Keep IFS or SAS 1988 4runner. Wheeling/Camping rig

[Carolina82]

Long time lurker.

This has probably been beaten to death but I would like some other opinions before I make a decision.

I recently bought a 1988 4runner, 22re, 5spd, 201K miles, bone stock with working A/C. Purchased it from a older guy that took very good care of it. The original plan was to SAS with 35's, lockers, 4.7's etc. But I already own a 1982 toyota 4x4 that is built with 35's, lockers, 4.7's etc. I really like how the 4runner drives vs the pickup. I would also like to make some longer weekend camping/wheeling trips in the 4runner. But the catch is I want to be able to run some fairly difficult trails in it (Single black diamond trails) Ex. Trail 3 at Windrock or trails along that line. I am now considering a OME kit, torsion bars turned down with BJ spacers, 33's, 4.88's and lockers?? Just wondering if anyone has a similar setup that they wheel? If you are happy or unhappy with the setup? What mods you recommend or would steer clear of. I also don't mind spending a little more cash to do something the right way first.

Thanks for any input/opinions. :sombrero:

 

[Carolina82]

Here's a pic..

 

[Martinjmpr]

Seems a shame to butcher a nice truck like that for a rock crawler but it's your truck.
.
Personally I hate the way SFA handles on washboard. Wife has a Jeep YJ and it's miserable to drive on washboard roads, even with the tires aired down.

 

[Dwill817]

Blazeland Long Travel in the front
Chevy 63s in the rear
33x10.5 KM2S
4.88s
Spartan Lockers
Done.

 

[Dwill817]

Crap I just realized who you were Lol.. max-4 yota from TW

I now change my answer.

SAS with a 3 linked front and it'll do it all. 35s. 5.29s. Duals.

 

[zidaro]

SCORE!!!

are you going to keep the '82?
Cuz you could pillage the Crawler and build a new, more street able crawler with a majority being parts you already own.

If you are keeping both- Id go Blazeland LT. (might go this route anyway cuz it'll take you where u described)
His cheapest kit for the front, you can always upgrade to coilovers. Mild lift for rears- maybe SUA Deaver 67's to totally kill it, enough to run 35's with trimmed or glass fenders but hammer full stuff with 33's. stick with 5.29's, can't ever go wrong with torque under a 22re.

and do a build thread so we can watch.

 

[zidaro]

or you could just Link it front and rear www.4wheelunderground.com

 

[v_man]

I have a 90' Runner . I put a Dana 44 on leafs in the front and a Dana 60 in the rear. 37's , 5.29s, dual cases , lockers yada yada yada.

The very unsatisfying answer is "it all depends on what you want the truck to do" . You can probably run 90% of the moderate trails and forrest service roads the way it is setup now . But if you want to step up to those last 10% of trails , like the Dusy , Rubicon, Strawberry Pass, Barrett Lake, and the hard stuff in Moab, you probably want the SAS setup you're thinking of .

Is it practical ? No . My truck is bumpy, loud, inefficient, and heavy now . But I will say that I love it that way because I love doing the harder trails. (Glad my daily commute is only about 5 miles)

My only advice on the modification side is to do it right the first time , and prepare to break stuff, and get the lowest gearing you can get away with , which IMO is 5.29s. Good Luck .

PS: Maybe check with your significant other is she is into 4x4ing first , it's a lot more fun when you can both go out together :sombrero:

 

[Arktikos]

Long time lurker.

This has probably been beaten to death but I would like some other opinions before I make a decision.

I recently bought a 1988 4runner, 22re, 5spd, 201K miles, bone stock with working A/C. Purchased it from a older guy that took very good care of it. The original plan was to SAS with 35's, lockers, 4.7's etc. But I already own a 1982 toyota 4x4 that is built with 35's, lockers, 4.7's etc. I really like how the 4runner drives vs the pickup. I would also like to make some longer weekend camping/wheeling trips in the 4runner...:

An obvious alternative is to keep the Runner stock and use your pickup for the tough trails.

 

[Carolina82]

The original plan was to use the axles and case from the 82. But i'm having a hard time talking myself into parting it out. And I know if I were to sell it I would lose my butt on it. A friend of mine has a tacoma e-locker im gonna get pretty cheap. If I SAS it I will be using TG or All-Pro springs. So with that being said all I would use from the 82 is the Hi-steer, front axle, tcase and crossmember. Still up in the air on what to do.

Not looking to run LT because I don't like how it looks. No links either. The 4runner will be driven to the trail and back, I don't own a car trailer or a vehicle large enough to pull one.

No significant other. I'm a single man, hence all the free parts money.

 

[Dwill817]

Do not part out the Pickup..

What don't you like about the Blazeland? I feel like it's the only viable IFS option..

Otherwise, just SAS

 

[Carolina82]

Do not part out the Pickup..

What don't you like about the Blazeland? I feel like it's the only viable IFS option..

Otherwise, just SAS

I don't like how wide and low LT looks. I would just SAS before LT.

And when I talk about wheeling i'm not talking about the truck laying on the side dragging a rock still trying to go foward. Im talking about easy going but a little on the difficult side.

 

[zidaro]

what are you going to put the taco elocker in? its a 8.4 diff.

but.... i have a set of brand new NIB Nitro HT/forged 5.29 gears avail. for the 8.4 if you need them I bumped up to the 9.5" gears in my rear axle on my crawler, so these went unused.



keep it stock IFS, see where it lacks, then go big on the suspension if you need to. Build up the rest till you know what you want.

 

[Carolina82]

what are you going to put the taco elocker in? its a 8.4 diff.

but.... i have a set of brand new NIB Nitro HT/forged 5.29 gears avail. for the 8.4 if you need them I bumped up to the 9.5" gears in my rear axle on my crawler, so these went unused.



keep it stock IFS, see where it lacks, then go big on the suspension if you need to. Build up the rest till you know what you want.

Back of the 4runner. From what i've read the e-locker diff will fit into the ifs housing with a few modifications. Notch the side for the locker, drill and tap new holes for the studs. IFS shafts should fit But like I said, thats what ive read.

http://sonoransteel.com/phong/retrofit_electric_locker.html

 

[Owyhee H]

The taco e-locker is the 8" and can be fit in any of the 8" housings, front or rear.

Lock the rear, 31-33" tires with minimal lift, lower TC gears and go.....

(maybe sliders too)