SAMI's '99 4Runner

[sami]

Well, i sold the big blue beast (http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/85%204runner/100_0330.jpg) for something more worthy of cross country travel.

I'd been looking for a 3rd gen 4runner, or a decent Tacoma for about two months, and trying to sell the '85 for twice as long. Out of the blue I got a bite on the '85 and before I knew it, I was borrowing cars to get to work.

Two days after selling the '85 i was keeping a close eye on the local classifieds online, and up popped a 1999 SR5 Sport with good miles, looked clean, and was priced very competitively. I called and asked some Q's about it, to find out it's sportin' the factory e-locker. I would've driven right out the meet the guy, but i had no wheels. Once i secured a ride of course we were on our way out there Sunday night. It ran and drove awesome, even had more power despite the auto, than any auto equipped 3.4 i'd ever driven.

So, picked it up the next day to have the Toyota/Lexus specialists in town poke and prod it to give me the good, the bad, and the ugly. I missed the tech's call later that afternoon, and upon returning the call he says simply, "Why haven't you bought this 4Runner yet?".

So, I did. $2k under kbb, 148k miles, very clean inside, minor scratches on exterior(not that I really care).

On with some pictures...

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/100_0553.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/100_0555.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/100_0558.jpg


I've got the lift coming from www.cruiseroutfitters.com(i pester him enough.. spilling oil all over his shop, and asking too many questions i'm sure.. I figured it was about time to order something of worth) :) Sliders and wheel spacers coming from Trail Gear, and then i'll save up for an RTT. I'll do the grey wire mod this week, as well as install some IPF's and Cobra CB. Next for communications will be HAM. :)

I couldn't be more happy about all of this.

-Jason

[kcowyo]

Ooohhh.... the green Sport Edition. Another rarity. They only offered the Sport Edition in green for a short run.

E-locker, sunroof and the alloys? Excellent! I think you did very well on this purchase. Much better than that other bumper-car 4Runner you were considering. Prepare to be the object of much hood-scoop envy.

Congratulations Jason. This should serve you and the soon to be Mrs. very well.

:beer:

[Paul R]

Congrats Jason!
I can't wait till we can plan some trips to get this thing out there!:camping: :safari-rig:

[Jacket]

Very nice Runner. There's a local guy here with a very similar and nicely built 2000 (not a Sport though).

18017

[sami]

Ooohhh.... the green Sport Edition. Another rarity. They only offered the Sport Edition in green for a short run.

E-locker, sunroof and the alloys? Excellent! I think you did very well on this purchase. Much better than the that other bumper-car 4Runner you were considering. Prepare to be the object of much hood-scoop envy.

Congratulations Jason. This should serve you and the soon to be Mrs. very well.

Thank you. As if i couldn't be more stoked about this rig, you gotta go on telling me people will envy me :)



Congrats Jason!
I can't wait till we can plan some trips to get this thing out there!

The second i started to look more into Tacoma's, this 4runner popped up. I think it was destiny. ;)


Very nice Runner. There's a local guy here with a very similar and nicely built 2000 (not a Sport though).

Yep, that's about what i expect it to look like.. except I have waaay cooler wheels! :)

-Jason

[Starscream]

Very cool, Jason. That generation 4-Runner has always been my favorite. I would love to have one, they are way more practical than my 60!

[CA-RJ]

Nice 4Runner. There's a ton of stuff for 3rd Gen's out there. Check out SOAZ Tim's 4Runner and blog. He has a really nice set up and a newly aquired RTT.

[SOAZ]

I've got the lift coming from www.cruiseroutfitters.com(i pester him enough.. spilling oil all over his shop, and asking too many questions i'm sure.. I figured it was about time to order something of worth) :) Sliders and wheel spacers coming from Trail Gear, and then i'll save up for an RTT. I'll do the grey wire mod this week, as well as install some IPF's and Cobra CB. Next for communications will be HAM. :)

I couldn't be more happy about all of this.

