I can definitely relate to the slow, tight-budget build you have going. I've got an '86 4Runner and started working on it my senior year in high school too. It's my freshman year of college now and I'm still struggling to find the time or resources to work on it. I guess it's and ongoing battle ha.

 

Definitely, it's also difficult to make improvements when things start to go bad such as the alternator. Typical maintanence which takes up the money just to keep the truck running and delays me until next pay check where I can try to actually improve it.

 

WELCOME! i understand building on a budget, im currently saving up for a cylinder head on my 4runner build. theres lots of ways to save $$ w cheap and easy mods rather than wasting money that you could use somewhere else. if your wanting a little tougher look you could do a zuk mod on the rear which would lift it a little and also install ball joint spacers in front. this would cost you around $200 and you can do it yourself. also have you checked your timing? you could advance it a little bit and get some more power. I would recommend a header too which you could find used on craigslist. i used herculiner on a truck once and it looked great til i started hauling wood and it chipped and peeled off. it should be ok if you arent sliding or throwing stuff around in the bed, by the way your truck looks really nice, not much rust at all and the paint looks decent. this is a great website to learn about these trucks, lots of info! beware its addictive!!

 

Nice truck!

For mufflers 2in or 2 1/4 turbo muffler will work just fine. You can get them at any auto parts store. People on here love flowmasters etc, whatever a 25 dollar turbo mufflers sound fine.
I got a glasspack at the Junk yard for 8 bucks and it sounded just fine.

Look up intake battery swap, and supra afm. Both cheap power adders.
E-fan swap may help out a bit as well.

Also a good cleaning of the TB and a seafoam treatment will help clean things out a bit.

Weld yourself up a bumper should be easy to do in welding class.

Good luck