The moon on a plate: opinions on mods for a do everything 3rd gen

[Transient]

Like the title says, I think I may be asking for the moon on a plate.

I'm currently searching for the elusive low mileage 99 4runner with a factory locker. Once I find one, I'd like to do a fairly mild build on it so that it's a capable rig for a little bit of everything from high speed gravel roads to moderate wheeling. It will be 75% daily driver, but the rest of its life will be trails, logging roads, exploring, hunting, camping and skiing. I also need to be able to tow my 14' boat with it. I'm more concerned with performance than looks. Budget is a bit of a concern, as is availability of parts in Canuckistan.

Looking for advice on must do mods, tires and suspension. I probably have about 3k Canuck bucks to throw at it after purchase. Or if I should just say to heck with it, put some tires on it and rock it stock?

There's almost too much info out there on the forums already, it's a bit overwhelming, which is why I'm posting here.

 

[Clutch]

Drive it stock for a bit, it will tell you what it needs. Stock 4Runner will go a lot of places. I usually go by...drive it until it breaks...then, does it need to be fixed with stock parts or do we need to upgrade?

Might need stiffer rear springs for towing your boat, though.


Since you'll have a bit of spare cash, I would hold off on any mods (for now)...just to make sure it doesn't need any repairs right off the bat.

 

[98WhiteT4R]

Welcome,

First, heres a 3rd gen buyers guide from T4R.org- http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

As a 3rd gen owner I'll first tell you that it is not the greatest tow vehicle:sombrero:

It's not the worst but I would recommend adding an external tranny cooler if you plan on towing a lot. Also, I wouldn't get hung up on a '99 if you can find a good deal on a different year...I've seen people pass up great deals because they only looked at 99's.

As far as mods...there are tons of suspension options you can do on a budget as well great aftermarket support for armor et.

 

[Transient]

Thanks, your build is kinda where I see mine going.

I'm leaning towards throwing on some 265 75s, making sure it's mechanically 100%, and then focussing on some more expo type stuff like a roof basket and a drawer system/sleeping platform.

I know they're known for running forever if well maintained, but how many miles is 'too high', 100, 150, 200k?

 

[98WhiteT4R]

Thanks, your build is kinda where I see mine going.

I'm leaning towards throwing on some 265 75s, making sure it's mechanically 100%, and then focussing on some more expo type stuff like a roof basket and a drawer system/sleeping platform.

I know they're known for running forever if well maintained, but how many miles is 'too high', 100, 150, 200k?

Anywhere from 150-200k is fine as long as it has some service records...If I were to buy one with over 200k I would want extensive records.

FWIW I started with a 2'' lift and 265/75 and 10k miles later went to 3'' and 33's and wish thats what I started with. Mainly because 265/75s looked weird (to me) with limited flares unlike the smaller SR5 flares

No matter what records it has I would baseline it when you get it for piece of mind and so you know whats going on. Let me know if you have any other questions

 

[cam-shaft]

I'm not sure what to tell you but this little gem I have had for some time has 255k, added an external tranny cooler, maintenance, and stock suspension and some 23/85/16 tires with my gear box, maxtrax in the trunk and warn Zeon in the rear receiver. No suspension mods, love it. We just took it out for a little early snow explore and she always does her job. Probably will add aluminum skids and some sort of slider in the future but who knows. Just recently added newer headlights. Let me tell you the secret to most vehicles for adventure and going everywhere, that people don't get, is keeping the weight down. This 3rd gen weight is 4150lbs as it sits. Just some thoughts.
Cameron

 

[A.Wilson013]

If I had $3000 to spend on a stock 4Runner I would go about it in this order...

Maintenance- Lower ball joints and external tranny cooler HIGH on the list

Recovery- Enough to get yourself out of nearly any situation. (At your price point I'd have a hitch reciever mounted to the front end and buy a hitch mount for a winch that you could use front or rear)

Protection- Skids and sliders (bumpers probably are not in the cards right now with your budget, unless you can fab them up yourself)

Tires/Lift- Big enough tires to fill your needs (and ego, if that's a matter) and enough lift to clear the tire size you want to run- no more.

If you plan to keep the 4Runner for a long time, I highly recommend saving and budgeting for higher-end products. It took me nearly $10,000 to learn this lesson. (On my 4th suspension setup, 3rd supercharger tuning setup, 2nd storage setup, and 3rd roof "rack" setup (and planning the 4th).

 

[Martinjmpr]

I'll echo the comments that the 3rd gen is not a particularly good tow vehicle. We sold mine because it struggled pulling a 1,100lb teardrop and gas mileage was abysmal - in the range of 10-13 while towing. Which would not have been so bad except for the pathetically small gas tank. Plan on refueling every 200 miles or figure out how to carry more gas. I actually got decent fuel economy when I wasn't towing - on the order of 15 - 17 MPG in town and as high as 22 on the highway. But the fuel light typically came on around 210 miles in city driving which was annoying as hell.
.
The other fuel issue is the notoriously inaccurate fuel gauge that will show you on "E" with 1/4 tank left. Easiest workaround to this is a Scangauge II that will not only tell you how much distance you have to an empty tank, it will also monitor transmission temps.

 

[ol' scott]

Towing with a 3.4 isn't the best option. If you can find a 5-speed it would help though.

Tundra brakes are a huge upgrade that I'd point you towards. Can't go wrong with something that'll make your vehicle safer in every situation.

 

[Transient]

Towing with a 3.4 isn't the best option. If you can find a 5-speed it would help though.

Tundra brakes are a huge upgrade that I'd point you towards. Can't go wrong with something that'll make your vehicle safer in every situation.

For towing, I'm not too worried about power. The boat is pretty light. Most trips will be <10km. I was more worried about keeping it under control. My last 4x4 was a lifted Bronco II with no sway bars and driving down the highway with a trailer was like trying to wrestle an eel.

 

[Clutch]

I know they're known for running forever if well maintained, but how many miles is 'too high', 100, 150, 200k?

I always try and find the lowest mile one I can, because you'll only put more miles on it.

 

[2scars]

I daily my Double cab 500 miles a week and would love to be able to afford a smaller lift. I run 265-75s and would rather have 881s and just regular OME leaves out back, but the cost of my current setup was nearly nothing. For DD and boat hauling, get some new shocks and do the tundra brake upgrade. Then just see whats what, maybe you need belly skids, maybe you don't for 99% of the offroading you do. I don't have them, but I run mild trails and enjoy the camping aspect anymore. My .02

Brandon

 

[Transient]

Many of the rigs I've seen have solid bodies and frames, but rusty rear bumpers. What are some reasonably priced bumper options?

 

[98WhiteT4R]

Many of the rigs I've seen have solid bodies and frames, but rusty rear bumpers. What are some reasonably priced bumper options?

Heres a list of all the 3rd gen bumper options

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102876-bumper-list.html

 

[GTV]

Dumb question time... What makes the 99 unique? Sorry for the thread jack