course my dog, and headed south, 8hours of driving. The next morning we got up kicked around his place, loading his truck and Land Cruiser till his parents showed up and then we were off. We drove back into the woods up into where the mine was. I had no idea the pics I was about to take would be the last time pictures like that would be taken, there at the mine on the front porch of the cabin that grandpa (I call him grandpa too) and his brother built by hand in the 1920s stood 4 generations of that family. We looked around reminisced about the “old” days -some had more reminiscing than others and then headed back to camp. That week we had a lot of catching up to do, I had not seen my best friend in almost 3 years and that was only for a few hours on july 4th before I left for Iraq, and before that I had not seen him sense his wedding a few years earlier, so this was a great time to catch up in person. I regretted not bringing my family, although having my dad along was just almost as rewarding. Hearing grandpa tell old timer stories and talk about the old days was refreshing, something about a campfire and good friends… we explored the area some, going to most of our favorite places, like the natural soda spring, and the fields where the terra grows over fresh springs and if you break through you can sink up to your chest in ice cold mud. One of the day trips we made while down there grandpa decided to ride with me, he had been eyeing how well my 4runner was doing and was very impressed at some of the lines and obstacles I was tackling, my dad gladly gave up shotgun. Grandpa had the biggest smile on his face, he commented on how nice it was to AC, and windows that kept the dust out, and comfy seats… I think he wanted one. I asked him if he wanted to drive but he declined he said I was doing just fine. We had a blast that summer my only regret is that I didn’t cherish it more. Grandpa died before we could make the next trip. I found out later that he was a Vet, a WWII vet. I would have been honored to do his service, as I was working doing military funeral honors for the state of Oregon, and it would of given me no greater honor than to honor the man who is ultimately responsible for my adventures with 4wd’s, 4wheeling and Toyotas, not to mention a true hero who served his country and was a great father, grandfather and great grandfather. I think my experiences with him that one day riding with me in my 4runner and commenting on how far these trucks have come and what they are all capable of now in full spectrum –off roading and utility and luxury was one of the best complements my 4runner could have been given.
My 4runner is as much apart of me and my family as the dog is, or my kids are. There are times when I get mad at it, or frustrated with it, there are times when I don’t always treat it the best, but like my dog and my kids and my wife, no matter what it still is there to support me and do what I ask with nothing expected in return. Loyal till the end I know I can count on my 4runner to pull through
Then just over a year ago I had a job and finally enough money to get a bumper, I did and I found a winch as well, although the winch needed some help. A couple guys at Warn Industries stepped up and took my winch, completely tore it down, cleaned it and rebuilt it, using brand new parts if the old ones showed any sign of wear or damage, they installed new seals, and gaskets in places that the winch never had them before, and they gave me a brand new motor that hadn’t even been released out to the market yet and was for their top of the line winches, and special applications. It was a huge blessing and complimented the runner nicely, even though you cant see it in behind the bumper. I was itching to use my new winch, and well wouldn’t you know, opportunity would come knocking. About 3 months after I installed it I saw a post on Facebook from a friend who was a deputy for the Sheriffs office I do SAR through, it was his patrol rig stuck up to the doors in snow. I instantly recognized the location, as only a year or so earlier I had spent several hours sitting there stuck in much deeper snow with my kids. I grabbed some spare recovery equipment and headed out… what I didn’t know was there was two of them. I got to them and started giving them a pull, although this was not going to be easy as they both had sunk to the frame, and the heat of their rigs had melted down into the snow and then froze… I ended up having to tie off my runner to a tree to be able to pull them out, but I did, and they were both very happy.
My runner has also saved my family from injury a few times as well. I have been hit a total of five times in my runner, the most recent was the other night dec 11th 2013, a lady thought that my lane looked better than hers and decided she wanted in it, but didn’t want to tell anyone else. As I was passing her she started to merge, hitting my right rear tire. Did nothing to me or my runner other than give me a white wall tire, but it tore the front of her car up and left black down the side of her nice new camry. She didn’t want to exchange info, and it didn’t seem like a big deal to her, I asked her twice and nope. I wasn’t gonna try and get a claim even though she was at fault, it did nothing to me and I figured she got the bad end of that deal if she isn’t gonna try to get anything that’s on her, I had nothing to gain so that was that. I was rear ended with the whole family and the dog one day coming home from church. It totaled out the jetta that hit me. My rear tow shackle punched a hole in the radiator and pushed the hood back, I drove away, nor harm done to me or the family. Had a lady back into the side of my 4runner in a parking lot, only left a scratch, it matched the 30-40 others I have all over from branches and rock chips so I gladly collected the insurance money her insurance company offered me and put it back into the 4runner.
