YMCMB's Build Thread | 1996 4WD 4Runner

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HELLO! :bravo:

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LIST LAST UPDATED: 6.29.12

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BOUGHT
- $40 trip cost for vehicle
- $4000 4Runner vehicle
- $40 trip cost for tires
- $600 Toyo MT 33's w/ wheels (because I could of sold the stock tires/wheels for ~$200)
- $250 registration/tax
- $855 Complete 3" OME suspension - 883/front - 890/rear
- $32 Taxi ride back to the shop lol
- $250 labor to install the suspension
- $57 alignment @ Les Schwab
TOTAL BOUGHT: $6124

WAITING TO BUY
+ $20 extended studs (wheels are currently for a Chevy)
+ $50 lug nut locks
+ $30 diff drop
TOTAL WAITING TO BUY: $100

WISHLIST FOR LATER
++ $200 detail - exterior/interior
++ $30 VHT high-temp frame paint
++ $500 built in navi installed
++ $200 roof rack
++ $XXXX preventative maint.
TOTAL WISHLIST FOR LATER: $XXXX

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CURRENT LOOK!
4runner-lifted3.jpg


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I POSTED THIS S%#T ON 6.19.12:

About the 1996 4WD 4Runner:
I bought this 4Runner a few days ago, completely stock.

1996, 4WD, automatic, 187k miles, original owner, maint. records, runs really well and very smooth, no rust, literally everything works.
- $4000 cash here in Northern California.

Found it on craigslist, weird thing was that I skimmed through the description and looked at the photos and immediately thought that it was a 2WD.
Out of curiosity, I still texted the dude just incase to make sure and found out that it was actually 4WD!

Checked it out the next day and bought it.

Here's a picture!
1996_4runner.jpg~original


Later that night, I went back on craigslist to look at more 4Runners for sale, I don't know why since I already bought one haha...
But I found another dude selling a 1995 4Runner with a shot motor, BUT he had almost brand new 33" Toyo MT's w/ black steel wheels on it.

Decided to call him the next day since it was already late that night. He said that he would sell the tires/wheels separately, but needed another set to put back on.
So we finally agreed on my stock tires/wheels + $400 cash for his almost brand new 33" Toyo MT's w/ black steel wheels on it.

I was hesitant at first, because I didn't wanna put that big of tires on my stock height 4Runner because I knew it would rub like hell.

But for a deal like that, I said F%#K it, lets do it. :boxer: So I went over there, he was about 2 hours away.
Spent about another 2 hours switching tires/wheels over (we only had 2 jacks and a few cinderblocks lmao). And drove the 2 hours back all the way home, only rubbing at sharp low speed turns (which obviously were none on the freeway).

So basically within 24 hours I had the 4Runner + the tires and wheels I wanted on it.

Here's how it sits now!
4runner1.jpg~original

4runner3.jpg~original

4runner5.jpg~original

4runner2.jpg~original

4runner6.jpg~original


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Now, I just need a lift... And the real reason for this thread.

I asked the seller if any of the suspension had been replaced, he said no as he did not have any problems with it and it was not part of the "maintenance routine."

So I am running on stock shocks (187k miles) and had originally planned to go with the cheap OME 3" front spacer lift + 3" rear coil lift + 2" body lift (maybe just 1", 2" might be too tall).

Now I am rethinking it and I might as well go all the way and get the shocks replaced since there's gonna be work done around that area anyways + guaranteed a much more smoother ride.

But the CHEAP-ASS side of me is thinking "well - it's already a somewhat smooth ride, these shocks can last for another 50k miles!"

My questions are...
-Ballpark price on how much labor would cost to install the lift?
-Is there any else I need or don't need to put on?
-What are you inputs on the front diff drop kit + rear extended brake lines?
-What else should I tell the mechanic to maybe lube/work on/replace while the suspension is apart and being worked on?

I'm more than likely gonna go with replacing the shocks since I want this done legitimately without cutting any corners.

