I am in a debate with myself on what to do with my 4runner. I know i want to open up the fenders to run larger tires, and potentially bob it later. But the truck is rust free and i am at odds hacking into it. coming from working on old jeeps, if they are rust free, it is a shame to cut into them for historic value, but the Toyota is newer and I am not so sure about the historical value. I do know there would be those in the rust belt who would cringe at the cutting of the rig. I know i do not want to go high with it, just want to fit larger meats with as little lift. I thought about trying to trade it for one that is modified or has the rot, but with my new motor and now i trust my rig, it is hard to go for a differnt ride that you are not sure of its condition or if it has been abused. It sounds silly, but i just go back and forth. In the end it is my rig, but just durious to know if the pop top 4runner is something that will eventually be something to keep in stockish form. And i really cant have a second runner to do this.

 

I'd say no to the cut job on a clean runner. Thats just me

 

I wouldn't cut it either.

 

heres my rant.. if is going to turn into just a weekend thrashin rig.. then no dont chopsuey a clean runner, the clean straight rust free ones are becoming endangered speices.. but if its got some body damage already or will end up being a solid well built trail rig thats gonna turn heads and perform offroad then hell ya

 

If its already damaged go for it, but don't hack into a clean rear panel of a 1st gen runner. Front OK, front fenders can be replaced easy enough. Not rears. I wouldn't hesitate to hack into a pickup though.

 

Historical? Something from 20ish years ago that was mass produced?

If it really had worth as a collectible/historical piece, it'd show up in it's selling value.

I've cut up a bunch of pre war (world II) bicycles that were in great shape. I got them for free, and I continue to get free pre war cruisers, because the ones that are collectible/historical are already in collections/books.

If it was collectible, you wouldn't drive it.

The truck isn't even first gen. Cut it.

 

1st gen runner bud. I don't know where you got all hysterical from, no one said that, but the clean ones are becoming rarer. I got one, I ain't hackin it up. I guess you can cut whatever you want, but I'll keep mine untouched in the garage.

 

Stagger, your runner is 1st gen, and I agree, I don't think I'd cut into it...

I thought 89's were second gen?

 

In 89 trucks changed body style (3rd gen), Runners stayed 1st gen body style until the following year.

 

Gotcha. That's the one generation I've never owned. A little fuzzy on those.

In THAT case...

Course, I live in Arizona. It's not hard to find rust free Toyota's out here...

 

Do what you want with it...who cares if its rust free or clean. Its a 4runner lol not a 70's Cuda. I personally like the look of stockish height vehicles with larger tires and the fenders cut, it keeps a lower center of gravity while allowing bigger tires and ground clearance.

 

Yeah I guess. As long as I got mine you guys can do whatever you want.

 

I think cutting it would be a sin if the body is good. It's tough to find a first gen 4Runner without the rot these days. They may not be historical, but they are an 80's cult classic, much like the Buick Grand National is to the car world. You wouldn't hack up a perfectly good Grand National would you?

 

If its clean dont hack it. Its a shame to cut a perfect body. But if its goin to turn into a hardcore wheeler by all means cut it up.

 

check out www.4crawler.com for more information and suggestions on options for your situation. there is quite a bit you can do without resorting to cutting. keep your eyes open for a project truck that you can get creative with.

talk with your insurance agent, he may have information on vehicles that are written off that you may cut away the damaged areas anyway. here is something to read over:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/hottoy/west/

lee

 

edit, double post

 

i say no unless your going with something like bushwacker cut out flares

 

Times 10 on the no cutting. It is not historical yet, but look what the FJ's are going for now. I have two first gen 4runners. One came from the rust belt, the other is real clean. I fixed the first one up still no cutting and the second one is well on its way. The first one is the one in the avatar.. Lifts are coming for both.

 

Don't cut it. Those 1st gen 4runners are starting to get hard to find in good shape. Most are lost to rust.

Slap some tall skinnys under that thing and have some fun. Or throw a small lift on it.
Keep it in good shape!

 

This is pretty badass: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f115...n-37-s-157096/