1st. or 2nd. Gen?

[GetZPayd]

Ok heres the "plan"...Since my wifes Rubi is...well, my wifes, she informed me I would need to buy another rig to "trash". We are a family of 5 with our 12 y.o. son, a 7 y.o. daughter and mutt, so i was kicking around the idea of a 4Runner. As a newb wheeler Im unsure of the +/- of both 1st/2nd gen 4Runners, so Im looking for some direction... the "plan" is...
a Ford 347 stroker, C4/C6, 205/203 stacked, tons?/44?, on 42ish rubber..
The floor is now open for debate...

[Grumpy]

Get with Cim (toyman2). He's got a killer 1st gen...

[Lurch]

The power train sounds good, but I would find a different rig to put it in. But I am kinda bias.

This would be a good start.

http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/1712786138.html

[GetZPayd]

Lurch, I love the EBs man, i was leaning toward the 4Runner cuz the prices are right, but man that one is resonable. Just a guess, 302, C4, NP203 and D44 and a 30 in rear? (axles are somewhat of a guess)...i do like it tho, can these be found at that price often? LOL on the bias part as im a Ford man aswell =)

[Lurch]

Not sure how it's equiped but if I had to guess. Based on the year it's got a 302, 289, or inline 6. 3 speed manual trans, dana 20 t-case. Dana 30 front, 9" rear. Manua steering and manual drum brakes.
I would also bet by the carpet on the floor that there is gonna be some rust in the floors. I was half tempted to go take a look but I already have 3 of em

[Lud]

I figured you might be all over that one, Tim. I've seen one thats the same color fully restored just down the street from me.

[GetZPayd]

ah thats right, forgot about the 9", and from the looks of it a 3 speed, hows the d20? dont know much or heard much about them?

[Lurch]

That's what I'm running in mine, I twin sticked it. They hold up pretty well for the most part. Mine is just now starting to make noise. I think it's just getting worn.

[Don]

Tim, do you have a 351w laying around there?

[Lurch]

Nope the last one I had went into the truck Chris sold to Dave. The engine in your boat go south?

[tobyw]

the "plan" is...
a Ford 347 stroker, C4/C6, 205/203 stacked, tons?/44?, on 42ish rubber..
The floor is now open for debate...

Where do you plan to wheel? For what it's worth, there is no place in this state, or any neighboring states for that matter, that require anything close to this level of equipment. Sure it's fun to have the biggest d!ck in the group when you're BSing around the campfire, but honestly, what's the point? I would find an XJ and build a $2500 wheeler that'll whip any trail around here, and spend the rest of your budget on that wife and kids you mentioned.

There is my contribution to the debate

[GetZPayd]

Too much Toby? I was just trying to put a gameplan together in my head so i had a direction when my junk starts breaking. The way i see it, basically, you build toyotas one of 2 ways, heavy or light. I had just opted for the heavy buil.d using mainly non-toyota parts. And belive me when i say, i am not in an "epeen contestant", just looking forward to the end of the build rather then the beginning i guess. Ok ok, so the 42's are too big, i would agree, but i dont think i would go any shorter then 37's. And like i said, im not sure how much is too much as im new to this, i know what others have said and just went with a ballpark, knowing the pieces all would work togther.

[Lurch]

I currently run 37"s. I have run as big as 38s on my bronco but started with 36s. To be honest I liked the 36s best so I split the difference and went 37. Anything bigger then that and it starts getting expensive. I wouldn't mind having a set of 42s for snow though. But for normal trail use 37s are plenty big. Remember if you go to big you start getting top heavy and breaking more drive train parts. Not to mention it becomes a trailer queen. As far as engine size I have been tempted to build a stroker myself. I am kinda a hourse power junky though. Remember just cause you have a big v8 doesn't mean you have to drive it like you do.

Hey Toby what engine did your yj have in it?

[tobyw]

Started with a dead 4cyl, then I dropped in a 350SBC because it was the least expensive way to get back on the trails...

Getz - don't take it the wrong way, I'm certainly not against built (or overbuilt) rigs. I have run the gammut with my junk over the years. But if you just want something to cruise the trails around this area, be reliable and family friendly, I personally would crank your plans down a couple notches

[White trash]

Build it big build it strong and you won't have to worry if your piece of crap toothpick axles will survive the trail or not. Nothing is more annoying than breakage so why have to worry if your junk is going to be strong enough or have to limit what you are doing in any way shape or form for fear of your junk failing?


