How do you roll????

But it'll also run off diesel or even kerosene, right?  Or only oil?

That's still a bargain, considering you ended up with a one of a kind vehicle that will likely outlast you!  Very nice.  Looks "right" and not cobbled together.

Sure, it will run regular diesel. It won't run straight veggie oil yet (I would need to add an additional tank with a heating system - the only modification to run straight veggie oil is to heat it up so that it attains proper viscosity). You start the engine on diesel and run it up to temp, then swap to the other tank which is SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil). Plenty of pre-built kits out there doing that and something I'm considering!

I could fill up the drive home from post fish BBQ's!

I didn't feel it was "too much". In almost every respect it is brand new or a couple years old at most. The engine has 30,000 miles on it and diesels run a helluva lot longer than gassers. If I didn't get this, I probably would have gone with a Ford Escape Hybrid which was a lot more money. All in the way you justify it I guess (and I am a justification pro!).

The great thing about this swap is that the engine is made for this model. So it is essentially factory! even the motor mounts all line up. As long as you get the original wiring harness, you're golden. Yeah, that has blown more than 1 mechanic away - they could not believe it was done after market and not factory.

Super clean rig! Very nice job and good choice of base platforms. You can get so many options for the 4runners. Did you happen to get the factory electric locker for the rear end?


My wife would kill me if I did this.


-Eliot

Super clean rig! Very nice job and good choice of base platforms. You can get so many options for the 4runners. Did you happen to get the factory electric locker for the rear end?


My wife would kill me if I did this.


-Eliot

factory e-locker: check
loss of major WAF: check

I also specifically chose a '97 so that it would be smog check exempt. The new rules are for '98s and up.

...and I've got to say my wife is slowly warming to it. Now that Biodiesel is lower than regular, and all the room she has in the back seat with our 1 year old. the 3rd gen 4Runners also feel really stable and solid.

LOVE IT. 
I'd consider this if my engine ever goes, but it's got about 300K mi left.

I could fill up the drive home from post fish BBQ's!

No doubt. Andy's fryer alone could keep you fueled up forever. Oh wait, that's not veggie. 

For camping I have a toy box.

It's how I got to do it for now...

Fishbucket, are you using the Thulle Hull APort (j hooks)?  I have two yaks and were considering those but read concerns on durability and the kayaks becoming a sail in the upright position.  What's your experience?

Fishbucket, are you using the Thulle Hull APort (j hooks)?  I have two yaks and were considering those but read concerns on durability and the kayaks becoming a sail in the upright position.  What's your experience?

 These are the Yakima 'J'-racks.  So far so good. they have about 800 miles on them.
I'm concerned with the mounting clamps that wrap around the pipe, They are plastic. Have not lost their grip yet, but dont want to chance it.
 I'm looking for something out of aluminum. Or, I'm going to fab out of steel plate.

 It (car) does move around a bit when passing trucks or crossing the bridges with a cross wind... not scared of it though. rode motorcycle thru lots of side winds.  You Do feel it though. 
 With this being the only way to transport them now... I'm happy with it.

my little one bedroom 4 cyl. hoopty Truck....

That is such a perfect little rig in every way.

That is such a perfect little rig in every way.

Don't worry Eric, like I promised, your name is on the inheritance 

First picture is the day I bought from Yakhopper. Second picture is how I roll now. 

One ratchet strap for short trips and two with a bed extender for long trips. If I am driving at night I have a light I attach to the nose to stay legal.

2012 4x4 Dbl Cab Taco with my new baby up on top ready for her first paddle.