4Runner or Tacoma build?

[BELMONT148]

I might be trading my 40 for a 99 4Runner this week, and I am trying to decide which parts to buy?

Which vehicle would you build into a mild-hardcore wheeler, and still drive to the trails?

The build will take about 2 weeks and will consist of a tubular high clearance front bumper, winch, 3"-4" lift, 35" tires, sliders, and full Bud Built skids.

Both have rear e-lockers.

The Runner is narrower, but has a smaller engine. However I believe the engine is much better engineered than the 4.0l. It also has a better wheelbase, and short rear overhangs. Plus it has a 4 link rear, which I can lift and make it SUPER flexy. A SAS on the front would be easy down the road.

The Tacoma has a bed, more HP, and looks cooler in my opinion. At the same time it is worth $10k more than the 4runner so scratching it up might not be a smart thing. A SAS down the road would be EXPENSIVE.

I already have my pick, but was curious about what others thought. Oh, and I will be keeping both vehicles for now, so it's not like I have to have a full replacement vehicle for 100% DD duty.

Jeremy

 

[dohcdelsol93]

i prefer a 40 with a Carolina sticker on the back window!!!


on topic...the 4 runner cause i wheel with a kid and dogs

 

[jleeFJ62]

I've toyed with this idea a few weeks ago. Someone PM'ed me about trading my 62 for a semi built 4rnr, but they are half way accross the country.

I saw build the 4rnr and leave the tacoma stock for DD use.

 

[kalvin06]

I vote for the 4Runner

 

[DanStew]

I vote Tacoma. Isnt yours a crewcab? I want to build a crewcab. I like em

 

[BELMONT148]

Well, it looks like it will be the 4Runner. Should be picking it up next Sat.

I have already scored some 35" KM2's on 17" FJCruiser steelies, and I will order the OME 3"/LC Coil 4" lift. I will not be doing a body lift like I have seen most with 35's so I will be doing the fender well cutting, and about 3/4-1" out of the fenders. I will be removing the flares and filling the holes, then probably rhino lining the outside edge.

I also have to deal with a rusty rear diff cover, so I will be clearancing the axle with 1/4" plate and getting rid of the drain plug while beefing up the rear cover.

Going to go with an Addicted Offroad tube front bumper and an XRC Comp winch, with some kick-out sliders and see if I have enough left over for some Bud Builts. I should be able to atleast get the front skid from him.

Jeremy

 

[kalvin06]

Awesome, if you need an extra hand I'd be more than happy to help if I can.

 

[BELMONT148]

Thanks Calvin, I appreciate the offer. I will probably have a member party at my house one Sat. to lift the bumper/winch up and work on anything else any member wants to to do. My bumper/winch should only weigh about 110#'s so it won't be like lifting an ARB with a steel cable M12000 winch like on some 80's.

The first order of business when I get it will be to strip it. Rear axle, running boards, front fenders, flares, and front bumper.

Jeremy

 

[pillguy]

With 35s are you going to regear?
I have a 97 with 4.10s auto with 33s and I will say it is definitely slower and you will lose 3mpg.
Are you going to get a locker?
keep your tires skinny and you will go places the heavily modded vehicles go to.
Also, as you probably know, reinforce your front frame rails

I love mine

PS: I still cannot justify the price of a SAS for it

 

[BELMONT148]

99 Limited withe rear locker and 4.30's. Front frame rail will be reinforced and the then the tube bumper bolts to it. I already have a source for 35/12.50/17's. Not really worried about mpg as this will be a trail only vehicle with a few trips for camping or to the trails.

It shouldn't be too fast on the trails, but if I keep it a long time and make it my DD/wheeler I will probably re-gear for sure, and may even opt for the inchworm case if it needs to go slower in the future.

I would love to do a SAS now, but when I found out Iwould have to go with leafs in the back to get the same height I figured I would end up with another tall rig that I didn't really like, like the 40. Gonna see what I can get out of the ifs first, and if the 12.50 tires don't work I will sell them and get some skinnier 35/10.50's or something.

Thanks for the advice.

Jeremy

 

[BELMONT148]

No 4Runner build in my future. The 4Runner got totaled this weekend before we could trade. Cruiser Gods have spoken, the 40 is off the market and getting prepped for Gulches and GSMTR. Fuel Injection baby, and possible Hydro0assist.

Jeremy

 

[kalvin06]

Strobe lights and a bumpin' stereo too?

 

[BELMONT148]

Nah, the 40 is so loud that I have to wear earbuds on the Ipod. The only strobe lights will be my bad electrical connections as my 40 bounces around causing the lights to flicker.

Jeremy

 

[pillguy]

someone ought to jump on the rear axle, locker, brain, etc.

No 4Runner build in my future. The 4Runner got totaled this weekend before we could trade. Cruiser Gods have spoken, the 40 is off the market and getting prepped for Gulches and GSMTR. Fuel Injection baby, and possible Hydro0assist.

Jeremy

 

[BELMONT148]

The housing is rusted, but the third and harness, etc. would be valuable.

Jeremy