Hey, yeah..... I mean, isn't there a HUGELY popular thread that's titled something like "What things do you hate about your toyota?".... what that REALLY means, in Toyota-Translation, is, ..."Dude, if my truck didn't leak, blow CV's, have a Seat belt problem, bog on hills, backfire, smoke like a rack of ribs, have a window that didn't roll down, have pinion seals leaking, have .......well, about 300 more things wrong with it.... I just don't think I'd like it!" hahaha. Actually, I TOTALLY understand what you're saying, Z! And really, it's funny how when I fix 20 things, and all the sudden it's REALLY quiet, hardly any squeaks, ...SUDDENLY, the MUCH MORE TINY squeak or two that arise bug me more than any of the other stuff that was falling apart/off, hahaha.

Strange Disease/Condition, this "Toyotamaniaticulitus!"

I can't wait to see your decision, A-rod! lol. Let us know, soon, k? lol.

 

I've already decided a long time ago (about a year) But i may or may not let the cat out of the bag. This thread was to really see how others would do it if money wasn't an issue. The end result of what i've decided is still the same it's just about the process and who enjoys it. oh and "Toyotamaniaticulitus!" is funny as hell.

 

I hear ya, lol... And glad you like it lol.

 

Someone's holding out on us...

 

Yes, ....I see that's not to be pried out of him, now... grrrr! lol.

 

He's gonna build it...

 

Honestly not holding out as the thread was not intended to be a prelude to what i have up my sleeve but Just to get some discussion going. With all the views the thread has i'm surprised more have yet to chime in with their opinions.

So here's some more factors to consider and i'll try to lay devil's advocate here and be on both sides.
Built.
You built it. It takes a lot more work than most realize. We're talking motor, transmission, transfer case, axles, suspension, Its a process i've been through. It's a fun road but not with out it's trials and tribulations. We all know it sucks when something you tried or did doesn't really work out or turns out to be waaay more of a pain in the butt than expected. Man, have i been there. This on the other hand can be one hell of a plus in my opinion. The lemon-aid is that much sweeter when it's a tough lemon to squeeze.
bought.
Don't forget money isn't an issue here. It's done. No busted knockles. no tough days. It's done and done right and you know it. With out a shadow of a doubt you know it's done proper. Sure , it could break but not at the fault of the builder here. The bought option would be point and shoot. Lemon-aid tastes pretty damn good when it's being served to you.

Think of it this way. If you lost your rig today. Lets just say chef's beautiful 4runner was (God forbid) sucked up in the fault line of an earth quake. Gone nadda no getting it back. We all know what he's been through with that rig. The next few days you have the option of starting over, finding a new 4runner, doing it again and looking at the road before you that you have traveled before. Or you decide that you want some one that's is much more capable travel that road for you and you get the end result same as if you built it if not better.
For those of you that read through this thread and wonder why i'm asking such questions. Search for RIP mightymouse and read the thread to get an idea of what i'm talking bout.

 

I retract my previous statement.

 

Build it. More pride when you built it. Then you also know your rig

 

I am so there right now.....and I like it!

 

Oh, I get what you're talking about, A-Dawg! lol. Listen, .... like I said, ...if I saw a cherry truck(which I actually did, recently), like a 79 Landcruiser, completely restored but NOT ridiculous, with straight 6, completely gone through and restored suspension, new trans and motor rebuilt-w/guarantees, full set of gears, dual cases, 32x11.50 MT BFG's, nearly brand new Winch, Warn Custom Bumper(not the huge ones).... painted, ...JUST CHERRY, and the guy wants 6500$..... That's not worth it, because it's not something I built? I wouldn't enjoy driving it as much? Hmmm, maybe not QUITE as much... if you mean that lil voice in the back of my mind that's saying, "Hmmm, it's just that much sweeter, the lemonade, when I've squeezed the lemons"... MAYBE! lol. I've worked hard my whole life, always had a project or two, hobby or three... and I would have NO PROBLEM, whatsoever, buying a ready to go rig. I would neither have a problem having a SERIOUS pro like Scotty, take my rig, after a bad roll or something, and turn it into a "MiniMe Addicted Monster from hell" for me! lol. But, ...you can bet, in the mean time, ...I would have another "TOY" or hot rod project going at the same time! lol. I mean hey, it would free up time for me to do something else, and I'd enjoy it again MUCH quicker than if I did it myself.

