3rd Gen 4Runner Long Travel shakedown trip

Finally finished rebuilding the truck after our wreck in Moab! This was our first time getting it out to test the new BTF long travel kit with front and rear Kings. We haven't tuned them yet, so there is definitely room for improvement, but HOLY COW does the truck perform well. Whoop sections, suspension close-ups, and some jumps for fun. Enjoy!

[@73elperro]

Showing the 4runner was good,but showing the FAMILY TIME,was great. Great video,cheers.

[@1malikalik]

All the MONEY and MATERIAL STUFF IS WORTHLESS IF YOU DON'T HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO ENJOY AND SHARE IT WITH. Bro, I came here wanting to build my 3rd Gen 4runner but now am leaving here wanting to build a FAMILY 👪. VERY INSPIRING. Wish it was a lot longer.

[@Opt.Offroad]

Awesome man that means a lot and I appreciate you saying that. Family is everything!

[@seadragonadventures]

Gen 3 Runners ROCK

[@Opt.Offroad]

Andrew Baker 🤘🏼

[@PenRippyJr]

just got one couple days ago!! bone stock 4x4 5-speed v6 she’s a beast!!

[@oclopez7008]

Jump Looked like it landed on clouds 🤘👍

[@Opt.Offroad]

OC Lopez pretty much dude! I kept asking if I caught air because I couldn’t tell with how smooth it was 😂

[@oclopez7008]

@@Opt.Offroad yeah man looked super soft lol

[@Opt.Offroad]

OC Lopez yeah it’s actually too soft for fast desert stuff haha. Time to tune all four shocks

[@bhdproduction2007]

@@Opt.Offroad I was wondering do you have to use a front diff drop kit? Because I'm trying to lift my truck but don't know if I should get a diff drop kit. whats your suggestion? thank you much appreciated.

[@Opt.Offroad]

bhdproduction2007 hey man, I ran one for a little bit and didn’t notice a difference. I would lift the front up and let the suspension droop. Turn the steering all the way and spin the wheel to see if you’re getting any CV bind. If not, you don’t need a diff drop and you’re effectively worsening your front ground clearance for nothing. If you get bind then you might consider getting the diff drop 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@tomhaggerty487]

absolutely killer angles of the suspension underneath in action. Loved that. Really gives good perspective... I was like.... whaaaaaa

[@JesusGarcia-ow7pp]

As a single guy, living a single guy life. I look toward you and your family, and your rig. And I nod my head in approval we’ll done mister

[@artoflife101]

As great as the suspension might be, I bet what made you the happiest that day was that you were able to enjoy it all (the truck, the desert, etc.) *with* your family. Congratulations man 👍

[@merkinyall]

Memories like this last forever. Pure gold

[@qx4n9e1xp]

Beautiful Video. Beautiful Family. Beautiful Truck!

[@Opt.Offroad]

qxANGELxp 🍻

[@mailejordan7241]

when she tipped i started sobbing and i say that by absolutely zero exaggeration.

[@rudycorraudio9089]

Aaah,,,,,the stuff dreams are made of. What a great build,..definitely worth the effort. And the wait.

[@IamBuffal0]

This is what it's all about: taking your family and friends amazing places and feeling free.

[@Opt.Offroad]

IamBuffal0 heck yeah!!

[@anwaral-janabi1309]

Just amazing! Definitely worth all the time you’ve spent working on it, can’t wait for the next trip so I can join you guys!

[@Opt.Offroad]

Anwar Al-Janabi yeah man! Thanks again for your help on the project. Will you be at JB on the 20th?

[@anwaral-janabi1309]

Opt Offroad - Jason of course it was my pleasure! Hopefully I’ll be making it on the 20th have been pretty busy with school lately.

[@killcutta]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. The difference between a mid-travel and long travel system is amazing.

[@Opt.Offroad]

Noah Compton it’s definitely night and day!

[@projectjster]

The smile on your kids faces said it all. Great job!

[@truenorthadventures4474]

This is just grade 'A' wholesome. Nice rig!!! Just did 5100's all around with new coils and JBA uppers. Someday ill do long travel!

