hey guys i'm the new guy,
I was recently passed down a 1990 4runner from my uncle and my dad said it would be a great project for me to work on while driving. I HAVE NO IDEA(I'm 16). I'm completely new to cars but only know the basics like jump starts and oil changes. I came to this forum to look for tips and help for making this stock suv better. I've always wanted to go muddin with my friends in my own car but i don't feel i have the knowledge for lifts and tire size and framework and stuff. What should i do? I can weld myself and replace parts but i don't know what. My dad is assisting but he's into high-speed racing cars more. Any help i'd be great-full. Recently got a job so money isn't to much of an issue as well. Live in Bellingham

 

Welcome! First thing is to get together with a local group and go wheel.. Learn what the truck is capable of as is.. Then start lookin at mods. I'd start with a rear locker and some sliders (search those key words) but make sure your with a group of people or at least one other rig for when you get stuck

 

Okay cool, now is the rear lock the thing that makes sure all power is distributed equally to all wheels or the thing that prohibits the 4runner from the saggin motion in the back?

 

its the power to the wheels but ya go out and get used to the rig get confidense and dont hit a mud hole fast and splash water over the hood lol

 

okay thanks guys, I probably will do exactly what you just said not to do. maybe worse?

 

You may be surprised at what that thing can do stock
Just try not to break anything until you have the knowledge and/or money to fix it
Then find your 4runners shortcomings and go from there

 

Alright guys I'm back and have finally taken the 4runner for a couple mud runs. Its been two days since and haven't washed a bit off (except the mud cake underneath with a pressure washer). Its practically stock still and I'm still looking for more to add-on which is what I'm counting on you guys for because I have no idea. I'm in Bellingham WA and its very wet here so mud is always around . Also are there any tips I should know about rooting in mud and water because I sort of just jumped in 4 wheel drive and plowed through. Hit a jump going 45 and got a few feet of air haha. Kinda hurt the people sitting in the rear haha. Otherwise I was just fishtailing and speeding through the trail avoiding logs. Please and thank-you.

 

.kjl..

 

Way to beat the piss outta that thing like a boss better start saving some money now... sounds like you're gonna need it. LMAO

I had a VW when I was 16... that thing caught major
air at least once a day.

 

Yeah, I think I bent a bar or something cause turning at low speeds is making the steering wheel shake very much. Back to the shop! should put a vid up soon of it getting some air.

 

Yep, you probably bent something. Take it easy on the Toyota... kid, unless you wanna blow $$$ and always have to fix it. Who knows you may have bent something beyond repair. Worst case scenario... you'll have a great platform for a crawler/wheeler.

 

Yeah I recently had an issue but I don't think I bent anything. I looked under and I'm waiting for my dad to get home and it looks like a couple things are disconnected that shouldn't be. Does anyone have a clear diagram of what it should look like underneath?

 

That thing will roll easier than you think too... you get crossed up jumping it and your going over along w/your friends in the back too, wear your seat belts and keep your hands inside the ride at all times!

 

Oh yeah seat belts are always on and I take it slow with passengers inside. I don't really plan on getting a lift anyway because of how easy it is to roll at high speeds.

 

Here's the right side:
[IMG][/IMG]

Then here's the left.


What are these? (caution, this person is mechanic savy, I will most likely google any non-known word in your answer.) And what should I do?

 

Nevermind I figured out it is a busted shock...great

 

looks like one of you cv boots are torn as well

 

It's called "Crawling" for a reason... if you want to jump it and do 50mph through the woods you should probably buy a quad.

At least it wasn't something worse...

 

Jumping is for dirtbikes!

 

haha this is awesome. where did you go wheeling, walker? 50 through those trails is lethal for sure hahaha cant wait to see whats next