New and don't know what to do! Jk

[Hoodboogie]

Hi guys/gals,

New to the forum and the expedition scene. Spent some time in Hawaii rock crawling Jeeps. Now that my kids are older I am looking to build a more family oriented vehicle for the outdoors. Currently stationed in northern VA but possibly moving to AL/GA next fall if my interservice change happens. I have found a few 4runners I am interested in. I have narrowed it down to 1999-2000 limited models with either the rear diff or selectable awd options. Either one is fine with me as I can always toss in an ARB later.

I am for sure getting a 4runner. Any helpful info or suggestions would be awesome. I've read and learned a lot about them already about preventative maintenance on the cooling and transmission. If there are any helpful items for camping/off roading with kids that would be very helpful. Looking forward to all of this. Thanks

On-hand from previous vehicles:
Co2 tank for tools/tires
2x hi lift jacks
Leftover DOM tubing various sizes for bumper builds
Several yellow and red optimas and an odyssey for dual setups

On order already: Amazon gift cards rock
Scanguage 2
ARB fridge/freezer



I am curious as to what would be a good deal. Looking at this tomorrow.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/4633376279.html


Semper Fidelis

 

[4runnerteq]

Doesnt look like a bad rig. Best advice I can give is to just keep it simple. Any 4runner is plenty capable for what it looks like you want to do. Bumpers, winches, big light bars? All that stuff looks cool, but if you're just looking at forest service roads and some backwwods camping, you dont need all that stuff. My 97 has a Sonoran Steel lift on it which I do love, but if I had it to do over Id prbably just go with an OME set up. 285/85 BFG A/Ts, cheap CB and onboard ARB compressor. M416 trailer for carrying camping supplies. Works great for us camping close to home or in the Smokie Mountains. Would love to have that ARB fridge though. Next item I want to own. No more hot dog flavored cooler water for my drinks to float in. Good luck with the search and K.I.S.S.
and just enjoy

 

[tacoma_AL]

You seem to know whats going on a don't need much guidance. OME is pretty much a good shot with suspension like Cruiserbent mentioned. I will say though, if you put the runner in any tight spots with those style steps on the side they will be gone; Seen it happen before and most recently to my girlfriends runner...just a heads up. Really all depends where you want to go, and how you want to get there, like he said keep it simple. I would suggest getting some good recovery gear, always valuable for yourself or to help others out. Even though my Tacoma is down Toyota makes some great platforms and you can't go wrong with them

As for kids, I have a couple rules of thumb for myself. When I take my nephew camping I just keep a close eye on him and make sure I carry excess of whatever he will need, not really at the age yet for him to understand the rules. As for my daughter, when we get the chance to go, she knows the rules and repeats them back to me before we leave the truck/camp everyday. Everyone raises their kids different so, all I can say in general is to make sure you have food, lots of food, and gadgets not related to camping stay at home. While it's fun to catch or hunt lunch/dinner I don't expect her/him to eat it for breakfast/lunch/dinner like I will.
Good luck and tread lightly, Hudsen

 

[Martinjmpr]

That's not a bad price for a limited with 158k. Be careful, though, you are close to the "salt belt" so make sure you check the underside really good for rust. If that truck came from Pennsylvania, NY, NJ, New England or anywhere else in the NE or Midwest, I would be very leery of it.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

I am sure you have seen it, but just in case you haven't, toyota-4runner.org has everything for 3rd gen 4runners you can think of. Great buyers guides and advise for maintenance and all that stuff. A lot of great mild and wild builds. There are also a few great 3rd gens on here as well. As others have said, these things are very capable stock if you get the e-locker. Some bigger tires, sliders, and a few things and you will be set!

 

[Hoodboogie]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I am going tomorrow to take a look at it. My biggest worry is the salt but hopefully it look good. Wheeling in Hawaii was rough n an undercarriage, it was hard to keep anything looking nice there. I definitely will be picking up a CB, rigid light bar, winch, and a few other accessories. I have always been a fan of OME quality so that is almost a sure thing to put under it. My wife will be driving it on snow days since I am not a fan of her driving her accord when thee roads are icy (We are from South AL, Beach bums) Selling her Z71 Tahoe wasn't the best decision upon moving to VA.

Tacoma_AL, thanks for the heads up on the kids. Thats our big issue now is getting the kids to eat something Ive killed. Usually has to be in burger or nugget form for them to eat it. They love fish and deer unless it looks like fish or deer. hah

 

[Hoodboogie]

Found an 05 DCSB but it has 237k on it. Drives well and plenty of power. No strange noises or feelings. 1-owner, clean carfax, all records. Can get it for $8k. Should I be worried?