-Jason

Nice truck! Love the green!!! :jump:

[4RunAmok]

Great looking 4Runner! I have not made a build-post here, but I have a diary of sorts here: http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4512

What's a gray wire mod?

And what are the wheel spacers for?

[Paul R]

What's a gray wire mod?

And what are the wheel spacers for?
The gray wire mod is so the factory e-locker can engage in 2WD and 4WD High...

I am curious as to the wheel spacers too... :confused:

[p1michaud]

Very clean and nicely equipped 4Runner. E-locker, alloys, hood-scoop. What else could you ask for?


I am curious as to the wheel spacers too... :confused:

Why the wheel spacers? You could fit some nice 265/75R16 or the official ExPo size 255/85R16 on those wheels as is.

Cheers :beer:,
P

[sami]

And what are the wheel spacers for?


I am curious as to the wheel spacers too...


Why the wheel spacers?

A buddy of mine runs desert roads at speed and has found the added width helps incredibly. He runs Bilstein coilovers up front(IIRC), and he says he gets 13"s of travel when combined with the spacers.

I'm not sure i'll do that just yet though..

Highest on the priority list are:
OME lift
Sliders
RTT

I'd be perfectly satisfied if that's all i ran for awhile til i can get some other goodies.

-Jason

[Paul R]

A buddy of mine runs desert roads at speed and has found the added width helps incredibly. He runs Bilstein coilovers up front(IIRC), and he says he gets 13"s of travel when combined with the spacers.


I would think the added stresses would negate any performance advantages to doing this...

[sami]

I would think the added stresses would negate any performance advantages to doing this...

He's been running this way for years and swears by it

[Skylinerider]

Aren't spacers illegal in Utah?

[Paul R]

Aren't spacers illegal in Utah?
Spacers are illegal as in ones that don't bolt to the stud (more of a washer idea), but the ones jason is talking about are pretty standard I think it is technically called an adapter even though it is just going from 6 on 5.5 to 6 on 5.5 and they are quite popular with the early toyota crowd.

[SOAZ]

Lots of people run spacers. Just make sure you get nice ones, because one of those failing at speed would be horrible.
Also, is your buddy implying that the spacers increased his wheel travel? This isn't true unless he is talking microscopically. :smiley_drive:


A buddy of mine runs desert roads at speed and has found the added width helps incredibly. He runs Bilstein coilovers up front(IIRC), and he says he gets 13"s of travel when combined with the spacers.

I'm not sure i'll do that just yet though..

Highest on the priority list are:
OME lift
Sliders
RTT

I'd be perfectly satisfied if that's all i ran for awhile til i can get some other goodies.

-Jason

[sami]

Honestly, i'm not too worried about spacer.. adapters.. or spacer adapters :)

... let's just go wheeling :)

[Skylinerider]

Spacers are illegal as in ones that don't bolt to the stud (more of a washer idea), but the ones jason is talking about are pretty standard I think it is technically called an adapter even though it is just going from 6 on 5.5 to 6 on 5.5 and they are quite popular with the early toyota crowd.

Ahhh, I see. I don't much care either, just something I'd heard.

[4RunAmok]

I just asked because I've never heard of a wheel spacer/adapter. Know that it's explained, I've seen them, just didn't understand what he was referring to.

[BruceTS]

Ooohhh.... the green Sport Edition. Another rarity. They only offered the Sport Edition in green for a short run.

Actually it's the Highlander edition, they only came in Green or Black in 99', in 2001 they changed it to the Sport edition since they also introduced the Highlander SUV.



A buddy of mine runs desert roads at speed and has found the added width helps incredibly. He runs Bilstein coilovers up front(IIRC), and he says he gets 13"s of travel when combined with the spacers.


I'd like to see 13" of travel out of stock suspension... he must be running 3" spacers, the most I have ever seen is 9.5" safely, 10.5" if you want to push the CV's and tear the boots....

