My new trail/street rig build- '97 4runner

[ErikB]

[edit]
Also see the build web page to see a consolidated and more final version of this build w/o sorting through this whole thread!]
http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/97runner/
[/edit]

I've been wanting to build a 3rd gen Runner for years. Now I finally get to do it.

I picked up a fairly pristine high mileage (224k) commuter 3rd gen for only $6k a few months ago. Seems to be in perfect running condition. My '86 runner is getting retired and all of its goodies are going on the '97.

Specs/plans:


- 3.4L V6, 5-speed (stock)
- ScanGuage2 for digital guages/engine monitoring
- 140A alternator, probably just like OOP's 3.0L setup, assuming it fits the same. I'll try to use the one from my old rig first.
- York OBA, which will require moving the battery and fuse box slightly. Bud @ Budbuilt is supposed to be building York bracket kits based on my setup...

- Fully built/clocked passenger drop dual-ultimate t-cases from the '86
- Clocked FROR crossmember
- Clockable Inchworm V6 adapter (can clock up to 20* using both Marlin clocked dual case adapter and Inchworm V6 adapter).
- Marlin 23 spline input
- Marlin VSS

- 63.5" D44/Lock-Right/AlloyUSA/Longfield front (link)
- 3-link/panhard front suspension, possibly with coilovers and air bumps
- 2wd T100 oil pan kit (Sky)
- Steering box? Undecided, might go with a forward-swing box... (FJ60 or ScoutII). Ordered a Scout II box from a PBB member.
- Redneck ram hydro assist
- PSC power steering pump kit (PORC)

- 63.5" Trussed/shaved Tacoma/ARB/PolyPerformance rear axle w/ 1.5" spacers (link)
- 4-link rear suspension, probably coils/shocks
- Ford gas tank for better ground clearance and space for the 4-link
- Aux air bags (center mount?) for heavy loads and lifting the rear up during high centers...?

Links will have Johnny Joints at one end, bushings at the other.
Lowers will be non-adjustable, 2x2x3/16" square tube.
Uppers/panhard will be adjustable using Ballistic Fab tube adapters and bushing sleeves with threaded studs, and Johnny Joints with studs. 1.5"X.120" round tube.

- Brakes: T100 booster, GM master, Sky rear disk kit and Allpro t-case e-brake. I may have to see if I can swap to a dash mounted e-brake handle vs. the stock 4runner center console one???
- ABS will be removed

- 37" MTR's
- May switch from 8" to 10" rims
- Staun beadlocks?


Here are some comparisons between the old and new rigs as they currently sit:
Measurement ____'86 _____'97 __ difference
tire size ______ 37 _____ 31 ___ +6"
frame height ___ 26 _____ 16 ___ +10"
belly height ___ 23? ____
roof height ____ 78? ____ 70? __ +8"
Wheel base _____ 107 ____ 105 __ -2"
outside width __ 78? ____ 68? __ +10"
(The '86 has a 1" bodylift, the '97 will not.)

I'll be shooting for about 4" lift, no body lift, 23" frame height, front axle moved 2" forward, rear axle moved ~4" back, ~113" wheelbase. The goal is for it to be similar to my '86, but a couple inches lower and longer and with a slightly better rear departure angle.









This will be a fairly slow build, so don't go cluttering up this thread asking for updates every couple of weeks.


My plan is to keep the '86 wheelable as long as possible while I do bumpers/sliders/fuel tank/OBA/alternator and anything else I can on the '97, and then start cutting it up and getting the axles and t-case under it and have it done late winter/early spring, in time for the Hammers.
[edit]Scratch that- both rigs are now both all torn apart!

Also, here is a link to some stuff Sean and I were discussing about our future 3rd gen builds:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=587375

[ErikB]

Here are a couple of pics of how it sits now, with a couple hundred pounds of flares, running boards, bumpers, skid plates and tow hitch removed.

[crash]

I really like the 3rd gen's but there is just too much shet metal on them for up here in the PNW.....

[ErikB]

Oh yeah, and Webilt's runner is kind of an inspiration for mine, only it won't be nearly as tall and I have no plans for an exo.

Last I heard, he was swapping a 3.4L/auto into it too.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220153

[mtnkid85]

Wow very sweet looking build! Your 86 has been a huge insperation for me, Ive Built alot of my rig from watching and reading about yours. Good luck with the new toy and build.
My rig

[waskillywabbit]

I hope to do a 3rd gen someday...just have to find the right donor.

Looks like a fun project.

[UGET IT]

Looks like a Blast Erik!

The next one I build will be a 4 Door 3rd Gen.

KC



KC

[Dirty Harry]

Glad to see the project getting started Erik. You should look in to the Off Road Solutions coilover kit for the front.

