No updates on the 4runner over the last month. There have been a lot of things going on and I've just been too tired to dig into the rear axle. We've got two sick geriatric cats one of which has spent some time in the kitty hospital, the dishwasher decided it was time to go out, a family member's ongoing cancer treatments, unstable stuff at work, etc. etc. Lots of stress and whatnot so I haven't had the energy to dig into the truck more.
I've been contemplating again if it might be time to get something more reliable and comfortable to drive that has at least a couple air bags and safety features. The last few years I've been working on the truck much more than wheeling it. I'd rather it be the reverse! I could go for the trailer approach with a tow pig and trailer to put the 4runner on but I've got nowhere to park a truck and trailer.
I'd like to have 35" or bigger tires, manual trans, lockers, and probably a dual t-case setup or at least a crawler gear. So if I stay with Toyota that limits me to a 1998 or later Tacoma. I think I would want to retain ABS which doesn't seem easy with a SAS setup. So probably long travel? Otherwise if there were an ABS solution for a SASed taco, then I would think a 3 link setup and a Dana 60 front axle would be pretty reasonable. At that point, then I could find a 2WD taco and throw an Atlas 4 speed t-case behind it for less than buying a 4x4 taco.
Beyond Toyota I guess there are Jeep Wranglers and the new Ford Bronco that would theoretically check all the boxes.
Since I live in California and don't see that changing anytime soon, whatever I hypothetically end up with will need to be Cali emissions compliant so ideally the truck is already registered in a county that does smog testing in Cali.
Whatever I would do, I know I don't have the skills or the time to do any welding or fab work. I'd need to hire a shop to build a truck or find a built truck that's actually good.
Mainly I just want something that works and that gets us out more often. I'm exhausted even thinking about finishing diagnosing and then fixing my 4runner. I know there are new and exciting things waiting to break after I get the vibration problem solved.