I think one of my best moments though was two summers ago, when I went down to California to go 4wheeling with my best friend and his family, something we used to do at least once every summer growing up. His family has some property in the Lassen National forest, and old mining claim, and a big ranch out of humbug. He has a couple old FJ40s –what I learned about 4wheeling in, and what his father and grandfather taught him about in. I decided to take my dad along on this trip as our daughter was only a year old and Joanie could not get the time off work (weeklong trip) and I wasn’t quite up for the task of watching two energetic young kids on my own (I have a fear they would somehow tie me up and over run me….) so we loaded up my runner, spare parts, axles, LBJs, U joints, extra fluids, floor jack, jack stands, ect and food and cloths of course my dog, and headed south, 8hours of driving. The next morning we got up kicked around his place, loading his truck and Land Cruiser till his parents showed up and then we were off. We drove back into the woods up into where the mine was. I had no idea the pics I was about to take would be the last time pictures like that would be taken, there at the mine on the front porch of the cabin that grandpa (I call him grandpa too) and his brother built by hand in the 1920s stood 4 generations of that family. We looked around reminisced about the “old” days -some had more reminiscing than others and then headed back to camp. That week we had a lot of catching up to do, I had not seen my best friend in almost 3 years and that was only for a few hours on july 4th before I left for Iraq, and before that I had not seen him sense his wedding a few years earlier, so this was a great time to catch up in person. I regretted not bringing my family, although having my dad along was just almost as rewarding. Hearing grandpa tell old timer stories and talk about the old days was refreshing, something about a campfire and good friends… we explored the area some, going to most of our favorite places, like the natural soda spring, and the fields where the terra grows over fresh springs and if you break through you can sink up to your chest in ice cold mud. One of the day trips we made while down there grandpa decided to ride with me, he had been eyeing how well my 4runner was doing and was very impressed at some of the lines and obstacles I was tackling, my dad gladly gave up shotgun. Grandpa had the biggest smile on his face, he commented on how nice it was to AC, and windows that kept the dust out, and comfy seats… I think he wanted one. I asked him if he wanted to drive but he declined he said I was doing just fine. We had a blast that summer my only regret is that I didn’t cherish it more. Grandpa died before we could make the next trip. I found out later that he was a Vet, a WWII vet. I would have been honored to do his service, as I was working doing military funeral honors for the state of Oregon, and it would of given me no greater honor than to honor the man who is ultimately responsible for my adventures with 4wd’s, 4wheeling and Toyotas, not to mention a true hero who served his country and was a great father, grandfather and great grandfather. I think my experiences with him that one day riding with me in my 4runner and commenting on how far these trucks have come and what they are all capable of now in full spectrum –off roading and utility and luxury was one of the best complements my 4runner could have been given.
My 4runner is as much apart of me and my family as the dog is, or my kids are. There are times when I get mad at it, or frustrated with it, there are times when I don’t always treat it the best, but like my dog and my kids and my wife, no matter what it still is there to support me and do what I ask with nothing expected in return. Loyal till the end I know I can count on my 4runner to pull through
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1engineer
Moderator
[MENTION=88453]SCSPerformance[/MENTION] reading these stories brings back a lot of fond memories. The first brand new vehicle I ever bought was a 1984 4Runner SR5 of the showroom floor. Right now I am driving a 2012 4Runner TE. That's 28 years between them and I still get a smile on my face when I take it off road or on trips. I have only put 26K miles on it this year, which is down from my average of 30K/yr over the last several years.
Do me a favor: When you pick the winning story, pick one of the younger guys. If they are anything like I was, they dream of having a new set of wheels for their 4Runner but everyday bills and expenses, not to mention responsibility, has them buying diapers, food, rent, gas and school expenses. To a young man, the wheels are a dream and daily expenses are a reality. Hell, If I wanted new wheels I would just order them tomorrow and would not think twice. A guy just starting out does not have that luxury. I know if my son (18 yo) had a 4Runner and won a set of your wheels he would be ecstatic! He has a Subaru and worked all summer moving watermelons to buy wheels for his vehicle lol.
It is a good thing you are doing [MENTION=88453]SCSPerformance[/MENTION]. As a matter of fact, because of this contest, when I do decide to buy new wheels I will buy them from you guys. Thanks.
Do me a favor: When you pick the winning story, pick one of the younger guys. If they are anything like I was, they dream of having a new set of wheels for their 4Runner but everyday bills and expenses, not to mention responsibility, has them buying diapers, food, rent, gas and school expenses. To a young man, the wheels are a dream and daily expenses are a reality. Hell, If I wanted new wheels I would just order them tomorrow and would not think twice. A guy just starting out does not have that luxury. I know if my son (18 yo) had a 4Runner and won a set of your wheels he would be ecstatic! He has a Subaru and worked all summer moving watermelons to buy wheels for his vehicle lol.
It is a good thing you are doing [MENTION=88453]SCSPerformance[/MENTION]. As a matter of fact, because of this contest, when I do decide to buy new wheels I will buy them from you guys. Thanks.
