Starting Over!

[Caddis]

Well, it starts all over again! Back in 2016, I bought my first brand new vehicle ever. I loved it! It smells new, it starts every morning, and I knew I'd get from one place to another without worrying about anything. I started building this rig from the ground up to my likings.
And now I've decided to eliminate my monthly payments, and start over with an older, Toyota 4Runner. It was a tough decision,. I've had lots of trips and memories with my family. But I thought its time to be free from that payment every month.
So know, I get to start fresh debt free. I found this gem for $1500. Yes. It does need some work, but, its also an empty canvas for me to start making new memories. Stay tuned, mods are on the way!

 

[ptgarcia]

Looks like a score for $1500. I loved my 3rd 4Runner.

 

[CrookedSoulTX]

I have a 1998 4Runner with 210k miles and runs like a champ. Replaced an injector last week and that about it for the past 3 years. Love that million mile engine.

 

[Kyle Alders]

I want to hear all about this. I’m wanting to do the same!!

 

[Virginiawilderness]

Looks like a sweet 3rd Gen! Good luck!

 

[Sputnik]

Car payments suck. Sounds like a great project and a good looking 4Runner

 

[Caddis]

Today, I put new tires on the truck. I replaced the old ones that were old and bald. I really liked the Toyo AT/III I put on my Tacoma. They rode nice and were fairly quiet for the tread pattern. The tires are a 265/75R15. I also put a Rough Country 3" lift which came with 2 struts, 2 shocks, and 2 rear coils. I am a huge fan of the Bilstein 5100, but since availability was an issue, I decided to try the RC. Plus, it was a descent price. I know the saying "you get what you pay for." After installing these and taking it for a spin, the truck rode way better.

 

[Caddis]

Today, I made simple mod in the 4Runner. I removed the running boards. One, I never used them, and 2 they would only make my pant legs dirty and wet in the rainy weather. I got about 7" of extra body height by taking them off. I ordered the Sherpa Antero half rack for the top of the truck. Once those come in, I'll mount my Tepui Awning, and Maxxtrax boards. I'm looking at about 5 more weeks till those are made.

 

[TexasGXGuy]

I'm definitely excited to follow along. I'm having to start over myself after my truck was totaled and am very seriously considering paying cash for something older so that I don't have a payment...just have no clue what to look at or where to start.

 

[Red_Leaf_Overland]

Looks like a solid base. I have considered this myself but my wife wants us to maintain a reliable vehicle and doesn't trust older ones ( my TJ has always got me to where I was going but sometimes there were hiccups, all part of it in my mind lol).
looking forward to seeing how you rebuild.

 

[Caddis]

*MOD UPDATE*. So I purchased the Sherpa Accessories Antero half rack. I've got to say, this rack is nice! The price point was in my budget. I think I paid around $700 or so for shipping, Maxtrax mount and awning mount. It will definitely suite my needs. I pulled off the factory rack. This guy bolted to my stock rails.


On a bad note, my water pump went out. So I spent $1200 for a new water pump, timing belt and new plugs. Not what I wanted to spend, but at least I know it's good for a little bit more. Unfortunately, my number 4 plug is seized so they could change it out. They didn't want to break it, so they left it in. They were afraid, I'd have to have pull the heads at that point. It runs nice. No misfire, so we'll play it out at this point.

 

[Caddis]

 

[BensonSTW]

Nice looking rig. I’d pull that #4 plug wire off and fill that hole with penetrating oil. With my luck, as soon as I find out something is seized or gonna be a real pain to get to, that’s when it goes bad.

 

[Caddis]

I took 2 of my 4 kids out for the weekend. Just to get away. Plus, it was time to christen the Goonie on its maiden voyage! I added some Sea Foam injection cleaner as a I filled up with gas. Surprisingly, I averaged almost 17 mpg there and back. Trailer towed very nice, and seemed to pull without any problems. Except for the Questa Grade. The 4Runner said, "nope, you're going to drive 45mph. Nothing more, nothing less." It was a small trip, but we still got to get away!

 

[Caddis]

Ok. So my grand idea of going back to the basics didn't pan out the way I had planned. Long story short, the engine needs to be replaced. The 4runner was costing me a car payment worth in repairs. So, boom! I sold it, and went to something new again!
What do you do with a 2021 Ribicon 2-door? You break it in and have some fun with it.
I also took my youngest son out and let him learn how to maneuver in the sand. Life's short! Enjoy every minute!