She's Learning as It's Built - Theee.Krisss' Epic 4Runner Build

When you spot a 1st Gen 4Runner that’s been properly built, you know you’re looking at something special. Theee.Krisss has put together one hell of a rig that perfectly shows what happens when you take an ‘86 4Runner and give it the full treatment. This isn’t just another weekend warrior build - it’s a serious rock crawler that’s been thoughtfully engineered from the ground up.

The foundation of any solid build starts with the rolling stock, and Kris didn’t mess around here. Those Trail Gear Creeper Lock beadlocks wrapped in 40-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers are the kind of setup that makes other wheelers take notice. The six-piece outer ring on those beadlocks is a game-changer compared to standard one-piece rings, giving you way more flexibility when you need to adjust tire pressure for different terrain. What’s really impressive is how well those 40s drive on the street without being balanced - that’s a testament to the quality of the Nitto compound and construction.

Now, before you start thinking about axle upgrades with tires that big, Kris made a smart choice sticking with Toyota hardware. The front end sports IFS hubs paired with Trail Gear six-shooters and high steer setup, plus Longfield chromoly axles. The third member houses 5.29 gears with a Lock Right locker, and the whole assembly gets protection from a Sky Off-Road truss and Marlin Crawler diff armor. Out back, it’s running stock Toyota axle shafts with 5.29 Revolution gears and a Trail Gear spool. That Trail Gear Rock Assault inspection hole is a nice touch - being able to check your gear condition when you’re servicing diff fluid is just smart maintenance.

The suspension setup follows the tried-and-true “rears up front” philosophy that’s been working for Toyota guys for decades. Those Chevy 63 leaf springs in the rear with the helper springs removed give the back end the flex it needs, while the front setup provides the articulation necessary for serious rock work. The shock hoops had to get creative after the engine swap - moving them outside the frame rails was the only way to clear the new powerplant, but it works perfectly with those 14-inch Bilsteins up front and 16-inch units in the rear.

Speaking of that engine swap, this is where the build really gets interesting. The original 22RE decided to call it quits on a 4th of July weekend beach trip, which led to one of those “might as well go big” moments we all know too well. Out went the four-cylinder, and in came a 3.4-liter V6 paired with an R150 transmission. But why stop there? Kris went full send with dual transfer cases using Trail Gear adapter plates - a 228 case up front and a 47 case in the rear. That setup gives you the kind of crawl ratios that make gnarly obstacles feel manageable.

The body work tells its own story. This 4Runner got the full bob treatment, with both the rear section and canopy shortened up. The tailgate moved forward, but the window still works just like it did from the factory. When the canopy’s on, it creates a little sleeping area in the back - pretty clever use of space. The quarter panels got steel plate reinforcement, and tube work protects the fenders front and rear.

Inside, the EXO Fab cage kit ties everything together structurally while PRP seats and harnesses keep you planted when things get sideways. Those Trail Gear ABS door panels might not look fancy, but they’re brilliant for serious wheeling - mud and dirt wipe right off instead of soaking into carpet or vinyl.

The attention to detail shows throughout this build. That custom Outlaw Overland front bumper houses a Badland Apex 12K winch, while custom rock sliders protect the rocker panels. The rear bumper and tube tailgate complete the armor package. Even little things like the battery relocation to the bed show the kind of problem-solving that separates a real build from a bolt-on special.

What really makes this build special isn’t just the parts list - it’s the execution. Every modification serves a purpose, whether it’s clearance, protection, or performance. The dual case setup with twin sticks gives you incredible control over traction and gearing. The suspension provides the articulation needed for technical terrain while still being streetable. The armor protects vital components without adding unnecessary weight.

You can follow along with more of this build and see it in action on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theee.kris. This 4Runner proves that with the right approach and attention to detail, you can build something that’s equally at home crawling rocks or cruising to the trailhead. It’s the kind of rig that makes you want to grab your tools and start wrenching on your own project.