Insane Transformation of our 1996 Toyota 4Runner

Over the past couple years I have been hard at work building my wifes 1996 Toyota 4Runner into the vehicle of her dreams. Complete frame off restoration, body work, lift, big tires, new motor, the works.
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My 1989 Toyota Pickup Build: • My DREAM Toyota Build!...
- 1UZ-FE V8 Swap
- Manual Swap
- Dual Transfer Cases 2.23 x 4.7
- Solid Axle Swap / SAS
- Lunchbox Rear, E-Locker Front
- OME Rear Springs & Tundra shackles
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- 37x12.5r17 Toyo MT Tires
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[@FlawedOffroad]

It was a fun series to watch and the low buck nature of it is the best part. KZbin is plastered with high dollar builds and restorations but its nice to see people sittin in the grass gettin dirty chasin a dream

[@DirtGarage]

Thanks dude! Sometimes I wish I had the high budgets though, would make life alot easier 😅

[@FlawedOffroad]

@@DirtGarage don’t we all haha. I dream of a big shop with a couple lifts😅

[@thezolrack8362]

This is what América should be all about, American wet dream boys.

[@pdubowner]

​@@DirtGarage high budget guys are never happy because they didn't put the work in. They just bought it.

[@308vin6]

Молодец отличная работа 👍

[@Tony__Tone]

The fact that you were able to get that body off the frame without lifting it from above is pretty damn impressive

[@DirtGarage]

Thanks! I make do with the tools I have, the first time lifting the body I did not have the engine hoist yet, was waay more sketch.

[@tonydamiani8029]

Truly amazing ingenuity

[@Max-ik9qb]

Most channels/ builders out there need a plasma cnc table, $3,000+ welders, 2 post lift, etc. Meanwhile homeboy getting down (outdoors) with a 4-1/2" grinder and a stick welder. BRAVO 👏👏👏

[@pdubowner]

I'm 5 minutes in and absolutely mesmerized by your hard work. Can't wait to see the rest of this.

[@YourOwnWay]

Patience, dedication, and passion are a deadly combo. You clearly have it. Amazing job.

[@UnwindingRoads]

It's amazing what YOU can do with flip flops and a rattle can! 😂 Incredible build Clint!

[@DirtGarage]

CSA Approved flip flops of course..

[@spceinvdr6603]

got a chill down my spine when that hoist started to tip. You got so lucky!

[@916nick]

Wow. Crazy what some humans are capable of. Very impressive.

[@dirttales]

Awesome build bud, but please wear a mask, I'm praying for your lungs!

[@philgriswold2133]

Great work. You ability to make something cool out of parts and pieces always amazes me. Anybody can slap together a bunch of pre-built parts on a cherry ride, but you take stuff out of the grave and give it real life again.

[@blueman5924]

That moment at 4:06 when things come crashing down, is a stark reminder that “sh#t happens”. Even the GM dealer mech dropped my old 350 on the right quarter when the lift collapsed. Heck of a build process dude ! 👏

[@DirtGarage]

Absolutely it does, nothing else to do but keep going!

[@brandonknight7240]

Damn that was scary

[@arlenleffmann4966]

That’s completely badass. And you built it yourself, even more badass. Great video!

[@phoenixMaxxOnShop]

You literally brought a Car back to life 👏 amazing work!

[@glenweeks7615]

It's been said already in the comments but I just have to add - MIND BLOWING! The hard work , dedication and fearlessness holy shit! It would take me 25 years to do all that and even then would probably never finish! I want to give huge props. I don't have the kehonies to dive into something like that (or the skills).

[@DirtGarage]

Thank you! It was a fun project, and ALOT of work.

[@theloudprofessional]

Damn dude that’s amazing work.

[@markcreamer3196]

I wish with all my heart, that i could work on toyotas like he does,he is so incredibly talented and inspiring I love toyotas,especially 4x4s,4runners,pickups ,tacomas etc

[@Bozobi]

I am glad to have been recommended your first episode on this saga and to have watched every episode from start to completion. The turn out of this build was spectacular. I hope many more get recommended your channel to re-watch this saga and many more videos from your channel.

[@VinceJames]

Lovely time-lapse, thank you for documenting it all!

[@devenbenton6772]

Love that he kept the clip with the engine tip. Restorations are always full of chaos!

[@digitalkoh]

Wow! Seeing the body come off frame is priceless.

[@rashad8509]

Best 3G4R build video on the internet hands down!

[@DirtGarage]

Thank you!

[@joestanosheck1453]

Great job on the runner. The bumpers turned out great! Everything on it turned out great!

[@matthewrankin5027]

Dude… This is sick! Killer build. Would love to see you stretch the next one out over 3-4 episodes and talk through what you’re doing.

[@matthewrankin5027]

Then I looked through your channel… Have some watching to do 🍻

[@DirtGarage]

Yeah there is like 15 total episode of this build!

[@zayas6999]

That was an awesome video. I actually watched the whole video WITHOUT skipping forward. Well done!