[taco chaser]

I'm late with this reply, but those 4 runners are a great platform for mild to wild. Very smart purchase for all around necessity. I would love to own a 98-2000 4runner some day myself.

[cruiseroutfit]

Ahhh, I see. I don't much care either, just something I'd heard.

Its the law ;) Spacers added ONLY to increase the track width are illegal in the State of Utah, if they are "adapter" meaning they physically change the pattern, then you are OK. Nothing I would be too worried about though :D

[Paul R]

Its the law ;) Spacers added ONLY to increase the track width are illegal in the State of Utah, if they are "adapter" meaning they physically change the pattern, then you are OK. Nothing I would be too worried about though :D

That is good to know... I guess I heard wrong.
Thanks Kurt :)

[cruiseroutfit]

That is good to know... I guess I heard wrong.
Thanks Kurt :)

41-6a-1630. Standards applicable to vehicles.
(b) Except for original equipment, a person may not use spacers to increase wheel track width of a vehicle.

:D

[Skylinerider]

Its the law ;) Spacers added ONLY to increase the track width are illegal in the State of Utah, if they are "adapter" meaning they physically change the pattern, then you are OK. Nothing I would be too worried about though :D


I found a link to the state inspection stuff, and found it.:p I'm not worried about it since I don't have them on my Jeep.

[cruiseroutfit]

I found a link to the state inspection stuff, and found it.:p I'm not worried about it since I don't have them on my Jeep.

If I recall its the inspection manual that says "adapters" are OK right?

I've never considered the manual to be a law though, I've always considered it an interpretation. Of course a UHP dude has been emailing me about my comments on the subject, he thinks otherwise :littlefriend: (I'm serious about the emails too :D)

[sami]

he thinks otherwise :littlefriend: (I'm serious about the emails too :D)

better watch yer back kurt.. Them's UHP's... you gotta stop fer them:PROFSheriffHL:

:hehe:

[cruiseroutfit]

better watch yer back kurt.. Them's UHP's... you gotta stop fer them:PROFSheriffHL:

:hehe:

Saw plenty of them out on the highway this last weekend, no issues :D

The UHP'er I'm speaking of happens to be an RME'er, he assured me beadlocks are illegal and he has written tickets to prove it. I again argued that a ticket doesn't prove any law has been broken, the law he cited was a general safetey law that does give the UHP the authority to judge reasonable safety. At that point we argued wether the UHP has the engineering background to deem a beadlock "safe" or "unsafe". Long story short we agreed to disagree :REOutShootinghunter He is a really cool guy and I totally see where he was coming from, in hindsite I shouldn't call their rules "interprations" in a demeaning way, if in fact it came across that way to some?

[dieselcruiserhead]

Congrats Jason, looking good!

[111db]

Looks like a great ride.

To beat the spacer topic some more: I purposely limited my tire size to what fit without spacers (285's). The 3rd Gen 4runner is (for some reason) very prone to tire balance issues and the spacers seem to magnify those or even create balance issues on their own. Just a heads up.

[sami]

Well if you noticed my ghost town hunting thread, you'd know that i took the new rig out for an adventure on Saturday.

I traveled 455 miles, 130 of which off road. The rig handled flawlessly. It's a whole new world for me experiencing a coil suspension, V6 power, COLD A/C!! I've been stuck in a bumpier, dustier, world with no A/C for 8 years now. I averaged 16mpg's from start of the trail to town, coming in to the gas station on mere fumes. :) My highway mpg's are a respectable 22-23 right now. I love this 4runner, simply put.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Railroad%20Run%204-19-08/100_0595.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Railroad%20Run%204-19-08/100_0596.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Railroad%20Run%204-19-08/100_0643.jpg

[BruceTS]

The UHP'er I'm speaking of happens to be an RME'er, he assured me beadlocks are illegal and he has written tickets to prove it. I again argued that a ticket doesn't prove any law has been broken, the law he cited was a general safetey law that does give the UHP the authority to judge reasonable safety.