I love that you did this thread, Aaron... it's a VERY common topic.... And many people instinctively say, "Building it is just better!" ... I agree, .....it's more 'satisfying', in many ways.. But if I wanted a 2012 IS-FC..... I would just go buy it! lol. Many of us would.... So I just don't see why there can't be a correlation on the '4WD' side? lol.

Funny, .... two days ago, while cruising through Wilmington... This hispanic guy had turned a beautiful 83 4WD into a Hawaiian balloon tired, 22" Spoke rimed(WTH? LOL)velour interiored nightmare! ....In my opinion, of course, ...not his, lol. On the back it said, "Built not Bought",...that famous sticker. The same day, when picking up seats, I met a guy with an 88 xtra cab, 3.4, SAS'd BEAUTIFUL beast.... On the back, it said, "Built by Rocky Road!" ..... It's a Custom 4WD place here in CA, ...not related to the guys who take 18 weeks to get you shocks from ARB, ..IF YOU'RE LUCKY, 18 WEEKS! hahaha. He went ON AND ON about all the gizmos and gadgets this thing had.... OBA, Dual Batteries, flex from hell.... And this guy BUILDS AND REPAIRS AND MOD'S CARS.... He had NO PROBLEM having one made for himself... and looking at that thing.. I wouldn't have either! lol.

If I bought a truck like that 88...that could wheel through/over ANYTHING, very nice looking while doing it..... and someone said, "Nice rig you BOUGHT there, lame!" ... Well, I'd driver over their hood, roof, down the back and say, "I KNOW, ISN'T IT?" HAHAHA, jk... you all know I wouldn't :shh:

I'm looking for an 85 4Runner SR5, EFI, ...have been for a longgggg time, ....one that's worth it, anyway. Well, ....If I find one that's 3500$ and IMMACULATE(other than paint or something),.. ready to roll... i aint passin it up because it would be sweeter to build! lol. However, ...if I find one, minus motor, rolling chassis/ready to go drivetrain needing a lil work for 800-1000$???? Yeah..... LIKE A WET BLANKET, I'm on that! I LOVE the SAS'd rigs... but I just would rather have one that rolled off the floor with it, then build up a lil from there. That's ok, right? hahahaha. I was ONE CLICK AWAY from starting my SAS, remember? lol. I just wanna keep her mostly stock, for personal reasons. I WILL find an 85,.... WATCH ME! lol. Until then, I will continue to fix whatever goes wrong with mine, on my own, ...and I mean ANYTHING that goes wrong! How funny, 2 years ago, I would probably not have said something like that <<<< ! lol.

I guess you could say that I love it, either way... and I'd be ECSTATIC for you if you rolled up on the screen here with a sweet arse decked out ride by "!Q$%!$#^" ! hahaha.

 

Just to toss out another option, IF money was no issue I would do research come up with an idea and then hire a "private professional contractor" to help me with ideas and fabbing and stuff. Then you get the best of both worlds. It would be like having a personal trainer for your rig. But I think I have a loooooong way to go before money is an issue. I just try to enjoy where I'm at.

 

OK mouse, now that pics are up of your new rig (sweet!), you gonna tell us the story? Built or bought?

 

I'll never tell. I wanted to leave it up to speculation. You're pretty smart though. i'd bet you can draw some safe conclusions by what i've posted, time lines, and circumstances. I'm probably not going to even post up the specs on this rig either as i'd like to keep it to myself. Come on over to Missouri and get some wheeling time in and i'll fill you in on all the little details.

 

I think ya bought it.

I would have done the same after what you went through.

 

I knew when I read those first 3 words of yours, it rang a bell.........

 

Buy buy buy!

Money is no object... and I can't really do anything but bolt things on because I don't have the skills, equipment, or a place to do the work and probably never will. So I'd be hard pressed to do anything but pay someone else to do most of the work.

 

Haha, yeah, I have a guess, but it would seem it's not my business. No matter, you're happy with it, and you've got an awesome rig. Must feel great to be back in a built 4x4!

Really wish I could take you up on your offer, and maybe catch a home game of my beloved Rams while I'm down there! Unfortunately, I don't think it's in the cards.

 

The feeling of being back in a 4x4 is unmistakable and feels right. It's been far too long and yes i've missed it. If you're ever in stl hit me up regardless if it's for wheeling or not.

 

Chef, your funnay.