I finally got out with a couple friends last weekend and did a little exploring/cruising around in the 4runner. It did great and was a pleasure to drive both on and off the roads. The receiver mounted winch did well but sure hurts approach angles and I need to move the solenoid pack to the top where it is better protected.
I also did a little cost breakdown on what I have into this rig and I'm pleasantly surprised.
-1997 4runner rusted frame: $Free
-1997 4runner rolled: $1500 plus I drove it for over a year
-New Front 4.88 3rd: $350 and 2 3rd cores
-Rebuilt rear V6 4.88 ARB 3rd: $500 plus a pair of 4.56 thirds
-ARB compressor and misc switches: $213.98
-Tires: $850 (bought for another project in 2010)
-New muffler, O2 sensor, Synthetic fluid throughout, steel for sliders, etc:
Total: $3763.95
Then I parted out the rolled 4runner and made back: $1377.00
So I'm in it for: $2386.95 !!!
Not bad for a 4.88 geared, Rear ARB locked, Old Man Emu lifted, 3.4 powered 5 spd, rock slidered, front bumpered Rig
I didn't figure the cost of the materials I had into the front bumper because I built it a few years ago or the winch which I actually bought new in 1995.