Just picked this up, haven't seen many other WD21s

[brianf408]

Picked this Pathy up the other day, found it on Craigslist. 91 SE, 5 speed, 4x4, high on the miles (204k) but pretty clean, no rust issues. Already replaced inner tie rod ends, have a timing belt kit on the way, and just done a lot of cleaning up on the truck. Hope to hit some trails in the next week or two and see what it can do, and where the mods should begin!

Any other WD21 owners on here? I haven't seen very many.

 

[mortonm]

looks great, post more pictures if you have any.

looks like it has some nice bfg tires on it already,

if there were more of these in Canada without serious rust issues I would probably own one

 

[Co-opski]

They are very common in Alaska, almost more so than first gen 4runners. Stout lil'rigs. Check out Rugged Rocks build on his web site.

 

[stioc]

Nice, congrats. The WD21s are very capable off-road and if one wanted to even 35" tires fit without a lot of drama. Checkout NPORA.

 

[brianf408]

Thanks guys. I'll definitely be getting a lot more pictures of it as I get it out for some fun. Got down a little muddy trail next to a big construction zone earlier, handled it like a champ.

It has 31" BFG tires on it with pretty good tread, I'm looking for a full sized spare to match them as well. After I get it on the trail a few times I'll decide if I'm going to be lifting it or doing anything with the suspension.

Timing belt kit should be here tomorrow, I'll have a lot more peace of mind knowing that it's been done. Current belt was changed at 147k miles...in 2002.

 

[stioc]

Good call on starting with the maintenance items first. But good luck trying to do things rationally- it only lasts a few months before you'll be wanting at least a suspension upgrade :sombrero:

 

[brianf408]

Good call on starting with the maintenance items first. But good luck trying to do things rationally- it only lasts a few months before you'll be wanting at least a suspension upgrade :sombrero:

Definitely, DEFINITELY want to get the big maintenance stuff done! I'd hate to get out on the trail and be crippled by neglected maintenance instead of actually breaking something. Plus driving around with an 11+ year old timing belt, I cringe every time I break 4000 RPM.

I've already been hunting out new shocks. Currently running on OEMs (factory original it looks like). They're the electronically adjustable, etc, basically old enough they don't work. I'll probably toss some cheap Rancho 5000s on it and call it a day. For a lift, I think I'm going to try the "ghetto lift" by using Jeep Grand Cherokee springs in the rear, then re-indexing and adjusting my torsion bars to bring the front up level. Probably look into different upper control arms around then too. Really wanting to make this a fairly budget-friendly rig. Somewhat mild mods along with some basic recovery and survival gear.

 

[mortonm]

Take a look into the Bilstein HD shocks.

I'm pretty sure they make them for the WD21s.

I have them on my Xterra and have loved them. 6 months and 15 000 km on them.

They are good for stock levels and up to 3 inches of lift, which means they will still be okay when I get my new lift on in a few weeks.

 

[duckhunter71]

Awesome. I watch the local Craigslist ads for those all the time. I would love to have one as a second vehicle. I love the Lego wheels!

 

[brianf408]

Wish I would have taken pictures, but I sure as heck am glad I did the timing belt! The belt itself was about fried, the tensioner pulley sounded like the bearing was going to grenade, along with the bearing in the water pump, and the pump gasket pretty much disintegrated as I took it off. That was a ticking time-bomb about to blow! Plus I think it was off a tooth on the crank, it was lacking power before like the timing was off, and now it runs MUCH stronger.

Still have an oil change and spark plugs to do today, and a little work on my BMW. Hopefully if the rain holds off I can hit the junkyard for a few things.

Little OT, I haven't done much research on it, but would you guys recommend a CB? I found a Cobra radio with a Firestik antenna and everything needed on Craigslist for $40 obo. Contemplating picking it up.