99 sr5 highlander
New member
The story with my 4runner starts back in 2003 when I was 7 years old. The 1990 Chevy truck my parents had finally died in a cloud of smoke and they needed a new car. They wanted an SUV, something that could go up the mountains and perform better than our Sienna did on the dirt roads of eastern Oregon. They looked at all the mid sized SUVs of the time, Even briefly considered a PT Cruiser because of its "retro" styling (thank goodness that didn't go through or this would be a short story). Because of safety and reliability, they decided on a Toyota. They first looked at Rav 4s because they were affordable. However after driving the Rav 4 of the time it, was apparent that it was to "tin cannish" We finally decided that we wanted a 4runner. I remember seeing this big shiny 4runner perched up on a ramp and my 7 year old mind was set. I begged and plead for them to test drive it while the salesman tried to convince them on the bigger Landcruiser. They test drove the 4runner and fell in love. I climbed up (with a little help) into the back seat and sat with a grin ear to ear as they drove it around. At the time it had 80,000 miles on it and was priced high at 18,000. The whole family loved it so much however, that we bought it. For the next 8 years I grew up with the 4runner and was taken to school every day in it. As I grew up with it my love and connection to it grew. I remember I was so excited to be able to finally sit in the front seat on the way to school.
When I turned 15 I took my permit test and was pumped about finally being able to drive the 4runner, even if it was with my parents. I grew a new love for it and began taking spectacular care of it, even though it was still primarily my moms to drive. My first "Mods" were a grill mesh and painting the fender flairs. These were all before I was driving it. Finally when I turned 16 I took my driving test on my birthday in the truck and drove it to school. I was so excited to actually have such a cool first car that I had a history with. During the last 2 years of high school I have had tons of good times with friends in the 4runner, and of course some bad times. I found this forum and was amazed by the amount of knowledge specific to 4runners. I was also bitten firmly by the "Mod Bug". The summer of my sophomore year I got a job at a body shop that allowed me to gain knowledge of the industry and gave me some extra money to put into the 4runner. Nearly every penny I made from the job went to mods for the 4runner. First I bought the roof rack, then new springs and shocks for a small lift, the tundra brake upgrade, and a satoshi grill, umong many other things and maintenance. Unfortunately this year (my senior year in highschool),I had to quit the job because of my school schedule. I had saved money from my job for new duratracs and new wheels. I always loved the look and functionality of SCS wheels, but was planning on just getting some cheaper wheels from Americas Tire because that was all I could afford. However, as the realities of Christmas and 30,000 a year college tuition coming up I just bought tires and saved the "aesthetics" money for more practical things. I am applying to go to McPherson College in Kansas, and will hopefully get into the Automotive Restoration Program. They are the only college to offer a 4 year automotive degree. My plan after college is to work either in a fab shop or one of the top restoration shops in the country. I am extremely excited by these opportunities and must say that my 4runner, and this forum have played a huge role in my passion for the automotive industry.
Here is a few current pictures of the 4runner.
And my build thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/112055-99-sr5-highlanders-build-thread.html
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shootmymime
New member
Its been great reading everyone entries on the page thus far, i think it helps open up one another on a more personal level other than the common 4runner conversations we have.
Background:In 1996 my father purchased the first 4Runner in our family at the time, forward to 2005, after dad, mom, and sister had all driven the 4Runner for a number of years, i received my driver license and was given this vehicle to drive as a starter. I took such good care of it! washed it every saturday (detailed it too) and waxed it once a month. (2007 i won "best sport truck" at a car show i went to with it.) I had also installed TONS of little upgrades into it to make make in stand out. (not stupid ricer look)
Nomination for Brothers 96 Today I still drive a 4Runnner, not the same one because my younger brother is currently driving it. 2 weeks ago for thanksgiving i gave him an early Christmas present of a LC 7Wraps and toytec lift kit. HE LOVES IT! So [MENTION=88453]SCSPerformance[/MENTION] Here is my nomination for my younger brother Jonathan!
He has been driving it for about 4 years now and also taking very good care of it. With 297,000 miles on it, it could pass for a early 2000s vehicle like mine. I think a Christmas present from you guys would blow his mine right now. Lift kit and Wheels! Talk about making a hard working collage student happy this Christmas season! He currently attends Arkansas state on a Rugby scholarship and is applying to their nursing program this upcoming year. Even tho his 4Runner has so many miles on it, he still plans to driving it for many many years. Some would say putting a lift into a vehicle with almost 300,000 miles is like putting shoes on a dead horse, but the thing is; he loves this horse.
(Installing his lift, he did a lot of the work with me over his shoulders directing him.)
My own nominationAs a second year in the running, here is my 4Runner, As you can tell from this picture; on the hood above the driver side head light i am still supporting you guys in your wheels with my black SCS sticker you gave out a while back. (people ask what it is for, sadly i just cant point down towards the wheels and say look, i have to simply tell them about your company.)
