Resurrection of the 4R: Building a “New” 1998 4Runner

“Need to” is strong. I’m kind of obsessed with making this a “new” ‘98 4Runner. I plan on driving this for another 20 years.

The PO (supposedly “a mechanic”) did a valve job due to cracked or burnt valves at ~280k miles. It runs totally fine but leaks everywhere, both RMS and Valve covers. I want to eventually add a supercharger and don’t totally trust his repair (especially after seeing some of the other crap the PO did on this- like putting in Chinese injectors).

As this is my for fun and for learning truck, I want to try pulling the engine and installing. Using the opportunity to refresh hard to reach hoses etc in the process. Rather than spend half the amount on a JDM or redoing all the gaskets, I wanted to go the rebuilt route while they are still available.

Been driving on the old motor just fine while waiting for the new one’s 6-8 mo lead time.

 

That's fair, I plan on driving mine for another 20 years as well.

At least with going that route you won't ever have to worry about things going wrong or what the life span on a gasket or hose will be for many many years; I would love to follow the same route one day but my wallet wouldn't thank me.

How is the process with returning the core done, does Yota1 organize that for you or do you have to coordinate freight shipping?

 

Following as this is awesome!

 

Yota1 coordinates shipping and takes it out of the core deposit return. TBF when all is said and done the return isn’t going to be much, but it’s essentially “required” so they can keep the rebuild flip going

 

Thank you! It’s been a lot of fun and a great learning opportunity

 

Beauftiful!

 

New shoes, trying out the Wildpeak AT4s, enjoyed the AT3s- so we’ll see how the upgrade goes.

 

Lookin good! Great thread!

 

Came to terms with the fact that with a new kid, my garage time is seriously limited. Brought all the parts collecting dust to a 4x4 shop for a mega install (Mountain Yotas- great shop!)

Upper Control arms (JBA)
Lower Control arms (OEM)
Lower Ball Joints (OEM)
Shocks / Coilovers (Bilstein 6112/5160)
Rear coils (ARB OME 2890)
Adjustable Panhard (Sonoran Steel)

They also swapped my leaking steering rack & tie rods for a rebuilt OEM

rides like a dream!

 

Engine Bay Detail in preparation for the new Yota1 motor, which will be built (in theory) 1st or 2nd week of December(!). Also finished buying the last of the new OEM parts to replace all the aftermarket stuff that was bolted on to the old motor (looking at you Chinese coil packs)