New Budget Build: 1994 Toyota Four Runner

[Hltoppr]

I just picked up a 1994 Toyota Four Runner for my next "budget" family expedition rig....

The specs:

1994 Toyota Four Runner 177,000 chassis miles
3.0 V6 (24K on a Toyota installed long block)
Automatic Trans/Part time 4wd
31x10.50R15 Capitol Radial ATs
Unmolested otherwise....


The rig was purchased in 1994 in Colorado, where it spent until 2001 with the original owner, in 2001 the original owner passed away, and it was given to the owner I bought it from, a nephew, who was a service tech at Midway Toyota in Phoenix.

In 2004, an oil pump went bad, seizing the engine. Through a sweetheart deal, a new long block was put in. It's been dealer maintained since new, and runs great!

First Mods:

Cargo Net (Raingler)
XM Roady XT (I can't stand regular radio!)
Hella 4000s from my garage
Car Seat Base....:rolleyes:

-H-

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/108428028-M.jpg

[Brian McVickers]

Nice find!
I have always liked the 4Runners.

And I must say that "car seat base" mod sounds SWEET!
Which model did you go with? Any challenges with the install?!

Kidding aside
I think by next fall Charlie will be ready to come along on some trial rides and this is what I'm looking at for her full support and protection!
http://www.recaro.com/fileadmin/extensions/rec_usa/pics/Child_Safety/Young_Sport/Young-Sport_-Sand_-High-Res.gif

Ok sorry, that wasn't supposed to turn into a Hijack!

[kcowyo]

Nice find!

4Runners are great for a family run around and getting out on the trail. The new longblock is a huge bonus. I'm sure the fact that it's white, had little to do with your buying decision . ;)

[Brian894x4]

Very nice find. I wonder if it has the factory 4.88 gears. You got the right year, right engine and right tranny. All you need to know if those 31s are factory stock. Or you could check the gear code. :smiley_drive:

http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

[Hltoppr]

The 31s are stock. I looked for the wheel package in my search....although I really like Toyota steelies....

-H-

[Scott Brady]

Congrats Andrew, that will make for a great platform.

Might I suggest:

1. Sliders
2. OME rear heavy with 4 new shocks
3. Rack (you will need it with the fam.)
4. Rear storage system

Oh, and a fridge (if you want to do Baja that is) :hehe:

[Hltoppr]

I'm trying not to go overboard with this one, as I really only plan on keeping it for a couple of years....

My thoughts thus far are to try and add items that I can transfer to the next rig (waiting for Toyota to import diesels.... :elkgrin: ):

Bag Jack (Thanks Steve!)
Black Rat Recovery Winch/Hoist
Rear Storage Drawers
Waterproof roof storage bag
Snorkel?

I'd like to keep the gas mileage up, so I'm leaning against adding a bunch of armor, bumpers, and a roof rack. The rear end already has that wonderful 4Runner sag, so the OME may be in the works....I like the idea of upgrading the shocks and rear springs!

My original budget was $5K, and this is what I've spent thus far....

Price of vehicle: $4300.00
Registration/Title: $ 63.00
Full Detail/Shampoo: $ 115.00
Fluid Change: $ 350.00 (Yeah, I could have saved on this by doing it myself, but I'd rather spend the time with my daughter, and I don't need to learn how to change diff fluid for a potential trail repair....):rolleyes:

XM Roady XT: $ 59.00
Light Brackets: $ 4.00
Floor Mats: $ 40.00
Bushmaster XJack: $ 165.00 (Approx.)
Raingler Cargo Net: $ 125.00

Sub Total So Far: $5,221.00

Stuff I have in the garage:

Engel 35 Refrigerator (Baja Ready Already!)
2 Hella 4000s (Pencil Beam)
Nato Fuel Cans/ExpeditionExchange Mount
Misc. Recovery Equipment/High Lift etc.


My dog and daughter have helped with the installs so far! :elkgrin:

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/108703133-M.jpg

The XM unit mounted easily with the help of some aluminum plate for a "custom" bracket.

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/108703112-M.jpg

Do these lights make my butt look big?

