need help with 88 4runner

[sanders1911]

I have just got an 88 toy 4runner. I have been working on the body got a little rust. I am wanting to make it a good crawler but still an everyday driver, i am looking for good ideas any i could get would be amazing. It is the 22re it runs good. I would like to know if i should do a solid axle swap or leave the independent front. I would also like to know if i should do dual transfer case or leave it single and how hard dual is. I also need a new tailgait if anyone has one for sale i would be very interested.

[Aaron Casey]

hey there im in the same boat, 88 runner except mine a V6. im totally new to this as well, im looking into a SAS too. i would love to follow up your build.

[bleakhorizon]

Most of all, are you new to wheeling or just to this site/runners/whatever   if you know what kind of wheeling you like you will soon find out what type of suspension you need/want.. 

In GENERAL, IFS not hardcore, but good on the street.... solid axle, more hardcore, not as comfy/streetable....  but it goes both ways...   alot of us rocked IFS rigs on the trail before graduating to solid axle, or some of us still roll on the IFS, dealing with the half shaft, limited travel, and those DAMN idler arms lol....

when it comes to duals/gears   duals usually cost more because of things like drivelines, crossmembers, shifters, and the extra case...  but you can have 2 low ranges stock low and super low, cool ...  a geared single, only has one low range super low, the downside to this Ive seen is if you need wheel speed (mud,snow,sand) but dont have enough power to use highrange...

This is all my opinion BTW... so take it for FWIW

as for the tailgate, were you located...

[Rocksurfer]

Ok, you can wheel an IFS rig don't let anyone scare you and say it is too weak. Toyota IFS is probably one of the strongest out there, they will take a lot of crap and beating. Here's what I always suggest, first as mentioned above the weakest link is the idler arm, the cure is an idler arm gusset this will keep it from getting broken and even with that carry a spare it's not a big part. If you are stock some people say you can fit 33's but I've never done more than 32's on tires without lifting the truck. As to trying moderate to difficult trails you will need at least a rear locker since the limited travel in the front suspension will cause tires to lift sooner and without a locker a tire off the ground will stop your progress on the trail. I have done many difficult trails with stock tcase gears but if you want lower gears I'd go with a single case, you won't be completely crawling but it will be close enough. If you want to lift it get the spacer it is pretty easy to install and you can get about an inch to inch and a half more lift and a little more travel to boot. The rear can be lifted the same with a longer shackle, and now you can fit 33's. Some don't like body lifts but staying with a 1 or 2 inch isn't a problem but don't do a 3 inch. I'd stick with a 1 inch just to clear those 33's. Now if the IFS is already junk then I'd think about doing SAS. 

[helipilot77]

I have an 87' 4runner and have done the Solid axle swap and the dual transfer case setup. I have also done a engine swap to the 1KZ-te turbo diesel. I use it as my daily driver. The IFS is certainly more comfortable on the street, but the solid axle is usually considered more capable/durable off-road. A big consideration is how much money you want to spend. do you want to have a hole in your floor for the extra transfer case shifter? Are you willing to sacrifice a little comfort for more capability? DO you have any experience with metal fabrication?

[1haoleboy]

Go straight!  Ifs won't get u any flex and plus lets face it it's just not as cool