TexJJ

I have not done the ADD defeat as of yet, but I have added manual hubs. I just wanted you to see some info on it. You picked a good article.

91_4x4runner

I'll head over to AutoZone today if I can to get some convex mirrors and some mud flaps for the front when I remove the running boards.... How difficult would it be to add manual hubs?

EDIT: BTW, anyone here with a 91 4Runner experience the same battery issue as I am in the first post?

EDITEIHJTHF!: What "stealership" should I take it to here in San Antonio for recall work? With our other 2 yota's, we haven't had the best of luck at Universal....

91_4x4runner

what about option 1?

bwiencek

You wanted opinions so here goes...

I've run full suspension lifts, body lifts, solid axles, etc. Being you're 16, just getting into it and it sounds like you want to do mudding here's what I'd recomend (if you can't sell the runner and get a big-block truck as mudding is more fun with big tires and lots of HP )

Since you said it's been neglected - The very first thing I'd do is change all the fluids (coolant, engine oil, trans oil, transfer oil, diff oil) - I prefer to run the synth in everything but the engine as it gets changed too often. Then do a basic tune-up by changing plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and checking valve lash. Grease the chassis and U-joints and check for worn out parts. Once you do that the truck should be in decent mechanical shape or you'll uncover the problems.

To start the mods - Get a pair of HD rear lift coils - yours looks sagged out like most of them out there. Then 'crank' the torsions up about 3/4" or so. Next do a 2" body lift on it and that should provide enough room to easily run 33's - for mudding there's 2 ways to go - tall skiny to get down to the hardpack, or huge wide and lots of HP to float and skim across the top - the 'runner doesn't have enough power for option 2 so I'd go for a set of BFG 33x9.50 mudders. Add a set of tow hooks in the rear and buy yourself a good 20k lb tow strap (not the cheapie seatbelt looking ones) You'll have under $300 in the lift and strap and around $500 in tires. If your shocks are shot a set of stock replacements will work fine - I'm fond of the monroe reflex style shocks as they give a nice ride.

Once you learn the limitations of that setup and have gotten towed out of a couple of mud puddles and learned what you can do and what you can't do then get yourself a rear locker installed (since it sounds like you can't do that work yourself). That will allow you to push the limits further, and if you really get into get yourself some manual locking hubs up front and a locker for the front. At that point you've about exhausted what the toyota will be good for in the mud and still be a daily driver and it's time to start thinking about dedicating it to mudding and getting a cheap commuter car - you'll end up cutting the fenders, swapping to a V8, getting bigger axles, tires, solid axle swap the front, etc... (read big $$$)

91_4x4runner

Here are a few more pictures...


I just did this last night almost by accident. The nice innards of the shifter knob make me wish i had torn that pleather crap off when my family first bought the vehicle... (it was in reallly bad shape)

*sigh* its getting up there...time for a new engine soon?

An almost candid shot, with my sister's Highlander in the background.

91_4x4runner

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into it.