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/108703125-M.jpg



-H-

[Speaker]

well sweet hltopper. It's too bad your GS weighs a gozillion pounds or you could get a carrier for the rear hitch reciever.

I'm thinking about doing a budget (sell everything i own to pay for it) 4runner or Cherokee. How'd you find your 4runner?

[Hltoppr]

If my GS is on a truck...it's being stolen.

:littlefriend:


I found this one through Phoenix Craigslist, after looking at many, many rigs on Truck Trader and locally.

So far, I really like it. Comfortable and fits in the garage better than the 80 series did!

-H-

[blupaddler]

So, what about those Michelins that Nathan is selling? :p


Andrew...congrats! I was wondering when we would start seeing you back in the mod area. And there is a lot to say about a vehicle that doesn't have all the bumpers, etc...They don't bring as much attention to you as a rig equiped with them.


Anyways...congrats!!!

:D

[Hltoppr]

Yeah, I looked at those...I'd need to pick up some 16" rims too....Right now I can't really justify the extra expense, as the tires that it's got are darn near new...

-H-

[Speaker]

So how's this thing going?

Also, will you sell it to me? (:

[Hltoppr]

Still waiting for the Raingler cargo net....:mad: I've got to wire up the Hellas, as I feel like a total poser with unwired lighting on the rig...

Got the Bushranger XJack...gotta find a time to try it out...I think it'll be the shiznit for Baja!

BTW...everything is for sale...just depends upon offers....:ylsmoke:

-H-

[slosurfer]

subscribing.... I have a '93 4runner and done two different 6,000+ mile trips. They are great except for the power especially with the auto on the mountain passes. You are ahead of me on all the gear though, I will be paying close attention to your build. I too want to make my kit able to switch easily from the runner to our new '07 Taco Dcab. Having the M416 will help with that also. I also have a Thule Moab that helps, being that my son 2 yrs. old and our dog take up some room.
Here's the runner on a test trail run w/ the trailer
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/Pine%20Mtn%20and%20Las%20Chiches%20Nov%2006/IMG_4770.jpg

[Hltoppr]

Still waiting on the Raingler net.....:mad:

I don't want to begin throwing exped. gear in the back until I get this thing...

-H-

[MoGas]

subscribing.... I have a '93 4runner and done two different 6,000+ mile trips. They are great except for the power especially with the auto on the mountain passes. You are ahead of me on all the gear though, I will be paying close attention to your build. I too want to make my kit able to switch easily from the runner to our new '07 Taco Dcab. Having the M416 will help with that also. I also have a Thule Moab that helps, being that my son 2 yrs. old and our dog take up some room.
Here's the runner on a test trail run w/ the trailer
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/Pine%20Mtn%20and%20Las%20Chiches%20Nov%2006/IMG_4770.jpg


If Andy needs an M416 bad enough, he knows who to call.........

[Hltoppr]

The Raingler cargo net/barrier arrived yesterday evening...I'll post the install and pics, as well as a little review here shortly....:ylsmoke: :lurk:

-H-

[Desertdude]

that is a good looking rig and for a great price! -We'll have to head out to the snow if it ever flys up in Flag this year :)

[jeffryscott]

H,

Nice rig, I have some springs if you are interested (unless pskhaat wants them back) that I can send up to you for the cost of shipping. These are rear LC springs, which I have read can be used on the rear of the second generation rigs.

Jeff

[Hltoppr]

DD...what! It snows in Flagstaff?

Jeff,

I'll likely not do LC coils on the rear, as I've heard they give about 5" or so of lift, which is a bit much.

In the past week I've made two mistakes....

1. Driving Senor Brady's EW Tacoma...

2. Driving Skeddy's (IH8MUD) 2000 UZJ100...

Both of which make the 4Runner a bit anemic.... :bowdown:

Now I've gotta figure out what platform to buy or build for the next "major" rig!

:box:

-H-

[Scott Brady]

We did have fun in the Taco :)

You even got back in the truck with me after the little 7/10th's demo :luxhello:

[jeffryscott]

sounds like we need to hear a bit more about the demo:rolleyes:

No problem on the springs, wasn't sure what it did on the second gens, the 80 series gives about 3-1/2 on the third.

