Smiles per mile 4runner build

Ogreboi666

Breh
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At a crossroads with my 3rd gen build.

I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole so trying to do it right the first time.

Trying to keep it simple a capable without going overboard. I’m not a hardcore rock crawler and not pretending to be but also not a go fast guy or OvErLaNdEr with a bunch of bolt on shit to weigh me down and make this truck even slower then it already is.
Having spent the last 2 years cranking out a shit ton of maintenance on my 250k rig…
Timing belt, water pump, radiator, every freakin bushing, fuel pump, tie rods, and on and on…

Time to make this thing capable…

This is what I’m thinking



Current:99 limited, elocker, 2/ 3 inch inch billy ome lift, Pck, some other basic stuff

replace with outboard 10” billy 7100 kit from arc works or something when it wears out. Maybe run some JL coils for the low COG (thanks @AssBurns) Try to get some used coilovers and have them rebuilt.

285/75/17 toyo at3s C load (lightest good 34s on the market) to replace 265/75/16 falkens ( have been great for gas mileage and easier real trails. Any stock Toyota 17s for the vibes

Eimkeith rear bumper because it’s mint

Stock 95-98 bumper trimmed for clearance because classic front end Toyota looks, and clearance for what I need. If I smash it I’ll get some steel. Coastal?

Some sliders

Some skids

I don’t see any need to go further then this other then continued maintenance and running it into the ground. Already had to get a rebuilt 3rd so reluctant to throw more money into a regear but we’ll see.

Please give me ideas and opinions to get the most out of my money to have a solid all around truck!

You dudes rule
 
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Octanejunkie

Just another jagoff with a 4x4
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612
Howdy, I'd say you're already in the rabbit hole lol but it sounds like a good plan

Your plan seems sound, you should build for what you anticipate doing. You will change your mind and replace shit over time, it's inevitable and it's okay.

Your suspension nees to be tuned for the weight you carry and the terrain you tackle/style of wheeling you plan to do, but mostly weight - if future bumper = bumper and winch then plan on upgrading coils in the future. You get the idea.

Welcome aboard, and have fun!
 

4runner DOA

Hold my beer
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You're in the wrong place to get talked down, but I'd say suspension is first and foremost and based on what you wanna do. I've been through 3 different sets of shocks and in the end I still needed to tune them. Any of the big 4 will give you the adjustability so find a used set for as cheap as you can get that can be rebuilt and eventually tune.

Armor, the basics. Front skid, transfer/transmission, and maybe gas. I haven't actually run my transfer or transmission skid in awhile because I haven't been in the rocks.

Bumpers come into play for two things. Winch in the front and swingout/gas cans in the rear.
 

Ogreboi666

Breh
Joined
Sep 29, 2021
Messages
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Location
Central Oregon
You're in the wrong place to get talked down, but I'd say suspension is first and foremost and based on what you wanna do. I've been through 3 different sets of shocks and in the end I still needed to tune them. Any of the big 4 will give you the adjustability so find a used set for as cheap as you can get that can be rebuilt and eventually tune.

Armor, the basics. Front skid, transfer/transmission, and maybe gas. I haven't actually run my transfer or transmission skid in awhile because I haven't been in the rocks.

Bumpers come into play for two things. Winch in the front and swingout/gas cans in the rear.
Yeah that’s what I’m thinking for armor. I find my self dragging on the rear tow package and front skid more than anything Else. Don’t know if I’ll end up going with a winch(I might move up north to snow country) but if someone’s got some part out coilovers in the future let me know…
 
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snowtank

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Yeah that’s what I’m thinking for armor. I find my self dragging on the rear tow package and front skid more than anything Else. Don’t know if I’ll end up going with a winch(I might move up north to snow country) but if someone’s got some part out coilovers in the future let me know…
As for the winch. I love mine. Love having it. Have I ever used it to get myself out of a jam....nope. I have only used it to get other people out of their positions and every once in a while at work to make a job easier so I don't have to un load a trailer.

I never planned on going down this rabbit hole but as I met friends and started getting invited out on trips then more difficult trips I have had to adjust and build bigger than I thought I ever would have so I could keep up and not be the weak link in the trail group.
 

Ogreboi666

Breh
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As for the winch. I love mine. Love having it. Have I ever used it to get myself out of a jam....nope. I have only used it to get other people out of their positions and every once in a while at work to make a job easier so I don't have to un load a trailer.

I never planned on going down this rabbit hole but as I met friends and started getting invited out on trips then more difficult trips I have had to adjust and build bigger than I thought I ever would have so I could keep up and not be the weak link in the trail group.
The rabbit hole is inevitable…I’m trying to keep it light as possible so I just need to make friends with winches… Not trying to run a swing out either, I’ll just throw the spare in the trunk or bring a plug kit.
 

AssBurns

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I'd say sounds like a solid plan, however you should definitely spend the extra coin on some quality coilovers up front. That is money well spent (especially if you ever take the time to get things tuned.) I ran the 5100's for a few years and they did fine but coilovers performed noticeably better right out of the box. I spent some time tuning them to perform how I wanted and it drastically changed how fast I could drive comfortably in the desert. It's something I wish I had done sooner for sure.

The rabbit hole will always get deeper so plan for it with better quality stuff the first time even if you have to wait and spend more time saving. If you get the OME or 5100 up front now, chances are high that you'll end up spending the money on coilovers in the future. I got some used coilovers to save money and time. Don't be scared to get some used stuff. Most people don't abuse their stuff so there is a good chance you can find some lightly used coilovers for a slight discount and a lot less time waiting.
 

