Rockdawg84
New member
Thanks it is coming along in a fun way:cheers:
The Wife's 2003 Build
- Thread starter Rockdawg84
- Start date
Thanks it is coming along in a fun way:cheers:
RanchoRunner
New member
Can you please show photos of how you relocated the washer bottle? I just installed a Demello bumper, and I need to do something to get it out of harm's way! I'm running 33" tires, so I don't think the tires will make contact...
Thanks
zerowkul98
New member
Awesome build! Id kill those friggin kids, climbing all over the hood!
:wow:
:wow:
Rockdawg84
New member
33's should not rub the bottle. But I have not yet got a washer bottle set up yet. should not be to hard though because the pumps are simply in a grommet in the bottle so find a bottle drill a whole that is the same size as the stock one, use the stock grommet and the stock pumps and your good to go:bravo:
shallcallhimtim
New member
how does it run without regearing? any major hits to the MPGs?
Rockdawg84
New member
the biggest hit has been around town. we really only get about 12 - 13 around town. It still drives great and other than a little loss of pep off the line you don't notice it. On the Freeway it cruises between 15-17 so not horrible. It used to get about 20-21 on the freeway and 15-16 around town so it has hit a little. It will be interesting to see the change when I finally get the new axles in.
poleclimber63
Member
Great pics!
Looks like fun was had by all! Question, you have a unique point of view: you drive 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation 4Rs... what are the differences between them ie. strengths, weaknesses etc. ? I own a 3rd gen and I tow. It definitely would be nice to have more torque to tow, some have suggested the 4th gen is hands down the best tow vehicle but the 3rd has been suggested as the most durable..... what are your views?
Looks like fun was had by all! Question, you have a unique point of view: you drive 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation 4Rs... what are the differences between them ie. strengths, weaknesses etc. ? I own a 3rd gen and I tow. It definitely would be nice to have more torque to tow, some have suggested the 4th gen is hands down the best tow vehicle but the 3rd has been suggested as the most durable..... what are your views?
Rockdawg84
New member
LOL my wife agrees. Everytime I walk out through my carport they mock me. The rear will be a easy bolt in and then I will use the Inchworm wiring and simply put in a switch. No dash light but it will work just as well.
Currently we have 1st, 3rd and 4th gen runners but we have owned two 2nd gens as well. Honestly they are all great (i would say that the 2nd Gen were the weakest off road). Stock for Stock the 3rd gen is the strongest off road and the 4th gen is most comfortable on road. But we don't own a single stock 4runner and so it becomes harder comparison. Moded the 1st gen walks over the other gens in the rocks, The 3rd gen does really well in the rocks but has really weak front axles and even with life time warrantee's it gets old changing them on the trail. The only down side of the 4th gen is that it is kind of big but haven't broken and axle yet and it really does awesome. If I did a SAS on either the 3rd or 4th gen it would be a toss up between them. I love the fact I have a 5 speed in the 3rd gen but you can put dual transfercases in either and do 85-90% of hard core rock trails in the west. The advantage of the 1st gen is that it is the easiest and cheapest to modify especially if you have an 84 or 85. If you have an 86 and up then you still have to SAS for the wheeling that we do here in the west. So Again pick what fits your family best and then put together a budget for mods and have a blast with the results. Doesn't really matter what gen you end up with you will love it. For your 3rd gen throw a supercharger on and tow away. I tow my flatbed with the 84 runner on it all day long and it doesn't break a sweat as long as I stay out of 5th gear on the freeway. The 4th gen with a v8 definitely does the same with no problem, and has a little more weight to stop with but trailer brakes are a must and the 4th gen came wired for them just add brake controller.
By the way if someone has a 2nd gen they have their good points too. With a motor swap, SAS, dual cases and stronger rear suspension brackets you have a great runner that will go anywhere and be comfortable doing it, and you still get a tailgate to sit on. LOL
Sam
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shootmymime
New member
Congrats to [MENTION=53470]Rockdawg84[/MENTION] and his wife for a happy anniversary today!
Rockdawg84
New member
Thanks:reddance::reddance: 9 years and going strong
Rockdawg84
New member
Well time for an update. Things have been great and we have camped and wheeled the runner A LOT. It is important to check things every once in a while. 
While doing a very mild wheeling trip (spur of the moment) we suddenly had a smell of burning oil. Pulled over and found that the nut had come off of the passenger side upper control Arm Bolt. And the bolt began to come out letting the UCA shift and break the remote resi hose, spraying shock oil on the exhaust manifold. Called a friend and got the trailer and towed it home. I have ordered a new set of bushing and will have the shock repaired at a shop here in town. Check your bolts every so often, it will save in the long run.
While doing a very mild wheeling trip (spur of the moment) we suddenly had a smell of burning oil. Pulled over and found that the nut had come off of the passenger side upper control Arm Bolt. And the bolt began to come out letting the UCA shift and break the remote resi hose, spraying shock oil on the exhaust manifold. Called a friend and got the trailer and towed it home. I have ordered a new set of bushing and will have the shock repaired at a shop here in town. Check your bolts every so often, it will save in the long run.I agree, it's always for the wife. The husband is the one enjoying to play with it. LOL!
It's good to have a wife very supportive of your passion. Have fun!
It's good to have a wife very supportive of your passion. Have fun!
Rockdawg84
New member
LOL that is because it's her daily driver and when we wheel I can't seem to keep her out of mine. Don't get a 1st gen you will never get to drive it. lol
it is very good:dancin:
BTW this is my daily Driver
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Rockdawg84
New member
So with a kindergartener and a 3 year old we have found the need for a rig with a 3rd row seat. And yes I know that we could get a third row seat for the runner but the wife wanted to move toward a rig that already was set up for bus duty.
So we have been looking at Sequoias but settled on a 95 FZJ80. And Sad to say the runner went to a new home but it is with a friend.
So here is the new rig.
There is a lot to do. We got some maintenance done and a new double din bluetooth radio. Moved the FJ wheels over with the 35's before we sold the runner. After the first of the year we will be looking at 4 inches of suspension lift and some really good shocks, most likely ADS.
More to come.
So we have been looking at Sequoias but settled on a 95 FZJ80. And Sad to say the runner went to a new home but it is with a friend.
So here is the new rig.
There is a lot to do. We got some maintenance done and a new double din bluetooth radio. Moved the FJ wheels over with the 35's before we sold the runner. After the first of the year we will be looking at 4 inches of suspension lift and some really good shocks, most likely ADS.
More to come.
Rockdawg84
New member
should end up looking something like this only in Satin White
