Well i figured i've got enough pictures now to start up a build thread.

i bought my 4runner about two months ago for $2100. It's a fully loaded sr5 v6/manual with a newer motor with lower miles on it. just a little rust on the back fenders and some dings but i got most of them out.

here's a picture of when i brought it home.





then once i got home i pulled the car hauler back to my buddies house with it with the top off and it did great.



not long after that i began to tear it down and sand it all for paint.
after i got most of it sanded i decided which way i wanted to go with this one.

here is my last samurai



that turned into this money pit




i had too much money into that thing. 38.5x11 boggers, full jeep YJ leaf spring suspension with missing links front and rear, 85 toyota axles with 5.29's, dirty 30 axle shafts, and lockers, all new interior, and custom made driveshafts. it just got to the point to where it wasn't fun to drive. you sure couldn't go fast.

so i decided to go with the lower and quicker approach for the 4runner.
i ordered ball joint spacers, a longer shackle for the rear, and 33x10.5 boggers all around.

here's the tires





ball joint spacers



here's a box of ball joints and brake pads while i had it torn apart.



bought some ballin cheap seat covers while at the parts store one day



here's a picture after the ball joint spacer install. the rear shackles haven't come in yet



i painted the top the other day with a hammered finish rustoleum paint. it's very thick and seems pretty solid so i think im going to paint the whole truck with it. i pulled the runner out of the shop today and put the top on incase it rained, because we're having a party this weekend.

with the top on, then an up close of the paint finish




and that's where i am today. i should get it painted and pretty much ready to go around the 22nd when my wheels come in. it should be a pretty fun toy.

 

oh and i forgot to put the part about changing out the shifter bushing and seat. well there was no bushing and the seat was almost gone. that solved the problem of popping out of first gear.

 

I have a feeling this things gonna be cool! What gear you have now? Lockers planned in future im assuming, and what color you goin with?

 

Thanks, it's got the stock 4.10s I assume. I haven't checked into it but it gets up and goes pretty good. I'll probably lock the rear but leave the front open to help survive with boggers. At least until I solid axle it, but that will happen way later down the line when or if I get bored with it.

 

Oh and I'm going to paint it dark gray like I did the top

 

I personally thought the stock paint and graphics were sufficient

 

Yes I'm sure they would have been fine but I wanted to get the dents and rust out of it so new paint is needed.

 

I cant wait to see what you are going to do with this thing after looking at what you did to the Sami.

 

just a little update today. my trail gear rock defense front bumper came in today so i threw it on.

i've got two light mount tabs that i need to tac on some day for two PIAA 525's that i have left from my old truck. then i'll probably get a winch for it down the line.

 

Got the wheels and tires mounted today. Should have them on the 4runner this afternoon.

 

Looking good so far!!

 

Thanks. Here are a couple pics from today. I put the wheels and tires on. The paint should be in next week.

 

Looks great!!!

 

Looks awesome, can't wait to see what you do with the paint

 

Thanks I really like the stance of it. Actually half the paint came today so I'll be able to put a coat on it this weekend.

 

Not sure if I missed it somewhere or not. But what kind if paint are you going to use.

 

It's made by rustoleum. It's called hammered finish. It's a really durable paint that you put on thick and it makes a textured finish like I did the top in. Since you roll it on thick the streaks don't show up

 

Well I got the whole truck painted with two coats today.

Looks pretty good.









Now I just need to put the lights and mirrors back on and it'll be done for right now. Next I'll probably get a winch and a back bumper.

 

Oh ok. I have used that stuff a ton out of a spray can. Works great

Your runner came out great.

 

Yeah it seems like pretty good paint. I used it from quarts and rolled it on so it would be pretty thick.