Shawkins slow build-up of the '98 4Runner

[shawkins]

Well I figured its about time to make a thread for my rig.



The build-up with this thing will be VERY slow, due to my lack of funding as a 16 year old.

I plan to use this rig as a replacement for my dads '91 4Runner for when we go hunting, and for minor exploring in central Oregon and the Oregon coast. I also plan to drive to Alaska in the next few years and do some more exploring up there.

Mods:

• Front Husky Liners
• Rear Husky Liners
• 55/100W Headlight Bulbs

Well theres my rig as it is now!

[shawkins]

So far I have put in front and rear Husky liners to keep my super clean carpet clean.

I have also installed 55W low beam and 100W high beam bulbs. But I need to build a harness that uses replays because I think the high beams are killing my multifuction switch.

[shawkins]

The next upgrade will be a set of Wild Country Radial TXR tires in a 285/75R16 size. My dad has been running these tires in the stock 235/65 size on his 4Runner since he wore the stock tires out and just upgraded to 32X11.5R15's. We both love these tires!

From my research, I figure I will need around a 1" lift, some pinchweld trimming, and maybe new wheels to fit these tires.

For the 1" lift, I plan to run a 1.5" Daystar front and rear spacer.
I will only be running this temporarly until I get the funds to upgrade to Tundra coils and Double cab shocks in the front and LC springs in the rear. My current tires are almost completly bald so I wont be able to save up the funds to do the Tundra/LC spring lift yet. Then when I get the Tundra/LC springs, I will sell the Daystar stuff to recoup some costs.

If I need to replace my wheels, I plan to find some FZJ80 series LC wheels as they have the correct backspacing to avoid UCA issues with the 285's.

Another option I am weighing, is to get a set of Shaved UCA's so I dont have to replace my wheels.

Any thoughts on what I am planning to do?

Thanks

[Scott Brady]

I like that plan. The only downside will be a big reduction in fuel economy and acceleration on the road. Holding overdrive might also be an issue.

You might want to consider going with the same lift (to add clearance), but only install the 265/75. Those tires can also be found pretty cheap, as they are take-offs from most GM trucks.

What are your trail plans for the truck? Mostly exploring and trails, or do you want to try more technical terrain?

[shawkins]

Well I just put on a set of 255/85R16 Radial TXR's today. I didnt know they made that size in that tire, otherwise I would have planned on using them all along.

I have already notice a slight decrease in acceleration, but I think if I went to 4.30's or 4.56's it would be fine. Pretty much all of my on road driving is freeway, so overdrive shouldnt be much of an issue.

Oh and the best part about this set of tire: The price of $400! I got a used set that had less than 5K miles on them, and for $100ea. installed!

[BajaTaco]

Nice! Let us know how you like those tires after you get some good testing on them.

[shawkins]

Nice! Let us know how you like those tires after you get some good testing on them.

So far, I only have highway driving on them. In all about 1,000 miles. They feel alot more stable on the road then my 265's and it doesnt drift nearly as much, but that could be due to the fact that I was running a brand new spare tire with 3 bald tires so it was bigger then them which might make it drift I would assume.

[shawkins]

Another update on the tires: City acceleration really sucks with these now. Im thinking of bumping up to 4.30 or 4.56 gears now.

I still want my RPM's to be a little bit lower while cruising on the highway then they were stock so I wont jump up to 4.88's for a stock feel.

[shawkins]

I made some gear compairison charts:

Stock (31's with 4.10's):


Now (33's with 4.10's):


33's with 4.30's:


33's with 4.56's:


33's with 4.88's:

[shawkins]

From those charts, I think I am going to move to 4.30's.

I know thats not that big of a change, but I think it will give me some of my city drivability back (city driving is horrible right now). Yet my highway RPM's will be a hair lower then they were with my stock 31's and 4.10's, which should get me a hair better MPG for all of my highway driving.