Need guidance on modifications to fit my 4runner

Hello!

I found this forum by coincidence so I decided to post about my 4runner. I inherited this beauty from my grandpa a couple of months ago since he's not able to drive anymore. I am from the Dominican Republic, he brought it here in the '90s when he purchased it, and he's been the only owner so only he and ppl he allowed drove it.

I was lucky to find a decent mechanic and he's been helping me replace some pieces that have never been changed. I want to change the tires, suspension, and other things but I need some guidance on what to buy or where to (the mechanic helping me doesn't know much either) - If there are any suggestions I'd gladly appreciate it.

There's one specific piece that I haven't been able to find a replacement for, I looked on eBay but after sending them the specifics of this model all stores have told me that their pieces don't fit this model (attached the picture for reference).

 

welcome

 

Welcome to the forum and nice rig!

In stock configuration its a jack of all trades. I'd recommend a full servicing and replacing some of the more tired components to add more reliability.

Past that I'd suggest finding a direction you want to modify it for. So, do you want to modify it for a specific use?
Example:
For off road use you might want to add some good all terrain tires and a winch. Maybe a small lift.
For on road use you may want to retain some good all weather tires and add suspension with the focus of on road performance.

It really all depends on your environment and your intended use. Without that, everyone can share their opinions on what every 4Runner "needs" but that may or may not be relevant to you.

 

I wouldn’t modify it. I’d leave it exactly how my grandpa gave it to me.

 

I usually just go to the country with it - on road to get there/off road after I arrive and I drive around. I think going with an all terrain tires and a winch is what I have in mind, don't know about a snorkel yet but it's not out of the equation.

I don't plan on painting it or making changes to the interior, just performance pieces because the parts are older than me!

 

My best advice is use all oem Toyota parts and keep it original… it’s a diamond in the rough, welcome and good luck

 

This is something I didn't know it was possible (I thought the pieces wouldn't be available for this model). Is this a page to check for the pieces?

 

Well here’s some inspiration for you then.


I really would recommend letting your environment choose your mods. Use it. If you find that you need better tires, get some. If you need better ground clearance in the front, get a lift. If you need better approach angle, get a bumper.

This is the best way to modify your rig for your environment.

Using it will expose small weaknesses that you can address over time. Eventually you’ll have a truck that is yours and purpose built for your environment and your use

 

If it were me I would take off the cattle guard and the taillight covers. A nice subtle lift and some bigger tires. But that’s just me. Nice and clean truck though.

 

Welcome! Replace what needs to be replaced before you add stuff. It’s awesome with or without mods.This site and its members are a wealth of experience and knowledge, big help to me.

 

Welcome! Good looking rig!
First task for me would be to remove the under hood insulation that's falling apart. Your Grandpa obviously took good care of it, but the 3.0 liter V6 (3vz-fe) has head gasket issues some times, so a compression test is probably a good idea to make sure you're working with a solid engine. Make sure the cooling system is happy, to prevent this from happening in the first place. If it's an Automatic, make sure the fluid is clean and not contaminated by a failing radiator.
OEM parts for this are probably not readily available, but there maybe a few people out there that know where to source them.
LC Engineering has various parts available for the early Toyota truck/suv models and probably know as much as anyone about your V6.
Good Luck!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Detroit TruTrac differential….it makes a HUGE difference. No wires, no air lines, it just works. I go places in 2wd now that required 4wd.
Find some Asin selectable hubs and eliminate almost all front axle/wear and it will give you the option of 2wd low range.
You got a good one, I believe the tire carrier means you have 4.56 axles rather than the standard 4.10.

 

….and that under hood insulation….

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2662207294...iQ9bYKY5QYm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=SMS

 

NEVER US AN AFTERMARKET MAF, they never work. If you try keep the original one.

Toyota part support of the 2nd gen is significantly worse than the 3rd gen despite them both being old. You'll have a tough time finding a NOS maf, and an even harder time accepting whatever price they want when you do find one. I'd go for a used oem one, try to get one that's tested. There isn't much you can do.

If the EFI becomes a hassle you can put a carburetor on it, outside the US that engine had a carbureted version that might be easier to maintain as parts become obsolete.

Look after the paint, yours looks really good. I'd strongly recommend getting it wrapped if you plan to take it off road to protect the paint.