But no matter what, you guys still rock in my book! Good luck and hope you do very well this Christmas season!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/128879-shoots-build-thread.html
Background:In 1996 my father purchased the first 4Runner in our family at the time, forward to 2005, after dad, mom, and sister had all driven the 4Runner for a number of years, i received my driver license and was given this vehicle to drive as a starter. I took such good care of it! washed it every saturday (detailed it too) and waxed it once a month. (2007 i won "best sport truck" at a car show i went to with it.) I had also installed TONS of little upgrades into it to make make in stand out. (not stupid ricer look)
Nomination for Brothers 96 Today I still drive a 4Runnner, not the same one because my younger brother is currently driving it. 2 weeks ago for thanksgiving i gave him an early Christmas present of a LC 7Wraps and toytec lift kit. HE LOVES IT! So [MENTION=88453]SCSPerformance[/MENTION] Here is my nomination for my younger brother Jonathan!
He has been driving it for about 4 years now and also taking very good care of it. With 297,000 miles on it, it could pass for a early 2000s vehicle like mine. I think a Christmas present from you guys would blow his mine right now. Lift kit and Wheels! Talk about making a hard working collage student happy this Christmas season! He currently attends Arkansas state on a Rugby scholarship and is applying to their nursing program this upcoming year. Even tho his 4Runner has so many miles on it, he still plans to driving it for many many years. Some would say putting a lift into a vehicle with almost 300,000 miles is like putting shoes on a dead horse, but the thing is; he loves this horse.
(Installing his lift, he did a lot of the work with me over his shoulders directing him.)
My own nominationAs a second year in the running, here is my 4Runner, As you can tell from this picture; on the hood above the driver side head light i am still supporting you guys in your wheels with my black SCS sticker you gave out a while back. (people ask what it is for, sadly i just cant point down towards the wheels and say look, i have to simply tell them about your company.)
But no matter what, you guys still rock in my book! Good luck and hope you do very well this Christmas season!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/128879-shoots-build-thread.html
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SCSPerformance
Official Vendor
Last day to enter is the 20th guys so get them in while you can. Your effort in making a heart felt entry will go a long way. Whether it's sad or happy, make us connect with your story and experience.
We're redoing our website and the winner will be featured on there along with their story.
We're redoing our website and the winner will be featured on there along with their story.
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4Running Daily
New member
Bump! Updated my photos :rofl:
Swimmerboy2112
New member
The first truck that got me into Toyota was my 1986 4Runner.
I was looking for a beater in order to keep my daily driver parked in the winter months. I had been searching Craigslist actually looking for a Nissan Hardbody when I stumbled upon what would soon become my 4Runner. It was in rough shape and had been parked for a number of years. It was love at first sight.
I paid the guy $451 and took her home.
I spent the next 2 years using my 4Runner as a guinea pig to all my mechanical "skills" and modifications. I have many memories with this 4Runner.
As you can see by the time she was "done" I had many modifications.
This 4Runner continues to be one of the most recognized first-gen 4Runners on the message boards and I often get asked questions about it.
I was looking for a beater in order to keep my daily driver parked in the winter months. I had been searching Craigslist actually looking for a Nissan Hardbody when I stumbled upon what would soon become my 4Runner. It was in rough shape and had been parked for a number of years. It was love at first sight.
I paid the guy $451 and took her home.
I spent the next 2 years using my 4Runner as a guinea pig to all my mechanical "skills" and modifications. I have many memories with this 4Runner.
As you can see by the time she was "done" I had many modifications.
This 4Runner continues to be one of the most recognized first-gen 4Runners on the message boards and I often get asked questions about it.
Climber
New member
Well here's my Story! This begins about a year ago when I rescued my pristine 99 Sr5 from a local mom and pop dealership. I didn't have the money to buy it outright so I applied for a loan and thankfully I was approved! It was definitely babied as it still had the running boards and perfect interior/exterior. Now here's where the fun begins, within 2 weeks of owning my girl I had already taken her to Durango CO from phoenix AZ and that's when the bond started. She ran wonderfully and made my stepdad wonder why he still owned his ford. Since then I have been in love and browsing this sight finding the inspiration for what I want to build my truck into. With only 185k miles I plan on driving this truck until it dies, which will probably when my son owns it and im already dead. Unfortunately like most guys funds are very limited as I travel a lot volunteering and teaching English in foreign countries for short periods of time(I leave for panama in two weeks! I cant wait) but as far as i'm concerned she's perfect the way she is now and wouldn't hesitate to drive her around the world if she could float(Build idea?) I know my short story doesn't stand a chance against these guys that have owned there 4runners for years and years but I just wanted to share my love for my 4runner and every other 3rd gen out there.