If I lived in Utah, I'd fight the ticket, and have him prove that beadlocks were unsafe. Show evidence etc..... I doubt he'll ever be able to produce any facts to prove his case. In fact it would be easier to prove that beadlocks are much safer, since you won't de-bead a tire if you get a flat. Here in California the CHP sing a different tune, they won't write you for having them, stating there is no law being broken.

[cruiseroutfit]

If I lived in Utah, I'd fight the ticket, and have him prove that beadlocks were unsafe. Show evidence etc..... I doubt he'll ever be able to produce any facts to prove his case. In fact it would be easier to prove that beadlocks are much safer, since you won't de-bead a tire if you get a flat...

Exactly my argument :D

Therein lies the problem however, out of all the 4x4 boards I frequent, I'm yet to actually hear from a credible person that received a ticket for beadlocks. We'll see what happens when I do :gunt:

[dieselcruiserhead]

Being a chronic ticket fighter in my past, I can say that fighting tickets in Utah is very difficult and a major PITA, for what its worth..

[BruceTS]

Oh, if he tries to use the split rim argument, he'd lose since beadlocks don't react the same. If half the bolts were torn off the ring, it would simply lose air and the ring won't go flying off like split rims did.

As to his very poor attempt at saying they are unsafe, then how come I've been running them for 4 years without any issues, not even a loose bolt. This one would definately be fun in court, making him look like a total idiot on the stand.

What are your credentials? his reply..... I'm a cop!

Can you elaborate? I'm god and what I say goes.......

Do you have an engineering background? why would I need that, I'm the law!

Now on the issue of beadlocks, why do you consider them unsafe? because I can't afford them for my cruiser. so nobody else is allowed to have them..

Can you elaborate? If the bad guy has them, then he'd be able to drive places I can't follow, since his tires will stay attached to his rims better, therefore they are unsafe, since I can't follow.

The judge's decision....... the officer has proven them to be unsafe, so therefore judgment against the defendant.

[cruiseroutfit]

Jason, I'm back in town... come get your goods :D

[sami]

Jason, I'm back in town... come get your goods :D

:rockon:

[sami]

Woohoo

[Cackalak Han]

Nice. Which package/combo did you go with? When I had my 4Runner, I was going to go with 881/906 with the comfort shocks.

I need to order an OME kit for my Tacoma, as well.

[sami]

Nice. Which package/combo did you go with? When I had my 4Runner, I was going to go with 881/906 with the comfort shocks.

I need to order an OME kit for my Tacoma, as well.

I went with the...

2 - OME 882 Front Coil Springs
2 - N91S Front Nitrocharger Shock
2 - OME 891* Rear Coil Springs
2 - N86 Rear Nitrocharger Shock Absorber

*OME 891 Coil designed for 660lbs to GVM additional REAR load

[cruiseroutfit]

Fixed it for you ;)


I went with the...

2 - OME 882 Front Coil Springs
2 - N91S Front Nitrocharger Shock
2 - OME 890 Rear Coil Springs
2 - N86 Rear Nitrocharger Shock Absorber

*OME 890 Coil designed for 330lbs to GVM additional REAR load

[4RunAmok]

I went with 891's on mine as well, and I couldn't be happier.

They handle our 50 pound Roof Top Tent and camping gear nicely, and I don't bottom out anymore. I think I was riding on the bump stops before. No more thud when I hit something.

You're gonna love'em!

I went with King Coil-Overs in the front though. Needed something adjustable since I'll be buying a Shrockworks bumper in the future.

[4RunAmok]

Fixed it for you ;)
So he didn't go with the 891's?

[sami]

So he didn't go with the 891's?

apparently not :)

[cruiseroutfit]

So he didn't go with the 891's?

Nope, 890's... but the difference between 890 & 891 is 20 lbs/in more load capacity in the 891 (which is relatively small). The 890's are ~3/4" taller coil from the get-go.

[BruceTS]

I'm running 891's and will soon add AirLift 1000 air bags as well. They sag too much when I'm loaded up with all my gear.

