New Budget Build: 1994 Toyota Four Runner

[Hltoppr]

I just picked up a 1994 Toyota Four Runner for my next "budget" family expedition rig....

The specs:

1994 Toyota Four Runner 177,000 chassis miles
3.0 V6 (24K on a Toyota installed long block)
Automatic Trans/Part time 4wd
31x10.50R15 Capitol Radial ATs
Unmolested otherwise....


The rig was purchased in 1994 in Colorado, where it spent until 2001 with the original owner, in 2001 the original owner passed away, and it was given to the owner I bought it from, a nephew, who was a service tech at Midway Toyota in Phoenix.

In 2004, an oil pump went bad, seizing the engine. Through a sweetheart deal, a new long block was put in. It's been dealer maintained since new, and runs great!

First Mods:

Cargo Net (Raingler)
XM Roady XT (I can't stand regular radio!)
Hella 4000s from my garage
Car Seat Base....

-H-

 

[Brian McVickers]

Nice find!
I have always liked the 4Runners.

And I must say that "car seat base" mod sounds SWEET!
Which model did you go with? Any challenges with the install?!

Kidding aside
I think by next fall Charlie will be ready to come along on some trial rides and this is what I'm looking at for her full support and protection!

Ok sorry, that wasn't supposed to turn into a Hijack!

 

[kcowyo]

Nice find!

4Runners are great for a family run around and getting out on the trail. The new longblock is a huge bonus. I'm sure the fact that it's white, had little to do with your buying decision .

 

[Brian894x4]

Very nice find. I wonder if it has the factory 4.88 gears. You got the right year, right engine and right tranny. All you need to know if those 31s are factory stock. Or you could check the gear code. :smiley_drive:

http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

 

[Hltoppr]

The 31s are stock. I looked for the wheel package in my search....although I really like Toyota steelies....

-H-

 

[Scott Brady]

Congrats Andrew, that will make for a great platform.

Might I suggest:

1. Sliders
2. OME rear heavy with 4 new shocks
3. Rack (you will need it with the fam.)
4. Rear storage system

Oh, and a fridge (if you want to do Baja that is) :hehe:

 

[Hltoppr]

I'm trying not to go overboard with this one, as I really only plan on keeping it for a couple of years....

My thoughts thus far are to try and add items that I can transfer to the next rig (waiting for Toyota to import diesels.... :elkgrin: ):

Bag Jack (Thanks Steve!)
Black Rat Recovery Winch/Hoist
Rear Storage Drawers
Waterproof roof storage bag
Snorkel?

I'd like to keep the gas mileage up, so I'm leaning against adding a bunch of armor, bumpers, and a roof rack. The rear end already has that wonderful 4Runner sag, so the OME may be in the works....I like the idea of upgrading the shocks and rear springs!

My original budget was $5K, and this is what I've spent thus far....

Price of vehicle: $4300.00
Registration/Title: $ 63.00
Full Detail/Shampoo: $ 115.00
Fluid Change: $ 350.00 (Yeah, I could have saved on this by doing it myself, but I'd rather spend the time with my daughter, and I don't need to learn how to change diff fluid for a potential trail repair....)

XM Roady XT: $ 59.00
Light Brackets: $ 4.00
Floor Mats: $ 40.00
Bushmaster XJack: $ 165.00 (Approx.)
Raingler Cargo Net: $ 125.00

Sub Total So Far: $5,221.00

Stuff I have in the garage:

Engel 35 Refrigerator (Baja Ready Already!)
2 Hella 4000s (Pencil Beam)
Nato Fuel Cans/ExpeditionExchange Mount
Misc. Recovery Equipment/High Lift etc.


My dog and daughter have helped with the installs so far! :elkgrin:

The XM unit mounted easily with the help of some aluminum plate for a "custom" bracket.

Do these lights make my butt look big?

-H-

 

[Speaker]

well sweet hltopper. It's too bad your GS weighs a gozillion pounds or you could get a carrier for the rear hitch reciever.

I'm thinking about doing a budget (sell everything i own to pay for it) 4runner or Cherokee. How'd you find your 4runner?

 

[Hltoppr]

If my GS is on a truck...it's being stolen.

:littlefriend:


I found this one through Phoenix Craigslist, after looking at many, many rigs on Truck Trader and locally.

So far, I really like it. Comfortable and fits in the garage better than the 80 series did!

-H-

 

[blupaddler]

So, what about those Michelins that Nathan is selling?


Andrew...congrats! I was wondering when we would start seeing you back in the mod area. And there is a lot to say about a vehicle that doesn't have all the bumpers, etc...They don't bring as much attention to you as a rig equiped with them.


Anyways...congrats!!!

 

[Hltoppr]

Yeah, I looked at those...I'd need to pick up some 16" rims too....Right now I can't really justify the extra expense, as the tires that it's got are darn near new...

-H-

 

[Speaker]

So how's this thing going?

Also, will you sell it to me?

 

[Hltoppr]

Still waiting for the Raingler cargo net.... I've got to wire up the Hellas, as I feel like a total poser with unwired lighting on the rig...

Got the Bushranger XJack...gotta find a time to try it out...I think it'll be the shiznit for Baja!

BTW...everything is for sale...just depends upon offers....:ylsmoke:

-H-

 

[slosurfer]

subscribing.... I have a '93 4runner and done two different 6,000+ mile trips. They are great except for the power especially with the auto on the mountain passes. You are ahead of me on all the gear though, I will be paying close attention to your build. I too want to make my kit able to switch easily from the runner to our new '07 Taco Dcab. Having the M416 will help with that also. I also have a Thule Moab that helps, being that my son 2 yrs. old and our dog take up some room.
Here's the runner on a test trail run w/ the trailer

 

[Hltoppr]

Still waiting on the Raingler net.....

I don't want to begin throwing exped. gear in the back until I get this thing...

-H-