Another new 3rd Gen Owner with pics
01-29-2008, 05:39 PM
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Another new 3rd Gen Owner with pics
97 4runner SR5 4X4
I've been looking for a 3rd Gen 4runner and finally found one. It was a one owner that had 11 years of service history and the original window sticker. The interior is nearly perfect. It looks like he drove by himself for the last 11 years. But it was also parked in the same spot for 11 years. So there's oxidation on the roof and hood. A couple dents in the bumpers. But the rest is great.
It's got 175K, runs great and just passed smog without a problem. When I picked it up the guy didn't know if the 4WD worked since he never used it. I removed the skid plates and there wasn't even a scratch on the under carriage. Now that's going to change. I like the fact it doesn't have a hitch, so I know that it wasn't used to tow anything. I've got a fullsize truck for towing.
I've already added the sport wheels and 265/70-17 BFG's and the Colman Safari rack. The next mod will be a lift once I decide what I want. I noticed SS now supplies their kits with bilstein shocks. I don't want something too harsh and I've heard the bilsteins can be a little stiff. If you get bored on a rainy day make sure the dimple dies aren't close by or there's gonna be holes in everything.
Here are some pics.
I've been looking for a 3rd Gen 4runner and finally found one. It was a one owner that had 11 years of service history and the original window sticker. The interior is nearly perfect. It looks like he drove by himself for the last 11 years. But it was also parked in the same spot for 11 years. So there's oxidation on the roof and hood. A couple dents in the bumpers. But the rest is great.
It's got 175K, runs great and just passed smog without a problem. When I picked it up the guy didn't know if the 4WD worked since he never used it. I removed the skid plates and there wasn't even a scratch on the under carriage. Now that's going to change. I like the fact it doesn't have a hitch, so I know that it wasn't used to tow anything. I've got a fullsize truck for towing.
I've already added the sport wheels and 265/70-17 BFG's and the Colman Safari rack. The next mod will be a lift once I decide what I want. I noticed SS now supplies their kits with bilstein shocks. I don't want something too harsh and I've heard the bilsteins can be a little stiff. If you get bored on a rainy day make sure the dimple dies aren't close by or there's gonna be holes in everything.
Here are some pics.
Last edited by prospectator; 01-29-2008 at 05:45 PM.
01-29-2008, 05:50 PM
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Looks great man, good find! I like the roof rack on it already and it looks awesome with the tires and wheels! What's with the holes in the rear bumper I've never seen that before? And if you don't mind me asking how much did you get it for?
01-29-2008, 05:51 PM
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! Definitely a different look.
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01-29-2008, 06:37 PM
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And if you don't mind me asking how much did you get it for?
01-29-2008 06:47 PM
01-29-2008 06:47 PM
And for everyone questioning the rear bumper.
The bumper had dents on the rear and a crease on the drivers side. I plan on purchasing a bumper in the future so in my spare time...................... like on a rainy day when I'm bored. I decided to get out the 1" metal punch and 1" dimple die and finish "bending" the rear bumper. My wife thinks it looks like I was involved in a drive by shooting. In hindsight I should have done larger dimples on the sides or more of them. The 1" look too small. Oh well, can't turn back now.
Dimples are normally used in high end offroad cars to add structural ridgidity to sheet metal. If you notice the holes are actually flared inward or "Dimpled" as the tool name dimple die implies.
I haven't see it before and it looks like very few have.
Last edited by prospectator; 01-29-2008 at 06:40 PM.
01-29-2008, 07:37 PM
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I'd like to get a SS rear bumper, but the trip out may be hard to manage. I could easily pull it and paint it black. Which will be my next option if I can't find a good aftermarket bumper.
Thanks for the comments. I'll keep the pics coming when my wallet is lightened by the next mod.
Thanks for the comments. I'll keep the pics coming when my wallet is lightened by the next mod.
01-29-2008, 07:38 PM
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01-29-2008, 09:35 PM
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01-30-2008, 12:54 AM
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That thing at 175k looks like my old '98 did when I bought it with 100k on it! Super clean, very nice!
I'm diggin' the speed holes too, I need to pick up myself a set of dimple dies.
I'm diggin' the speed holes too, I need to pick up myself a set of dimple dies.