[@Mike-fg5bz]

amazing, glad its all up and running again and its even better

[@frankfeng6199]

those jumps made it look like you landed on some clouds! so soft, sweet truck Jason :)

[@wasappeningvato]

What a great video, love that you took your family, what a day well spent, by the way, nice set up, you have your money invested.

[@Opt.Offroad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cantableog]

This was motivation to fix my truck. Thx man and congrats

[@evanboettcher6209]

Unreal, would love to do this to my 3rd gen someday!

[@CMP_Offroad]

Hell yeah that thing rides smooth !! I can only imagine how well it’ll do with the outboard shock relocation kit !

[@BBDOGGER]

Nice to see a family wheeling together

[@abdullahmahmood3040]

Pure goals mate. Love how this setup handles everything on and off pavement. I’m running metal tech rear long travel. Some day I’ll go LT in the front. Subscribed 👍🏼

[@Opt.Offroad]

Abdullah Mahmood thanks dude, I love the way it turned out. When the time comes hit me up, I can get you a discount on BTF Fab and King products. Also no interest layaway 👌🏼

[@abdullahmahmood3040]

Opt Offroad That sounds really appealing. I’ll be keeping that offer in mind, thanks man!

[@thehoofersclub]

Nice build, man.

[@OhItsCalvin]

Wow look at that thing work!

[@DirtGarage]

Sweet build dude!! Awesome finding other Yota KZbinrs!

[@Opt.Offroad]

Dirt Garage oh hey! Nice man followed you back

[@AlexTheGreat1993]

Just a dude and his 3rd gen. Awesome vid! 👌

[@raphlovesit]

I love watching that thing launch over the dunes. In Australia long travel is not very popular but I'm sold it looks too fun. Just started building a 95 4runner!

[@Dansullz]

Is it legal on Australian roads?

[@poohonmyspace]

Yes!! I was waiting for this video!!

[@sheataliaferro6351]

That things a freakin dune buggy bud, well done

[@fotomotoxxiii]

Ultimately my goal with my 97 t4r. Perfect setup. I live in anza so I'd be using it all the time. Right now I'm running OME/bilstein and it's ok but king is way to go. Great video I subbed for 4runner content.

[@Opt.Offroad]

Mr.G Disabled2Able thanks for subscribing man. Yeah LT is the way to go on our trucks, it’s such an improvement too. If you’re interested in BTF’s kit let me know. I recently convinced the owner to let me offer discounts and no-interest layaway to people I refer! 👍

[@fotomotoxxiii]

@@Opt.Offroad most definitely. I'm finishing up my jeep build and once that's done hopefully in 2 months I'll be on the 4runner. LT for sure is the way to go. Factory arms are too short and no matter what dont absorb wash boards and desert floor as well as LT.

[@streetcars2066]

Killer video 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@4runner.Adventure]

nice 4R, nice trail

[@palomagarcia6183]

Beautiful rig!!

[@Opt.Offroad]

paloma garcia thanks!

[@jacobthrasher558]

Adorable kids, bad ass 3rd Gen.

[@christos8189]

Great truck. takeoff on jumps is a little off but lands so smooth and great!

[@Opt.Offroad]

Christos yeah haha kept asking my wife if I caught air or not, couldn’t tell from inside the cab lol

[@miguelsalami]

Looks like she rides good Nice Lookin rig man.97➡4Runner363,000miles #ToyotaStrong

[@donny6016]

Awesome! This is exactly what I want to do to my 90 Nissan Safari in San Diego. Let me know if you have any words of advice.

[@puchitopuchito6531]

Beautiful truck 👍

[@Opt.Offroad]

Puchito puchito thanks 🙌🏼

[@dvsn0ne]

Poetry in motion...

[@AungMuangOfficial]

i am from thailand. and i want control arm like you use . any suggestion of buying it, please?

