Thinking of buying a 4Runner

[Brendan]

Pissed at how I can't run my R32 in the winter and carry more than two people, so I am selling it and getting a 4Runner. Choices were between this and a Disco II, but LR's are notoriously expensive to maintain, and being a cheapskate, don't want to deal with it. Besides, the ONLY LR worth owning is the Defender, which costs a shitload, so no dice there. Thinking of the 3rd gen 4Runner, maybe a 1999/2000 model, or a 2002 if I can find one. Not looking to do hardcore trail runs with it. As long as it can go fast and soak up bumps relatively well and handle similar to a car, I'm happy.

^Apparently the Limited 1999 models have both the rear locker and the multimode AWD tranny correct? Will the 2000-2002 models have them both as well? Or should I just go with a standard 4Runner (by standard I mean the SR5 model) with the multimode and do the ARB lockers install myself (so I can do both front and rears)? And if I do go with the SR5, year won't matter as much? I just want to know where to get the Limited flares, or can I use the Bushwacker Extend-A-Flares as well?

I will be investing in a set of BudBuilt skidplates (BudBuilt - Tacoma) along with the belly pan and their xmember, but I'm unsure if I'll actually need the xmember. Also unsure if I should go with Skid Row (Rock Rated™ Toyota Tacoma & 4Runner Products - Skid Row Offroad) vs. BudBuilt, opinions? Furthermore, looking to eventually get a pair of sliders as well, going with the standard Sonoran Steel (Stubbs Welding) sliders, but until then, will be taking off the standard running boards (if it has them).

Regarding tires and wheels, I'm dead set on a set of American Racing Mojave's, but regarding tires, not sure yet. What's a decent size to start with? 33"? Brands/models?

^Through some more researching, found out the Mojaves in 16x8's will clear the Tundra brakes (see below), so going with that. Also will be picking up a set of Geolander A/T-S for all around use. Maybe later down the road, I'll get a set of dedicated snow tires, but for now, compromising with the AT's. Also planning on some Extend-A-Fenders from Bushwacker to cover up the meats.

For the brakes, I've read that the current bang for the buck are Tundra calipers and discs for the front, while refreshing the rear drums on the back. Seems like the rear disc conversions are pretty iffy.

Power-wise, anything against the TRD supercharger? Aside from swapping a 2JZ into the runner, seems like there isn't much to work with. Maybe an upgraded exhaust.

Lastly, suspension lift, probably going with an OME lift, or LC springs and some Bilstein shocks.

Feel free to add to this list if there's anything missing.

Thanks, Brendan

 

[Brendan]

Anybody?

 

[kball]

As long as it can go fast and soak up bumps relatively well and handle similar to a car, I'm happy.

Except for soaking up bumps, this does not sound like a third gen. Just be aware it is an SUV. They are not considered fast and won't corner like a car. Especially if you lift it and put bigger tires on it.

Your list sounds good. You got some big plans, hope you have deep pockets too! :beer:

 

[Brendan]

I agree, probably will edit the list, but the brakes, tires and wheels will come first, then the lift, sliders/skid plates and finally the power add-ons (supercharger & exhaust). Will 33's fit on the stock suspension or will I need to downsize to 32's or even stay with the stock size?

 

[4runit]

Your list sounds good. You got some big plans, hope you have deep pockets too! :beer:

X2 The stuff you got planned is gonna be expensive. If you don't plan on going off road much why do you need front and rear lockers, budbuilt skids, and sliders? 33" tires will eat up a lot of gas and you'll lose some power. But it's your rig so do as you please. Just wondering...


As far as the other stuff:
I have the extend-a-fenders and I think they were a great mod. For performance mods, I just installed a magnaflow 14" and did the deckplate mod and I'm very satisfied! Combined they sound great and hopefully will increase my mpgs a little. I don't think the 4runner will handle like your R32 (nice ride!), expect it to be slower with less torque, and you won't be able to take turns like a rally car either. In your search for a 4runner look for a 99 and up, a limited if you want the fender flares and leather seats. Good Luck!

