Our '87 4R SR5 Honduras Coffee/Missions Rig Build...

[The Jade Bean]

So here's our 1987 4Runner SR5 build thread (Little Mule "Pepe"). This rig will be used for the day to day use for running our coffee farm, used for missions, as a family rig and anything else needed for that matter.

You may know we've had many rigs that we built for some of these purposes, but we are starting again. Since our coffee plantation won't be making any real money for a few years, we need a more multi purpose vehicle and so comes this rig.

There are many things slated for her and I'll use the build thread to hopefully keep it organized. The completion date as of now needs to be before Aug. 2015 as that's are target date to move the family to Honduras full time.

Any help or feedback is welcomed! So on to a photo... Here's me and my boy:

-Daniel Kent

 

[The Jade Bean]

Here's a list of things needed, but not necessarily in this order (I'll update this as things progress):

1. Sun roof glass and maybe hardware (current glass cracked and latch may be broken).
EDIT: Bought used glass & hardware from a MUD member.

2. Front bumper (winch capable).
***Likely this one: http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/yota...79-95-pickup-4runner-front-winch-bumpers.html w/extra weld on frame brace: Toyota HD Heavy Duty Gusseted Front Frame Brace (TAR-FFB)***

A. Factor55 tow hook:
FlatLink | Winch Safety Thimble | Factor 55

3. Rear bumper (tow capable).
***Likely this one: 4x Innovations***

4. Soft top with sides.
EDIT: Ordered Killer Toy Tops newest top with internal cage.

5. Roof rack (entire length of truck?).

6. New 22RE engine (smokes bad, miss fires bad, wiring looks interesting).
EDIT: Likely buying from 22REPerformace.

7. Rebuild independent suspension (everything from what I can tell).

8. Fix all the body damage from PO.

9. Paint BJ60 steelies we own grey for 4R.

10. Put on 31's.

11. Reinforce front frame brace for winching.

12. Line entire inside floor or put in rubber matting?

13. Sliders.

14. Fix A/C (don't know what's wrong with it).

15. Install newer stereo.

16. Fix/replace cracked dash or cover with carpet.

17. Install Aus mirrors off our BJ60 on her.

18. Replace A/C controls inside (seem to be jacked up).

19. Locking center console (Tuffy).

20. Lots of lighting that we already have (LED spots, 22" LED bar, maybe more).

21. Skid plates (critical areas only).

22. Fix various leaks underneath.

23. Replace most of exterior light covers (they're either cracked or faded).

24. De-badge her (needed for body and paint, plus they tend to get stolen in C.A.).

25. Remove all smog related items.

26. Replace all rear interior panels with poly sheeting (for better durability and greater use as a truck).

27. Replace exhaust (leave out catalytic converter).

28. Snorkel (I'm not sure they make on for our rig).

29. Install Lift (depends on cost).

30. Install this seal plate in the roof for rack lighting? Products

31. Flush the power steering fluid using this method: DIY: 2003-2008 Corolla, Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe Power Steering Fluid Exchange w/Pics - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

-Daniel Kent

Saving info for later:4Runner Rear Window Cheap Tricks

 

[The Jade Bean]

Here are pics of her current state:

That should give a basic idea of where I'm starting from.

-Daniel Kent

 

[KLF]

Wow, you have your work cut out for you, that's for sure. WTF is up with the rear seat?

1. Sun roof glass and maybe hardware

I have a MINT condition sunroof glass sitting in my basement, with all the hardware. I had plans to install an OEM roof in my truck when I was doing the restore, but the bodyshop talked me out of it. I planned to figure out how to pack it for shipping then put it on eBay. Interested?

11. Reinforce frame (been lead to believe they're weak).

Never heard this. Where specifically are they supposed to be weak? You might be thinking of the late 90's Tacomas.

16. Fix or replace cracked dash board.

I have several dash pads and cluster surrounds in my stash, no longer needed. Similar fate planned as the sunroof.

17. Install Aus mirrors off our BJ60 on her.

Definitely get rid of those power mirrors. They are not worth the hassle, IMO.

18. Replace A/C controls inside (seem to be jacked up).

I also have an extra set of these.

19. Locking center console (Tuffy?).

That's my plan, probably next Spring. I want the Tuffy "Deluxe Security Console 6-1/2" wide" model. I'm hoping to put my ham radio gear in the front compartment. You can buy Tuffy on Amazon now, BTW.

 

[murf]

Nice! Does the drivetrain seem ok?
For more day to day use, id stay with 31's and pass on the sliders to keep it light and more driveable

 

[The Jade Bean]

Hey Bud!

Wow, you have your work cut out for you, that's for sure. WTF is up with the rear seat?

I know, seems to be my life story. Lol. The rear seat was the PO and I'm in need of that side of the seat as well. Although if we have to part out our BJ60 then I may see if the seats from there will fit the 4R.

I have a MINT condition sunroof glass sitting in my basement, with all the hardware. I had plans to install an OEM roof in my truck when I was doing the restore, but the bodyshop talked me out of it. I planned to figure out how to pack it for shipping then put it on eBay. Interested?

Yes very interested and I'll PM you my address so you can get me a quote.

Never heard this. Where specifically are they supposed to be weak? You might be thinking of the late 90's Tacomas.

Well I'm not sure where, but I thought I heard the front. I thought I saw frame reinforcement plates for it online. If it's not needed I'd rather not do it.

I have several dash pads and cluster surrounds in my stash, no longer needed. Similar fate planned as the sunroof.

Interested in this as well.