[@shadyws310]

Insane bro

[@Opt.Offroad]

Elena PF just wait till I get my Pismo video uploaded... lol

[@hardyneedstochill993]

I didn’t even realize you were OPT! So cool. I went with the same BTF/ king setup and it’s fantastic. Currently trying to see if I can somehow get 16” out of the rear of mine while keeping most of the cab, it’ll be a project for sure haha. The rear end setup you’ve got in this vid was absolutely eating though, very much impressed

[@Opt.Offroad]

Haha that’s us! And 16in out back would be amazing, would probably take a triangulated 4link or 3link setup with shocks into the cab or outboard wheel well. That’s our plan some day

[@hardyneedstochill993]

@@Opt.Offroad I think that’s gonna be the move. I’m probably gonna just go from the OME/ Bilstein setup I have right now to that setup and bite the bullet now to save cash in the long run

[@Opt.Offroad]

@@hardyneedstochill993 yeah if you have an end goal it’s always cheaper in the long run to not settle and just save. Learned that one the heard way haha... hit me up on IG/email if you need any parts sourced! We’re a dealer for a bunch of stuff now

[@hardyneedstochill993]

@@Opt.Offroad will do! Brandon from BTF was talking about you guys when I bought my kit from him. Also saw your runner pass at KOH but never got to introduce myself haha. Will likely be buying some stuff from yall shortly

[@zombieqtr]

Awesome!, Especially that jump landing. Definitely soften up the rear end a little bit. Seems like it's not cycling much of its travel.

[@Opt.Offroad]

Yeah it’s the downside of having HD springs. They’re OME 861s which are meant to lift the front of 80 series LCs about 2in, so you can imagine the spring rate on them. They work great for when I’m loaded down though. This truck is a three way compromise between crawling, camping, and prerunning

[@andrespatino2761]

4x4 or 2wd?? And how much for complete set? Sick rig!!! I want this same setup on mine!! Love how you were able to drive it there and back no problem.

[@1993mcollins]

Hey man love the jumps I'm trying to build out my suspension on my gen three. what spring rate are you running on your front and back springs?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Marshall Collins nice! My fronts have #600s and the rears are Old Man Emu 861s which are progressive, and too stiff for some of the go-fast stuff IMO

[@captiandemocracy]

is this a 2wd kit or 4? what was the end wallet damage haha thats friggn sweet even 3 years later

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

I read thru comments but didn't see what I'd like to know. I'm assuming you went wheel spacers in back to widen rear track? If so how thick are they and have you had any fails/ premature wear since installing them? Great looking rig and thanks for being a stand up dad. Peace!

[@noedelvalle4639]

Nice 4Runner. I’m looking to install a 3” lift with bigger tires what’s a good size tire without affecting the gas mileage so much? I currently have 16” stock that I like to keep but with bigger tires.

[@Opt.Offroad]

Noe Del valle I’d go with some 285/75/16s, they’re a good compromise

[@sethstrachan]

i love it 🎉

[@yisselrodriguez2033]

Dude where did you got your off road fenders I love them

[@loganmeza3734]

dude can you send a link of your off road fenders, i looooove your 4runner

[@russman109]

Dig your 4Runner stoke dude! And nicely built rig, for sure! I have a 2nd gen that I'm building out very similar... Question: How do you find having a wider front track width affects highway driving performance? Is your rear end spaced out to match?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Russell Cunningham thanks man! The wider track doesn’t affect highway driving at all, but the lack of a front sway bar makes it lean in turns excessively. I have 2in wheel spacers in the rear, it helps make the difference less obvious but still definitely wider up front

[@osmelcarrillo5231]

What front fenders are u using

[@jacobearl3350]

What headlights are those?

[@alexmaxfield5814]

Aye man i honestly need to pick ur rig apart. Whats ur lift height? And what did u do with ur panhard? Im deciding between adjustable panhard or brackets. What would be ideal is a tank relocation and triangular 4link but ya know...