 

[Donovansolis]

:iagree:
u might wanna look into some Subaru sti's if u wanna cut corner at high speeds... lol jk i hope we dont discourage you.. but good luck and keep us update

 

[kball]

I agree, probably will edit the list, but the brakes, tires and wheels will come first, then the lift, sliders/skid plates and finally the power add-ons (supercharger & exhaust). Will 33's fit on the stock suspension or will I need to downsize to 32's or even stay with the stock size?

No, 33's will not fit stock. 32's should fit no problem unless you have very saggy springs.

 

[Brendan]

X2 The stuff you got planned is gonna be expensive. If you don't plan on going off road much why do you need front and rear lockers, budbuilt skids, and sliders? 33" tires will eat up a lot of gas and you'll lose some power. But it's your rig so do as you please. Just wondering...


As far as the other stuff:
I have the extend-a-fenders and I think they were a great mod. For performance mods, I just installed a magnaflow 14" and did the deckplate mod and I'm very satisfied! Combined they sound great and hopefully will increase my mpgs a little. I don't think the 4runner will handle like your R32 (nice ride!), expect it to be slower with less torque, and you won't be able to take turns like a rally car either. In your search for a 4runner look for a 99 and up, a limited if you want the fender flares and leather seats. Good Luck!

Haha, my wishes are a little up there. Like I said, the skidplates won't be an immediate upgrade, maybe in the future, but it would help with the resale value, if I do sell it (which I doubt). Apparently some SR5 models had the flares installed, while all Limited models come standard with them. They are quite pricey aren't they (either from the dealer or from Bushwacker)? Which one fits better? I'm siding with the OEM pieces, but they should for 200-300 a piece.

Regarding the lockers, I really won't know what I'll be doing. Like I said, I own an R32 GTR, which has never seen anything rougher than an asphault road. I do go camping alot, and the R32 is limiting the places I can go along with the stuff I can carry. I just want to be prepared, but like I said, if I can find one with the e-locker, then I'll be GTG for a while, because I really doubt I'll be crawling on rocks enough to warrant the front locker. I'm sure it'll be nice to have but we're talking around 1K worth of gear that I may or may not use.

 

[4runit]

Alright, sounds like you've done your research. For the extend-a-fenders I think i paid around 500 total with matched paint. They are thinner than the stock limited fenders though. I'm sure over time you'll find that these rigs have a larger amount of mods than the vdubs. You're estimated cost of 1k is a lil low lol, Budbuilts (500), front and rear lockers (1200+install fees), sliders (around 200+) supercharger (2500+) plus your wheels and tires. Welcome to the money pit haha

 

[Brendan]

Oh yeah, I meant just the lockers are 1K, or at least on the ARB site. I came from a money pit, so I know what to expect, the R32 was 10 times worse...4Runner pales in comparison. I think currently with the wheels and tires (around 1K) and the brakes ($300 or so) still puts me under the 2K mark, which I'd expect to spend refreshing the suv. I will definitely POR15 the underbody, maybe refresh the suspension with the remainder of the money. That is, if I don't need to buy fender flares. Good plan?

 

[ice2000]

Thinking about selling my 4Runner

I'm thinking about selling my 2000 4Runner SR5 4x4 with locking diff., service history, and 173K. All oil changes were done at the Toyota Dealership. I owe $7500. :fishing:

 

[ice2000]

Picture

Picture Attached

 

[Brendan]

I would condier it, but I live a bit far from NM, google says abit more than a day's drive LOL.

 

[rjaudi]

I would get a 99-2000 limited. Why bother with the ARB lockers when you should get the rear locker and see if you need anymore than that. The stopped the e-locker in 2000. To me the limited is also nicer and in the resale market you dont pay much for the upgrade.

Why do you need skid plates? Again, the 4runner has skidplates stock so I would wait and see if you really need the upgrade.

I plan on going with a trd supercharger, valve body upgrade and URD fueling kit at some point. I would also look into some addco sway bars and some quick disconnects if you want the 4runner to handle any better.

 

[Brendan]

Yeah, I like the leather setas. My parents still have their old 2000 Camry and from what I can see the Limited 4Runner is identical in many ways, down to the radio even. And the seats were damn comfortable. Time to peruse kijiji and CL some more.