[cruiseroutfit]

As Jason build his runner 891's may be the practical choice, thankfully its a cheap swap considering he's got good freinds :D


I get this type of question all the time, "do I buy my suspension for the truck I plan to have in 3 years, or the truck I have today". While obviously each vehicle warrants a different answer, with a coil suspension I generally say buy it for the vehicle in the the next year. Coils are ~$150/pair... used coils sell for ~$75-100/pair. Shocks stay the same in this instance. So to pay $75 when and 45 mins of your time when your needs actually change, is a better plan than dealing with components that are not providing an ideal ride/flex in the meantime. This isn't always the case, leaf springs for example are much more expensive and alot more labor intensive to swap, in that case I recommend people "deal" with the diminished ride until they increase their loads.

[sami]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/downsized_0421081737.jpg

BEFORE

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_0664.jpg

AFTER

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_0668.jpg


Getting the fronts all squared away was fun... Thanks again Kurt ;)

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_0669.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_0667.jpg

BEFORE

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/100_0555.jpg

AFTER

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_0670.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_0671.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_0673.jpg

[Starscream]

:clapsmile Looks great! Old Man Emu systems are the best. I love mine.

[4RunAmok]

Please make sure you get the diffrential drop kit (1"), I just went through having to replace BOTH axles because I went a week without getting the drop kit after getting my lift.

Both inner axle boots finally tore open after being over-stressed from the lift without the drop kit. It can easily be installed yourself.

The only trouble I had was I could not put two skid plate bolts back in, they wouldn't reach, but all of the outside bolts worked just fine. Make sure you leave the skid plates together and remove as one item, as one set of bolts simply holds those two pieces together.

Bud Built reports that his skids work with all bolts with a diff drop kit.

[4RunAmok]

It looks great, by the way!

[cruiseroutfit]

Please make sure you get the diffrential drop kit (1"), I just went through having to replace BOTH axles because I went a week without getting the drop kit after getting my lift...

Were they well worn before and the new angle finally made them give up the ghost? While I think the diff drop kit is a good idea, I've got ~150K on my OME equipped rigs (Tacomas ie identical suspension), neither of which has had the diff drop kit. I did put a set of boots on my 96' (@ ~140k) but the boots on my 04' (~60k) are looking fine with the OME installed for almost 10k now.

[Terracoma]

The only trouble I had was I could not put two skid plate bolts back in, they wouldn't reach, but all of the outside bolts worked just fine.

I have the same problem on my Tacoma... Getting rid of the tin-foil plate and upgrading to something beefy should fix that, though!

:sport_box

[4RunAmok]

Were they well worn before and the new angle finally made them give up the ghost? While I think the diff drop kit is a good idea, I've got ~150K on my OME equipped rigs (Tacomas ie identical suspension), neither of which has had the diff drop kit. I did put a set of boots on my 96' (@ ~140k) but the boots on my 04' (~60k) are looking fine with the OME installed for almost 10k now.

They had about 175,000 miles on them :)

[MisfitToy]

if you dont feel like buying a new plate right now and still want to hook up your skid with all bolts at the bottom of the back plate your gonna have to notch the two C channel supports. I think theirs a write up about it on sonoransteel.com

[sami]

Got a little bit done last night at Paul R's casa... IPF 968's w/ 100 watt bulbs

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/0429080806.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/downsized_0429080806a.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/IPFs.jpg

[cruiseroutfit]

Nice, are those the Costco hookup or did you save your old ones?

[sami]

Nice, are those the Costco hookup or did you save your old ones?

these are the ones that I picked up from you more than a year ago :)

[sami]

Got the sliders on over the weekend... painted them today with a charcoal color, to match the dark grey of the 4runner.. though i think i might spray a slighty darker charcoal color..

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/0527081228.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/100_1587.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/100_1586.jpg

[maclean216]

Did you get any pics of the 882 coils before you put them on? I am wondering if you have 10 wraps or 12 wraps.