[OOP'S]

Looks good Beebs. Hope I am on the trail with you when you put the first dent in it!!!!!!!

[allbentup]

Do you plan on running it on the street? if yes there is a couple things to be aware of, i only say this cause i just finished a build on a 97 4 runner and ran into some major issues that if i didnt have a work around for the problem it wouldnt be on the street, possibly would have gone a different route if i knew then what i know now.

here is a couple pics

[ErikB]

Originally Posted by Dirty Harry

Glad to see the project getting started Erik. You should look in to the Off Road Solutions coilover kit for the front.

Don't think it would be worth it... I'd be modifying the hell out of it to get it to fit my app, and I want to do it my own way anyway.

Originally Posted by OOP'S

Looks good Beebs. Hope I am on the trail with you when you put the first dent in it!!!!!!!

Chances are good for that! We seem to get ourselves into some predicaments together...

Originally Posted by allbentup

Do you plan on running it on the street?

Definitely. My rig has never seen a trailer, except for the one that gets pulled behind it. Any input/experience you can add would be appreciated. Got more pics of the front suspension, panhard, etc.?

[copeland]

Cool, I'm sitting with a 1996 DD 4runner I'm going to build up, not too much info out there though...

Currently it's got the 2.7 with the w59

I'm going to be swapping my duals out of my 83 and I have a r150 with the 4 cyl adapter, just need the marlin 2.7 to r 150 bellhousing...

Not sure what I want to do with the suspension (budget wise was thinking of the marlin sfa kit...looking forward to updates on the build

[TheBandit]

Dang Erik - you pack your 4Runner like me.. to the roof! Looks like it's a good thing your new rig has some cargo space.

I'm definitely looking forward to the build. Best of luck going forward.

[toy86]

nice this will be a good build to see. I parted out my 86 in november to build my 96 tacoma that I now drive around a hundred miles a day. You'll love the power and comfort of the newer rig

[e-hills4x4]

did it come with the 5-speed? or is that something you are going to be swappin in? i've been getting ready to build one aswell once i can find a good canidate, so im looking forward to seeing this

[Terrys_85_Toy]

Subscribed.

I've got similar plans for my '97 3.4L 5-speed whenever my rig gets too beat up to drive on the street anymore; but I'm still a few years away.

I'm interested in seeing how yours turns out though.

Here's mine.

[ErikB]

Originally Posted by TheBandit

Dang Erik - you pack your 4Runner like me.. to the roof! Looks like it's a good thing your new rig has some cargo space.

Yeah, having that 37" spare takes up a lot of real estate inside. I'd like to build a tire carrier for the new one, but will probably only use it for the bigger trips when I need the extra space.

Originally Posted by e-hills4x4

did it come with the 5-speed?

Yep. I had to look around for a while to find the 5-speed/V6 combo, and in the price range I was looking at.


-> I updated and cleaned up the original post a bit.

[csuc_snowman]

how much heavier is the 3rd gen than the '86?

[Brandon]

here's to hoping your build goes much faster than mine

[Blue-Beard]

This is going to be an awesome build.
Are you running cromo's in your taco rear?

[ErikB]

Originally Posted by csuc_snowman

how much heavier is the 3rd gen than the '86?

Dunno. I'm curious about that myself. I should weigh the '86 before I tear it apart, and the '97 before and after I build it for some comparisons.

Originally Posted by Brandon

here's to hoping your build goes much faster than mine

Me too!
Unlike you I'm only a part-time family guy, so I *should* have plenty of time to get things done...

Originally Posted by Blue-Beard

Are you running cromo's in your taco rear?

Yep, Poly Performance shafts. Never had a problem w/ the stockers, but was worried about not having any spares. Now I've got chromos AND spares, so I should be more than set.




Oh yeah, I'm also going to pick up a ScanGuage2 for its digital guage/engine monitoring/scan tool features.
http://www.scangauge.com/

[pickeledpigsfeet]

Erik you will like the scangauge2, I dont know how i worked on odbII vehicles before i bought it.

[Lowtorious]

That is a sweet tool for $170.

[Booger Weldz]

subscribed. if you build yours slow enough i can be the guinea pig for the link setups(my 2nd generation is under the knife as of next weekend). im keeping the gas tank in the stock location and running a copy of trail gears rear link setup and the same up front. build it yourself, you dont need a kit, we all know your a fart smeller, i mean smart feller...

what do you think about using a body lift to provide space for that rock anchor gas tank hanging way below the frame rail?

[TroyToy]

This one we built here allpro dana 60 hybrid front axle with there tacoma
coil over kit with leafs in the rear