the family 4runner

[higgins]

I picked up my first 4runner this past weekend. its a 88 3.0 sr5 that is going to be the family trail truk. after looking it over i have no idea where to start.

 

[Vegas4Runner]

Just start by asking what kind of trails are you going to take it on and how hard are you going to push it. Then figure out how much you want to spend. Then you can determine what wheel and suspension setup will match your needs and continue on from there. This forum is packed with everything from simple stock daily drivers to monster rock-crawlers so look around and start writing down ideas.
P.S. I love the phrase "family trail truck." Maybe if I call mine that the wife will let me spend more money on it.

 

[the_dingman]

Start by checking the VIN with Toyota to see if the head gasket recall has been done, if not: Free Headgasket Job!

If it has, find out when. Watch the HG on that engine, it's a good engine, but it does have issues with the head gaskets. Don't ever let it overheat, and may I recommend a Failsafe thermostat.

 

[cztheman64]

shoot some pics!

 

[KidVermicious]

What they said. Assuming it's mechanically sound, get it on a trail. Figure out what it can't do, and modify to suit.

Unless you're hard core, you won't need to mod much.

 

[higgins]

pics this weekend. I run a 85 pickup now with 36 tsl's but no room for the family.

 

[foonanas]

what color is your 4runner??? I drive the bright Orange 88 around town!!!

 

[higgins]

light blue. its new to me. and might not see the road. and yes iwas going to stop by some time.

 

[higgins]

pics

some pics of the 4runner. there is rust on the quarter panels above the wheels and the rocker panel.

 

[cztheman64]

make sure it runs well before starting mods...
first armor it up
tires
drivetrain options(gearing, tcase, SAS)
suspension lift...
when wheeling, take the top off as weather permits, much less top heavy and much more enjoyable

 

[jlewis74]

Start by checking the VIN with Toyota to see if the head gasket recall has been done, if not: Free Headgasket Job!

If it has, find out when. Watch the HG on that engine, it's a good engine, but it does have issues with the head gaskets. Don't ever let it overheat, and may I recommend a Failsafe thermostat.

do you just call a dealership to have this checked?

 

[higgins]

make sure it runs well before starting mods...
first armor it up
tires
drivetrain options(gearing, tcase, SAS)
suspension lift...
when wheeling, take the top off as weather permits, much less top heavy and much more enjoyable

well it runs ok it's a little sluggish when it starts off but then it cleans up.

 

[higgins]

so i think I have a plan for the 4runner. What i'm looking at is the TG-4" sas and 4" lift in the rear to run 36 tsl's and some armor. and dam that' not cheep. Still have some reading to do but I think it should work fine.

 

[cztheman64]

not a bad way to start!