[sami]

I haven't added much to the rig lately, but there have been some minor upgrades.. Along with wheels, tires, and a new antenna; the rig got a good work over at the dealership to keep up on PM items.. New CV boots, bearings, fluid changes, bla bla bla... The stuff that'll give you good piece of mind for long trips.

The two main items that i'd like to tackle and complete through winter are, one: custom storage over the driver rear fender; and two: More protective front bumper solution... probably TJM or ARB.. If i have the money I will shoot for a Shrokworks front bumper.

The rig runs great! I love this machine, and do not regret picking it up one bit. Sometimes i wonder what it'd be like to have a DC Taco, but maybe one day i'll find out... For now i'm enjoying myself with the Highlander edition 4runner. I do have high mileage maintenace coming up in about 25k more miles.. I'll get the timing done, and adjust valves and such..

New wheels and tires.. OEM '01 Tacoma spare wheels w/ 285's
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_2501.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Random/100_2502.jpg

Added: quickfist mounts for Maglight and fire extinguisher
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/new%204runner/0711081924.jpg

Stellar trip to Lake Powell area... (note the new CB aerial fender mount)
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Epic%20Trip%2008/n.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Epic%20Trip%2008/f.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Epic%20Trip%2008/t.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Epic%20Trip%2008/100_2591.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Epic%20Trip%2008/100_2589.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Epic%20Trip%2008/100_2565.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Epic%20Trip%2008/100_2548.jpg

[sami]

Did you get any pics of the 882 coils before you put them on? I am wondering if you have 10 wraps or 12 wraps.

I know my stock front coils had 10. I went and looked at the 882's, 12 wraps confirmed.

[Cackalak Han]

Looks good, man. Looks like a fun trip to Powell. Haven't been down there in years.

Why did you get the steelies? I do like the black wheels, but I love the stock 5-spoke rims.

[sami]

Looks good, man. Looks like a fun trip to Powell. Haven't been down there in years.

Why did you get the steelies? I do like the black wheels, but I love the stock 5-spoke rims.

One reason... well, i guess one and a half reasons.. MAIN reason was because i got really tired of seeing green 4runners with the 5 spoke alloys... which is sad, because that is my favorite wheel on 4runner and taco's combined.. But, i like the look of the OEM steelies.. Gives it a sort of utilitarian look.. So in all, to stand out from the crowd of green 4runners on nearly every corner i changed wheel styles.. Even painted them charcoal to stay away from the ever popular black wheels...

so, one and a half reasons why i parted with the awesomeness of the 5 spokes..

PS.. i made around $250 from switching the alloy/265's for the steel/285's...

[Cackalak Han]

One reason... well, i guess one and a half reasons.. MAIN reason was because i got really tired of seeing green 4runners with the 5 spoke alloys... which is sad, because that is my favorite wheel on 4runner and taco's combined.. But, i like the look of the OEM steelies.. Gives it a sort of utilitarian look.. So in all, to stand out from the crowd of green 4runners on nearly every corner i changed wheel styles.. Even painted them charcoal to stay away from the ever popular black wheels...

so, one and a half reasons why i parted with the awesomeness of the 5 spokes..

PS.. i made around $250 from switching the alloy/265's for the steel/285's...

Cool. It does make it look tougher. :D I see quite a few FJC's now with the steelies on there.

I just did a quick black spray paint job on a second set of 4Runner rims on my Tacoma (the 3 split-spoke kind).

[ttora4runner]

The two main items that i'd like to tackle and complete through winter are, one: custom storage over the driver rear fender; and two: More protective front bumper solution... probably TJM or ARB.. If i have the money I will shoot for a Shrokworks front bumper.



TJM isn't offered in the US any more they pulled out. So your stuck with ARB, Shrockworks, Ibiris or Armology for a bumper.

Nice 4runner by the way.

[cruiseroutfit]

TJM isn't offered in the US any more they pulled out. So your stuck with ARB, Shrockworks, Ibiris or Armology for a bumper.