[@blakemiller3587]

Such a good looking rear end you have! and the 4runner looks pretty good too

[@1htalp9]

This reminds me of when I restored my 1967 Sunbeam Alpine some thirty-five years ago. I did everything on a very tight budget, and 90% of the work myself. It's nice to see a video of an average man building a dream. Thank you.

[@vinceruland9236]

Damn good work man. Props to you for taking on that huge of a task. Turned out great.

[@stephenhoward4941]

Such hard work and what a great job! I loved watching this restoration!!

[@crema_argo_offroad]

Wow! A work like that in a backyard. Respect!

[@MrSlushierGravy]

This dude is badass! Glad I got to see this channel grow from the beginning! Sending love from VA

[@smarterthanyou9090]

That turned out great. Well done!

[@Fyrestare]

this is so much cooler than all the ones done in a huge shop with $300k worth of tools. Makes me feel excited about my 97' limited

[@user-xx1bn6ov3b]

Love to see everything coming together with your skills it's not easy. I'm still working on mine it's been three years now 😂 I've got alot to go. Good job your truck looks awesome!

[@elkgroveflorin5223]

Right on brother!! Backyard restoration. I admire it my man, this is how things use to be done. I built my Malibu, which ran low 12's in my side yard. Took me 2 years, but I did everything myself, except for the rear glass. When I welded in the bottom rail it had a bit of trouble lining up, but I took it to a shop to have it installed, due to cracking to windshields trying to fit it. I learned how to weld, solder, cut, grind, body work etc...everything on my own, with just two books. Vizards BBC book and a body work book I got from the library! lol! It turned out great because I took my time and fixed any mistakes. It was cool. 17 years old, and the knowledge gained was amazing. Keep at it!

[@catfish573]

Been watching you for close to 2 years now. I so much admire your work and I will make it work attitude. Love your channel and you keep at it, the channel will grow and someday give you that boost that you so much need. Thank you for what you do. You are an inspiration!!!

[@DirtGarage]

Wow, thank you!

[@ianphillips6403]

This is art. Save the 4runners! Insane hard work and DIY knowledge. subbed.

[@chrisn262]

I amazed by your talent and expertise and enthusiasm, GREAT job!!! Enjoyed watching it!!!

[@paulflannigan888]

Mad respect for your skill and dedication.

[@colinswaby9370]

This is so cool. Just bought 98 4runner.You motivate me💪🇯🇲

[@Gabriellariz]

Beautiful!!!!!!!! Nice work you two.

[@donttrustnobody]

You sir are the true definition of a determined mother trucker brother! I sue to have a 96 3rd gen and they’re great rigs.

[@cmac956]

You did a great job on this Toyota . you did most of it by yourself .very good work done . looks great , runs very good . respect.

[@user-vz9zq6wf7x]

You’re an absolute legend for this, what a great build 👌🏼👏🏼🙌🏼

[@chriswheeler5150]

Yo this dude works hard! Can't belive the motor fell

[@JannibalForKing]

Well done!!!! That was amazing to watch

[@workday510]

Nice job bro! Real mechanic Man

[@xixo47]

Thats a lot of work man. good job!

[@adamyelle4901]

So happy to see a channel like this again. You guys are going to make it big. Ever since dirt everyday left for the motor trend channel KZbin has had a void in this space.

[@mountainjeepmike]

Nice work! I’ve seen it up close and personal, and you did a hell of a good job on it!

[@DirtGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@hafizmustafasultan-hms9653]

bro this the best restoration typo video ive seen so far. 4runner was one of my favorite off roader 10 years ago, its still is tho. Man that sheer hardwork and dedication, thats truly amazingg broo. its so far the best toyota 4runner Transformation video ive seen on the internet. a big thumbs up and love broo

[@DirtGarage]

Appreciate that!

[@toomanyprojectstx]

Completely awesome build! You’re an inspiration!!!

[@DirtGarage]

Wow, thank you!

[@bobbygrey5859]

Congrats on the build enjoyed watching your video.👍🏽

[@beyondmywildestdreams6942]

Great work man,salute 🙌

[@Basshead40]

Love it!! I've had my 3rd gen since it was new. Just got done totally redoing it and it looks sooo tough!!

[@jdcooper9]

This is awesome you guys. More builds!

[@victor82nd]

Great Job man, it looks awesome!!!

[@jrwplmbg]

Awesome job man, bad ass 4 runner

[@Ashoud_Anobetah]

Well done guys.. thats a great restoration 😊

[@monmadale]

I love this budget build very realistic!

[@totality11]

You did a lot of work. Nice done. Enjoy the ride.

[@dougrodriguez4977]

Congratulations, totally enjoyed watching the transformation, good tunes also. Thank you.

[@DirtGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jonathanrdriguez6889]

That was beautiful!

[@Scooters4521]

Well done my friend!! Jealous of you fortitude and sticking to it!!! I wrench on all my crap, but have zero welding skills, now I’m inspired to learn!

[@danielserrato9329]

You do awesome work on Toyota's. Love your videos

[@johnbarton1956]

Nice job man! Few people know how much work goes into a build like that.

