Builds Caitlyn the 2nd Gen 4Runner-ish (2 Viewers)

[CreeperSleeper]

This is more of an evolution thread than a build thread, but I wanted to keep record of my newest toy. Meet “Caitlyn”, named for how much work she has done to her… (If you don’t get that reference, PM me. LOL!)

First, a little background: I unexpected sold my old 4Runner to a buddy of mine and found myself needing a new wheeling toy. Luckily Amy and I also have a 5th Gen 4Runner that works very well as our adventuring vehicle, so I could focus on a more hard-core wheeling rig. Before I even had the money from selling my old 4Runner, the Craigslist search was on! I had a budget that I wouldn’t go over and the goal was to find the best deal I could. After a week or so, I found this in Northern California. The seller was nice enough to let me put a deposit down on it and I bought it sight unseen based on a description, some pics, and a video.

1995 4Runner; 5VZ swap; 5-speed; dual cases (stock gears); raised front frame; 3-link front suspension with Fox coil-overs; hydro-assist steering; Dana 60 front with 5.38 gears, 35-spline shafts, and a Spartan locker; Sterling 10.5 rear with 5.38 gears, welded; body chop; hybrid cage; flat belly; new 40” tires… Needed to be finished.
Here are the pics I got from the seller:

 

[CreeperSleeper]

After that a deposit was sent, a trailer was rented, and Amy and I took a road trip to California. Caitlyn ended up be exactly what the seller said she was! We drove her up on the trailer (with the brakes not working...) and headed home.

She is basically what I would have built if I would have had the money to build something like this. I have had some really nice wheelers, but nothing ever this built. I am beyond excited! The plan is to start at one end and work my way through it completing all of the little things that are undone. All of the hard stuff is completed, it just needs to be dialed in. I will keep everyone updated on the progress here.

 

[74fj40]

Looking forward to seeing the progress, definitely a great starting point!

 

[G-Cat]

Really like the body chops on 2nd gens...and you found an OTR (other than red)...nice!

 

[CreeperSleeper]

LOL! I think it was dark green originally. Now it is Rustoleum K7789 Light Machine Gray...

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Maybe fix the brakes first....

It's sweet Chadly!

 

[Tapage]

good specs .. beefy axles !

altho not a fan of the 5VZ manual tranny it's a plus !

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Subscribed!! Looks a lot like the chop we did (doing) on @Fort Knox 's 2nd gen, except we went with an internal roll cage.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Maybe fix the brakes first....

It's sweet Chadly!

Thanks! And yes, brakes will be one of the first items to get sorted.

good specs .. beefy axles !

altho not a fan of the 5VZ manual tranny it's a plus !

Why don't you like the 5VZ? I know there is a lot of hate for the 3VZ, but I haven't heard too many people disliking the 3.4l.

Subscribed!! Looks a lot like the chop we did (doing) on @Fort Knox 's 2nd gen, except we went with an internal roll cage.

Thanks! I really like having the protection of the hybrid cage. Exo-cages usually look like garbage, but I like the function. Hybrid cages (in my opinion) are the best of both worlds with minimal compromise.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I think he was talking about the 5VZE transmission, not the engine.

 

[too tall]

The engine is a 5vz , The transmission is not.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I thought he just missed a comma and was talking about the engine. Either way, though, the R150 trans is pretty stout too.

 

[mr jits]

When's the work party?

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Soon, I hope!

 

[CreeperSleeper]

So I have pulled the front clip so I can better see what I'm working with. It looks like the PO was in a hurry at the end, so there are wires all over the place. I'm having to do a lot of "Where does this go?!?". It is a tedious process, but I am taking it one step at a time and hope I don't screw anything up.

 

[mr jits]

So I have pulled the front clip so I can better see what I'm working with. It looks like the PO was in a hurry at the end, so there are wires all over the place. I'm having to do a lot of "Where does this go?!?". It is a tedious process, but I am taking it one step at a time and hope I don't screw anything up.

I'm a little worried, are you going to put this one back together?

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I haven't decided yet.

 

[Fort Knox]

Very nice! I've thought about going 3-link up front on mine, but first I need to finish up the rear chop and do some re-wiring. Wish I could blame a PO, but it's all my crappy wiring job that I need to fix.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

LOL! It's less crappy wiring and more "do I need this plugged into something?"

I'm really excited to see how the 3-link works on the trails. My frame has been raised in the front, so they were able to package everything very well and keep the truck low. ih8ifsframes

 

[Fort Knox]

Mine is definitely a hack wiring job by yours truly. Wait, you mean they make wiring in other colors besides red and black?!? I wish I could say I was at least consistent and always used red for hot and black for ground.....but I can’t. So yeah......that is on the list to fix this fall/winter.

Let us know how you like the 3-link. My fairly vanilla SAS up front doesn’t give me the kinda flex I’d like, but it’ll have to do for now.