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Essential upgrades?

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by AntiKode, Jul 9, 2022.

  1. Jul 9, 2022 at 9:02 AM
    #1
    AntiKode

    AntiKode [OP] New Member

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    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.
     
    Jackstraw likes this.
  2. Jul 9, 2022 at 9:18 AM
    #2
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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    Welcome to the forum, pics. and milage would help.
     
  3. Jul 9, 2022 at 9:26 AM
    #3
    AntiKode

    AntiKode [OP] New Member

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    8CE00B13-23ED-4E30-ADB5-C70C6FE37B13.jpg ADF47EDE-C091-4C66-9C7C-48AAC82412B0.jpg 270K…but well maintained.
     
    DaveB and Jackstraw like this.
  4. Jul 23, 2022 at 5:47 PM
    #4
    DaveB

    DaveB New Member

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    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.
     
  5. Jul 23, 2022 at 6:19 PM
    #5
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Upper coolant hose?
     
  6. Jul 26, 2022 at 3:24 PM
    #6
    Trekker

    Trekker Regular Member

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    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
     
    DaveB likes this.
  7. Jul 26, 2022 at 4:35 PM
    #7
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    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.
     
  8. Jul 27, 2022 at 7:40 AM
    #8
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

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

    4Runner 7.jpg
     
    GtownRunner likes this.
  9. Jul 27, 2022 at 7:54 AM
    #9
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Welcome to the forum!
     
  10. Jul 27, 2022 at 10:47 AM
    #10
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 New Member

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    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.

    A7B5ECD6-FDF0-444C-BB9D-AA403D82B375.jpg
     
  11. Jul 27, 2022 at 2:43 PM
    #11
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    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

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    Malinois38 likes this.
  12. Jul 27, 2022 at 4:58 PM
    #12
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 New Member

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    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!
     
    Kwikvette[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Jul 27, 2022 at 6:22 PM
    #13
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    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.

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    2.jpg

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    6.jpg

    I'm sure there's a limit to the pictures per post, so those should paint a picture of what I had.
     
    Malinois38[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jul 27, 2022 at 6:35 PM
    #14
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    What I got, or got together.

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    All while keeping in mind that, our new house was completed 2 months after acquiring this Land Cruiser so I was stupid busy.
     
  15. Jul 27, 2022 at 6:43 PM
    #15
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    And the result of the above items.

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    The rear is just without a bumper.

    Bought steel so I can fabricate my own rear swingout.

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    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.

    20220721_150424.jpg

    Yes, that's a Honda GX270 motor and its wet clutch reduction gearbox completely disassembled across 2 tables.
     
    Malinois38 likes this.

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