[@grantwatson06]

Outstanding work.

[@XxAlex530xX]

That’s some admirable hard work!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Reminds me of the time I placed my cabin cruiser boat on cement blocks to replace the bunks on the trailer. That is one determined owner.

[@tonygSDWR]

Great build, I enjoyed watching it. I like all your projects, it's an easy channel to watch. You're a super-chill guy and your wife is a sweetheart, I know you'll continue to succeed. Best!

[@DirtGarage]

I appreciate that!

[@Mr2eyedjack]

Lots of hard work went I to the project. I can appreciate that. I have an outdoor garage too. Getting colder now and still have to finish up some projects too. Way to go on getting it knocked out! Looking forward to more content.

[@DirtGarage]

Thank you! I prefer working outdoors than my cramped shop in the summer 😂

[@MegaRetr]

Patience, dedication, and passion are a deadly combo.

[@scottphris]

holy shit dude excellent work!

[@cemanon]

Unbelievable !!! Many start something like this and most give up at some point. You have pulled it through to the end and you can be really proud of it!

[@tm9184]

That’s cool man. Looks really hard and I bet it makes it priceless since you built it with your own hands.

[@sr.daniell771]

wow, without a doubt, this video deserves more likes and visits to the channel, I loved the whole process of assembling the 1996 toyota truck. It was nice to see the project for assembling, soldering, and painting the truck, I learned by watching it and it was very good. I hope In the future, I will be able to assemble a van that I plan to build as a project. Greetings from Argentina :) :)

[@cipov3434]

AWESOME video man!

[@JoshHeffner]

One of the most impressive things I've watched! Amazing work.

[@DirtGarage]

Wow, thank you!

[@freshtendrills5969]

Those damn Toyotas man. Just keep going, and going!

[@NoboriAuto]

Insane to say the least. That was one heck of a restoration! Great job for sure, taking your time to focus on the small details.

[@DirtGarage]

Thanks a bunch!

[@kendraparmerlee480]

Love these kind of builds, at home in the backyard and garage.

[@DirtGarage]

Thanks!!

[@sebaseba1982]

If you did like your "hobby passion"....Guy you are really great!!!!!!amazing work.....i think few people can understand what is behind do it such project.....and no tools....no garage ...no help from others..... Woow great guy! great job!

[@DirtGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@Kronusoverland]

Good job 👏,, we have to go wheeling this summer ☀️

[@MarreroBuilt]

I love the enthusiasm you put on this build it is not easy to do none of this, just beautiful!.

[@DirtGarage]

Thanks!

[@toxictraveller1892]

I run a 1994 isuzu trooper that is very similar. Good job getting after it. happy trails! also from BC too

[@megh9806]

Thank you for taking the time to not only resurrect this truck, but to film, edit and upload these videos which take just as long. I have a 98 and my frame rotted out this past year, I spent 6 months trying to figure out my next move as I watched you make yours. I found an identical truck for cheap (same year and color) that became the donor of a pristine frame as well as some body pieces. I swapped mine in October and it has been a true miracle. I am now rebuilding the lift and other components as I wanted to “go all out” and not use spacers anymore 😂. My next goal is to save the other/donor truck; to reattach my rear shocks that busted through the body and fix/reinforce the lower rear arms (will never be street legal and don’t want/need it to be). Now moving forward with using fluid film as my previous undercoatings may have caused the rot (though they did last 10 years)

[@DirtGarage]

Man, sounds like a project!! Good luck, and I agree with the fluid film idea! We spray it inside the frames every 6 months or so.

[@nickkatsoulakis6103]

Nice work!!🎉

[@tcp-22]

Massive credit dude hard work

[@xargon9922]

Great Job, this looks something real compared versus others projects with a lot of money.

[@pnoyxxxbandido]

Congratulations to y’all. That’s a lot of work

[@thomass.1142]

First time viewer, liked, subscribed, and notified.16:01 That Bush template gave me a good laugh! Amazing work throughout the entire build!

[@toyota4afe]

Incredible ingenuity

[@Jimstone216]

This is unreal! hell yeah man!!

[@GrandmaRob]

Good job on the build!

[@GabrielGonzalez-ds9wm]

You are the frinking best!, admiration big time!!

[@bowlineastronomenov5507]

more videos like these; so relaxing to watch

[@protacodan4225]

Lots of hard work well worth the effort. Great job.

[@DirtGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@votaatila5202]

Simple people make ordinary things beautiful!!! All the best Great work!!! I wish you much success in the future and many more good projects!!!👍👍👍

[@sotheamam1244]

Great video. Everything all basic, no fancy tool like 99% of the builders

[@OhSnapSon]

Dude! That came out sick as hell! You brought it back to life! I wish I had your mechanical knowledge and dedication. Phenomenal job! 🔥🔥

[@DirtGarage]

I appreciate that!

[@RolandoLopezNieto]

Damn impressive what you did, specifically with the oil drums. You are a mad man, and I mean that as a compliment.