97 runner buildup possible SAS!

[hytech_redneck]

I need some questions answered I am kinda stumped. I am going to buy a 97 runner, but I am not sure if I should buy a 4wd up front or if it is possible to convert a 2wd easily enough. See I have about a 9,000 dollar budget and i can obviously pick up a 2wd for one or two  grand less than a 4wd.  I know i can find a 97 2wd for about 4,000 can i get the proper parts adapters, axle, lift and wheels and tires for 5,000. I am not so sure. My other option is to get a 4wd do a nice lift and tire setup and just run it untill i start busting my ifs. then just do a swap down the road.

The whole reason I am getting a 97 is the 3.4 reliabilitly because it will be a full time family wagon.

Anybody have any input or suggestions?  I just need to be thrown in the right direction. I dont know enough about what is available to make any decisions.  thanks

[Gewehr43]

Will it be a DD?

[caldwell636]

i'd say you'll hit the budget either way you go .... including the price of the vehicle

if you wanna sas ... you always dont have to buy brand new .... boneyards help the stress on your wallet

[Gewehr43]

caldwell636 is right! You got a local You Pill it or something?

[caldwell636]

yeah . . . 2wd will go a lil smoother i think

[Shoyrtt]

Good to see you are back.  How is the baby?

Remember this build up on Pirate  : http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=459214

I would say a 2WD is the way to go with the swap. I believe there are less headaches with the SAS on a 2WD vs. a 4WD. I read a few months back about a SAS on a late 90s Limited 4X4 that ran into a lot of problems. The other benefit with the 2WD swap is your car insurance on a 2WD is usually less than on the 4WD.

There is a thread on here where a 97ish Runner was rear ended in NorCal. http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=38819.0  You might be able to buy it (or another one locally) with a salvaged title and save even more $.

[hytech_redneck]

hey jim  I obviously still have plans. Im sick of payments. I think Im looking at this again because im gonna sell my 04 silverado   I will have about 9 grand after paying off the loan. The only problem Is that I dont have any place to do a build I dont even have the tools or know how to get a swap done. Plus once I sell my truck I cant afford to have my runner on jacks. I would probably have to have the job done. I just dont know what to do and another thing is that I would want to have everything done fast because i have to keep my wife happy.    a truck i just bought ripped apart for weeks would not go over well.

[Shoyrtt]

Well then, you are going to need to find a shop or someone who can do the work full time to get it done fast. Send a PM to Troy. He has a ton of contacts here in SoCal that can do the work.
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?action=profile;u=6929
You should also contact Yotamasters http://www.yotamasters.com/ (I believe they are in Corona) or Peps aka "Infernal" http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?action=profile;u=2160 at All Pro with your plans. They can either do the work or refer you to someone who can do it quick. There is also someone I might know in Yucaipa who did the suspension work on my Sami who could do it, but I would go with the Toy guys first.

BTW: A few months ago I was looking at finding a 3rd gen and found a place in Ontario or Fontana that sold salvaged "insurance auction" vehicles to the public. There were quite a few with minimal rear end damage for under 2K.

[Shoyrtt]

I just dont know what to do and another thing is that I would want to have everything done fast because i have to keep my wife happy.    a truck i just bought ripped apart for weeks would not go over well.

It is a good idea to keep the wife happy.

[hytech_redneck]

hey aint that the fact. The way I see If the Wife is happy everyone is happy. well I have to sell the truck first so we'll see what i get out of it and go from there. I would like to stay local when I get the job done I was thinking nationwide because They did my silverado. Eventhough this does require a little bit more knowledge. And I would like to find someone I trust to do the job right.  I dont ave time tonight but I will email or pm troy and go from there.

This truck is gonna look good I cant wait!  thanks for the help I will keep You posted.

[skipnrocks]

The way I see If the Wife is happy everyone is happy. 

Oh  man thats the truth!!!  LOL

[Doof]

good luck with this...im glad im not in your shoes with this choice...

i dont mean that in a bad way. its difficult to choose and what not... but when you choose what to do take plenty o pics and keep us informed if you do it youself somehow or somewhere


where you located anyways?

[Shoyrtt]

where you located anyways?

Across the freeway from me in Yucaipa. 

[hytech_redneck]

Yeah the more research i do the more excited i get about getting another runner. I had to sell my old one because for one it was burning a large hole in my pocket and i needed the money to get my wife a car when we got married. Now i have an excuse to buy another one. my ext cab silverado will no longer accomodate my daughters car seat. My argument is that it is a "family vehicle". I am just the kind of guy that cant be without a 4x4 vehicle. My lifestyle depends on it. I am an avid hunter/outdoorsman. I need to know my vehicle will get me where i need to go and have confidence in its capabilities.

thanks for all the suggestions.  I will keep you all posted. Do me a favor guys keep your eyes peeled for me. I specifically want a 97 but will take a 98 at the right price. silver white or green. thanks

kyle

[Shoyrtt]

Do me a favor guys keep your eyes peeled for me. I specifically want a 97 but will take a 98 at the right price. silver white or green. thanks

kyle

How about this one for $2,500 obo on the IE Craigslist.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/car/528189111.html

[NorCalToy]

How about this one for $2,500 obo on the IE Craigslist.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/car/528189111.html

it dosent have the 3.4 he said he wanted though.

[Shoyrtt]

it dosent have the 3.4 he said he wanted though.

So I did another search. How about this 99.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/car/524135719.html

[Shoyrtt]

Can't get any closer than this one in your home town.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/car/535090286.html

[Shoyrtt]

Another 97. This should be perfect for the swap: a 2WD Limited.
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/car/551417086.html