Hey guys,
I used to wheel 3rd gen 4runners pretty hard back in the day, but I've been out of the scene for a while racing and building UTV's.
But, needless to say I'm ready to build something new again, so today I bought a '97 LX 450 to begin the buildup. Being new to 80's, the main reason I selected this vehicle is because it had the solid axles and lockers from the factory, but from here, it's a question on where to start.
So, I'd really like to run 37's on this vehicle but keep it as low as possible too.
Here are some items I need ideas on:
1) What 37's to run in the East TN/Western NC area?
2) What wheels/backspacing/width to run to minimize fender trimming?
3) How much fender trimming needed to stay low and clear the 37's?
4) How much lift and what lift would be best for excellent articulation without limiting up travel, by lowering bumpstops, etc?
5) Should I consider an exo-cage, and if so, are they all custom ones out there, I'd imagine?
6) Bumpers: I made my rear on my 3rd gen, because I wanted more departure angle than what was available at the time. What do folks recommend for the highest clearance front and rear bumpers?
7) Sliders: I made my own sliders, but I'm open to a well designed/strong slider, as well.
8) Skid Plates: Do folks do drivetrain lifts on these or mainly stay to conventional lifts? Either way, who makes the best and most coverage skid plates around?
9) Brakes: What's the best upgrade available for braking on these?
10) Gears: 4.56 or 5.29's? Where from? Local place in Boone, NC possibly for install?
11) Driveshafts? Need to get heavier duty stuff, or stick with stock?
12) Electrical: What hacks and electrical stuff are folks doing on these?
13) Hi-Steer? Who makes the best kit out there for the money? Hydro-steer or is the stock system capable of turning the 37's?
14) Axles? Capable of running 37's with no problem or do I need to upgrade axles and birfields? If so, where from?
15) What am I missing? Supercharger?
Guys, really appreciate the help on this. I used to wheel the 3rd gen's about as hard as you could for an IFS, and I'm looking to take it up a notch with the 80, but keep it as something I can drive on the road too. Any help/guidance to get me started would be greatly appreciated.
Also, when's the next wheeling event near NC?
Chris
I used to wheel 3rd gen 4runners pretty hard back in the day, but I've been out of the scene for a while racing and building UTV's.
But, needless to say I'm ready to build something new again, so today I bought a '97 LX 450 to begin the buildup. Being new to 80's, the main reason I selected this vehicle is because it had the solid axles and lockers from the factory, but from here, it's a question on where to start.
So, I'd really like to run 37's on this vehicle but keep it as low as possible too.
Here are some items I need ideas on:
1) What 37's to run in the East TN/Western NC area?
2) What wheels/backspacing/width to run to minimize fender trimming?
3) How much fender trimming needed to stay low and clear the 37's?
4) How much lift and what lift would be best for excellent articulation without limiting up travel, by lowering bumpstops, etc?
5) Should I consider an exo-cage, and if so, are they all custom ones out there, I'd imagine?
6) Bumpers: I made my rear on my 3rd gen, because I wanted more departure angle than what was available at the time. What do folks recommend for the highest clearance front and rear bumpers?
7) Sliders: I made my own sliders, but I'm open to a well designed/strong slider, as well.
8) Skid Plates: Do folks do drivetrain lifts on these or mainly stay to conventional lifts? Either way, who makes the best and most coverage skid plates around?
9) Brakes: What's the best upgrade available for braking on these?
10) Gears: 4.56 or 5.29's? Where from? Local place in Boone, NC possibly for install?
11) Driveshafts? Need to get heavier duty stuff, or stick with stock?
12) Electrical: What hacks and electrical stuff are folks doing on these?
13) Hi-Steer? Who makes the best kit out there for the money? Hydro-steer or is the stock system capable of turning the 37's?
14) Axles? Capable of running 37's with no problem or do I need to upgrade axles and birfields? If so, where from?
15) What am I missing? Supercharger?
Guys, really appreciate the help on this. I used to wheel the 3rd gen's about as hard as you could for an IFS, and I'm looking to take it up a notch with the 80, but keep it as something I can drive on the road too. Any help/guidance to get me started would be greatly appreciated.
Also, when's the next wheeling event near NC?
Chris
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