Hi, my name's Rusty if you couldn't figure out by my SN. I live in Hendersonville, NC which is about 20 min. south of Asheville and only about 15 minutes from the SC border.
I've had my 4Runner for about 4 years now and it seems like its spent more time on jack stands than it has on pavement or off-road. Not that there's much wrong with it; I'm just lazy and broke when it comes to repairs and upgrades.
Being disabled doesn't allow me to rush out and buy anything on a whim even though I catch myself doing it anyways! I sell used parts here and there to try and make ends meet but if it weren't for my loving family I'd be homeless on the street...or at least living out of my 4Runner.
My 4Runner had about 208k on the clock when I bought her and she's got close to 260k now. Even with the dreaded 3.slow I've taken her on many long trips with very few problems- at least nothing I can't fix. Of course I was a mechanic before becoming disabled.
Just to clear the air- I'm 26 (I'll be 27 in May) but due to chronic back problems, recurrent blood clots, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (to name a few) I haven't been able to work since 2003.
I've been fighting for disability ever since and have yet to see a penny from anyone aside from food stamps and Medicaid.
Enough whining though~
I love my 94Runner to death! I honestly don't know what I'd do without it. What started out as a saggy rear black exterior with tan leather interior has become a monster. If it were any taller I would need a step ladder to get in it! Between roughly 4" of lift, 2" body lift and 35" tires I'm looking at roughly 8" of total lift. Of course the front is a different story because I decided I'm no long putting money into it and have already picked up a solid axle for cheeeep. I just put some "real" 4" springs in the rear in place of my FJ's and I need about a 300lb bumper to bring the axle down. Right now the drums are about 2" off the ground the the 4Runner's sitting level
I do have one question, should someone actually read this- the axle I've got is supposed to be an '80 model. Is there something wrong with this b/c I noticed the SAS kits are for '81-85' solid front axles? Is that why I got it so cheap?
Anyways,
Another $1k in parts, then another grand in labor I'll finally get the dream rig I've always wanted!
Of course it'll take about 5 years since I haven't been employed for almost 4 years due to being disabled. Not to sound pathetic, but I save gas and food money to buy parts for my rig.
Anyways, I hope you welcome me with open arms and don't judge me as I won't judge you until I really get to know you A$$holes :lol:
Take Care All!
~R
