Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
Hey everyone! I've hesitated posting this for a few weeks, but decided it's time. I've decided it's time for another Toy in my garage. Considering the fact that I have limited tools here in Co (and no real work space) I'm kinda open to the idea of an already modded truck. (yes, I am fully aware of the negatives of buying pre-modded and will be exceptionally careful ;). Sure I can mod one out exactly the way I want, however if the right truck came along, I'd be open to it, esp if it was being sold by someone that's known in the group (or family, friend, etc...) so, if you guys would just keep your ears to the ground and let me know if you hear of any up for sale, I'd be very appreciative! I'm not picky on year or gen, but would honestly prefer a 1st-3rd gen (the 02 3rd gens are great). I currently have an '05 4th gen as my everyday driver and just don't love the body changes. Pricewise, that's flexbile...really depends on the truck. With that said, I think a fully customized $70k truck with cable & satellite isn't in my wheelhouse, but otherwise I'm quite flexible!
Thanks so much for keeping your eyes peeled!:D
Leila
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
Best wishes with the hunt!
As one who "bought" vs. "built" - the ONE item I would have wished to get with the jeep would be a parts list of what I purchased. If you could get that with any built rig, it can make life easier (otherwise the sleuthing will happen on each mod'd part).
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
I greatly agree with J8m.
Buying can be just fine.
But if you dont know where the parts come from you will be doing a ton of work.
A direction....
KSL.com
Look in the classified section and sub section for rock buggies.
These Utah folks have good deals for sure.
The market there is lower priced that here to.
You should be able to find something worth the trip.
Example:
[url]http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=678&ad=37493527&cat=402&lpid=3[/url]
There is a few more on there
Good luck
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
If your on facebook there a group called budget built yota crawlers. Yota freaks live on there and post great classifieds ads.
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
Also when you say first gen are you speaking of an 1985 or 86 to 88?
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
[quote=Jim;295270]As one who "bought" vs. "built" - the ONE item I would have wished to get with the jeep would be a parts list of what I purchased. If you could get that with any built rig, it can make life easier (otherwise the sleuthing will happen on each mod'd part).[/quote]
Well Jim, You're not the first to say that... so yes my caution alarm is ready to sound! I have always, in past, customized my own rigs...however I have seen a lot of modded vehicles here and (the smart ones ;) ) they seem to have similar characteristics.... with that said, I am very cautious and have a gal - Total Toy expert - to go with me to check out vehicles....As far as low range mods...I may need more research b/c the things we held cherry in TX for mods are FAR different for the rock crawling mods needed here. I'm open to learning and discovering more here. It seems like ALL Toy owners here go for Marlin Crawlers... which do look awesome btw... It'll be a learning curve that's for sure, so please feel free to poke fun at my mistakes along with the way!
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
You have a good platform from witch to start.
Toys are great trucks.
As for the dubblers marlin built them first and he does the best work.
Trail Gear is a discount house they get things built in china. They will wait tell copyright laws alow they will then go make the parts in china and market them cheeper......
Now LowRange Offroad is a great place to get your parts.
They bulk buy so they can market low cost on quality parts.
And they build there own stuff to play using the stuff they sell.
The biggest thing with toy stuff is dont go over the magic 5.29 gears.
The pinion gets way to small after that and the fail on the street.
Axle housings are getting hatd to find so if you intend to SAS if its not already been done. I would start l looking right away.
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
[quote=dieseldoc;295285]KSL.com
Look in the classified section and sub section for rock buggies.
These Utah folks have good deals for sure.
The market there is lower priced that here to.
You should be able to find something worth the trip.
Example:
[url]http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=678...cat=402&lpid=3[/url]
There is a few more on there
Good luck[/quote]
Brandon, Thanks so much for those links and suggestions. Sorry for the delay. The last few days got a little nuts! I'm definitely going to be looking!
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
[quote=94ToyBear;295286]If your on facebook there a group called budget built yota crawlers. Yota freaks live on there and post great classifieds ads.[/quote]
Awesome, thank you! I'm gonna check them out now. Much appreciated!
