Speedy Auto > Car Tech > 4x4 > Suspension Brakes

The $4K 4Runner: Part 1 - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

Harry Wagner Contributor

Toyotas have a reputation for being tough and reliable, and they command a premium price as a result. Our newest project, the $4K 4Runner, is the exception. Its torsion-bar front suspension and bloated body make it less than ideal for trail use. But this Toyota only cost us $1,000 since it came with a blown head gasket when we bought it. This is a common problem on these 3VE 3.0L engines, which has earned them the nickname 3.slow. A few clicks on RockAuto.com and we had the parts we needed to replace the head gaskets and were back on the road for another $800. Not a bad initial investment for a clean wheeling rig, but we still aren’t going to try and make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

the 4k 4runner Part 1 toyota 4runner Front Three Quarter Photo 43226680

Once we got the 4Runner running the first order of business was to gain a little chassis clearance without breaking the bank.

Why call it the $4K 4Runner? The goal is to make this Toyota more capable on the trail without sacrificing road manners, and to do it with a budget of $4,000 for aftermarket modifications. That means we don’t have the cash for a solid axle swap right now, and we don’t want to invest a bunch of money into IFS lift either, knowing that it will likely get cut off in the future. So we used a variety of products that moderately boost the 4Runner to make enough room for 33-inch tires without breaking the bank.

PhotosView Slideshow The rear suspension uses coil springs and a four-link with a Panhard bar. We added Daystar 11⁄2-inch polyurethane spacers to the top of our factory coils. This retains the original ride and provides a modest boost in height without concern about driveline angles or longer brake lines.

The rear suspension uses coil springs and a four-link with a Panhard bar. We added Daystar 11⁄2-inch polyurethane spacers to the top of our factory coils. This retains the original ride and provides a modest boost in height without concern about driveline angles or longer brake lines.

Why go with premium Rancho RS9000XL shocks if we are on a budget? In our experience shocks are not one place you want to save money, and the RS9000XLs are packed with features like a big 23⁄4-inch nitrogen-charged gas body to resist fade and the ability to adjust the shocks to your preferences.

Unlike some vehicles where the upper ball joint presses in to the A-arm, our Toyota has a bolt-on ball joint. 4Crawler Offroad makes machined aluminum ball joint spacers that effectively make the knuckle taller, increasing the ride height without cranking the torsion bars.

Fitting the 4Crawler ball joint spacer requires the upper control arm to be trimmed. We did this on the vehicle with a cutoff wheel, but it would be easier and cleaner if you removed the arm and used a plasma torch.

Adding the ball joint spacers threw the camber way off on our front end. A quick trip to Sunshine Service resolved the issue, but remember to include the price of an alignment in your budget.

4Crawler makes 1-inch body lifts for everything from Toyota 4Runners to Dodge Raiders. They will even make custom body lifts for your oddball application. The 1-inch lift provides extra tire clearance without harming radiator-to-fan alignment or steering shaft clearances like taller body lifts can.

In order to fit the 33-inch BFGs without rubbing we had to trim the rear of the front fender and hammer the pinch seam flat at the back of the wheelwell. This modification was easy and free!

Samco Fabrication mounted up the new 33x10.5R15 BFGoodrich All-Terrains for us. The crew at Samco has been desert racing on BFGs for years with several victories to show for it.

We could have gone with a less expensive tire, but there are very few options in 33x10.50. Using a more common 33x12.50 tire would open up options but also add the expense of new rims.

4Crawler offers bumper and radiator relocation brackets, but the cooling fan still clears the shroud with the 1-inch body lift. We have other plans for the front bumper.

Stage 1 of our $4K 4Runner is complete. We have more ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles without breaking the bank. The 3.slow is even more gutless now though. Improved gearing and added traction are up next.

Part Price
4Crawler 1-Inch Body Lift: 78
4Crawler Ball Joint Spacers: 99
Daystar Low Profile Bump Stops (3 pair): 27
Daystar Rear Coil Spacer: 85
Rancho RS90000XL Shocks: 445
BFGoodrich 33x10.5R15 Tires (5): 745
Samco Fabrication Tire Mounting and Balancing: 50
Sunshine Service Alignment: 99
Total: 1628

the 4k 4runner Part 1 matching Spare Tire Photo 43226695

Don’t be the guy driving around with big ol’ mudders and a dinky donut for a spare. Even with our tight budget we sprung for a fullsize, matching spare tire, and it fits in the stock location under the body.

Measuring Up
Approach Angle (°) Departure Angle (°) Ground Clearance (at rear diff, in) Before 42 27 9.25 After 52 35 10.50

Body Chassis Transmission Drivetrain Electrical Engine Suspension Brakes Wheels Tires Tech QA

The $4K 4Runner: Part 1 - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

You Might Also Like

DON'T MISS