-Alex
Day I brought her home
off come the running boards on a few trails in CO
how she sits now, the oil stains are from the work truck
Since then I have been in love and browsing this sight finding the inspiration for what I want to build my truck into. With only 185k miles I plan on driving this truck until it dies, which will probably when my son owns it and im already dead. Unfortunately like most guys funds are very limited as I travel a lot volunteering and teaching English in foreign countries for short periods of time(I leave for panama in two weeks! I cant wait) but as far as i'm concerned she's perfect the way she is now and wouldn't hesitate to drive her around the world if she could float(Build idea?) I know my short story doesn't stand a chance against these guys that have owned there 4runners for years and years but I just wanted to share my love for my 4runner and every other 3rd gen out there.-Alex
Day I brought her home
off come the running boards on a few trails in CO
how she sits now, the oil stains are from the work truck
brandonlear
New member
I'd like to thank SCS for this opportunity.
As an 18 year old in high school on the golf and bowling team, it is nearly impossible to find a job with hours that I am able to work. Any time there is money to be made I will go for it. I've been saving for a new set of wheels since I bought my Tacoma (3 years ago) and have continued to save now that I have a 4Runner. Truly, I plan on keeping my 4Runner until the day I stop driving. It's not the nicest, but I love it. Since I was 4 years old, we've always had some kind of Toyota starting with my dad's 97 Tacoma, my 95 Tacoma, and now my father's 05 4Runner Sport, my 99 4Runner SR5, and my mother's 10 Toyota Venza. Even though I've been saving for so long for wheels, I'd love to be able to give my father the set he's been looking at for his birthday on January 24th, and then I can inherit his wheels for mine. It wouldn't be the same as new, but I could get the satisfactory feeling of giving back to my father who has given so much to me and has led me to the Army National Guard after high school. As I said before, thank you so much for this opportunity and God Bless!
As an 18 year old in high school on the golf and bowling team, it is nearly impossible to find a job with hours that I am able to work. Any time there is money to be made I will go for it. I've been saving for a new set of wheels since I bought my Tacoma (3 years ago) and have continued to save now that I have a 4Runner. Truly, I plan on keeping my 4Runner until the day I stop driving. It's not the nicest, but I love it. Since I was 4 years old, we've always had some kind of Toyota starting with my dad's 97 Tacoma, my 95 Tacoma, and now my father's 05 4Runner Sport, my 99 4Runner SR5, and my mother's 10 Toyota Venza. Even though I've been saving for so long for wheels, I'd love to be able to give my father the set he's been looking at for his birthday on January 24th, and then I can inherit his wheels for mine. It wouldn't be the same as new, but I could get the satisfactory feeling of giving back to my father who has given so much to me and has led me to the Army National Guard after high school. As I said before, thank you so much for this opportunity and God Bless!
Aloha,
Well this is a story how my Toyota addiction began. All started with my 1994 Toyota Camry XLE. I currently cannot find a picture of it but it was passed on by my mother to me when I was a senior in high school. I was heavily into car audio and that became out of control.
My first encounter with a Toyota 4x4 was my first pickup truck. 1989 Toyota pickup reg cab, 5speed, 4x4.
This is the day I brought it home. Only things I did to this vehicle was a clutch kit, and of course a lot of sounds lol.
After owning this pickup for about a few months I sold it to get my very first Toyota 4runner. It was a 1992 Toyota 4runner 5spd 4x4.
Here she is the first day of my ownership.
This rig got some love. It of course had sounds. It also got a ball joint spacer lift OME rear coils and 4.88 gearing. She was my love. I still miss this truck till this very day. I am actually still looking for it. I know it was sold again after I sold it but hasn't popped up.
I sold my girl for a pretty penny tho. Then got into a 1986 toyota pickup 5spd 4x4. It was a phase of mine where I was digging the 80s style trucks.
This beauty got traded to my close friend for his 1990 toyota pickup 5spd 4x4 sas.
Which was then sold only to get back another 4runner. 1995 Toyota 4runner 5spd 4x4.
And now it brings me back to my current ride. 2000 toyota 4runner 5spd 4x4 supercharged and all the goodies lol.
This is just to show my love for my Toyotas and especially my 4RUNNERS. Thanks for your time. I hope you like my photos
Well this is a story how my Toyota addiction began. All started with my 1994 Toyota Camry XLE. I currently cannot find a picture of it but it was passed on by my mother to me when I was a senior in high school. I was heavily into car audio and that became out of control.
My first encounter with a Toyota 4x4 was my first pickup truck. 1989 Toyota pickup reg cab, 5speed, 4x4.
This is the day I brought it home. Only things I did to this vehicle was a clutch kit, and of course a lot of sounds lol.
After owning this pickup for about a few months I sold it to get my very first Toyota 4runner. It was a 1992 Toyota 4runner 5spd 4x4.
Here she is the first day of my ownership.
