Recovery points on a stock 4Runner???

**Disco2Guy** · 07-30-2009, 06:53 PM

Hi everyone. I'm going on a camping/wheelin' trip with a friend who has a stock '99 4Runner (I'm driving lead in a lifted Land Rover D2). We aren't wheelin' the 4Runner, but the trail to the campsite might be a little rough. If he gets hung up I'm wondering if there are some places to use as a recovery point, mainly the front. There is a ClassII hitch on the rear, but since I'll be leading it may not help. Is there somewhere up front I can hook on to with a recovery strap or attach a 3/4" d-shackle? Are there any especially vulnerable parts underneath we need to watch for as well? It sounds like the trail is doable by stock (maybe even 2WD) vehicles but I just want to be prepared just in case. Thanks for any input you have.

B

**4Rescue** · 07-30-2009, 08:38 PM

Hook to his front frame crossmember,althgouh thinking about it he may not have access to it like some of us. I'm guessing he still has the stock plastic bumper's and what not. Older trucks are different in that there is less junk in the front of them body wise. BUT there should be at least some shakles/hooks on the front to hook to. Look for a loop down low near the front sub-frame of the IFS. Typicaly when these trucks (hell any car or truck, my old VW Fox had four hooks one at each corner like a Rally car) are shipped they have tie downs that hold the cars in place. Typicaly these are bolted to the frame. This is a Toyota...

As for parts that hang down low. I don't know if the 99's are like mine (I have an 89, 1st Gen...Little fifferentr truck

) but they shoudl have at the very least adaquate skids for running moderate trails. remember, a good spotter and driver could get a VW Bug into places most of us think we need 4wd to go. I would say just as a general rule of thumb if I were running a stockish truck (well height wise) I'd specificaly aviod any tall rocks that I didn't think I could stradle. Even then Most Toyotas have far more GC stock then their rivals right out of the box. I think he'll be fine. It all comes down to how scarred he is to get it dirty ya know

Go slow and pay attention and he'll be fine. How intense are the trails you;re going to run anyways???

Anywho... You'll be better off with the Toyota and it's class 3 Hitch bringing up the rear because you can use it to tow your D2 back home... :hidewall:

Cheers

Dave

**Disco2Guy** · 07-30-2009, 09:13 PM

Haha. Pretty sure the hitch is only 2" but will verify tonight when I get there. Technically it's his girlfriend's 4Runner, and she's going with us so there's no "Oh that dent/scrape was there before we left."

Thanks for the info 4Rescue.

**CYi5** · 07-30-2009, 10:46 PM

There are recovery points underneath both front frame rails, one with a loop, the other with a loop+hook. You'd have no problems attaching even with stock bumper.

**4Rescue** · 07-30-2009, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by Disco2Guy

...Technically it's his girlfriend's 4Runner, and she's going with us so there's no "Oh that dent/scrape was there before we left."

Thanks for the info 4Rescue.

AHHHHHHHHHHH "And therin' Lies the Rub...." I did the same thing on a rafting trip with my GF's stock 04 Honda Civic... She was not impressed with my ability to get that little thing down to the put in on the Upper Kalamath... Now where are those pics...

Oh and thanks for being a good sport on the Disco ribbing I gave ya mate. I'm well aware of what a D2 with a ild lift and some good tires can do. plus they just LOOK the part of an expo rig... the joking is all in fun and honestly I'm kind of a closet Rover fan as well... SHHHHHHH THe Super Turtle(aka my 4Runner) will hear me!!!!!

No worries man, Ciy5 gave the definitive answer for ya so there ya go. Part of the reason this site is SO GREAT is that we have such a mix mash of rigs represented here that you're sure to find someone who knows and/or owns the rig you have a question about.

Just be sure that you don't rip off or crush her front bumper/valance if the strap is going UP to another taller rig or one that's up a ledge or something, the strap will try to return to level or draw a straight line between the two trucks and the lower valance and stock bumper can take a beating or even be ripped VERTICALY off the mounts. Just a word to the wise, I found thAt one out the hard way with a friends truck. He did fine on everytrhing but when it came time to help him up one little ledge my much taller rig just puty an angle on the tow strap (glad it wasn't a chain) that popped the bumper up and ripped the mounting holes/bumper... Like I say, just be carefull espescialy since the buddy's GF's truck is at stake. Nothing like having your frind mad at ou because you "got him cut off" ya know mate

Anyway... Be sure and give us some pics of this little afdventure you're headed out on. It sounds fun, wish I was going adventuring instead of doctors visits...

Cheers

Dave

**Disco2Guy** · 08-01-2009, 07:48 AM

Yeah this site is excellent for sure. I had the same issue regarding front recovery on my D2 (bumper getting in the way of recovery straps) until I got a Rovertym offroad bumper. I always take pics on my adventures and will post a link to my album when I return. Thanks again for the tips everyone!!!

**CYi5** · 08-01-2009, 08:51 AM

From what I recall, there is a plastic bumper insert that can be removed inline with the passenger side frame rail. I never removed it, but I assumed it was to allow for extra clearance when attaching a strap. Shrugs.

**slomatt** · 08-01-2009, 04:12 PM

Hey, that's my truck!

You can barely make out the factory tow hook and loop in this picture.

- Matt

**4Rescue** · 08-02-2009, 12:51 AM

That bumper slot would be for exactly what I'm talking about so long as it actualy opens up straight to the tow loop. I'd never noticed that before, good stuff.

...on another note: I really like those 3rd Gen 4runners... I'd swap out the front "fat lip" bumper straight off for an ARB, but man they just look so clean. Add to that the fact that you can get a 5spd w a rear locker and the 3.4 and they really are a great base for a trail/Expo rig if you're taveling with maybe 2-3 people max (2 being optimal) Anyway Hijack over, I just really like the look of your 4Runner mate, got a build thread on it???

Cheers

Dave

**slomatt** · 08-02-2009, 05:37 AM

4Rescue,

Not sure if you were referring to my 4runner, but here's some info if you are interested.

http://wwww.blankwhitepage.com/autom...toyota-4runner

http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ad.php?t=21472

- Matt

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