4runner Redo/ First Buggy Build
I am new to this hobby. Been wheeling since June of 08. This is my 4th rig since then. I wanted to get a rig for the family that had good parts but would need some TLC to get it where I want it. So I got my hands on a built 4runner a few weeks ago. Its has alot of nice parts I just dont like the way it was put together. So we are going to be redoing the rig front to back. I am lucky to have my friend Josh Corso of Corso fab to help me out. I have never built a rig or redone in this case. Needless to say I have never done a build thread either. So bare with me as I figure all this stuff out. Here are the specs on the runner right now.
1987 4runner
- 4runner that has been chopped and tubed
- 22RE motor, yellow top optima front and red top optima in rear
- W56
- Marlin Crawler Ultimate dual cases with 4.7's in rear (front is 21 spl, rear is 23spl) with NEW bobby long output
- 39.5 TSL
- Front D60, 4.88's, spool, 35spl inners and outers, dedenbear knuckles, warn premium hubs, Bluetorch link truss, with intergrated Diff cover and Hydro steering ram mount
- Full Hydro steering with double ended ram, grant steering wheel with quick disconnect
- Rear D70U (smooth bottom) 4.88's, welded, 35 spl. shafts, disc brake conversion, No limit fab axle truss with integrated Diff cover
- 4 link suspension Front and rear link ends are Evolution joints
- 16" SAW coilovers front
- 17" Bilstein coilovers rear
- Mastercraft suspension seats in front (some wear) with Simpson harness, stock rear bench seat with Crow industies harnesses
- rear t-case has twin sticks
- has Budbuilt T-case crossmember and skidplate with I believe 2" drivetrain lift
- has a-pillar gauge pod with Autometer gauges
- MSD ignition system
- Head lights, rock lights and rear light
So the plan is to redo the entire cage, lower the ride height, flat belly and go thru the rig head to toe and make sure everything else is good. I am also going with
44" TSL's.
Here are some pics when I first got it
![Image]()
![Image]()
I really did not like the back section.
![Image]()
We started working on it last weekend. Didnt get a whole lot done. We are still working on the design of the new cage and what we are going to do with the rest of the truck. We did manage to change the tires out. 39.5" gone 44" installed. We also removed the rear of the rig. While we were cutting the back off we noticed that some of the welds holding the rear shocks was ripping out and the cross member was cracked all the way around on both sides. Here is a few pics from what we have started.
The problems
![Image]()
![Image]()
Since the crossmenber was pretty tore up we cut it out not to beefy of material. That will get fixed with some thicker material.
![Image]()
Here are a few shots of the new shoes and the rear of the cage removed.
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
Odered all the steel for it yesterday cage will be 1.75" .120 wall DOM. Should be delivered on Friday this week or Monday of the following. Going to finish removing the cage and setting a new ride height next weekend after TDS.
I am new to this hobby. Been wheeling since June of 08. This is my 4th rig since then. I wanted to get a rig for the family that had good parts but would need some TLC to get it where I want it. So I got my hands on a built 4runner a few weeks ago. Its has alot of nice parts I just dont like the way it was put together. So we are going to be redoing the rig front to back. I am lucky to have my friend Josh Corso of Corso fab to help me out. I have never built a rig or redone in this case. Needless to say I have never done a build thread either. So bare with me as I figure all this stuff out. Here are the specs on the runner right now.
1987 4runner
- 4runner that has been chopped and tubed
- 22RE motor, yellow top optima front and red top optima in rear
- W56
- Marlin Crawler Ultimate dual cases with 4.7's in rear (front is 21 spl, rear is 23spl) with NEW bobby long output
- 39.5 TSL
- Front D60, 4.88's, spool, 35spl inners and outers, dedenbear knuckles, warn premium hubs, Bluetorch link truss, with intergrated Diff cover and Hydro steering ram mount
- Full Hydro steering with double ended ram, grant steering wheel with quick disconnect
- Rear D70U (smooth bottom) 4.88's, welded, 35 spl. shafts, disc brake conversion, No limit fab axle truss with integrated Diff cover
- 4 link suspension Front and rear link ends are Evolution joints
- 16" SAW coilovers front
- 17" Bilstein coilovers rear
- Mastercraft suspension seats in front (some wear) with Simpson harness, stock rear bench seat with Crow industies harnesses
- rear t-case has twin sticks
- has Budbuilt T-case crossmember and skidplate with I believe 2" drivetrain lift
- has a-pillar gauge pod with Autometer gauges
- MSD ignition system
- Head lights, rock lights and rear light
So the plan is to redo the entire cage, lower the ride height, flat belly and go thru the rig head to toe and make sure everything else is good. I am also going with
44" TSL's.
Here are some pics when I first got it
I really did not like the back section.
We started working on it last weekend. Didnt get a whole lot done. We are still working on the design of the new cage and what we are going to do with the rest of the truck. We did manage to change the tires out. 39.5" gone 44" installed. We also removed the rear of the rig. While we were cutting the back off we noticed that some of the welds holding the rear shocks was ripping out and the cross member was cracked all the way around on both sides. Here is a few pics from what we have started.
The problems
Since the crossmenber was pretty tore up we cut it out not to beefy of material. That will get fixed with some thicker material.
Here are a few shots of the new shoes and the rear of the cage removed.
Odered all the steel for it yesterday cage will be 1.75" .120 wall DOM. Should be delivered on Friday this week or Monday of the following. Going to finish removing the cage and setting a new ride height next weekend after TDS.