This rig got some love. It of course had sounds. It also got a ball joint spacer lift OME rear coils and 4.88 gearing. She was my love. I still miss this truck till this very day. I am actually still looking for it. I know it was sold again after I sold it but hasn't popped up.
I sold my girl for a pretty penny tho. Then got into a 1986 toyota pickup 5spd 4x4. It was a phase of mine where I was digging the 80s style trucks.
This beauty got traded to my close friend for his 1990 toyota pickup 5spd 4x4 sas.
Which was then sold only to get back another 4runner. 1995 Toyota 4runner 5spd 4x4.
And now it brings me back to my current ride. 2000 toyota 4runner 5spd 4x4 supercharged and all the goodies lol.
This is just to show my love for my Toyotas and especially my 4RUNNERS. Thanks for your time. I hope you like my photos
SCSPerformance
Official Vendor
There are so many great entries to consider. This is going to be tougher than I anticipated. Time is running out! Enter by the 20th!!!
VoodooTitan
New member
Vin and the gents at SCS...
My name is Vincent. I just recently bought my 2014 TE Premium 4Runner, Metallic Grey, which is still completely stock. I KNOW, those rims would look SICK on my 4Runner. It's the first vehicle of it's type that i've owned. It's my daily driver now. My first experience with a 4Runner was when i was a kid. My dad had a late 80's model 4Runner, when they were turbo. Now. 20 something years later, I own one.
I'm active duty Navy, and I'm an Independent Duty Corpsman. My position is a bit precarious because I practice medicine as a licensed physician would but I don't get the perks of a physician assistant or doctor. The Navy created our position so that we can provide advanced clinical and trauma medicine to service members forward, in the absence of a doctor or physician. I just got back from my most recent deployment to Afghanistan and I'm getting ready to head out again, just not to Afghanistan. Can't really disclose where. My training is extensive, I'm able to do just about anything that wouldn't require an operating room. Last deployment I kept 13 patients alive, allowing them to get the care they need. The first guy I worked on had a bullet to the brain, and we kept him alive which is pretty amazing considering the injury. The other 12 were handfuls in their own respect.
Now for the meat and potatoes... I'm working on trying to get my beagle certified as a service dog. She's my best friend and one of the reasons I got my 4Runner was for my dogs. The first time I treated casualties was in 08 on my first deployment. Our MRAP got stuck, and while the Marines were setting up the tow bar, we got hit with an RPG. I was knocked out for a brief instant before coming to and getting to work. I responded to 2 casualties that day while concussed. Long story short, I wasn't ever evaluated or anything for my TBI and because of that, I wasn't really a consideration for a service dog. It's been a long road to recovery. This is the reason I've been working on getting my beagle certified as a service dog. I do suffer from PTSD and when she's around, things are definitely better. Being able to load her into the 4Runner and take off is awesome, the rear window is probably my favorite feature.
Ultimately I have big plans for my 4Runner. Most of it involves getting dirty, taking my beagle to remote locations, and enjoying the great outdoor. I plan on keeping this vehicle forever. Literally. I love driving it, and everyday I see it, I love it even more. It's one of the best vehicles I've owned all around.
I'm finally really getting into the outdoor adventuring. I came over from the high-performance world. I traded my 2010 Lancer Evolution for my 4Runner. My wife drives a 2012 Golf R. I am definitely an enthusiast though.
Good luck everyone, and thanks to the guys at STS.
Here are some photos of me, Lilly, and the 4Runner.
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This is an amazing opportunity for everyone on the forum, and props to SCS for the idea, and for the production of some amazing wheels. So i am appreciative for the chance to be able to rep SCS, not only with the sticker, but maybe with some wheels.
Ive always known i wanted a 4runner, ever since i started getting into cars at 12. I moved from the UK when i was young and as soon as i saw a 4runner on the freeway from LAX, i knew i wanted it. So time passes, and i turn 16. I get my license in my mothers minivan...and thats it. I had no family members who were Toyota fanatics, or even car fanatics at that, and i knew my family were experiencing some hard times, so i decided to start working, saving every penny so i could save up for a car. At this point i just wanted something to get me places, something reliable, something Toyota, my hopes of a 4runner were slowly fading. BUT, i kept at it, kept working, kept saving until i had enough to buy something reliable, so the hunt began, i looked at everything from Corollas to the small Tacomas, but i kept being draw to 4runners on craigslist, specifically 3rd gen....i still wanted one so bad....so i kept at it, until the stars aligned just after my 18th birthday! I found a 4runner, in my price range, in decent condition. I drove an hour to get her, but i came home victorious! I finally had my own 4runner!
![a>~original](http://<a href="http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/jborrott/media/4runner/beggining3_zpsb0497464.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b547/jborrott/4runner/beggining3_zpsb0497464.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo beggining3_zpsb0497464.jpg"/></a>~original)
In no way was she perfect. She needed some TLC, staring with maintenance. I replaced the brakes, spark plugs and wires, LBJs, all that good stuff. Annnd then i ran out of money. As time progressed i learned the ins and outs of the truck, and it was everything i expected, she was mine and i was hers. Sounds completely insane, but i dont think i can describe it another way.
