98 4Runner - Dirt Duster Build

rickashay

Explorer
Sorry for not replying sooner, I dont check this forum as much as others....

The smaller black flares were an option for the SR5 4Runners from 96-98 I believe. The larger flares come only on the Limited models from 96-02 and also on the Sport models from 99-02.

Thanks for the compliments!

My goal was to keep it driveable, decently capable, AND reliable as it is my DD and I go to University. I didnt want to be constantly breaking stuff cause I can't afford to dump loads and loads of money into all the time. That is my reasoning for going with a 265/75 tire as it fits well, gets better mileage than a 285, and I dont have to re-gear. I went with a lower lift (2" front and 3" rear) only to add weight capacity for camping trips etc. I would have left the suspension stock but it just can't hold a load of more than 200lbs in the back without sagging like crazy. (mind you I was on original factory suspension...) I have now wheeled and camped with the truck in it's current state a number of times. It has proven VERY capable and pretty reliable. I have found myself wanting a larger tire for more clearance on a few occasions but I just cant justify the bump in tire size at this point in time. The factory rear bumper has decent departure angle if you dont have a hitch, so Im in no rush to get a new rear bumper.

Oh, and I just pulled the front and rear sway bars off. Wow, what a difference! lol both good and bad. The suspension feels way more "free" offroad and definitely articulates better. On the other end of the spectrum, it definitley has WAY MORE body roll driving around on the highway etc. I just have to realize it's not a race car and slow down. When I can afford it, I will probably be putting the rear sway bar back on and adding some quick disconnects.

My next mods will be:
1)New front tube bumper - I want to keep the weight down and get more approach angle.
2)Tundra 199mm front brake upgrade - I already have the calipers I scored off a totalled Tundra. I just need to rebuild them as they need new piston seals. The stock brakes work fine everyday but once you have some weight in the truck and you are offroading/doing steep descents, they fade quick and really are insufficient!
 
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rickashay

Explorer
While Im here, I might as well ad a few recent offroading photos!!


20110710-IMG_9680 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110710-IMG_9669 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110710-IMG_9662 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110710-IMG_9640 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110710-IMG_9623 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110625-IMG_9255 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110626-IMG_9419 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110626-IMG_9351 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110626-IMG_9481 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110626-IMG_9496 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110626-IMG_9445 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Not mine, but a favorite shot!

20110626-IMG_9309 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110625-IMG_9238 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110624-IMG_9107 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

holy photo dump....
 

sseaman

Adventurer
Nice looking build, I had a 98 Runner that was 2wd and had looked into swapping in a rear locker but it never got done and then I moved on to an 80.
 

rickashay

Explorer
Wow, it's been a REALLY long time since I updated this build thread. Excuse the photo dump, but if you have any questions, just post up below!

A couple minor updates for August. It seems I have been working WAY too much and not wheeling enough.... funny how that works! I was able to sneak away from town for a weekend with my girlfriend and my dog. Perfect. A couple photos of our travels:


20110827-IMG_0118 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110827-IMG_0134 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110828-IMG_0165 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

The TOP of the mountain @~7000ft:

20110828-IMG_0195-2 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


Runner_Panorama1 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110828-IMG_0153 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110828-IMG_0194-2 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110828-IMG_0202 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20110828-IMG_0201 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

I was originally on the fence about adding one of these to my 4Runner. I thought they were too big and heavy and just not worth the effort. The more I camped in my truck and had to shuffle things around everytime I had to go to bed, the more I realized that I needed a storage/sleeping platform to make better use of the space. I am also 6'6" and need a LONG area to sleep. I often camp alone but once in a while my GF and dog come along.

Here is my finished product:
View of the small storage area behind the seats when they are folded up. (I know, I know, I forgot to mask off the under area when bedliner was applied....) The pump will be hard-wired when I get some time.

IMG_0209 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Storage cubby measured out to hold my two Thermarest Luxury mattress's.

IMG_0211 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Folded flat.

IMG_0213 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Drawers open (rated at 75lbs.)

IMG_0220 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Folded up, with seat backs up.

IMG_0223 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

A couple more shots today after i did some test fitting!


20110912-IMG_0231 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

The Thermarests fit perfect!

20110912-IMG_0228 by RickaShay24, on Flickr
 

Danimal

Adventurer
I always wanted to build a platform like that in my 3rd gen 4Runner, but never had a chance to do it. How did the platform do on your camping trip?

Your truck looks great, thanks for sharing!

Dan
 

rickashay

Explorer
Updates!!

I have been asked several times by a few members to post more details on my rear screen and my rear hatch LED's.

FINALLY, here are some photos:

The LED's are pretty self explanatory but you can see here exactly how I have them installed.

20111002-IMG_0468 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

The rear screen:
I need to re-work the sticky velcro that is on the weather stripping. The sticky side doesnt stick very well to the weather stripping and therefore rips off when you try to remove the screen. I tried to Gorilla Glue it in place but that doesnt really work either. Next time I'm at the parts store Im going to pick up some weather seal glue, and that should do the trick.

You can see my velcro is sewn to the screen mesh material:

20111002-IMG_0470 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

The screen cut-out:

20111002-IMG_0471 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

You can see how the velcro just runs along the weather stripping for the rear window:

20111002-IMG_0472 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr

I saw this on BigFish's thread originally. I had been planning on remedying the rubbage in the rear on the mud flap bolts for a while, but seeing it on his thread inspired me to actually get it done. I found these nice countersunk stainless allen bolts at the local bolt/nut store. I wish I had photos before and after but this is actually going to make a HUGE difference offroad, no more terrible sounds and me scared of ripping my tire lugs off on the old square bolt heads.

the bolt:

IMG_0480 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Flush mounted mud flaps:

IMG_0478 by RickaShay24, on Flickr


IMG_0474 by RickaShay24, on Flickr
 

rickashay

Explorer
Great build. Perfect balance between daily driver and capable rig.

Thanks a lot! It has been an awesome rig.

I have recently swapped suspension setups to the TRD Tundra/LC lift combo on Tundra Bilstein 5100's. The truck now sits about 3/4" higher and is WAY softer, which I like as it is still currently my DD. Full Budbuilt skids are in the mail as well as Bi-Xenon HID projectors from the Retrofit Source. Going to be a mod happy month!
 

86Runner

Member
Great looking rig! With the Tundra/LC lift, what are your hub to fender measurements? I'm looking into the same lift and any help with the amount of lift would be great. Thanks!
 

86Runner

Member
I created this thread over on T4R.org as I wanted to show my detailed thoughts in comparing the two lifts I have recently ran, the OME vs. TRD Tundra/LC. I can post this write-up here on Expo too if there is a desire for it! Keep in mind the measurements I gave are with my front Bilsteins set on the 2nd perch.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/101758-rickashays-ome-vs-trd-tundra-lc-review.html

Awesome review! :Wow1: Thanks! I have my LC coils already, but need to get the rest together soon. My saggy stock springs and shocks are shot. I don't know how I missed this on T4r.
 

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