[@Opt.Offroad]

Alex Maxfield I typically set the front at around 3in suspension lift. Just get the EimKeith PCK and weld it on there, that’s all you really need! 👍

[@muntee33]

Why not run same track on rear and/or go to 4 link? Would love to apply this to hilux with blown LS1 to use as a work truck that can actually handle the way I treat them lol. Being able to do long distance road trips and also hit whoops when I get to remote locations would be nice. Would have to redesign the tool and equipment storage compartments just a touch though haha

[@Opt.Offroad]

You’ve basically described my plans for the truck haha

[@JDSK1234]

Nice rig thought. I like the front bumper. It is a specific brand or a custom made?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Thanks! it's an Addicted Offroad bumper

[@heyoitssky1191]

Someday I'll build long travel suspension for my S10 blazer

[@ethanbreedlove3482]

Yaaaa I’m sold...hope there’s a kit for an 85

[@Opt.Offroad]

Unfortunately not. Blazeland and TC pretty much have you covered though!

[@ethanbreedlove3482]

Opt Offroad awesome, thanks!

[@mattleonard5268]

Blazeland!

[@styledliving]

are you running a bodylift to fit those tires? I'm assuming 35x12.5?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Yeah 2in body lift, installed forever ago and armor is all built around it so can’t go back on that. Would’ve gone with a 1in if I was starting over. Everything is all tubbed out to clear 37s now. I was on 35s for the trip in this video though

[@benlouter8573]

Where did you get your projector headlights? Looking for some for my 3rd gen!

[@Opt.Offroad]

Ben Louter hit up SRQ fabrications, I think they’re doing a Black Friday deal right now too! They’re not cheap, but it’s all top of the line quality. You can buy DIY kits on their site too if you want to save some money

[@benlouter8573]

Awesome, I'll definitely check them out! Thanks!

[@thewrongguy]

That was so cool, how much for everything?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Dawrongguy I can get the front suspension for 4650 including LT kit, custom axles, and custom Kings. Out the door. That’s the opt offroad discount price. Also can offer no interest layaway 🤙🏼

[@coldie5445]

what suspension and springs do you have? I have 450lb 18" long springs up front and OME 861s in the rear and mine does not move near what yours is. My tires rub like crazy under full bump.

[@Opt.Offroad]

In this vid I had 600lb 16in springs and 861s. I have the same spring setup now but on Radflos with outboard shocks in the rear. Much better than before

[@coldie5445]

@@Opt.Offroad so outboard shocks make the world of a difference? 861s still? How long of shock for the outboard?

[@Opt.Offroad]

@@coldie5445 yes it made a huge difference. Currently 12s, getting ready to modify the OSR a little higher and will be running 14in bypasses

[@coldie5445]

@@Opt.Offroad I will have to look into doing that. Thanks!

[@captiandemocracy]

Have you got your full suspension write up posted anywhere?

[@styledliving]

www.independentoffroading.com/index.php?threads/opt-offroads-long-travel-crawler-build.132/

[@brandonmedina8354]

Hey if you don’t mind me asking where can I get that long travel kit?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Brandon Medina it’s the BTF 4.5 kit, they have a website but if you’d like to go thru me I can get you a discount on the kit as well as the coilovers. Also can do no-interest layaway! If you have me on Insta just message me there 👍🏼

[@brucenguyen8343]

can you do a video where you sum up what you did to your 3rd gen and what was the total cost

[@Opt.Offroad]

I plan on it, just need to make the time!

[@marcoaurelioamaralfernande8942]

How much It kit?

[@felixfelix3421]

Hey my birthday :)

[@Tonypockkets1]

Where did you get your front bumper from

[@Opt.Offroad]

Tony T LA Addicted Offroad

[@shadyws310]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@MonkeySpecs301]

did you widen the rear axle housing also?

[@Opt.Offroad]

No just 1.5in spacers for now

[@GuninGames]

your still using drum brakes, they make a kit to swap the rear drums for discs

[@Opt.Offroad]

Yeah been eyeballing that kit 👍

[@nicholas4970]

love these videos! please keep uploading i have a 2001 and im obsessed with 3rd gens like these! how did you learn to do all this yourself?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Nicholas Conte thanks man glad you’re enjoying them. Lots of KZbin vids (check out Timmy the Toolman) and forum DIYs, just kind of learned along the way! Doesn’t happen overnight, it’s been almost 20 years of wrenching on cars haha

[@nicholas4970]

Opt Offroad - Jason do you have a build thread or like a list you have done to your truck?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Nicholas Conte I have a super basic build thread on independentoffroading.com Planning on making a walk around vid and listing and describing everything in it. Eventually! lol

[@Opt.Offroad]

Also post a lot of stuff on my Instagram. @opt.offroad

[@nicholas4970]

Opt Offroad - Jason sweet man thanks! Definitely make that video!

