Long time lurker, first time poster here. I have a 92 4Runner that I'm planning to build into a trailrig/camping/hunting vehicle. I was wondering if some of you with experience could give me feedback on my plan of action. I've done a ton of research, but sometimes it is easy to miss things. I'll explain in 3, short parts: Where I Am, Where I Want to Be, and Build Order.

Where I'm At: The current vehicle is a 92, as stated, with about 195,000 on the clock. It has some rust on the fenders, and is completely stock. When I changed the timing belt about 5K ago, it was the original belt! So, not much has been done to it before I got it, except driving. It's a V6, 5 speed, 4x4. I recently put some new tires on it (BFG AT 31's), before realizing the amount of rust that was hidden under the fender flares (more on this later). Everything on the vehicle works, even the AC. I've owned the vehicle for the past 3 years, and my cousin owned it for the previous 7.

Where I Want to Be: I want the vehicle to be capable of running comfortably on the street, for driving to camping trips destinations, and be capable off road...not serious rock crawling or anything, but over built for trails (better to have it and not need it). I'm thinking of 35's, rear locker, 5.29 gears, built bumpers and sliders.

Plan: Keep in mind these phases are largely governed by budget and finance.

Phase 1:

1. Replace all of the steering components (tie-rods, ball joints, and so on).
2. OME springs and Ball Joint Spacer, with shocks for a 2 inch lift
3. 1 inch body lift from 4crawler

Phase 2:

1. Rear locker and 5.29 gears front and back

Phase 3:

1. Tires (35 x 12.5) and rims (3.5" offset)
2. Trimming up the rusted fenders ... would work perfect if the trimming required ate up the rust!
3. Fender flares

Phase 4:

1. Rear bumper with swing-out tire carier
2. Rock Sliders
3. Front bumper

At this point I can start worrying about upgrading seats, weather stripping, better lights and so on. Once all of that is done, the engine will blow of course.

Seriously, my two major concerns beyond the soundness of the build order, is the fuel range (I was thinking of getting a Ford tank), and the weak motor (hopefully the gearing will help).

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments. I've attached a picture of what it looks like currently, with the fender flares attached.

 

Nothing at all wrong with your plan. One thing I would say though is it looks like you've got some decent 31" tires on there right now. If you aren't doing serious offroading, then that size tire is probably fine. You could re-order your plans. Do the steering components, get the truck reliable, maybe get the rear locker if you find that you are getting into low traction situations. The move up to a 35" tire drives a lot of other costly stuff like the suspension and gears. Looks like a nice truck so far.