Topic: Thinking of building up a little...

[wa4x4]

So I have a 1998 4runner Limited with an automatic tranny (currently slipping) and a TRD e-locker factory installed. Right now it's sitting on some BFG Mud Terrains that are just about dead, lasted I want to say 8 years though. The truck has a lot of body roll and sway due to bad shocks and the tires, I'm also guessing the steering rack bushings could be needing a replacement, the 4runner has had 150k and has been in the dirt since day 1. It's been used pretty hard it's entire life, but maintained by the dealership, then I got it and have been doing the work.

The suspension needs replacement. I have had friends with SAS'ed trucks and really envied their rigs, I would love to do the swap right now, but I just can't afford to pay someone else to work on my rig and my welding experience is low. So I have thought of a few, but really can't decide! I would like to fit 35"s but would be fine with a flexy setup and 33"s. What are the 3rd gen guys running with success?

Body-wise, it's beat...it has a flat green primer job that I started then realized I hated and will be repainting it soon. It has wheeling marks on all sides. It needs bumpers. Bentup fab makes a nice looking rear bumper, and I haven't decided if I like the AllPro front bumper or not. I'd look into getting a winch mount bumper and buying a winch a bit later. AllPro also makes sliders for it, but then again so does MC.

The motor needs valve cover gaskets, but it has a recent tuneup and the timing chain was done 40k ago. It has a flowmaster 50 series and I have a new high flow cat for it. I need to chop off my tail section and add a turn-down or tuck my tail section closer. The transmission will be rebuilt, and if the transfer case needs work I might wait and save up for dual t's. Say what you will, but I've wheeled a 5 speed 2nd gen 4runner and this automatic 4runner and I prefer having the auto. My girlfriend knows how to drive manual well, but prefers driving an auto offroad and she gets time behind the wheel, so it's a consideration.

But yeah, please give me some advice! I don't have a whole lot of money right now, but I think all this should take about 3,500-4,000 or even more realistically, but it's all stuff I can do myself.

[jimbo74]

SAS it... source your own parts, and do most of the locating of stuff on your own... if your welding isnt up to snuff, jsut have someone hwo knows what they are doing do the welding.... but have it all setup for them to weld... to keep it cheap.....



you've been around long enough, you should already know all of this... :rolleyes:

[Darrin530]

sounds sweet.throw in some old man emu coils and run 285/75s. i heard those auto trannies are pricey to rebuild....(cough cough 5 speed)

[wa4x4 [OP]]

I know a lot of this but my head has been filled with turbos and lap times, a lot of the toyota stuff got lost in the mix, lol.

Plus, 4runner SAS is kinda tricky for a 3rd gen. I would HAVE to get dual cases or use a narrowed Chevy axle (no way I'd do that, gotta keep it Toyota). It gets a lot more expensive this way. I might look into it, but it'd take way longer. Does anyone know what sorta man hours go into welding a SAS?

[BLACKDOG]

holy crap, you're still around? 



couple hours for all the welding and prep you'll have to do.  several to torch off all the IFS and clean it up.  Why would you HAVE to go duals to do a SAS?  Also, have you considered a diamond axle?

[DTB]

I probably spent at least 100 hours on my SAS FWIW

[Rocksurfer]

holy crap, you're still around? 



couple hours for all the welding and prep you'll have to do.  several to torch off all the IFS and clean it up.  Why would you HAVE to go duals to do a SAS?  Also, have you considered a diamond axle?

Diamond is the way to go, take a look at BigMikes in his newest build thread he just posted his axle.

[BLACKDOG]

I probably spent at least 100 hours on my SAS FWIW

I'm stricly speaking about the welding aspect, not the whole process.  Hell, I'm about 2 years into mine!

[79coyotefrg]

OMG  you again??  i'm assuming this was your Mom's pristine 4runner  you showed us  a  few months ago,  now its a worn out shell??  big surprise

i for see  this 4runner in the garage with the front end chopped out  and a  big for sale sign on it 

just tell your dad you... ... ...

oh im shuttin up