I'm very happy to say I got another 3rd gen.

After making a big mistake and selling my beautiful 1996 4x4 SR5 with everything I ever wanted on it, I started to instantly miss it. I got a 1994 22re pickup and I just didn't jive with it.

So today, I got myself a new (for me) 1997 4x4 Limited with a locker! 165k miles, not too bad. But the price was right. New tires, looks like a new cat, O2 sensors and a new ignition coil. Leather seats (not too sure about them).

My plans are a very mild OME lift, 285's and thats about it. The auto tranny fluid smelled and looked good but I did notice a few times it clunking when shifting. I drove it home 150 miles and it did it twice. I hope its not something serious. Probably going to flush tranny fluid soon.

On to the pix. Yes, yes, yes... running boards will be off this weekend

 

why is it that I had a feeling this was gonna happen
Congrats...Let the build begin
at least you have a set of directions in your old build thread

 

Nice truck man! Glad to see your back in this section!

 

That is super clean looking too! Nice work!

 

I was really looking at your old one when you were selling it but I had no money. At least now you get to start from scratch and do everything with some good perspective. Good luck with it and enjoy the ride.

 

Thanks guys, Its good to be "back". I love the 3rd gens.

It was actually between a 4runner and FZJ-80. I preferred the gas mileage over the F/R lockers.. heh. Plus I trust the 3.4L more.

Hey Scuba one of these days you'll have to show me some of the "good" trails around here. I get stuck in Anza Borrego too much.

Anyone want a sweet red 22re pickup? I've got about 15 emails in 1 day about it, no buyers yet.

 

I was about to comment on how good the paint looked and then it all made sense after seeing the Cali plates. Looks good.

 

Yeah so I guess I have to start searching. New vehicles, new questions.

This one has a few jerky gear shifts. 200 miles driven yesterday and it did it about 2-3 times. Enough to make me pray that it will be fixed with a transmission flush, or pray that it never had the strawberry milkshake... !!

 

Weak shift solenoids in the tranny?

 

Yeah I'm looking through the FSM on where to test the resistance of them, can't find it... I assume you don't have to drop the pan for it..

Luckily it looks like it has the original radiator, and the fluid looks OK, not new or anything. As in, I dont think it had a milkshake. I will definetly be adding an aux cooler here soon.

 

I believe the pan and possibly the filter needs to be dropped to get to them. Have you checked for a stored code that may not be firing the CEL?

 

Ill do that today, thanks!

 

Congrats on the new purchase. I just picked up another 97 limited with locker myself after selling my Supercharged 2000 sport and regretting every minute of it. Glad to be back in a runner!

 

Pretty damn glad you got a 3rd gen again dude, can't wait to see how it turns out. Your old build will always be one of my favorites and definitely one of the main inspirations to get my truck to where it is now.

 

welcome back to the dark side!

why arent you gonna go the same route you did with your 96?

 

It's never done. You mod it until you die or sell it. Now you know which one is your choice.

:wabbit2:

 

So very true!

This time though, no 6" DB lift I'd be stoked on throwing a solid front axle underneath eventually (probbaly not), but keep it low. I want something that will fly under the radar when going to Baja. Too big and mean creates too much unwanted attention down there.

 

Your old truck was BA man. New one is cool also. Don't you have to have some big balls to go down to Mexico these days? I went to TJ and Rosarito Mexico with some buddies while I was in SD one time about 3 years ago and will never go back. Seems like a cool place but to shady and corrupt.

 

Did you sell the pickup yet? PM me the details if not please. thx.

 

Rich: Yes, TJ and Rosarito are sketchy these days. They always have been but the government has lost power to the cartels. I don't hang out there. I don't stop til about 100 miles south of the border. I drive about 400-500 miles south to spend my time. Real Baja doesn't start until after Ensenada. It is my favorite place in the world. Miles and miles of desert, untouched coastline, awesome fishing and surfing.

Brian: I sold the truck. 1 day on craigslist: 16 emails.