98 4runner... slowest build thread ever (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Shows how little I have actually learned about my new DD... Sounds like a pretty simple mod for better throttle response and power.

How is the mileage these days? Did you ever get the 4.30s swapped in?

I am glad to see I am not the only one who is behind on getting things together these days, life does have a way of getting in the way doesn't it..
 
Shows how little I have actually learned about my new DD... Sounds like a pretty simple mod for better throttle response and power.

How is the mileage these days? Did you ever get the 4.30s swapped in?

I am glad to see I am not the only one who is behind on getting things together these days, life does have a way of getting in the way doesn't it..

Yeah, the 4runner guys call it the "ISR mod" (intake silencer removal, they like to name everything). It's definitely worth the minor effort involved.

Still haven't swapped the 4.30s in either, I'm waiting to get the e-locker axle housing set up to run them. I need to change out a shock mount on the housing first...

I'm still getting 17ish mpg with the 265s and 4.10s.

I really just need to buckle down and do the major work, but like you said everything just seems to get in the way.
 
Yep, I definitely understand. Random Q, are you "chuck Norris" on the T4R.org board? I am "mrtucker80" on that board if you are over there any.
 
Yep, I definitely understand. Random Q, are you "chuck Norris" on the T4R.org board? I am "mrtucker80" on that board if you are over there any.

That would be me! Interesting group over there...
 
Cool. And yes, interesting is a good way to put it.

Some of the guys know some cool specific stuff about 4runners... the rest... well, at least they're trying to learn. I guess I can't fault them for that.

I like hanging out over here a lot better though. :grinpimp:



SO...

Finally swapped the rear suspension today. No pics of the process as it's just shocks, spacers and junkyard bumpstops (S-10 Blazer cone bumps, direct bolt in).

It finally sits where I want it to and the new shocks removed the squish out of the rear end. I can't wait to get the front together, hopefully in the next few days.

Pics to come soon.
 
Pics!

9111597357_790c4db0fb_c.jpg


Played with the jack a bit, ran out of jack travel and still had my swaybars connected. I could probably get another 5-6" of suspension articulation out of it with front disconnects.

9111597895_784ac12cac_c.jpg


9113821230_5b583d0546_c.jpg
 
What kind of spacers did you end up using? Did you use the ones that you made? Your stance looks good.
 
What kind of spacers did you end up using? Did you use the ones that you made? Your stance looks good.

Thanks! The fronts are the custom 3/4" UHMW plastic ones that I made, they will be replaced with 3/4" Aluminum when I swap the front shocks. The rears are 1.5" Daystar poly spacers.
 
These 3rd gens flex like mad. I'm really happy with mine more so after the new shocks but I've always been happy with it. At one point I ran mine with both sway bars removed and it didn't bother me on the road but at time on the trail it felt a bit tippy so I reinstalled the rear only, still flexes great but feels much more stable just throwing that out there. Yours is looking great still wishing I would have nabbed that bumper before you did Lol.

P.s. I have a set of toytec top plate spacers, they call the 1 inch but they measure 3/4. If your interested I'd make somebody a great deal on them.

Sent from my detachment from reality.
 
P.s. I have a set of toytec top plate spacers, they call the 1 inch but they measure 3/4. If your interested I'd make somebody a great deal on them.

Which ones are they? I have been looking at the ones that go on the very top above the retainer plate, but might be interested if I think I can pull the strut apart with the spring compressor I have.

Also, I am about to have a 98 limited front bumper that will need a new home if you still need one.
 
Which ones are they? I have been looking at the ones that go on the very top above the retainer plate, but might be interested if I think I can pull the strut apart with the spring compressor I have.

Also, I am about to have a 98 limited front bumper that will need a new home if you still need one.

I actually have both, the top plate spacers that mount on top of the plate and I have a set of preload spacers, the preloads may be more than you want they are the 2.5 inch ones. I've actually had the material to build my bumper laying in the shop just haven't had time or energy to start on it.

Sorry for the thread jack, back to topic.

Sent from my detachment from reality.
 
I actually have both, the top plate spacers that mount on top of the plate and I have a set of preload spacers, the preloads may be more than you want they are the 2.5 inch ones. I've actually had the material to build my bumper laying in the shop just haven't had time or energy to start on it.

Sorry for the thread jack, back to topic.

Sent from my detachment from reality.