Big tires absolutely do NOT make a rig top heavy unless the builder is attempting to make a monster truck or florida swamp rig. I'm proof of that, I have the largest tires, most ground clearance and my roof line is at or below all the tj's on 35's around here. Yup sure sounds terrible to me.

[GetZPayd]

Toby, no offense taken, i knew where you were going with it, and you have a good point. I had already givin' in to the fact, that it more then likely, it would be a trailer queen. Maybe build something that is street legal, and for the longer trips just trailer it...wow, never thought of that..

Lurch, I hear ya on the bigger the rubber the money green it cost ya, but Im with Trashy on the as far as "building it like a monster truck" comment.
I dont want or need a a massive lift just for the tread size, sure its alot more work trimming, cutting, & moving stuff around to get those dogs on there, but the finished produce is worth it. Trashy...I like that way you think, build it big, and dont worry bout it!!

[iaccocca]

Ok heres the "plan"...Since my wifes Rubi is...well, my wifes, she informed me I would need to buy another rig to "trash". We are a family of 5 with our 12 y.o. son, a 7 y.o. daughter and mutt, so i was kicking around the idea of a 4Runner. As a newb wheeler Im unsure of the +/- of both 1st/2nd gen 4Runners, so Im looking for some direction... the "plan" is...
a Ford 347 stroker, C4/C6, 205/203 stacked, tons?/44?, on 42ish rubber..
The floor is now open for debate...

Just get your wife to wheel the Rubi and ride shotgun.

[GetZPayd]

Actually Lee...(it is Lee right?) our Rubi, is just like your...and i think our daughter went to school together at St. Joes...ring a bell?

[White trash]

What tires and lift you run depends solely on your attitude towards cutting and welding. I'm shooting for a full bodied rig with most of the capabilities of a buggy but street legalish enough to drive to the closer runs. I can probably give you some ideas on at least what not to do to this point.

[SPR]

As a newby wheeler... Sell the mall crawler rubicon and by a tj sport and some rubicon stickers. Take the left over money and by a GSA or forest service Cherokee. Then take the left over money and build the Cherokee to run 33" or 35" tires. Now, enjoy yourself with the money you save in car payments and insurance.

Around here, there is no sense in building a family rig that runs 42" tires because your family won't want to ride along with you in places that require 42" tires.

Sorry for being a bubble popper....

P.S. Buy a good winch and shovel before you buy big tires.

[toyman2]

i have to agree and disagree with whitetrash.
his rig is the exception to most rules.

i have a 86 runner that is pretty built,i run 37s for normal driving,rocks,trail and anything but snow and dont ever have any problems now for snow i run 39s and dont have much problem except for limited up travel in the front.
i can run down the HWY at HWY speeds no problem and i dont have any problems with the cops bothering me.

id be happy to answer any questions if you have any.
i dont no the way you wheel so i cant say how to build your rig but its kinda over kill and you will need tons with a power plant like that

[GetZPayd]

Toyman, I found your "spec" sheet and I am looking it over..issues? anything you would change?
Toylet...not a chance on selling it, it is a sick mall crawlers tho *Flexes on parking block at WalMart*
Also..would 37's be too much for this area? What about blue lake and naches areas?

[toyman2]

where is my spec sheet mabey i need to look at it and then i can change the things ive changed.
i really like my set up it seems to work pretty well.

not much id change,it would be nice on the hwy to go over a hill faster than i do but its not bad but i do get almost 20mpg.

the rear springs im not a huge fan of but they work pretty well.
i dont flex the most and im not the fasest but for a well rounded rig
it will go pretty much anywhere most any rig will except for a buggy
but i can run it on the road

[Don]

Nope the last one I had went into the truck Chris sold to Dave. The engine in your boat go south?

Nope, boat is great. Just looking for something to tinker on for other future plans. I'm pondering a 393/408 ...

[SPR]

Also..would 37's be too much for this area? What about blue lake and naches areas?

For the most part, trails in those areas can be ran easily enough with 33" tires and a rear locker. If those trails are really wet or snowy, it can be very tough travel regardless what size tires you're running. Regardless of what tire size you run, you want to be able to keep your center of gravity low, turn sharp, not get much wider than your rubicon, and not tax the crude out of your running gear.