96 4runner input needed

[My wife said no FJ!]

So I am looking at getting a 4cyl '96 runner. I found one that is going for pretty cheap, but then again it's got a few dings in the front and rear bumpers.

I know that the 4 is not a speed demon, and neither am I, so so far so good. What I would like to do is lift it 1.5" to 2.5", run some tall skinnys, change the rear bumper for a swing out, and a front ARB possibly. I know that the 4 is rated to tow about 3500lbs, which could be useful to tow some of the FJ40 parts to the blaster and stuff.

So, will I regret buying this runner based on what I planned above?
She will get wheeled, but it will be light trails, and will be a DD.

Thanks in advance for any input

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

Go with the v-6 for all of the above reasons. The 4 cylinder is good to go around town and that is it. I personally thought about getting a 4 during the high gas prices since they are pretty cheap and I already have a v-6 and I am familiar with veh.

V-4 gas mileage 20 city 25 hwy
v-city 15 hwy 17

Unless it is a good deal I would continue looking

 

[Duane]

sounds like weekend camping and more daily driving...
I sure like my 4runner with the 2.7. Timing chain so no belt to change as required by the 3.4 Did have to replace an exhaust manifold though.
I have no lift and run tall skinny 32 inch tires.

If you are going 33's+ and tackling some more serious trails the rear locker and V6 is likely the choice.
The 4 banger suits me fine....as gas prices keep rising it might have better resale too ?
Some highway runs with my 32's or a head wind require patience or kicking it down to maintain speeds up a hill.

Either choice... you'll love it! One will eat a bit more gas the other won't have as much power. Certainly try to get one with a rear locker button to the left of the steering wheel on the dash, and try to get a 99 or up as I think they went to a better cup holder and I believe the 99's have the highest factory height/springs installed.
You can still get a 5spd manual in 99 unless you prefer an auto. Many guys prefer the stick for offroading.
just my 2 cents

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

I know that the 6 will have more power, but I'm more "it's how you use it, more than what you got" kinda guy.

I found a '96. It does not look too bad, and it would be less than $2000! For this price, I thought I'd have a little spare $$$ for that rear swing out, and a new ARB out front. I know that the '96 does not have the tall springs, hence the reason I was thinking a 2" lift...would it be easier just to get springs from a '99 or '00? 32x9.5, or 32x10.5 are what I was thinking about on some old steelies...you have a pict of yours with the 32"s?

4cyl, and a 5speed is what I like, and is what this '96 has

 

[Jacket]

Have you driven it? A few mpg is pretty much the only benefit I see to the 4 cyl, otherwise the 3.4V6 is one of the best motors out there. As long as gas is $1.50 there's no way I'd opt for the 4cyl. But if/when we're back at $3+ / gallon, it might be worth it.

In the end, you're the only one that can decide if you'll be happy with the 4 cyl.

 

[Duane]

Hey $2K sounds like a good deal..at that price it's more of a what does it need now or soon sort of deal.
The tire specs for mine are 9.3 on a 6.5 inch rim X 32 high
Michelin | LTX® M/S | Tire Sizes & Specifications
I am not sure what a 2 inch lift might involve... my thinking would be to stick with OEM equipment. My front ARB is certainly heavier than the factory 5 lb bumper and if I finally got my Warn winch in there it would settle more.
I suspect if you want to hang a rear swingout and front ARB/winch combo a factory 99/00 spring is likely too light even.
Perhaps some other guys can comment. Cackalak han often has good comments on 3rd gen 4runners.

 

[Duane]

I'm certainly happy with these tires..over 60,000 km's on them.
No flats was what I was after and the added ground clearance plus hopefully less rolling resistance for better mileage too. We have been down old logging roads, across creeks and lots of rocky trails so luckily the 10 ply E rated tires have been very reliable. The rear hitch has sort of been a decent slider out back as that has been drug over a rock or two
I never thought I would like this truck as much as I do... we have several vehicles but this thing is getting the most use. Especially right now with all this dang snow.
I'm biased now but these rigs are just reliable, flexible do just about anything with transportation. Change the fluids, add gas and drive with next to no wrenching..

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Looks real nice Duane!

I was thinking of getting an FJ80, but I am having enough fun getting parts for the FJ40 in Montreal, that my thinking is a 4runner would make my life a lot simpler.

I was thinking of these guys for the lift --> Complete 1996-2002 4Runner Lift

 

[Duane]

There have been several positive words for Sonoran's lifts on a few threads here.
The lifted 4runners in their website sure look nice though!
I only generally drag the rear bumper due to the amount it hangs out past the rear wheels. My 32's don't rub although I'm not taking it to extreme places. The pics I posted have likely 300 lbs of stuff in the vehicle and ice/snow under it as well. Normally sits up a bit more in the backend.

I imagine the exchange should improve in the coming months again too.

 

[hoch]

The 2.7 is a solid engine. It is a work horse. For your purposes, it should serve you well. Especially for less than $2k!! The only problem that has been common is the manifold cracking, so keep an eye on that.

If you go with 33's, you definitely need to regear. If you're going with 32's, I suggest the size that Duane mentioned (235/85/16). I also have that size (BFG KO's) and love them. Great tire size.

For a lift, Sonoran Steel does offer great products. You can't go wrong ordering from them. But for me, when it comes time for a lift, I will go with OME from trdparts4u. I've checked around and they have the best prices. They're a Toyota dealership from Dallas and can get you any other OEM parts, too. The OME lift should give you approx. 2" lift, so it would be perfect for you.