93 SAS T4R build

Wanted to start this, as I plan on keeping the vehicle around for a long long time. Picked up that 93 T4r from the second owner, who had purchased it about a year ago from the original owner. Picked it up in September 2022 outside of Asheville, NC
Heres the day I picked it up. here's a quick rundown of it:


1993 Toyota 4 runner

Drivetrain
factory 22re/ 5 speed truck, with reman engine and a LCE header
PO swapped a w56/RF1A gear driven t case
SAS with mini truck axle with a HP 3rd
5.29s with ARB's F/R
Custom Alcan front springs, Coil spring rear with FJ80 lift coils
ARB front bumper with warn M8000 winch
Custom Iron Pig rear bumper and tire carrier
Trail Gear Sliders
on worn out 35 Falken Mts


I got it for a smoking deal for all the parts and fab work already done. I purchased it knowing it needed a clutch, so I threw in a stock replacement LUK clutch, some new 35/12.50/15 Falken Mts and went ahead and did a rear main and oil pan gasket while I was in there.


Once that was completed, took it out for its maiden run at URE and definelty found things to improve on.


The whole goal of this thing is a capable wheeler, that can be driven to and from the trails reliably and comfortably. Most trails are 4+ hours away, and Im a broke college kid that can't afford a tow rig right now.

So after the URE shakedown, I realized it needed t-case gears badly, and the Trans was making a lot of noise. So I pulled the trans and t-case out and rebuilt both.


Put in some Marlin comp 23 spline 4.7 gears, all new bearings and seals as well. Rebuilt the W56 and put a 21-23 spline adapter in it for the T-Case. Also put FROR transfer case mount and skid plate, and as Skys Offroad T-Case E brake ( which I don't recommend ). Had to modify the mounting bracket for the crossmember, but Im happy with the way it turned out.


After that just messed around with some random things that the PO didn't finish with the trans swap, such a reverse lights and shifter position. Also through on some Marlin Diff covers in the meantime.

This was about January 2023, and had a trip to Windrock Park at the end of the month.
Did great, decently needed to be lowered and the tire carrier removed, had a very light front end the whole trip. But besides that preformed great and can't wait to get back there.


Ran trail 15, 46, and 16, started around 9am and didn't get back to camp until 10, super slick and lots of winching.


Decided to build my own gear plate since no one makes one for a 2nd gen. and I wanted to move the spare inside to get rid of all the weight hanging off the rear bumper.

Eventually want to build a better storage system , but that's down the road.
Also installed a Led lighting kit for the engine bay, as well as 10 cheap Amazon rock lights I've had layin around. turned out pretty well.


That brings us up to today. Have a trip planned next weekend to URE, and some bigger trips planned this summer. After this trip Im planning on gettin g this thing a couple inches lower for better stability, as its way too tall for hardcore trails.

Let me know if y'all have an questions, Ill update again after the trip.

 

URE trip went well, saw a ton of land cruisers that were down there for the Carolina Relic Run. Wheeled Saturday and Saturday night. 4runner ran great down there, got 18mpg from Boone to URE, and made it back home with no problems. Excited for the next trip out, but have some mods planned before the.



Needs another leaf removed in the front, and raise the bump stops as I was riding them all weekend. Need to lower the rear bumper, and re-attach the spare tire in the trunk.






Buddies stock FJ on 265/70/17 with a broken E locker, it just works, ran everything but front side of Daniel. It rips for what it is.



Needs before next trip:
Lower the vehicle and move up front bump stops
re-attach rear tire/ modify mount
purchase/make CO2 tank mount
add kickout hoops to rear bumper
figure out rear D-shaft vibe/or get a cv rear driveshaft

Finally getting this thing figured out, excited to refine it and make it better for long trips.

 

This thread is due for another update. Was able to hit Good Evening Ranch in May and Kairos resort in July. 4 runner did great, definitely have some things to improve on. Didnt take many pics but can't wait to get back to GER, probably my favorite place I've ever wheeled at.
After the Kairos trip, I realized I desperately needed some help in the steering apartment. I got a Trailer hydro assist kit and modded the factory pump for now. I also added nymph wings to keep trees and rocks off off the rear quarter panels.

Really pleased on the progress I've had with this thing. Looking forward to our next big trip which is ATR at Windrock in September. Looking forward to explore some different trails that last trip. As far as mods, looking to build out a rear drawer system and get a rear driveshaft built also. Long term id like to start pricing together a doubler setup as a 22re and a single 4.7 is great, but I still would like a little lower gearing in the rocks. I also would like to leaf swap the rear with either chevy 63s or an all pro kit this winter to get rid of the 6'' lift coils and terrible geometry out back.