Hey guys, I feel like I need to make a re-introduction here. I started on YT in 2005 and shortly after bought a 1988 4Runner (which I still own) and dived deep into early IFS and 22RE stuff. That truck saw an engine rebuild, 4.7 kit, Chevy 63 swap, etc. It has been a ton of fun to build, wheel, and drive to work. I owe the YT community big thanks for a decade of technical help and inspiration.

Times have changed and four doors and airbags are now a requirement. But I really wanted to retain my original spirit of the early days with the 1988, so I searched hard for a 4 banger, 5 speed, 4WD combo. What turned up was a one-owner 1999 base model, a mere 900 mile drive away. So after a plane ride, a long day, a long night, and a wash & wax here it sits in all its bone-stock glory (corner blanked out to protect innocent bystanders):





My plans are to keep it pretty stock for now and start planning for future upgrades So far I am enjoying learning about all things 3rd-Gen and will post up progress and questions in this thread. Thanks for reading!

 

Looks like a real nice start! Will have to keep track of what you end doing with it.

 

Thanks, Hab! I already found your build thread and bookmarked it for future reference

Initial list of stuff to do:
- Add a bug deflector (a moustache)
- Fix the quartz clock
- Change all gear lubes

Should keep me busy for a little while anyway.

 

You'll be happy that its got OBD-2

Makes life a lot easier sometimes.

 

You've prolly heard about ball joints on the 3rd gen and I see you've already figured out about the clock.

 

I've heard they are known to cause problems, but I don't know precisely what to look for regarding the lower ball joints.

 

Search lower ball joint failure to get a good idea. The oe joints usually last 150,000+ miles but the way they fail is not so great. When it's time recommend oem and most definitely absolutely no way ever Moog. Don't forget new bolts.
3rd gens are great long-lasting reliable little beasties, just need some love and care like everything else.

 

Anyone have a tip for lubricating the clutch fork pivot inside the bellhousing? The dealer put a clutch in this truck ~30k ago and apparently did not lube it since it creaks. Note -- it's not the clutch pedal, already been through it and removed the goofy torsion spring.

 

What are preferred options for shocks for a stock suspension? Does OME make anything that is a standard ride height?

 

In my quest to supe up my base model 4Runner, my first accessory upgrade was to find a set of sun visors with the passenger vanity light. No harness on mine, so I tapped into the power for the map light and drilled/tapped a ground. And it works, woo hoo!

 

A gentleman on Craigslist gave me a good deal on a set of black SR5 fender flares. I think that my running boards will be coming off and these will be going on, after adding the rubber trim as per this writeup: http://www.top4runners.com/ja/flaretrim.html



The guy gave me a big bag of parts as well... I guess I really only need the 10mm headed screws (top right) and none of the other crap, right?

 

Those clips in the top left hold the flares to the rear door. Hang on to those.