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
[quote=94ToyBear;295287]Also when you say first gen are you speaking of an 1985 or 86 to 88?[/quote]
Well I'd originally thought anything from 86 to the 3rd gen 02's would be ok, but after a bit of research, talking to some other avid Toy lovers, I think with what I want to do - or end up, that the 1st gens may not work for me. So I'm thinking now of anything btw the 89 and 02. Thanks!
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
You know to look here, right? [url]http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-vehicles/[/url]
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
[QUOTE=TxCowgirlInCo;295369]Well I'd originally thought anything from 86 to the 3rd gen 02's would be ok, but after a bit of research, talking to some other avid Toy lovers, I think with what I want to do - or end up, that the 1st gens may not work for me. So I'm thinking now of anything btw the 89 and 02. Thanks![/QUOTE]
The 4Runner generations do not correspond with the truck generations. The 4Runner started the 2nd gen in 1990. The 1st gen was 1985-1989.
If you decide you want to consider a 1st gen, there have been several 1985 models recently that I have seen for sale. They are the only year offered with a solid axle. The other thing to keep in mind is that the 1st gen is the only model to have a removable hardtop. Soft tops are optional from aftermarket vendors. Personally, I drive a 1st gen and absolutely love it. The factory engine options are limited, but the 22re engine (4 cylinder) is bullet proof.
As for the 2nd generation, they have their place, but the 3rd gen was a HUGE improvement in engines and drivability. Not that the 2nd gens are bad, but I would opt for a 3rd gen rather than a 2nd gen. Many people do engine swaps to install an engine from a 3rd gen into a 2nd gen. You might as well just start with the 3rd gen. Keep in mind the 3rd gen started half way through 95 (95.5). Since they had all new engines and suspension, they are easy to differentiate.
Hope that you find what you are looking for! Post here if you have more questions!
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
You are welcome. Good luck with your search.
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
Post what you find so we can help.
I personally stay away from any 3.0 engines years 89-95
Stick with a 22re or like Jeff said go for a 3rd gen, they have been poping up on craigslist pretty offten
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
I might have a connection for you for a 1997 3rd Gen. I bought one at an impound auction a while back and ended up trading it to a friend for a car lift and some pallet racking plus some cash but he hasn't really used it and wants to sell it now.
Its a good runner, relatively low miles (150k or so....these regularly go above 300k) and we installed an elocker axle in it. We never got around to wiring the elocker so that will need to get figured out, and its got a few other issues with the interior, but otherwise its a good truck. I think its a great mix of enough power with the v6 still coupled with it being an allright size for Colorado wheeling. With a few upgrades and some armor, it does really well.
I do like the 4th gens though. Interior is nicer, comes with a V8 option, and is just a nicer driving vehicle in general. They are more expensive though.
I have a 1st Gen 4runner as well with the 22re. Not looking to sell it, but its cheap and easy to work on. I paid $1300 for it, threw a couple of bumpers on it, put dual cases in it and welded the rear end, and it can do most trails around Colorado without much effort. I did a week in Moab with it as well, and it did admirably (even got to tow a newish Jeep out that had its power steering pump literally blow up). I think I have less then $3k into it, but its kind of my "spare parts" 4runner since most of the stuff that I upgraded came from my 88 Pickup rock crawler that is MUCH more built up.
Let me know if you are interested in the 3rd gen and I'll hook you up with my buddy.
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
The 3.o is not that bad an engine.
And many of the trucks still have not had the recall for the head gasgets.
They are enimick at best. But the trucks are easy to find and will accept the 4.3l bowtie.
There is a first gen with the SAS a 4.3l w/4l80e trans and toy t-case on 33's with lockers for 3k on ksl
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
No its not a bad eninge, but its not a good engine either compaired to a 22re or 3.4. I think with the proper service to thecooling systems, timing belt and water pump you will be fine. The over heating a MPG seem to be the worst part and the Hp is a little over a 22re. Just not worth it imo
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
I agree with you on it not being a worthy engine.
Wow 25 more hp than a 4 banger....realy and 14mpg if your lucky.
The 3.4l is a far better engine and they build great power.
Super charge them and look out your in the small v8 range now.
The nice thing is the runners with that engine are getting to be resonably priced.
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
Re: Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner
Don't forget the 3rz in the 3rd gen 4Runners. It is a 4 cylinder, but a huge improvement in power over the 22re, and just as reliable.