Chris In Milwaukee

Ain’t no mo’
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As for the winch. I love mine. Love having it. Have I ever used it to get myself out of a jam....nope. I have only used it to get other people out of their positions and every once in a while at work to make a job easier so I don't have to un load a trailer.

I never planned on going down this rabbit hole but as I met friends and started getting invited out on trips then more difficult trips I have had to adjust and build bigger than I thought I ever would have so I could keep up and not be the weak link in the trail group.
Ha! Similar story. My winch has been used on several construction projects and one trailer loading, but never pulling out of the muck. So you’ll be happy having one at your disposal.
 

Octanejunkie

Just another jagoff with a 4x4
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Messages
612
I'd say sounds like a solid plan, however you should definitely spend the extra coin on some quality coilovers up front. That is money well spent (especially if you ever take the time to get things tuned.) I ran the 5100's for a few years and they did fine but coilovers performed noticeably better right out of the box. I spent some time tuning them to perform how I wanted and it drastically changed how fast I could drive comfortably in the desert. It's something I wish I had done sooner for sure.

The rabbit hole will always get deeper so plan for it with better quality stuff the first time even if you have to wait and spend more time saving. If you get the OME or 5100 up front now, chances are high that you'll end up spending the money on coilovers in the future. I got some used coilovers to save money and time. Don't be scared to get some used stuff. Most people don't abuse their stuff so there is a good chance you can find some lightly used coilovers for a slight discount and a lot less time waiting.
I'm in the process of doing exactly this ∆∆

About to replace Tundra billies and 620# Eibach coils with used/rebuilt 2.5 Icons. The rabbit hole continues to deepen as you start doing more stuff and gaining more experience.

Reinforcing / armoring adds weight, taller tires changed effective ratios, so eventually we look at new gears, too.

My current setup is fine, but the more I do with it the more I want to be able do with it lol
 

Slim-Whitey

Canadian hoser, Eh?
Know it all snowfake
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Yeah that’s what I’m thinking for armor. I find my self dragging on the rear tow package and front skid more than anything Else. Don’t know if I’ll end up going with a winch(I might move up north to snow country) but if someone’s got some part out coilovers in the future let me know…

Get the winch.

And get a bigger one than you think you need.
Buy once, cry once, move on..
 

Chris In Milwaukee

Ain’t no mo’
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Get the winch.

And get a bigger one than you think you need.
Buy once, cry once, move on..
I bought a 12K ‘cuz if 10K is good, 12K is better, right. Spent some time doing unnecessary gymnastics getting that stoopid thing in there. It’s in there, but when it comes out there’s probably going to be equal time swearing.

TLDR; 10K is probably fine
 

Slim-Whitey

Canadian hoser, Eh?
Know it all snowfake
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2.5x vehicle weight.
That's the rule here. Because you can very easily be in a poplar grove, sink to the door sills, and have the vehicle sound like a rubber boot getting pulled out of the mud.

I know a couple of guys running 18k winches on their diesel mud trucks.
 
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Honestly @AssBurns is right about the coil overs. I did just strut's and springs and they do fine for most trail /fishing/climbing adventures. But the moment you push your IFS front end on an obstacle other than a rut on a dirt road you'll want the coil overs. Only reason I haven't made the switch myself at this point is due to figuring out logistics of the suspension/drive train overhaul I'm looking to do to my rig.

@Slim-Whitey he did say he wasn't trying to weigh it down with useless bolt on add on's then proceeded to name weld it together bolt on's that'll weigh it down so he'll make his weight class and be ready to wrestle with the rest of us in no time.

Welcome aboard @Ogreboi666 !
 

4runner DOA

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2.5x vehicle weight.
That's the rule here. Because you can very easily be in a poplar grove, sink to the door sills, and have the vehicle sound like a rubber boot getting pulled out of the mud.

I know a couple of guys running 18k winches on their diesel mud trucks.

Snatch blocks go a long way with doubling the winch power. I carry two at all times. Not a lot of mud like that down here though unless you're stupid enough to venture into Salton Sea area then you're fucked anyway because there's nothing to winch off and you'll need 2-3 trucks to daisy chain.
 

Slim-Whitey

Canadian hoser, Eh?
Know it all snowfake
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Snatch blocks go a long way with doubling the winch power. I carry two at all times. Not a lot of mud like that down here though unless you're stupid enough to venture into Salton Sea area then you're fucked anyway because there's nothing to winch off and you'll need 2-3 trucks to daisy chain.
True, I did flat out forget both those points.
Mostly here, ya pull.out less than 200' of cable/cord and get to a tree that's 8' around.
 

Ogreboi666

Breh
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So who’s got some used coilovers their trying to offload…?
And thanks for all the tips homies. Still debating tire size (lel). Obviously 33s are going to be better with the 4.3 gears but I know I might as well go 34s at the same width for practically the same weight. I had to get a new rear 3rd in 4.3 for ecgs already after my junkyard 3rd’s pinion went out. Not looking forward to drop that kind of change again anytime soon and don’t want the truck to be an absolute dog anywhere but the trail. Decisions decisions…
 

Octanejunkie

Just another jagoff with a 4x4
Joined
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Messages
612
And thanks for all the tips homies. Still debating tire size (lel). Obviously 33s are going to be better with the 4.3 gears but I know I might as well go 34s at the same width for practically the same weight. I had to get a new rear 3rd in 4.3 for ecgs already after my junkyard 3rd’s pinion went out. Not looking forward to drop that kind of change again anytime soon and don’t want the truck to be an absolute dog anywhere but the trail. Decisions decisions…
If you're dropping coin, and only going up in tire size, 33s and 4.88 gears would be really nice...
 
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