No worries on the thread jack, I'm just glad to see more 3rd gens on Mud!

And Jynx- definitely go with a top spacer on the front instead of a preload spacer. The front suspension geometry has tight tolerances and preload spacers can push the spring awfully close to coil binding (unless you lower bumpstops and cut your travel). Top spacers have the same effect as longer shocks, aka Bilstein 5100s or any other "lift" shock. It's funny how the guys on 4runner forums berate top spacers all day long, but run extended shocks and claim that they are the best without realizing that they accomplish the same thing. :D
 
Last edited:
Thanks, yeah. I agree, using the top spacer still let's the strut and coil do their job, just further down, kinda like a regular coil spring spacer on an 80.

How tall did your spacers end up? I am thinking I may just do the 1/4" top spacers so I don't have to mess with the studs right now. Then save some $$ up and buy some nice coilovers later down the road.

And I agree, having a few more 3rd gen guys is good. I like T4R, but like you said, there are some really knowledgeable guys, but it seems it is more blah, blah than tech most days. MUD just seems like where those guys end up after the mature a little bit. (Said hoping not to sound too offensive) :D
 
Last edited:
Thanks, yeah. I agree, using the top spacer still let's the strut and coil do their job, just further down, kinda like a regular coil spring spacer on an 80.

How tall did your spacers end up? I am thinking I may just do the 1/4" top spacers so I don't have to mess with the studs right now. Then save some $$ up and buy some nice coilovers later down the road.

And I agree, having a few more 3rd gen guys is good. I like T4R, but like you said, there are some really knowledgeable guys, but it seems it is more blah, blah than tech most days. MUD just seems like where those guys end up after the mature a little bit. (Said hoping not to sound too offensive) :D

On the front the spacer itself is 3/4" tall, when you go 1" on the spacer it pulls the upper ball joint too close to the spring. In my case it was contacting, so I returned the 1" spacers. The ratio of spacer:lift on the front seems to be about 1:1.5 from what I've seen. So a 3/4" spacer = 1 1/8" of lift, and a 1" spacer = 1.5" of lift.

The rear spacer is 1.5" and is directly proportional to lift, so 1.5" of lift. I also have the year old Moog springs ($40 new!) so they aren't saggy like old stock springs.

I think with the 99 Talls and a 1/4" spacer you'll be good in the front, then try a 1.5" spacer in the rear. Cheap and easy.


And your opinion of T4r is solid, I was just trying to be really nice with my opinion. I try to help people over there when I can... but sometimes I just shake my head, give up and close the browser. :D

Members on here seem to have much more experience in a variety of rigs, and the Toyota knowledge base has more depth and breadth than anywhere I've ever seen.
 
Last edited:
I try to help people over there when I can... but sometimes I just shake my head, give up and close the browser. :D

OMG, why don't we have a smilie of the guy rolling on the floor laughing?!? If my sig line wasn't already maxed out, I would add that as a quote!!!

Back to topic, I appreciate the front end ratio, I knew it was something like that but that helps. I have the 99 rear coils too, so I will probably throw them on and see how it sits and then add pucs as needed.
 
My experience with the top plate and preload spacers was an unfair experiment, I was dealing with a wore out front end it was like putting makeup on a pig so to speak. What should have given me nearly 4 inches of lift netted me about 2.5. You guys are dead on with the top plate spacers they just move the assembly down, preload spacers are just that are compressing the spring. I changed everything out in mine went with the bilstien shocks and toytec/ ibach springs, I did this mainly because I new with a bumper and winch the wore out stuff no matter what I did would not carry the weight. It seems that your builds and mine differ a bit as I wanted as much lift as I could get out of the IFS but I think we're all after a good ride etc.

I have a build thread for both my runners on t4r, I update them ocationaly but I'm with you guys the site is just not my thing. Been a member of yotatech for years and have a lot of friends over there, but I seem to be hanging out here more all the time.

Sent from my detachment from reality.
 
Finally just bought a set of Craftsman spring compressors so i can do the front suspension at my convenience... and avoid using the janky rental tools from the auto parts store with dry galled threads. Maybe I'll fear for my life a little less now.
 
I never figured I'd use a set enough to justify buying them, but after the past year between paying the local front end shop to do it a couple times and renting them from the parts store I could have bought a decent set.

Sent from my detachment from reality.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom