1999 Toyota 4Runner Project “RADRUNNER”

[KingJew_1902]

Figured id post up my project.

I originally had planned on getting a sandrail but we don't have storage for an open car and we needed a 5 seater to fit my 3 kids.

My wife always had a liking for 4runners and Im a ford guy but I knew toyota had a decent record in the offroad scene. So we agreed to build a 4runner for Ocotillo wells.

I park it in my driveway which solved the storage problem and the wife was happy so it all worked out.

Dec 2020 I picked up a 1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4 V6 4X4 for $4600


Literally as soon as we got it home, it started blowing white smoke. It sucked but I saw it as an opportunity to rebuild the entire engine and have a fresh start for future trips.

I had a local engine shop Eagle Eye Engine Rebulders who were referred to me by a few people do the overhaul.


Once the rebuild was completed I got her back home and started tearing into her. Pulled the fender trim, hitch spare tire, side steps, mud flaps etc

 

[KingJew_1902]

I started researching parts and LT kits and started spending money.

Parts list:
New motor mounts
New OEM steering rack
New OEM lower ball joints
New radiator and hoses
New starter
New battery
New OEM knock sensors
New catalytic converter
New O2 sensors
New front rotors and pads
New Brake booster
Extended brake
McNeil Racing +4” fiberglass front fenders
5 New Falken at3w tires 315/75R16
4 Pro comp wheels 16x8 (used)
1 New Pro comp Spare wheel
BTF +4.5” long travel kit
King 2.5x8” C/O’s w/ adjusters thru BTF
4 King 2x2 bumpstops
King 2.5x12” C/O’s
Total Chaos Splindle gussets
Total Chaos double shear gussets
Eimkeith shock tower reinforcement
333 fab cam eliminators
Scarab offroad washer fluid tank relocation kit
F150 gas tank
Nguyen works rear bumper
Yukon 4.88 gears
Limit straps
Anti-Rock rear sway bar

And then waited impatiently for multiple weeks for parts to arrive.

When they did arrive it was like Christmas.








Now the fun begins

 

[KingJew_1902]

Update 12/6

So once parts were in hand in was time for hovercraft mode


Didnt get many photos but the assembly of the front kit went smooth.




Once the front was assembled. I scheduled an appt with westfab for the front bumper.


Its not perfect but it serves its purpose

 

[the bodj]

Dude yes! It's so nice having a build and starting with all the parts. It makes building go so much faster and smoother.

 

[KingJew_1902]

I initially went with old man emu rear springs and Rancho shocks to at least get the tires on and driving but once Brandon at Arcadia Offroad had an opening I jumped at the chance to start the shortcourse style 4 link

He got it on a lift and tore it apart. Got rid of the oe gas tank, oe suspension, mounts and started fabbing a kit



Fit and plumbed the F150 tank

Cut thru the wheel wells and built shock hoops up into the cab

 

[KingJew_1902]

Continued


Used the oe rear end to keep my speedo, and parking brake. It also kept the cost down.


Also added a high clearance bumper from Nguyen Works

It was time to seal the cab as best as possible, so it was time for fiberglass



Once the 2 pc covers were finished I siliconed and riveted the lower covers into place and the top covers are pressure fit into place.

 

[KingJew_1902]

I reached out to Tanner at TKO and scheduled some fab time to weld the emkeith, total chaos reinforcements and mount the shock resi’s and bumpstops.

installed the new steering rack and had Precision alignment in Temecula perform the alignment.

 

[KingJew_1902]

Got the tailgate and fiberglass painted

 

[KingJew_1902]

Oct 2022 i had Dialed Shock Prep revalve, freshen up the suspension and rerouted the resi hoses in the rear for better flow.

I also added a spare, harbor freight jack with DMZ jack skid and small portable compressor all tucked between the seats and tire.


From Dec 2020 to Feb 2023 all these stages of the build were completed.

First real shake down trip was Thanksgiving 2023 in Ocotillo Wells.

I had some over heating issues that im currently in the process of fixing. Clutch fan went out on me.

If i wasnt to hard on the gas it didnt overheat so we took it fairly easy.
Heres a couple photos from camp.




Overall the truck felt great. Next trip will be presidents in Feb. heating issue should be resolved.

Next step is roll cage, seats and harnesses.

 

[Hansoloo]

How hard was it to get that f150 tank in there? I'm planning on a 3 link/panhard setup right now but I would for sure rather go 4 link if the f150 tank isn't too bad.

 

[KingJew_1902]

How hard was it to get that f150 tank in there? I'm planning on a 3 link/panhard setup right now but I would for sure rather go 4 link if the f150 tank isn't too bad.

Cut out the spare tire cross member. Build some mounts for the tank straps and it fits like a glove. The tank is only 19 ga capacity similar to oe cap. I would like to move to the jeepspeed fuel cell in the future for more capacity

 

[Dunenit]

madd 4runners