dono yet, i need to do the starter and hand brake pivot on the 98 first. i want to use the 96 on the highway but not go crazy with the suspx/tires.

 

you should consider doing what i did...

i bought an old 1990 accord ex 2-door w/ a 5-speed. it was only $1000, it runs good, it's comfortable, parts are cheap, tires are cheap, and it gets 31+ MPG on the highway. the runner is the weekend and trip vehicle now. as a matter of fact, i drove it today for the first time in over a week...

considering the wear and tear on the runner + the cost of the MT/R's and factoring in the upkeep and insurance on the honda plus the difference in gas mileage of the two, i'm saving about $150 per month w/ the honda AFTER expenses. it will be FREE after about 8 months. i've had it for 2 already .

my commute is 56 miles each way, 5-days a week.

 

is 4.1 an option?

 

yes, definitely need a commuter car, but then what would i do with 2 3rd gens? you're not suggesting i sell one, God forbid....

 

how do i tell i need a new clutch? it has 118k, and its the original clutch.

 

if it's something you're going to wheel, then personally, i'd go w/ an auto. 5-speeds are fun, but when crawling up inclines, 5-speeds can be aggrivating when you're on the brake, and need to get on the clutch and gas at the same time while holding the brake and keeping your hands on the wheel... interesting to say the least. lots of ppl manage, and it's doable, but personally, i'd rather have more fun and just wheel the auto...

 

not too much hard core wheeling, but maybe ill go for a 2" lift and stick with stock tires.

 

if you're going to wheel the 96 and use it for a DD, then what's the 98 for?

good lift:

tundra trd front coils, extended studs, top out spacer, ome n91s struts = 2.0" and nice ride

rear, ome n86 shocks and either ome 906 coils, 890 coils, or downey 3.5 coils = ~2.5" and nice ride

you should consider the 265/70-16 GY MT/R's if you're going to get serious. until then, check out the 265/70 nitto terra grapplers...

about 2.5" of lift 2/ 265/75 nittos:



same nittos w/ about 1" of lift...

 

something like that makes sense....

 

I agree, I would like to get a older civic soon, good gas mileage plus i miss driving stick

 

The term is practice. That situation is one that those of us who drive standard mastered immediately. If you are crawling you will be in low gear anyway, just let the clutch out until it is almost engaged, this will hold you in place, then press the gas. Simple! IMHO there is only one place that autos are better than standards, bumper to bumper traffic. In every other situation I have been in, I love the standard, it is so much more fun. After last weekend, everyone that went agrees that standards are the way to go, hahaha. The control provided by a standard is what makes me happy, using the clutch to allow you to rock as necessary, compression braking downhill, etc. Just a lot more fun and control. But just like driving a standard on the street for your first time, it takes some practice. That said, WHEEL THE 5 SPD!

 

I got a newer (2002) civic but essentially the same idea.

 

So after giving this some thought, here's what I'D do in you situation.
Sell that 96. Sell it and take the profits and buy a good 1st gen to SAS and mod for the trail.

Why have 2 4runners, so near in age, both "mildly modded???"

B a mostly-trail truck, do it with a 1st gen so you can GO TOPLESS!!!

Just my friendly opinion.

Got the '85 to my local shop so hopefully it will be inspected and ready to go by Monday. The mechanic there was gushing about how damn sweet it is.

 

You'll know when the engine speed increases and your speed doesn't.

Awesome buy BTW. I barely missed a 96 like that one with 102K miles for $7K.