88' 4Runner: mild build by noob

[johnnyh66]

Right now the plan is a DD with light trail use at the local off road park. I'm going to build it over time as money is saved.

These are the mods I'm thinking in this order:
OME lift (1986-1989 2") from rocky-road.com
(they sell it as a kit that includes F&R Shocks, Front Torsion bars, Rear springs, Bushings & Steering Dampener. U-Bolts sold separate)

33" tires (currently thinking BFG's All Terrain)

Addicted Offroad F&R Bumpers

Rocky Road Sliders

Softopper soft top

I'm a little nervous over installing the lift at home.
I have a buddy that says it's easy as an afternoon... so we're going to go ahead and do it.
I'd appreciate any advise and pointers you guys may have.
Thanks!

[johnnyh66]

about to order the lift.

[Duuuuuuuude]

That's a good looking truck, I've always liked them...

[toyota2]

That is one clean '88 4runner. Hope you post up some more as your build progresses.

[johnnyh66]

Will do, I've actually decided to go ahead and get the top first... going to order it tomorrow.

Right now, I basically have money for one component of the build and I was going to get the lift.
But, after seeing some trucks with a lift and little stock tires... I decided to wait on the lift till I have enough cash for it and tires/wheels.

[johnnyh66]

just ordered the soft top.

It'll be a fun summer, lifted or not!

Here's what it looks like but I got the window tint.

[51WillysJeep]

Nice rig dude, I've got a lifted 84' 4Runner on 35" BFG KM2's, and I was lucky enough to score an original "Can-Back" soft top for mine, and absolutely LOVE it..!!! A fun summer for sure is in store my friend..!!! Can't wait to see what else you do as the build evolves..!

[jeepster73]

Awesome Runner.....here is mine

[johnnyh66]

I got my soft top installed, man it fit's great and is really quite on the highway.

I'll get pics soon.

[johnnyh66]

I took the 4Runner to the local ORV Park and broke her cherry.
Man, what a blast we had out there... got some full flex tettering action, some deep rutted mud action and thought I was gonna loose her down a gully but she pulled out of it... serious pucker factor there.

All in all, the Toy performed above my expectations and I think I did a pretty good job driving.

[Lentsnh2012]

The older Toyota trucks are so capable, even in stock form. I love my '85. I will never get rid of it. Here are some pictures of some trail riding from Saturday:

[Harvo]

Nice truck! I had one exactly like yours...V-6 and all. I bought it with no motor and another one that ran good but that was about all it had going.

Did the motor swap, put a straight axle in the front, had 35" tires on it and had a blast for about a month. Then the knock sensor went out, put the engine in "limp" mode and it was like driving a yugo. Never got it running right again, then eventually had to sell it

Like the top!!

[johnnyh66]

I'm about back up to the $1000 mark and want to get my next upgrade.

After my first outing, the first thing I wanted was a rear ARB locker... but the total cost of that is still out of reach because I'd have to have a shop install it.
I think the ARB is going to have to wait till my next tax check return next spring.

So, I'm trying to decide between the lift and the armor.
If I get the lift, it'll be at least a few months before I can get tires.
I'll have to run the little tires on a lifted truck look for a while.

[Grizzly4x4]

Get the armor so you can wheel it without bashing it up while you save for the lift and tires.

While I find Toyotas too small and uncomfortable to sit in, they are such great wheelers and I love the looks of the them; especially the 4Runners.

[maraudriii]

The Rocky Road sliders are awesome. I had a set on my '01 Cherokee when I owned it. They are strong, easy to install, and offer great protection!

[johnnyh66]

Yeah, those are the ones I'm going with.

I think I will order the bumpers first though, then the sliders.
And, I really want one of these!
Toyota SR5 Pickup Truck 4Runner Altimeter Inclinometer w Cord and Bracket Blue | eBay

[TURTLE]

Originally Posted by johnnyh66

Yeah, those are the ones I'm going with.

I think I will order the bumpers first though, then the sliders.

The slider area/ rocker panels/ under the doors is always the first thing I ruin when I go out on the trails with my rigs. Personally I would get the sliders first.

[JeremyH]

Originally Posted by johnnyh66

After my first outing, the first thing I wanted was a rear ARB locker... but the total cost of that is still out of reach because I'd have to have a shop install it.
I think the ARB is going to have to wait till my next tax check return next spring.

How about a "lunchbox" locker? They are cheap and easy to install in your garage.

I know they aren't selectable, but since you don't really care about the longevity of the tires, that's not an issue.

I've had a Lockrite in the front of my jeep for over 10 years with no problems.

[Harvo]

Originally Posted by TURTLE

The slider area/ rocker panels/ under the doors is always the first thing I ruin when I go out on the trails with my rigs. Personally I would get the sliders first.

I agree with this statement. Nothing sucks worse than taking a rocker ding that keeps you from opening your door.

Also... an ARB is nice, but I just replaced my rear locker with a Spartan. It's a drop in locker that has impressed me so far. It's super quiet compared to a lock right, and very smooth. It's also about $700 less than an ARB with gear set up.

[1BadJeepBruiser]

Go with a spartan if you are going with a lunchbox locker I broke the pins and the area that holds the springs and pins in on my lock right.