Then i found this site, and there were so many things i wanted to do, so may influences, so many build threads to look over. As time goes on, and as i get more money in, I add on to the truck, i change things, make her more mine.
![a>~original](http://<a href="http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/jborrott/media/4runner/runnertrail_zps1abd0685.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b547/jborrott/4runner/runnertrail_zps1abd0685.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo runnertrail_zps1abd0685.jpg"/></a>~original)
![a>~original](http://<a href="http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/jborrott/media/4runner/image_zps262a23dc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b547/jborrott/4runner/image_zps262a23dc.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo image_zps262a23dc.jpg"/></a>~original)
![a>~original](http://<a href="http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/jborrott/media/4runner/runnerdirt_zps25447799.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b547/jborrott/4runner/runnerdirt_zps25447799.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo runnerdirt_zps25447799.jpg"/></a>~original)
A week or too into my time on the forum, i came across SCS wheels and knew i wanted a set. I got a sticker from Vin, as a reminder to myself, of the goal i was striving for, to save up more cash to get me some SCS wheels. With my graduation and going off to college, that goal has been put on hold, tuition is priority. I have to focus on EECs, to get a decent job so i can pursue my hobby of moding and offroading my truck, who knows maybe even be able to trade up to a 4x4 (since i couldnt afford it at the time).
Whether or not i am able to win a set, i will have a set of SCS wheels, eventually. Until that time comes i will continue repping the sticker and answering the questions that come with it.
So that's my story. I am the first one in my family to fall in love with the 4runner, and i crawled and scratched my way to get it. My father, who tried to dissuade me from getting the truck and tried to convince me to just buy a car, now has also fallen in love with it and now wants one of his own. I hope to have started a trend in my family of buying toyota, and hope to continue driving and loving my 4runner, and any new 4runners i may posses in the future. One thing is for certain, i will follow in may peoples footsteps on the forum, and will pass down whatever 4runner i have (because i will always be in a runner) to my children so they can enjoy it just as i have.
![a>~original](http://<a href="http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/jborrott/media/4runner/image_zps0650eebf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b547/jborrott/4runner/image_zps0650eebf.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo image_zps0650eebf.jpg"/></a>~original)
Ive always known i wanted a 4runner, ever since i started getting into cars at 12. I moved from the UK when i was young and as soon as i saw a 4runner on the freeway from LAX, i knew i wanted it. So time passes, and i turn 16. I get my license in my mothers minivan...and thats it. I had no family members who were Toyota fanatics, or even car fanatics at that, and i knew my family were experiencing some hard times, so i decided to start working, saving every penny so i could save up for a car. At this point i just wanted something to get me places, something reliable, something Toyota, my hopes of a 4runner were slowly fading. BUT, i kept at it, kept working, kept saving until i had enough to buy something reliable, so the hunt began, i looked at everything from Corollas to the small Tacomas, but i kept being draw to 4runners on craigslist, specifically 3rd gen....i still wanted one so bad....so i kept at it, until the stars aligned just after my 18th birthday! I found a 4runner, in my price range, in decent condition. I drove an hour to get her, but i came home victorious! I finally had my own 4runner!
In no way was she perfect. She needed some TLC, staring with maintenance. I replaced the brakes, spark plugs and wires, LBJs, all that good stuff. Annnd then i ran out of money. As time progressed i learned the ins and outs of the truck, and it was everything i expected, she was mine and i was hers. Sounds completely insane, but i dont think i can describe it another way.
Then i found this site, and there were so many things i wanted to do, so may influences, so many build threads to look over. As time goes on, and as i get more money in, I add on to the truck, i change things, make her more mine.
A week or too into my time on the forum, i came across SCS wheels and knew i wanted a set. I got a sticker from Vin, as a reminder to myself, of the goal i was striving for, to save up more cash to get me some SCS wheels. With my graduation and going off to college, that goal has been put on hold, tuition is priority. I have to focus on EECs, to get a decent job so i can pursue my hobby of moding and offroading my truck, who knows maybe even be able to trade up to a 4x4 (since i couldnt afford it at the time).
Whether or not i am able to win a set, i will have a set of SCS wheels, eventually. Until that time comes i will continue repping the sticker and answering the questions that come with it.
So that's my story. I am the first one in my family to fall in love with the 4runner, and i crawled and scratched my way to get it. My father, who tried to dissuade me from getting the truck and tried to convince me to just buy a car, now has also fallen in love with it and now wants one of his own. I hope to have started a trend in my family of buying toyota, and hope to continue driving and loving my 4runner, and any new 4runners i may posses in the future. One thing is for certain, i will follow in may peoples footsteps on the forum, and will pass down whatever 4runner i have (because i will always be in a runner) to my children so they can enjoy it just as i have.