[@CreationsByWill]

What gear do you have on the roof?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Creations By Will a pair of traction mats and 10gal of gas

[@abc123lov7]

The jump was very necessary. :)

[@Molotovshocks]

Shocks no damping. Accu Tyne need to set up

[@kichaa13]

Is the track wider in the front?

[@Opt.Offroad]

kichaa13 yeah, it’s a +4.5 kit so 9in wider than stock. We have 1.5 spacers in the rear so it’s only 3in wider per side

[@Swansen03]

in my internet travels i've found shrouded heims, aka, heim joints with rubber shrouds, and grease-able too(grease-serts). maybe worth searching for?? yeah as it turns out you can also just by 'dust boots' for heims, maybe same thing. drill for grease serts? anywho, sweet set-up.

[@Opt.Offroad]

Swansen03 yeah I actually have Johnny joints sitting in the garage at home 👍

[@IamBuffal0]

3:24 yaaaa

[@FirstnameLastname-ni9uh]

What's a good setup for a 4runner ?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Firstname Lastname how do you plan on using it? What year? What area do you live/type of terrain?

[@josephchisenhall2826]

What roof rack is that?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Joseph Chisenhall it was made by a fabricator in Tijuana for a bunch of us in 3G4Rsocal that did a group buy. We call them TJ Racks, but they’re basically Gobi knockoffs

[@GrangerOutdoors]

Your sons a hard ass I love it

[@dan2d219]

What BTF Kit is this?

[@Opt.Offroad]

DANNYGE it’s the +4.5 kit for 4x4 3rd gens.

[@dan2d219]

@@Opt.Offroad thank you. I like it.

[@emmanuelgoncalves3462]

How much did the build cost you?

[@Opt.Offroad]

12345 54321 about 7k in suspension front and rear

[@emmanuelgoncalves3462]

@@Opt.Offroad WOW!

[@Opt.Offroad]

12345 54321 haha yeah thats for the arms, CVs, Kings front and rear, bumps, straps, rear heim link kit, springs, QuickLinks, etc... it adds up quick!

[@TempoMontages]

I spent 1500 for my 4runner and $280 for my 3inch lift lol full out budget build now I need re tread tires for 400

[@Opt.Offroad]

Hype Tempo haha love it! 3rd gens are a blast no matter how you run them👍🏼

[@jasonbogdovitz7357]

Cool setup but I wouldn’t consider that a long travel suspension

[@mattleonard5268]

Is that 2wd or 4wd?

[@Opt.Offroad]

Matt Leonard 4WD. The kit comes with custom axles

[@Patrick.Weightman]

idk for that money I'd go for a SAS

[@x4x4offroad87]

Man that was a really good video I might need to pick your brain a little bit I used to have a full-fledged bill ranger Baja truck twin I-beam wish I never got rid of it but now I have a 03 4Runner that I've been racking my brain how I can get it to be somewhat like my old Baja truck Hit me up and shoot me a DM I'd love to talk to you on your build I got an old man emu lift on mine right now which I like it but it needs a little more to stand out

[@x4x4offroad87]

Oh also I loved how the kids love it The family time is awesome can't wait till I get that keep it up brother

[@johnnyg2466]

what size are those tires?

[@Opt.Offroad]

BRIM 315 75 16

[@johnnyg2466]

Opt Offroad thanks👊🏼

[@tysonrojas5477]

420*

[@justindoyle5972]

Wouldn't get read of my 3rd gen for anything

[@iam9552]

Fuck I should of never giving my wife my 4runner

[@vicerichter1163]

not bad. But not the best. Lol

[@Maximonious]

Looks like fun, but you should encourage people (most people) to NOT drive like that.