Please take a look at my current "WAITING TO BUY" list below and tell me what you think/any input:

:cheers:
 
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I was hoping someone could answer my questions :)

- Ballpark price on how much labor would cost to install the lift?
- Is there any else I need or don't need to put on?
- What are you inputs on the front diff drop kit + rear extended brake lines?
- What else should I tell the mechanic to maybe lube/work on/replace while the suspension is apart and being worked on?
 
You should save your money and install it yourself. If you are paying the extra $100 to have the front setup assembled, you are past the hard part. It'll only take a few hrs with a buddy or two to install.

If you buy the complete OME kit, you should be good. With the 3", you will not need the brake line extension. You may or may not need the diff drop, thats been debatable. For $25, it couldn't hurt.

You can look up some threads on here that show some maintenance items, ie lubing the driveshaft and checking bushings. When you get an alignment after the lift, you can have the tech look at the tie rods, ball joints, and the rest of the suspension parts for you.
 
I concur with Millerad, I was a total Newb, and did my lift with my dad (also a total newb).

Just take your time, research the install write-ups, and get her done! If you decide to pay someone to do it for you... I'd say whatever you spend on parts, is normally what you pay for labour (at least where I'm from)... sometimes double the cost of the parts (depending on the job).
 
Millerad1651 said:
You should save your money and install it yourself. If you are paying the extra $100 to have the front setup assembled, you are past the hard part. It'll only take a few hrs with a buddy or two to install.

If you buy the complete OME kit, you should be good. With the 3", you will not need the brake line extension. You may or may not need the diff drop, thats been debatable. For $25, it couldn't hurt.

You can look up some threads on here that show some maintenance items, ie lubing the driveshaft and checking bushings. When you get an alignment after the lift, you can have the tech look at the tie rods, ball joints, and the rest of the suspension parts for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Well with the 2" body lift, that's 5" total lift, so a brake line extension would probably be worth it. I'll just get the diff drop, I hear its cheap insurance for the CV shafts or whatever.

Yeah getting it checked AFTER the alignment and installation of the lift would be a good idea, instead of trying to get everything checked/done in one shot. Thanks for the input. Good stuff.

fightman80 said:
I concur with Millerad, I was a total Newb, and did my lift with my dad (also a total newb).

Just take your time, research the install write-ups, and get her done! If you decide to pay someone to do it for you... I'd say whatever you spend on parts, is normally what you pay for labour (at least where I'm from)... sometimes double the cost of the parts (depending on the job).
Click to expand...

Yeah well, if the quote is something ridculious like over a grand, then I'll just do it myself. But a couple hundred, I'd rather just save myself the hassle.

spenedwrds said:
K about a wide stance!! Hahaha nice find though!
Click to expand...
Haha yeah, I didn't expect the tires to stick out that much. But I actually like it!
 
Where in NorCal are you? There are quite a few of us that can help you out in NorCal depending on where you are.

Also those tires are freaking wide!!!
 
:welcome: and nice 4Runner! A lot of preventive maintenance write-ups and questions can be answered here: Tutorial & Documentation Reference

As for your lift, I agree with the above members. Do it yourself and save the money. It really is no hassle. I can install a lift in one afternoon with a buddy or two. Call up some of the NorCal guys. Here is a thread about lifts: Lift Information F&Qs

Also, do your research, I know that the OME setup is in your mind the cheapest way to go, but keep in mind, I peiced my lift together for around $500 and intalled it myself. In addition, if you do decide to go the OME route, I suggest assembling the front struts yourself. All it takes is a buddy, some sketchy spring compressors, and patience. Like I said, just take your time and research this stuff.