Definitely get rid of those power mirrors. They are not worth the hassle, IMO.

Yeah they were missing anyway and someone used self tapping screws to install those wide mirrors you see a lot. I already held up the Aus mirrors and they're gonna look great.

I also have an extra set of these.

Interested in the A/C controls as well.

That's my plan, probably next Spring. I want the Tuffy "Deluxe Security Console 6-1/2" wide" model. I'm hoping to put my ham radio gear in the front compartment. You can buy Tuffy on Amazon now, BTW.

Sweet! However I thought I read they didn't make one specific to these. What model are you getting specifically?

Thanks for the input! -Daniel Kent

 

[The Jade Bean]

Nice! Does the drivetrain seem ok?
For more day to day use, id stay with 31's and pass on the sliders to keep it light and more driveable

Hey. From what I can tell the drive train seems fine, but with it missing in the engine so bad it was hard to get a good test. I'm hoping I'm right and it is. Ok, I was wondering about the tire size so I'll lean towards 31's then. Thank you!

-Daniel Kent

 

[The Jade Bean]

I'd also like to dump the power windows and go manual if anyone knows if that's possible and not a nightmare to do.

-Daniel Kent

 

[the gimpey one]

What about 4cyl diesel swap? Looks nice btw...

 

[The Jade Bean]

What about 4cyl diesel swap? Looks nice btw...

That's what I wanted to do, but I was strongly advised that it would be more work than it was worth. Since we have so much to do and a short time frame we thought it best to keep it simple.

Have you done a swap before?

-Daniel Kent

 

[the gimpey one]

Lol "no"!

 

[KLF]

I'll try to get the sunroof packed up and get you a quote for shipping, along with the other stuff. I have no idea how to get it packed so it doesn't get broken.

You are right that Tuffy doesn't make a specific model for our trucks, this is the one I was looking at:

https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-95-deluxe-stereo-security-console-6-12-wide.aspx

If you look under the "Fits" tab it mentions "Toyota trucks with space**" with a footnote. I'm still assembling my interior, but my quick measurements show that it should fit. Not sure about mounting. I still have my stock console but it is getting tired and it is just too small.

The power windows can be removed (I just went the other way, installed them). I have a spare pass side manual regulator you can have, but don't have any gray cranks (my interior was red). There are connectors under the dash basically right behind the speakers, they are a PITA to get to and disconnected. You will have to pull the doors off if you want to get the harnesses out without cutting them (PLEASE don't cut them, someone will want them intact). You'll need to something about door panels too.

 

[The Jade Bean]

I'll try to get the sunroof packed up and get you a quote for shipping, along with the other stuff. I have no idea how to get it packed so it doesn't get broken.

Lots and lots of bubble wrap and then double boxed I would think.

You are right that Tuffy doesn't make a specific model for our trucks, this is the one I was looking at:

https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-95-deluxe-stereo-security-console-6-12-wide.aspx

If you look under the "Fits" tab it mentions "Toyota trucks with space**" with a footnote. I'm still assembling my interior, but my quick measurements show that it should fit. Not sure about mounting. I still have my stock console but it is getting tired and it is just too small.

Thanks for the link! Yeah the OEM console is tiny and not secure.

The power windows can be removed (I just went the other way, installed them). I have a spare pass side manual regulator you can have, but don't have any gray cranks (my interior was red). There are connectors under the dash basically right behind the speakers, they are a PITA to get to and disconnected. You will have to pull the doors off if you want to get the harnesses out without cutting them (PLEASE don't cut them, someone will want them intact). You'll need to something about door panels too.

Ok I WON'T cut the harness if I go manual. LOL! They work and they're nice to have, but I'm afraid they're gonna break later.

I'm gonna have to start a for sale/free thread for all the extra parts. I don't wanna throw something away that someone has been looking for.

Thanks! -Daniel Kent

 

[The Jade Bean]

What's everybody's thoughts on a lift? I read for what we're doing just leave it, I've read do body lift (I don't want to do this honestly) and I've read 2" lift. Advice?

Advanced thanks!
-Daniel Kent

 

[The Jade Bean]

Just ordered a FSM for '87 T4R... Yeah! PDF format can be good, but nothing beats paper in your hand.

-Daniel Kent

 

[Kris]

I wouldn't worry about lift with 31's. I have not had a single rubbing problem. Even if you put on 33's they will rub on front suspension components whether you have a body lift or not.

I see that your intake tube is "sealed" with masking tape. I have the whole tube as well as the two rubber boots. PM me if you are interested.

 

[The Jade Bean]

I wouldn't worry about lift with 31's. I have not had a single rubbing problem. Even if you put on 33's they will rub on front suspension components whether you have a body lift or not.

I see that your intake tube is "sealed" with masking tape. I have the whole tube as well as the two rubber boots. PM me if you are interested.

Good to know about the lift/tires. If we don't do a lift that should save a little money and the wife will like that. Sent you a PM as well. Thanks!

-Daniel Kent

 

[Sam Stewart]

Awesome!!! Love those 4Runners. Whatever you do, make sure you keep or re-pro those KICK ASS 80's graphics. They make those trucks in my opinion.

 

[Sam Stewart]

Also, x2 on the lift. You can just adjust the torsion bars in the front a little if you need some more clearance.

 

[The Jade Bean]

Thanks Sam! Those graphics are sweet, but for now they are coming off to repair and inevitably repaint in the future.

Thinking of doing the rear spring between the leafs or add a spring to fix the sag.

-Daniel Kent