Freebirds
Observer
First off, I'd like to say that I love this forum/community! I've been lurking for a while, but this is my first post and my first build thread. For the past few years my wife and I have given up quite a bit in an attempt to move forward in life. We sold our house and toys, moved into a small studio apartment, and I quit my job as a teacher so I could go back to school to become a Mechanical Engineer.
My wife and I are both adventurous, and living in a studio with a small two-wheeled drive car has limited what we can do. It's made mountain biking, canoeing, camping, and just exploring a lot more difficult. So, we decided it was time to invest in a cheap adventure vehicle. Something that would allow us to get out and explore Colorado and the surrounding areas.
Buying and building an adventure rig on a low budget seemed impossible. I'm in school, so I'm talking about a “Top Ramen and PBR” budget. I had pretty much given up hope until my friend hit me up about a 4runner that's been dead in his backyard for the past few years.
The truck is pretty beat up and has a list of issues that I need to deal with:
Shattered rear window
Transfercase won't shift
Clutch hydraulics aren't functioning
It's been in two front fender benders
And there is a decent amount of rust
Now for the good!
It's a Toyota!
It has a new clutch
It runs good
My friend is going to let me use his garage until its roadworthy (very important since I live in a studio!)
He only wants $450 and I don't have to pay him until I get it on the road, just in case I find a major issue that'll blow my budget.
My goal is to have the 4runner roadworthy and reliable by April 12th for a trip to Moab, Ut!
Game On!
My wife and I are both adventurous, and living in a studio with a small two-wheeled drive car has limited what we can do. It's made mountain biking, canoeing, camping, and just exploring a lot more difficult. So, we decided it was time to invest in a cheap adventure vehicle. Something that would allow us to get out and explore Colorado and the surrounding areas.
Buying and building an adventure rig on a low budget seemed impossible. I'm in school, so I'm talking about a “Top Ramen and PBR” budget. I had pretty much given up hope until my friend hit me up about a 4runner that's been dead in his backyard for the past few years.
![IMG_20121121_143119_zps0ef05d31.jpg](http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s619/djrichards33/IMG_20121121_143119_zps0ef05d31.jpg)
![IMG_20121121_143230_zpsf3bcf996.jpg](http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s619/djrichards33/IMG_20121121_143230_zpsf3bcf996.jpg)
The truck is pretty beat up and has a list of issues that I need to deal with:
Shattered rear window
Transfercase won't shift
Clutch hydraulics aren't functioning
It's been in two front fender benders
And there is a decent amount of rust
Now for the good!
It's a Toyota!
It has a new clutch
It runs good
My friend is going to let me use his garage until its roadworthy (very important since I live in a studio!)
He only wants $450 and I don't have to pay him until I get it on the road, just in case I find a major issue that'll blow my budget.
My goal is to have the 4runner roadworthy and reliable by April 12th for a trip to Moab, Ut!
Game On!
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