Nice 4runner by the way.

That or start searching for a used unit. I just installed a new old stock TJM bumper for a customer today on a 99 4Runner (Sami you ought to check out bfergs Runner). He scored it on craigslist for $400 :cool:

Having never installed a TJM product on a 4Runner I has mixed feelings. I like the overall bumper, but I'm not of fan of their mounts, we did an end-cap mod just to increase the strength. The finished look is great!

[SOAZ]

That or start searching for a used unit. I just installed a new old stock TJM bumper for a customer today on a 99 4Runner (Sami you ought to check out bfergs Runner). He scored it on craigslist for $400 :cool:

Having never installed a TJM product on a 4Runner I has mixed feelings. I like the overall bumper, but I'm not of fan of their mounts, we did an end-cap mod just to increase the strength. The finished look is great!

I concur. Love my TJM, but I'm going to weld on some plate I could easily grind off when I want to remove it. From the bumper to the frame. I just feel like it needs a bit more holding onto the frame rails.

[sami]

Hadn't heard that about TJM... I'll keep my eyes open for an ARB, or save up for Shrok..

I'll have to scope out fergs rig... Did he unload the 80 finally? Did he score the bumper, or the 4runner for $400??

[Jacket]

The rig runs great! I love this machine, and do not regret picking it up one bit. Sometimes i wonder what it'd be like to have a DC Taco, but maybe one day i'll find out... For now i'm enjoying myself with the Highlander edition 4runner.


As a previous owner of a 3rd gen and 2nd gen 4Runner, and now in a DC Taco, I can tell you I miss a lot of things about the 4Runner. Both platforms have their advantages, but the 3rd gen 4Runner continues to be one of my favorites. You're rig looks great! I dig the OEM steelies - I'm slowly accumulating a set to use with a second set of tires.

[cruiseroutfit]

I concur. Love my TJM, but I'm going to weld on some plate I could easily grind off when I want to remove it. From the bumper to the frame. I just feel like it needs a bit more holding onto the frame rails.

I'll try and get some pics of the mod we did. 100% bolt on (brackets that is) by adding a full frame cap with a captured nut (welded) to the end of the frame. This really tightened everything up nicely. It took 4-5 hours total by the time we plas'ed the old brackets off, tapered the frame and built the end caps. Its a very similar and proven mod on the ARB installs too.

[cruiseroutfit]

...I'll have to scope out fergs rig... Did he unload the 80 finally? Did he score the bumper, or the 4runner for $400??

80 is sold and the bumper was $400 :D

[sami]

80 is sold and the bumper was $400 :D

Jealous, that's a good find.. Due to the wedding/honeymoon i've pryed myself away from scouring classifieds.. not much $$ right now, so i only get depressed when i see a good deal that i can't touch.

What wheels is he running? I noticed a month or two ago that his 5 spoke alloys were for sale(about the same time i sold mine)

[sami]

As a previous owner of a 3rd gen and 2nd gen 4Runner, and now in a DC Taco, I can tell you I miss a lot of things about the 4Runner. Both platforms have their advantages, but the 3rd gen 4Runner continues to be one of my favorites. You're rig looks great! I dig the OEM steelies - I'm slowly accumulating a set to use with a second set of tires.

This is good to hear :) I gotta keep my head in 4runner game.

A friend recently tipped me off to a Trekker that needs a little work, that would be really cheap to pick up... I'm saving a little on the side incase it's too good to pass up.. I have a weakness for unique vehicles, and a Trekker would be all too cool. Then i'd have the pre-4runner of 4runners, and the '99!

...pipe dreams ;)

[cruiseroutfit]

Jealous, that's a good find.. Due to the wedding/honeymoon i've pryed myself away from scouring classifieds.. not much $$ right now, so i only get depressed when i see a good deal that i can't touch.

What wheels is he running? I noticed a month or two ago that his 5 spoke alloys were for sale(about the same time i sold mine)

He's got black 80 Series wheels. Looks really neat.