Jeep guy.... converted?

Hi, I'm Jason.
It's been 13 days since my last Jeep.

Seriously... I sold my '00 Wrangler Sahara a couple weeks back, and bought a '97 4Runner! I've always been a Jeep guy. But I've also been intrigued by older Toyotas for some time now.

I picked this up from an older gentleman in Sun City, AZ (read: retirement community in rust-free Arizona). My midwest friends will really appreciate these pics; I was born and raised in Indiana.. so I know what the rust belt does to vehicles! This truck is barely broken-in at 122k miles, and is 100% original.

BTW: In my Google search, I found quite a few Toyota/4Runner forums. I honestly didn't know which one I should join. What drew me into this one most is that it appears to be... dare I say it?? Ad-free!! That really says a lot in an internet age where you can't pick the content out from the ads sometimes. Thank you for creating a space that's actually enjoyable to use! Not to mention the fact that your site loads in a fraction of a second, whereas the 4Runner forum listed in nearly every top search result appears to live on the slowest web server currently in existence.

Sorry for the shadows on some of these pics; haven't had a chance to get better pics yet.

 

Nice, new here myself but the rig is an awesome platform.

 

I too jumped ship from Jeep. 2008 Rubicon to 2017 Off Road Premium. The 4Runner does everything the Jeep would do, but with a nicer ride, more comfort and a more stylish look.

When it comes to Jeep and Harley Davidson there are two kinds of people. Those that are so brand loyal that they would have nothing else, and those that realize that there are other brands that are just as capable and a better value price and quality wise.

Being a HD owner and rider for many years, I guess I fall into the brand loyal category on that one, but I never was in love with the Jeep enough to think there wasn't something better out there.

Bill

 

Welcome aboard Jason, from another ex-Jeep owner. I prefer this forum also, friendly bunch, no ads and lots of good info and advice. - Cheers, Ted

 

Thanks guys. Funny to meet some former Jeepers right off the bat! Since this 3rd Gen is so clean, I'm debating whether I want to lift it (mild, 2-3") or keep it stock height. I would like to run 32-33" tires, so I'm assuming a mild lift would be necessary to do that. I'll probably also remove the running boards this weekend. I don't want to turn it into a rock crawler by any means, but an expedition-style rig is a goal. Kids and I like to go camping/shooting/exploring old mines in the desert, and I'm sure this will make the perfect rig for that purpose!

 

Congrats on the '97. My wife & I had a '98 Limited but we traded it for a Rav4 in 2010. We currently have a '16 4R TP, and a one of a kind '03 Jeep TJ, it's the keeper.

Steve

 

Hi Jason, Welcome aboard! & we are all here to help. There are a number of us that have similar addictions. Right now, there are no less than five (5) Jeeps sitting on my property. let's not talk about how many are actually driveable..... However, I tend to agree with most of the previous posters, in that 4runners tend to have a better ride while performing the same task. One thing I do miss from my old Jeeps though, is the toughness of the body. ( I do realize that newer Heeps don't have the same thickness/ toughness either!)Your '97 looks to be an absolute peach! It should serve you very well.