Bob_98SR5

Hey guys,

Thanks for all your advice re vehicle purchase. I just can't leave you guys so I bought another 4runner today. The 99 will go to my brother. Hopefully he'll buy a nice brush guard and run over that ex of his by "mistake" (ooops, did I say that?!?!?)

This has got to be one of the best deals I've seen in awhile:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ndexURL=0&rd=1

$16K. Its Desert Dune,. Wish it were white but one cannot have everything. The thing that swayed me to purchasing this was 4x4, 5 speed, low miles (52k), and the pristine condition that its in. I drove it and inspected it today---went home, went on ebay and bought it.

I'm definitely gonna mod this one up. I budgeted about $20K for a used 4runner...now this frees up $4k for mods.

Oh joy.

Man, now I'll have to change my screen name to "bob_98SR5"!

Bob

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Way to go Bob

That is nice. Can't wait to see the mods coming onto it shortly.
Glad you got another Toy for sure.

Once bitten, always smitten

Again, nice purchace!

NerfHerder-97SR5-

Congrats! Good luck with the vehicle mate!

BTOWN4RUNNER

Yeah man! Congrats on the purchase of the world's greatest vehicle ever! Have fun with it, but watch the wallet get thinner and thinner and... :fireman:

butnut

Man, what a nice brother you are! I'm happy you got a sweet deal for your self and keeping it a Runner keeps you here too. Man, that thing looks kleen! Right on Bob. 4K for mods....oh,baby!
butnut

Bob_98SR5

Thanks for the kind words. As for my bro, its all about the family and I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about.

Man, ever since I bought the 4runner today, I've been having a great time thinking about all the mod possibilities. I think there are two roads you can go, the hard core-off road route or the good-enough-to handle 80% of the trails route. Oh, did I forget the supercharger?!?!

I'm probably going to go the later route. I read Steve Schaeffer's website and I'll probably be going the 1-inch lift path (Bils and Nuke disconnect). By the way, if you haven't read Steve's site re suspension, I highly recommend it.

I probably won't get the SC b/c it seems too much trouble and expense to get it just right.

I'll probably get the TRD headers too. Man. I think I'll just shut up now...I'm smiling too much thinking about all this!

Bob

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Bob, check Eric's TJM group by post.
I am spending your money for you
Corey

ts1

Congrats!! Wow, 4k allocated for mods. Excellent start. You will love the 5-speed. I thought I could do without a 5-speed but after driving an suto for 6 mos I couldn't stand it. I too was very lucky to get a 5-spd with locker. Does yours have a locker as well? Can't wait to see your rig with all the mods.

Jason B

That truck looks great BOB. You made the RIGHT decision.

When you are ready, I can help you get it burtmanified. heh :eek:

SLC Punk

Congrats Bob,
There is nothing wrong with Desert Dune, I personally like it better than my dad's white '96.
Forgive me for asking, but why did you sell one 4Runner to get another?? Was your first one 2wd or something?

Bob_98SR5

SLC:

I didn't sell the other 4runner, I am giving it to my brother. Yes, it is a 2WD too. Now that I have a 4WD, I can join you guys out on the trail.

Bob

SLC Punk

Ah i see. It was just confusing me that you would get rid of a 4runner to get a 4runner. But it all makes sense now

Bob_98SR5

Hi guys,

Well I paid the seller yesterday and drove the 4runner home. Actually, I drove it around alot! Oh man, why did I ever get automatic? I feel "connected" to the road again.

After talking w/ my bro yesterday, he didn't mind the idea of me swapping out my 99 fender flares (Highlander style) or the 5 spoke wheels (I may not do this but considering), so I spent the better part of yesterday removing all the fender flare trim off both 4runners and removing the running boards from my 98. Of course, the 98 flares (thin silver style) goes on the 99.



And this is what I did yesterday evening:



I visually inspected the 98 again. Well there's a tiny ding on top of the rear tailgate sill (odd place for one) and there is a tear in the front passenger side door. Can I live with it? Yeah. This 98 was very well taken care of. However, I will hold my final verdict until I review all the service records and do my own very *thorough* inspection underneath.

Ok, after this mod, I'm gonna do some research on suspension modifications. I'll definitely get the bilsteins, but I need to do more research on some suggestions that I've gotten like SAWs, Downey coils, etc.

Take care guys and have a good week.

Bob

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Looking good Bob, the fender flares real add to it. Much nicer looking than the chrome strip that was on there.

Now that the running boards are off, are you thinking about a set of custom sliderz

A set would look great on there, and still give you something to stand on to wash the rig or load stuff into a rack on top.
Corey
PS, do you want your name changed? Takes a second to do.

Bob_98SR5

Hey Corey,

From "Bob_99SR5" to "Bob_98SR5"?!?!? I doubt anyone would catch the change, but yes, I was contemplating a name change, I was thinking of these names too:

a) "The Bob_98SR5 formerly known as Bob_99SR5"
b) "dontlistentothewifenexttimewhenselectingavehi cle"

What do you think?

Yeah Corey, why don't you just go ahead and change it to "Bob_98SR5".

Bob

Corey

iTrader: (1)

It is done
Corey

Jason B

Welcome to the forum Bob_98SR5.

NerfHerder-97SR5-

"The artist formerly known as Bob99SR5"

mtnbkr

Wow, Bob, yours is nearly identical to mine (just bought it a couple weeks ago). Mine's a 97 with 58k miles. It also has Manik front and rear brush guards, hella foglamps, and hella offroad lights. Otherwise, it's the same as yours.

How hard was it to remove the running boards? That looks better than I expected. Wonder if the wife will let me....

Edit to add: Bob, does yours have the power moonroof?

Chris

Bob_98SR5

Chris,

You found a 97 w/ only 57K miles!?!? I thought I found a low mileage 4runner!

The running boards are a very easy to remove. I am assuming you have the same ones I do. You'll need a 13mm socket head on a rachet wrench. That's it. There are a total of 3 support arms. The middle and back support arms each have 2 bolts and nuts. The front support arm has 1 bolt that screws into the support frame/mount as well as a nut/bolt combination (like the above, but only 1).

Before you remove the running board, you have to remove the end caps. The front one has one screw and two nuts you have to remove. The rear end cap only has two nuts. These are the easiest to remove.

For the running board, unscrew the bolts/nuts from the middle support arm first, and then the back. For the front support arm, unscrew the bolt/nut combo and then unbolt the single bolt. Don't worry, it won't fall on you b/c there is a pin on both the front and back support frame/mount that holds/secures the running board. It may swivel downwards, but it won't come off---yet.

Lie on your back with your head near the front wheel, support the running board in your hands and then kick the rear support arm towards the back tire. The running board will come right off. Just remember to look away b/c dirt will probably fall on your face/eyes and definitely hold the running board in your hands.

Oh, make sure you have the front mud flap to replace the front end cap. It'll look funny if you don't have this.

I'm gonna create a quick write up w/ pics this soon. I'll let you know when its done.

By the way, what kind of mountain bike do you own? Are you a competitive racer? I own a Bridgestone MB2. I used to ride alot in college w/ my friends but since then, I ride it occassionally (read = 3-4 times a year). I am surprised how well built it is and how long its lasted.

Bob


Edit: I forgot to answer your question: yes, I have a power moonroof. Oh, don't mind the wife. She'll get used to it.