Wanted: New TOYota 4Runner

[TxCowgirlInCo]

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!

Leila

[Jim]

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).

[dieseldoc]

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:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=678...cat=402&lpid=3
There is a few more on there

Good luck

[94ToyBear]

If your on facebook there a group called budget built yota crawlers. Yota freaks live on there and post great classifieds ads.

[94ToyBear]

Also when you say first gen are you speaking of an 1985 or 86 to 88?

[TxCowgirlInCo]

Jim previously posted:

[dieseldoc]

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.

[TxCowgirlInCo]

dieseldoc previously posted:

[TxCowgirlInCo]

94ToyBear previously posted:

[TxCowgirlInCo]

94ToyBear previously posted:

[Chris]

You know to look here, right? http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-vehicles/

[Patrolman]

TxCowgirlInCo previously posted:

[dieseldoc]

You are welcome. Good luck with your search.

[94ToyBear]

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

[Haku]

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.

[dieseldoc]

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

[94ToyBear]

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

[dieseldoc]

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.

[94ToyBear]

Yup yup yup.

[Patrolman]

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.