I have been looking to get a new vehicle for a long time. I finally decided and SUV is the route for me, and then get a project car to work on in a few years. I want my primary vehicle to be reliable, but still have some fun. I figured it would be more fun to do 4 wheeling in an SUV than try to make it obscenely fast. Now, I have very little off-roading experience, just being in the trucks with my friends. Right now I am looking at a '99 limited, but from what I read on consumer reports, it has all-time 4WD engaged (whereas others you have to select into 4 by). From my limited experience, you wanted to do most of your mudding (which is what I would do, no rock crawling) in 2wd and then use 4x4 to get out when you were stuck. Am I wrong on this?

If I do go ahead and get a 4Runner, what would be the necessary modifications? I am guessing suspension/wheel&tire would be first, then maybe the extra battery for winch, brush guard, skid plate, etc? Any power mods really needed? I hear a super charger is available, but I am guessing that causes potential transmission problems? Would the new toyota 4.0 be a doable engine swap?

Well, I got an 01 SR5 today. Has leather and sunroof (the reason I was looking at the limited). 62,000 miles, feel like I got a good deal on it. $17,500 with them matching my trade in what I was doing down ($3500 down $3500 trade-in, which I felt was a great deal since I didn't feel my trade in, a 91 Q with 150k on it and all sorts of problems was worth more than $1000). I will probably end up paying off full amount before first payment is due, but this way they gave me a free 12/12000 powertrain warranty. Color is green.

Now I need to get my subs hooked up in there, and check out what options I have for speakers. Anyways, hopefully by May I will have this ready to go for some 4 bying upgrades.

Here are some links to get you started on 4Runners:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/

http://www.gadgetonline.com/4run.htm

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=173918

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/index.shtml


http://www.trailslesstraveled.com/

http://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech/techpage.htm