But anyway, to answer your questions:
Ballpark price on how much labor would cost to install the lift?
I would estimate anywhere from $400-$500 depending on the shop and the time it takes them.
Is there any else I need or don't need to put on?
You have your list about right, but as I was saying, rent spring compressor from a auto store and assemble the front struts yourself.
What are you inputs on the front diff drop kit + rear extended brake lines?
I would definitely do the front diff drop, its needed to keep your cv axles at a good angle. As for the extended brake line, thats a judgement thing. Im lifted 4" in the rear and I don't have one.
What else should I tell the mechanic to maybe lube/work on/replace while the suspension is apart and being worked on?
Well, if you do take it to the mechanic, have him lube the front and rear driveshaft. Also, have him check your sway bar bushings, and your steering rack bushings.

Anyway, I hope I could have been some help and I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do,
DirtDawg
 
SCRunner12 said:
Where in NorCal are you? There are quite a few of us that can help you out in NorCal depending on where you are.

Also those tires are freaking wide!!!
Click to expand...

DirtDawg said:
:welcome: and nice 4Runner! A lot of preventive maintenance write-ups and questions can be answered here: Tutorial & Documentation Reference

As for your lift, I agree with the above members. Do it yourself and save the money. It really is no hassle. I can install a lift in one afternoon with a buddy or two. Call up some of the NorCal guys. Here is a thread about lifts: Lift Information F&Qs

Also, do your research, I know that the OME setup is in your mind the cheapest way to go, but keep in mind, I peiced my lift together for around $500 and intalled it myself. In addition, if you do decide to go the OME route, I suggest assembling the front struts yourself. All it takes is a buddy, some sketchy spring compressors, and patience. Like I said, just take your time and research this stuff.

But anyway, to answer your questions:
Ballpark price on how much labor would cost to install the lift?
I would estimate anywhere from $400-$500 depending on the shop and the time it takes them.
Is there any else I need or don't need to put on?
You have your list about right, but as I was saying, rent spring compressor from a auto store and assemble the front struts yourself.
What are you inputs on the front diff drop kit + rear extended brake lines?
I would definitely do the front diff drop, its needed to keep your cv axles at a good angle. As for the extended brake line, thats a judgement thing. Im lifted 4" in the rear and I don't have one.
What else should I tell the mechanic to maybe lube/work on/replace while the suspension is apart and being worked on?
Well, if you do take it to the mechanic, have him lube the front and rear driveshaft. Also, have him check your sway bar bushings, and your steering rack bushings.

Anyway, I hope I could have been some help and I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do,
DirtDawg
Click to expand...
Good stuff. Thanks for the input... really do appreciate it guys.

EDIT: I got another question though. I'm looking at the extended brake line(s)... and it's asking if I have traction control... How do I know if I have traction control or not?
 
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Well there are members in the Bay Area that would be more than willing to help with your lift install. We are putting one on July 1st in Santa Cruz if you want to swing by, but it's a bit of a drive.
 
SCRunner12 said:
Well there are members in the Bay Area that would be more than willing to help with your lift install. We are putting one on July 1st in Santa Cruz if you want to swing by, but it's a bit of a drive.
Click to expand...
Hey, I appreciate the offer, but I couldn't exactly even drive that far because I'm rubbing like hell with the 33's (I don't have an extra set) and I'm not even driving the 4Runner right now because of that.

Anyways, I got a quote at a local independent Toyota shop and they said around $250 for front & rear shocks and coils installed (with the front shocks & coils already assembled). Which was a bit cheaper than I expected.

They said that they do not install body lifts, but that's OK I'll have that S#&T done some other time.

#YOLO
 
those wheels look like they're gonna give you some serious rub problems in the future. it doesn't look like just the tire that sticks out that far.
 
sn0wrunner said:
Just curious, whats the name of the shop?
Click to expand...
TOYOTECH

FrankM23 said:
those wheels look like they're gonna give you some serious rub problems in the future. it doesn't look like just the tire that sticks out that far.
Click to expand...
Haha yeah you're right, the wheel does stick out pretty far. It's probably because they're for a Chevy. Please pray for me that the 3" lift is gonna cure any rubbing.
 
Just ordered the lift kit.... Does anyone know what I can do with the stock shocks and springs? Are they resell-able or recycle-able?
 
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