Well, I went and bought a 4Runner...

[Jesper]

Hi there...

As the title suggests, I went to pick up my 4Runner last week. :bravo:

I have been playing with the thought for some time, originally looking for a Hilux, but then deciding that the 4Runner would be a better deal for the climate we have here. I was looking for a truck which could take the necessary "beating" when going to those hard-to-reach places for my diving.

Previosly, I've had a Mercedes G240D (0-60mp/h in... Never!!!) which was sold with 686000 kms on the original engine(!) and changed for an Opel Frontera (I guess its an Isuzu something something in the States) which I sold again after 3 months. :barf: Really, cant recommend that experience to anyone.

Then came the time without 4x4s, until last week, when I went to pick up my "new" fun car:

'95 4Runner 3.0TD
155000 kms (96500 miles)

I dont have pictures here, but I will try to add some tonight...

This weekend was spent taking apart the tailgate, cleaning the assembly and re-assembling after lubing the moving parts. Well, its not perfect but now works a lot smoother than before. Still, the "back-window" button doesnt work and I have to use the key each time... :shrug:

The Runner has suffered an HG, which has been repaired, along with a new radiator, timing belt, etc and is otherwise in pretty good shape.

Anyways, thanks already now for the tips I have received from the posts and I looking forward to futher...

Jesper

 

[dullpain]

Welcome - good to see some pics , hope you enjoy it.

 

[gptoy96]

Welcome, sounds like a nice ride.

Pics yet?

 

[Jesper]

*update*

Hi again,

Sorry for the long delay, but in the meantime, I have been busy!

First of, here is the promised picture (no action shot, but still)... I will add more, but I am not really the photo-guy. Which actually annoys me now, as the mods have not been documented...

So, since I have the "jolly green", the following things have been discovered/ fixed:

- Oil and filters (air/ diesel/ oil) change.
- 2" Desert Fox suspension lift.
- Desert Fox steering damper installed.
- Anti-roll bar bushes renewed (originals were missing on 2 links!)
- Raised differential breathers. (as per some of the great write-ups on the site)
- Undercarriage cleaned and sprayed with "Dinitrol". (even EU 4Runners seem to have no rust prevention whatsoever...)
- Re-routed the Air intake from behind the frontlamps to within the left wing.
- The mischievous "back-window" switch has been repaired.
- Worklamp installed in the back.
- New rugged carpets installed in the cargo area.

I probably forgot one or another small thing, but you guys know how it is...

My hopes are to prepare the Runner for some "light" overlanding, lugging my dive gear around the coasts of Europe, giving me the chance to reach those not-so-easy places.

What are your thougths? What could still be done? I am always open for suggestions...

Another thing I have noticed! I seem to have quite some excessive tire wear on the rear wheels, as well as a rubber "grinding" noise from the rear wheels when starting from a crossing. Hmm, could this be my rear LSD jamming? Anyone?

Thanks for any support...

Jesper

 

[topdown4runner]

How about some meatier tires for your forays into the bush?

I don't know about LSD's so no help there

What kind of "crossing" ?

Grease all zerk fittings on steering & drive shafts ( propellers in europe ).

Nice rig

 

[Jesper]

Hmm, maybe I didnt explain myself properly...

If standing at a light, turning either left or right, I hear the tires grinding. (as if you drive 4x4 on dry road). That is why my first thought that the LSD was jamming and locking the wheels..

Yep, those are BFG longtrails T/A´s from the previous owner, those will go the way of the poodle very soon.

Drive shafts have all been lubed up.

Thanks! she is loads of fun...

 

[priestsallore]

hey dude, welcome to the club!

Nice rig, and it looks in really good shape. Also, you have flares im guessing?

 

[Jesper]

Hi,

:thanks: well, one of the nice things with the 4Runners in EU is that they are quite rare on the streets, but parts can still be sourced pretty easy (mostly through UK).

And the 2nd and 3rd gen 4Runners are simply just great looking cars! :thumb3:

Yep, those are original Toyota flares (sold as "wide-body" here, I believe...)

 

[96743runner]

Hi,

:thanks: well, one of the nice things with the 4Runners in EU is that they are quite rare on the streets, but parts can still be sourced pretty easy (mostly through UK).

And the 2nd and 3rd gen 4Runners are simply just great looking cars! :thumb3:

Yep, those are original Toyota flares (sold as "wide-body" here, I believe...)

Welcome to the forum!

Yeah I visited Europe 3 years ago and I saw absolutely no 4Runners of any generation. Toyotas in general were quite a rare sight there.