What to do? build or buy??

andrewhove

New Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Durham
Ok I have a 88 4runner and am at a crossroads in my build.... To sell and buy a more built rig or to keep building is the question.
I bought the 4runner and have done a good bit of work getting it to drive better/ removing rust etc.... I have wheeled the rig a good bit with 31's but it has its limitations unlocked and IFS...Eventually I would like the rig to be Solid axle, locked, with 33-35 in tire or so. with a winch bumper and some basic protection. Nothing too big it has to remain my daily driver.....
So what is the best way to get to that point??? I am a poor college student so every bit helps.
Guess my 2 options are
1. Keep my rig and slowly SAS it and work on it while scrounging up used parts cheaply....Thinking maybe since I am just building a fairly mild rig I cold do it fairly cheaply and have the experience and pride from building it from stock
2. Try to sell my rig and buy a more built SAS'd rig or 85 and work from there.... thinking it would be cheaper and faster just to buy one but I might always have to go fix a previous owners mishaps.
I have really enjoyed working with members on here and my dad to learn more and start building my Runner, so the experience of building it is certainly worth something. Since I am fairly new to this and know many of you have far more wisdom in the area than I do I thought I would ask your guys opinion.
and Thank you to all on the board who have helped me out especially to John (JC) Chase and Jon at ECGS, and my dad who have taught me so much and made me catch the bug. I have really enjoyed learning and am immensely grateful for the time and effort you have spent teaching me. Merry Christmas!!!!
 
Poor College kid = Do nothing, keep wheeling as is. Possibly add winch, rear locker etc.. Otherwise keep it as is and focus on SCHOOL ! When you graduate you will have $ to spend on mods.
 
keep ur truck. build it slowly as you go through college. You will learn more as you go. Then when you graduate, start a new project and go all out on it.

;)
 
thanks guys... I was leaning that way to begin with... I do work so I'm not completely broke... Saving up and building slowly is probably the wisest thing to do
 
The knowledge and satisfaction of building the rig you have now will be priceless to you in the future. Buying someone else's junk is never a good idea unless you know the rig and PO well, will slow the whole process down in the long run and probably end up costing more. Keep the one you have, keep streetable 31" tires on it, put a locker or two in it and have fun while you're getting your degree!
 
Keep your rig, in your postion I'd go about it in this order....
1. Lockrite the rear
2. Good mud tires
3. Winch
4. sas...YOU can wheel an IFS(granted they not the strongest in the world but you can learn to be a more graceful driver rather than an "over build it, point and shoot" guy..I fall into this area myself.

Best advise I beleive you are already onto...Find a few or group of people that have been there and done it(JC is like the NC4x4 pawpaw, full of knowledge and helps EVERYONE that asks for it). Need any help or want to stop by and watch/help on my buggy build to gain shop time, then pm me. My shop is always open to someone wanting to learn.
Disclosure: I'm not saying I'm the best at anything, just willing to help in anyway.
 
I have a mildly built SASd pickup that Im getting rid of for an IFS 4runner. Believe me, it is far more fun to take a "less capable" rig somewhere where than just being able to ride a built rig. You will gain more driving skills, as well as knowing everything about your ride. Keep your runner and play.
 
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