So recently I was placed into a strange position. I was given a 95 4runner sr5 from my older sister who no longer wants to try and fix its issues. Its got 254k on it with 100k on the replaced engine. hardly starts, we think its a alarm issue because the 20yr old alarm is failing. once i rip that out for sure ill know if that was it. It hops out of first like crazy, already replaced seat and bushing im now replacing the tranny. (250 at local big name wrecking yard with 118k on it) and there are some minor leaks here and there that need looked at. Sounds great and all right? Well here is my strange position.

I have about 2500 to play with. Before I got the runner I had planned on lifting my Single cab 88 pickup. I was going to add 5.29s to it, 35's and a rough country suspension lift. well now that I have the 4runner I have the option of putting some money into it as well. So my thoughts...

4runner needs around 300 to make it run again.
it also had sat for a while and the tires are extremely weather checked like you could fit a key into some of the cracks in the tread.

so do i put the 2313 into my truck and do the lift gears and tires?

the other option is

2" BL on my truck $100
32x11.5 wrangler MTr $704 for set after rebate
rear auto locker around $600

then add the same tires to the 4runner and be total investment of $2108

I guess the real question is would my truck do ok out in the woods ( im not a major wheeler, just like to have a good time if im out hunting or bored) with 32s and a locker in the rear or is it worth saving some money and lifting and regearing for 35s without the locker?

im a very scatter brained person i hope this post makes sense.

and to clarify, the reason i want lockers and or a lift is so im not as scared to take some of the hairy trails ive passed up on while hunting, but also I want it to look nicer than the stock truck it is now and id like to be able to play in the mud, I do live in the pacific north west so weve got lots of woods and mud to play in.

 

Sounds like your planning on keeping both. I got rid of my extended cab truck for a 4Runner because I needed more room inside, plus having a vehicle that seats 4 people.
Do you have the income to support mods on 2 vehicles? I sure don't, most of my projects are very very slowly coming together.

 

$300 to get the 95 Running? If it is a V6 it could cost signifcantly more.

 

the engine is sound runs great, just need the tranny and fluids. i could drive ir tight now if i didnt use first gear.. she took it in regularly for maintenance. like i said engine is strong

 

I don't really plan on adding to much the the 4runner, its just a family rig for me when its all up and running. Ill hunt in it sure, but not as much as my truck, only when Im going with more than one other person. We have 2 dogs and 3 kids so when the wife takes her car Im stranded at home with the kids until now!

The 4runner will get things like a roof rack and other cosmetic items but as far as wheeling it is concerned not so much, Again I will take it offroad but not enough to lift and add a bunch, Ill get the mud tires because I like the look for it and the Wrangler MTr say they handle decent on road, more so than some other MT tires

to answer the income question, No. however I may be getting a settlement within the next year so at that time I can redo some things or add better things later, but its not a guarantee

 

I say just pick one or the other and build it accordingly. Stuff adds up quick working on vehicles

 

you think my truck with 32s as ive laid out my plans, would be a sufficient trail rig for my needs? cause I WANT 35s and a 4 inch lift but Im not sure they would help me that much more than say 32s and a rear locker... damn this truck upgrading thing is confusing and expensive...

 

Skip the 4inch lift and 35's on the IFS. A rear locker and 32's will be very capable. But can you live with a regular cab? I couldn't even have a full size regular cab truck as much stuff as I carry

 

Ya, Its a little tight and the guns get crammed in the back but a regular cab is fine for what it has been. My daily driver/hunting rig. I fish a lot and it works for hauling rods around. Ive got a tool box on it that houses all my essentials. Im glad I asked here cause Ive been debating what i was gonna do. Now I can have my truck look good and function good, and have the 4runner some new tires and a transmission. all for about what I was gonna put just into mine.

BTW, I just turned 24 and Its been a dream of mine to own a lifted toyota on 35s since I can remember, but practically, this makes more sense.

 

I'll also point out I would buy a winch and some way of mounting it before I bought a locker. Especially if you go off road by yourself.

 

Thats a very good point, that is one thing ill be adding to both vehicles eventually. Im glad you mentioned the idea of adding it before the locker.

 

4:56 gears a locker and good 32's plus a winch and sliders will do everything you need for most trails and most hunting. But the same mods in a 4runner will work great and good for kids and dogs. I'm selling my pickup in exchange for a 4runner. Wife dogs and kid on the way