Spencer_Ord
New member
Hello 4Runner world,
My name is Spencer and I am 21 years old studying civil engineering at Sacramento State University. Ever since I can remember I have loved 4Runners. When most of my friends when I was younger had pictures of Lamborghini's and Ferrari's with the occasional bikini model on their bedroom wall, I had pictures of Tacoma's and 4Runners. That's how obsessed I am with these cars.
I even remember my uncle had a 1996 4Runner and when I turned 16 I tried every trick in the book to talk him into selling it to me. Needless to say, it didn’t work. So my only other option at the time was a Camry. (Lame I know). It was a good car, but secretly I have never stopped looking for my future 4Runner.
Last year, I really started looking because I was ready for change and I couldn’t stand waiting anymore. I saved up money and spent hours looking on Craigslist, Ebay, t4r.org and any other website that I could think of. Finally in September of 2012, I found my future car sitting at a Mini Cooper Dealership in Marin, California. I rushed there that day to see it and instantly fell in love. After some serious negotiation, I purchased the 4Runner that at the time only had 77,000 miles on it. (Not even broke in!)
Now to get into why I want these wheels so bad. I have a close friend who has a 2004 4Runner. He is very much into off-roading and has converted me and now I am ready to go full force. The problem is the money. The SCS Stealth 6 wheels are absolutely beautiful and I want them more than anything. My friend bought these exact wheels and in person they are even more amazing.
Up until last week I have been running the stock wheels with cheap tires and I was so ready for an upgrade. Now that my friend has the Stealth 6’s he has let me borrow his 17” stock Tundra wheels that have been painted matte black. After seeing the matte black wheels on my 4Runner I know that I would definitely want the matte black Stealth 6’s. Those wheels with some all-terrain tires and the 3” lift that I will be receiving as a Christmas present next week would complete the look and performance that I am going for.
This car is my passion and if money wasn't an object these wheels would already be on my car. Unless I win the lottery, I won't have the money to purchase these wheels and probably won’t for a long while. Although school is my focus right now which includes the inevitable tuition fees and books, my car is my passion. These would look so clean on my 4Runner and winning these would make my life.
So please consider me!
**UPDATE** My uncle just told me that he went into the Toyota dealership in Santa Rosa, CA to get new tires for his 1996 4Runner with just over 300,000 miles on it and he left with a 2014 4Runner instead! My uncle is 85 so this must have been a pretty impressive salesman!
My name is Spencer and I am 21 years old studying civil engineering at Sacramento State University. Ever since I can remember I have loved 4Runners. When most of my friends when I was younger had pictures of Lamborghini's and Ferrari's with the occasional bikini model on their bedroom wall, I had pictures of Tacoma's and 4Runners. That's how obsessed I am with these cars.
I even remember my uncle had a 1996 4Runner and when I turned 16 I tried every trick in the book to talk him into selling it to me. Needless to say, it didn’t work. So my only other option at the time was a Camry. (Lame I know). It was a good car, but secretly I have never stopped looking for my future 4Runner.
Last year, I really started looking because I was ready for change and I couldn’t stand waiting anymore. I saved up money and spent hours looking on Craigslist, Ebay, t4r.org and any other website that I could think of. Finally in September of 2012, I found my future car sitting at a Mini Cooper Dealership in Marin, California. I rushed there that day to see it and instantly fell in love. After some serious negotiation, I purchased the 4Runner that at the time only had 77,000 miles on it. (Not even broke in!)
Now to get into why I want these wheels so bad. I have a close friend who has a 2004 4Runner. He is very much into off-roading and has converted me and now I am ready to go full force. The problem is the money. The SCS Stealth 6 wheels are absolutely beautiful and I want them more than anything. My friend bought these exact wheels and in person they are even more amazing.
Up until last week I have been running the stock wheels with cheap tires and I was so ready for an upgrade. Now that my friend has the Stealth 6’s he has let me borrow his 17” stock Tundra wheels that have been painted matte black. After seeing the matte black wheels on my 4Runner I know that I would definitely want the matte black Stealth 6’s. Those wheels with some all-terrain tires and the 3” lift that I will be receiving as a Christmas present next week would complete the look and performance that I am going for.
This car is my passion and if money wasn't an object these wheels would already be on my car. Unless I win the lottery, I won't have the money to purchase these wheels and probably won’t for a long while. Although school is my focus right now which includes the inevitable tuition fees and books, my car is my passion. These would look so clean on my 4Runner and winning these would make my life.
So please consider me!
**UPDATE** My uncle just told me that he went into the Toyota dealership in Santa Rosa, CA to get new tires for his 1996 4Runner with just over 300,000 miles on it and he left with a 2014 4Runner instead! My uncle is 85 so this must have been a pretty impressive salesman!
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