Essential upgrades?

So, what are you guys saying needs to be done first for comfort on the new to me 97? I’m thinking of changing lights to leds, adding a cheap voltmeter, good tint, good tires and shocks…then a cheap roof rack, some lights, and it’s about done. What am I missing? I’m far from a mechanic, but I’m dead set on doing most of it myself to learn to be.

 

Welcome to the forum, pics. and milage would help.

 

270K…but well maintained.

 

Looks good. Depending on miles and how well it was up to date. All the suspension and brakes etc. Rust proof or treat the frame. Change vacuum hoses. But these didn't come with great audio locations for speakers. I added 6x9 boxes in back and a sub in back panel. Led lights all around and offroad bumper. About a grand and I'm happy with it. Looks clean for the miles.

 

Upper coolant hose?

 

I don't regret fitting the oem front mud flaps, mine didn't have the running boards like yours and it reduces the likelihood of rock chips (and rust). Window tint is also a good idea, I had a cheap tint that had turned purple and it was so nice to get rid of it.

When in doubt, put the money towards repairs and refreshing worn out parts. It's not flashy, but putting money into stuff like new bushings always improves the vehicle

 

Something I wish I would've done on the 4Runner that I did on the Land Cruiser; upgraded seat.

You did mention comfort.

As for a roof rack? Not sure how that adds to comfort, but tint could definitely help if you experience hot summer months.

Quality shocks and tires are always high on my priority list as well, but that all depends on what you're really going to use the vehicle for.

 

here's my '97 limited. replace roof rack..(upgrade) tweaked suspension. bigger tires. replace original radio with pioneer am/fm/cd/dvd player...

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Satoshi Grill! Probably my favorite upgrade to my son’s 4Runner. Not cheap, but I think it’s a GameChanger on how the overall look of the vehicle.

 

Since pictures are being posted, I'll add a few myself.

Let's touch on those non-essential addons you mentioned -

Tires, shocks (and associated suspension components), armor, roof rack, etc

 

Okay, @Kwikvette you win! But, since you broke up with her. I want to see some pics of what you’ve been doing with the LC!

 

Not much believe it or not, but I'll oblige.

Here's when I got it.

As you can see, she was rough but a great platform to start with.

I absolutely despise lightbars, torn interiors, bad wiring, but that's all right up my alley. I've been working on cars for a good 20 years give or take so, any mechanical issues are something I wasn't too worried about.



















I'm sure there's a limit to the pictures per post, so those should paint a picture of what I had.

 

What I got, or got together.

























All while keeping in mind that, our new house was completed 2 months after acquiring this Land Cruiser so I was stupid busy.

 

And the result of the above items.























The rear is just without a bumper.

Bought steel so I can fabricate my own rear swingout.













However that's on hold at the moment cause I've got a project I'm getting ready to dump. That and the garage is a hot mess.



Yes, that's a Honda GX270 motor and its wet clutch reduction gearbox completely disassembled across 2 tables.