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My 1998 2-door convertible RAV4

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#21 ·
Luke W said:
Here is my first major modification. I found a set of the super rare optional 3-spoke wheels on Facebook marketplace.

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MisterWin said:
Thanks man!

My 1999 Rav4 2-Door Convertible AWD

I originally had a bunch of plans for offroad mods (OME lift, lights, tires, ARB front&rear air locker), but I decided to keep it as stock and retro as possible after I saw how awesome Luke W's turned out! I do want to get the same size A/T tires like Luke W's, but I've read everywhere that 235/70/16 would rub without a lift.


Are you on stock suspension? Or do you rub only at full lock and just deal with it?

Luke W, your Rav4 is freaking awesome and it's even in my favorite color. I have an FJ with that same color :)
View attachment 167689

Let me know if it's ever for sale! I have some friends and family here that would totally be down to start a little Rav4 crew with me haha
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#22 ·
Your rav is pure pornography. Great job keeping looking as it should with the right rims! They are going up in value and will continue to do so because this thing is pure 90s nostalgia. Graphics kit + radiant red + alminum rockers + manual + og rims = Jackpot
 
#23 ·
WHAAAAT! There are air lockers available for the RAV4?

I also want to keep mine as stock as possible. It is a very capable little machine. Mine has 270k miles on the engine, tires that aren't all that good off road, and I followed a couple of bigger rigs.

I usually get a couple of weird looks and "How the f*** did you get here in that thing?" Whenever I hit the trail.

The 3sfe is a very impressive engine to be quite frank. It has all the power a Rav needs to climb hills in 1st and 2nd gear!
 
#24 ·
JulienPier said:
WHAAAAT! There are air lockers available for the RAV4?
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Not as far as I know. To my knowledge, an air locker is a form of locking differential. Few (very few) Rav’s came with a Torsen locking rear diff. I’ve read it was a $1000 option, so that’s probably why so few have it.

The locking center diff mentioned in this thread refers to the locking differential in the transfer case. Only AWD Rav4s with the manual transmission have it. Its vacuum operated via a button just above the radio. When actuated, it assures power will be sent to one front wheel and one rear wheel.
 
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#25 ·
JulienPier said:
WHAAAAT! There are air lockers available for the RAV4?

I also want to keep mine as stock as possible. It is a very capable little machine. Mine has 270k miles on the engine, tires that aren't all that good off road, and I followed a couple of bigger rigs.

I usually get a couple of weird looks and "How the f*** did you get here in that thing?" Whenever I hit the trail.

The 3sfe is a very impressive engine to be quite frank. It has all the power a Rav needs to climb hills in 1st and 2nd gear!
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There are indeed electromagnetic lockers that fit both the first and second gen rav4's. They are made by a company called AER. I have this installed in my 4.2.

It would be a huge advantage especially with a manual first gen with the factory locking center differential.
 
#27 ·
Luke W said:
Picked up a 5th gen 3SGTE this weekend. The plan is to do intake, downpipe, exhaust, upgraded intercooler and turn up the boost a bit.

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The st246 works with your transmission? Wouldn’t the st205 be better with the WTA?

From what I’ve read, the 5th gen 3sgte was only for automatic. I’m wanting to do the swap myself and I couldn’t find info on the st246 going on a manual transmission
 
#28 ·
Hi I have this bad boy, getting shipped from the other side of the country as we speak (located in Australia, shipped from Perth to Sydney). I was curious if anyone knew anywhere which supplies reproduction decals, as pictured in this thread?
 
#31 ·
Luke W said:
Hello all. I come from a background of swapping JDM engines and turbo kits into old Hondas, but recently became enthralled with the idea of a 3SGTE in a RAV4 (260 hp in a 2500 pound car!) I got super lucky to find this gem of a RAV4, with the 90s vibe dialed way up. It has the 5-speed 4wd manual transmission with the locking center differential.

View attachment 160798

The paint was badly sun-faded and the interior a bit dirty, but a full wax and detail and it looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor.
View attachment 160799

View attachment 160800

I will post updates on here as the project progresses.
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I love it so much!!! If you come across anyone selling a similar one, please let me know!!!
 
#33 ·
Luke W said:
Hello all. I come from a background of swapping JDM engines and turbo kits into old Hondas, but recently became enthralled with the idea of a 3SGTE in a RAV4 (260 hp in a 2500 pound car!) I got super lucky to find this gem of a RAV4, with the 90s vibe dialed way up. It has the 5-speed 4wd manual transmission with the locking center differential.

View attachment 160798

The paint was badly sun-faded and the interior a bit dirty, but a full wax and detail and it looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor.
View attachment 160799

View attachment 160800

I will post updates on here as the project progresses.
Click to expand...
Hey, fell in love with this car!!!! Are you interested in selling this car????
 
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