It is a neverending process, you think you're happy, then you see these other cool rigs.

[slosurfer]

sounds like we need to hear a bit more about the demo:rolleyes:
.

x's 2

If you do want any info on the cruiser coil/bj spacer lift, that is what I have and I am really happy with it. It was actually my wife's dd with our son and she liked it. I got about 4.5" with the coils, that is over what my sag was. YOu can check out my sig for before and after pics.

Looking forward to pics of the net, right now I have a pet barrier, but that net looks like it will do the trick better.

[shawkins]

If I remember right, the long side LC coils are the ones that give the 5" lift. The short side coils only give about 3.5" to 4" depending on how many miles are on the coils.

Now keep in mind those numbers are measured from a stock SAGGY BUTT height to the new height with the LC coils.

If you do go that route, make sure you get a pair of either long side or short side coils as one if each makes your rig lopsided.

Thats just what I remember from back when I was going to put the LC coils on my dads '91 4Runner with the BJ spacers. I actually had gotten a set of short side coils, but then I got my '98 and we decided to make that the offroader/hunting rig.

[slosurfer]

If you do go that route, make sure you get a pair of either long side or short side coils as one if each makes your rig lopsided.
.

Depending on the one's you get it isn't really noticeable. I got a set from a '97 cruiser. I got 4.75" from the longside and 4.5" from the shortside. You can't really tell the 1/4" difference even if you know it's there. A matched pair may be the safest way to go though. I think slee's offroad will match up a pair of takeoffs.

[shawkins]

Depending on the one's you get it isn't really noticeable. I got a set from a '97 cruiser. I got 4.75" from the longside and 4.5" from the shortside. You can't really tell the 1/4" difference even if you know it's there. A matched pair may be the safest way to go though. I think slee's offroad will match up a pair of takeoffs.
I just remember a bunch of people at Yotatech were getting .5" and 3/4" or more differences in lift if they got 1 long and 1 short side coil. Apparently some years were worse for this that others?

[Hltoppr]

Ok...well, about the "demo"....

I've been in some rigs with modified suspensions...but not that nice! The EW Tacoma is buttery smooth at speeds I would never have thought about taking my Land Cruiser at on the sandy road we were flying down!

....I guess Scott noticed my tightening the seatbelt and holding on to the grab handle...

Mucho fun! I'd never had the opportunity to do that type of driving before!

....now anytime Scott needs a navigator...:ylsmoke: :peepwall:

-H-

[Hltoppr]

Well, it finally arrived, the Raingler cargo barrier. $124.95, www.raingler.com

First impressions...

It was listed on the shipping invoice as a "universal" barrier" and not a 4Runner barrier, which concerned me.

Quality appeared to be good, with the stitching in place, and solid stainless steel hardware. Six mounting straps and cams were attached, three on each side at the top, middle, and bottom of the net.

No installation instructions, or suggestions for mounting points were included.

The Install...

After crawling into the back of the 4Runner, I found that the upper rear seatbelt bolts were likely the best place to attach the upper mounting straps. The seatbelt attachments had a place where I could run the strap through to keep it from falling down, and I was able to wrap the extra length of strap around the mounting.

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/118164273-M.jpg


The middle side mounting straps were run through the rear seat latch, and the bottom side mounting straps were run through the lower seat belt mounting brackets.

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/118164281-M-1.jpg

Once both sides were attached, I tightened the net, centering it as I went, and put the rear seats in their upright position.

http://hltoppr.smugmug.com/photos/118164292-M.jpg

Overall, I'm pleased with the net. There is a bit of room (6" or so) at the top, mostly due to having to mount the top straps to the seatbelt hardware, but I can live with that.

The net is tight and clean, and should withstand the type of abuse it'll see in this truck. It will definitely keep my SAR pack, stroller, and other gear out of the passenger compartment, which is all I needed.

As it is only attached to the seat belt mounts, it is definitely NOT a Milford Barrier. For a dedicated expedition rig, where I'd be carrying a fridge, recovery gear and other heavy items.....I'd spend the extra $$ and do it the right way, but for the low price, it provides inexpensive peace of mind that my little daughter won't get a stroller in the face should we stop suddenly!

-H-