Would This Restomodded 4Runner Turn Your Head if It Drove By? We Think Yes

When you spot a first-gen 4Runner rolling down the street, you know you’re looking at something special. But when that truck belongs to Mammoth 4Runner and packs an LC Engineering Street Stroker under the hood, you’re witnessing automotive perfection that took years to achieve.

This 1988 Toyota 4Runner DLX represents everything we love about the off-road community - passion, persistence, and the willingness to do things right. The owner sold this rig once and immediately regretted it, eventually buying it back to finish what he started. That’s the kind of dedication that separates real enthusiasts from weekend warriors.

The heart of this build beats with 130 horsepower courtesy of LC Engineering’s Street Stroker package. This isn’t just a basic 22RE rebuild - we’re talking about a complete transformation that includes their flywheel, clutch, header kit, and upgraded spark plug wires. The difference is night and day, with the truck now cruising uphill at 60-70 mph without breaking a sweat. That’s impressive performance for a 35-year-old platform that originally struggled to maintain highway speeds.

The suspension setup strikes the perfect balance between capability and comfort. The 4-inch SkyJacker drop bracket lift kit with rear blocks provides the stance this truck deserves while maintaining decent road manners. SkyJacker shocks and a steering stabilizer keep everything planted, whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising to Big Bear for the weekend.

Those US Wheel Series 37 chrome wheels wrapped in 35x12.50R15 BFG KM3 mud terrains give this rig that classic first-gen look that never goes out of style. The owner tried KMC wheels for a while but came back to these because sometimes the original choice is the right choice. Trail Gear wheel spacers push the rubber out for a more aggressive stance, though he admits going with 1.5-inch spacers created more poke than expected.

The attention to detail throughout this build is what sets it apart from your typical weekend project. Break Beat Goods provided new window weather stripping to replace the crusty old stuff that was hanging out. Bob Allgood crafted custom badges that are nearly indistinguishable from OEM pieces. Even the tailgate got upgraded with an All Pro cutting board that adds function and style.

Inside, the truck received the same thoughtful treatment. Seat Covers Unlimited provided custom covers that actually fit properly instead of sliding around like cheap alternatives. The NRG removable steering wheel serves double duty as both a performance upgrade and theft deterrent - try stealing a truck when you can’t steer it. An Always Toyota cup holder finally gives this rig somewhere to put your beverage, something Toyota forgot to include from the factory.

The sound system keeps things period-correct with dual 12-inch subs that bump like it’s 2006. Sometimes the best modifications are the ones that make you smile, and nothing says classic 4Runner like bass that rattles the spare tire.

Lighting upgrades include Holly LED headlights that maintain the OEM appearance while providing modern performance. Diode Dynamics C2 amber lights handle reverse duties, while Baja Squadron lights in the rear serve as both reverse lights and tailgater deterrents. Trust us, nobody wants to ride your bumper when you can light them up like a Christmas tree.

The LC Engineering big brake kit deserves special mention because stopping power often gets overlooked in builds focused on going fast or looking good. These larger calipers from the V6 platform provide significantly improved braking performance that makes this truck safer and more confidence-inspiring on mountain roads.

This build represents the evolution of first-gen 4Runner ownership. It’s not about throwing the most expensive parts at a truck - it’s about choosing modifications that enhance the driving experience while maintaining the character that made these rigs special in the first place. The Street Stroker engine provides modern reliability without sacrificing the classic 22RE personality. The suspension offers capability without beating you to death on the street.

The owner’s regret over selling this truck the first time speaks to something deeper about our relationship with these machines. First-gen 4Runners aren’t just vehicles - they’re rolling reminders of when trucks were simple, honest, and built to last. This particular example shows what’s possible when you combine respect for the original design with carefully chosen modern improvements.

With 153,000 miles on the body and only 2,000 on the fresh engine, this 4Runner is just getting started on its second life. The owner’s already planning suspension upgrades and considering long travel options, proving that the best builds are never really finished.

Check out Mammoth 4Runner’s Instagram for more content, and don’t forget to follow the builders who made this project possible: Killer Toy Tops, Break Beat Goods, and Bob Allgood for those perfect badges.

This 1988 4Runner proves that sometimes the best way forward is to honor the past while embracing carefully chosen improvements. It’s a rolling testament to what happens when passion meets patience and proper parts selection.