1985 4Runner or 1989 w/ SAS? (1 Viewer)

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aamiggia

aamiggia

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Nov 30, 2004
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Hello all,

I'm snooping around this forum to get some insight on a potential project rig.

I'm interested in building a 4Runner trail rig. My goal is to have 36" tires, SPOA, and locking diff's (would like to be selectable).

My question is, is it better to start with a 1985 Solid axle;
- Hard to find, usualy people know it's value = $$$
- Usually rusted more
- 1986-1989 have more creature comforts

or get a 1986-1989 and do a SAS;
- easier to find
- larger rear axle (stronger?)

Your opinions would be greatly welcomed. and any other tech differences.
 
if you opt for the 85, make sure it has EFI...believe that was optional for a few years....

IMO, get the later model with the 58" axles, not the earlier with the 55".
 
woody said:
if you opt for the 85, make sure it has EFI...believe that was optional for a few years....

IMO, get the later model with the 58" axles, not the earlier with the 55".
Click to expand...


I agree with Woody in making sure that it's EFI. 84's were carbed (some late 84's were rumored to be available with EFI, but i've yet to see it), all 85's were EFI.

Frankly, it really doesn't matter anymore.

With an IFS truck you get the steering box and wider rear axle.
With Solid axle, you get the front axle and front spring mounts.

You'll spend the same amount of money building the 85 as you will an 89. Just less cutting.

find one that is solid - both mechanically and structurally - and go from there.... Worry less about the current suspension than the over all state of the truck.
 
go for the one with the least amount of rust

btw i have an 86 that the engine is being rebuilt and will be forsale as soon as i get the title the PO had to apply and should be here in a couple of weeks

$3900 OBO in Mooresville, NC
 
A Turbo 4runner? That's the first time I have ever heard about that model. What years were they produced? Is it a 22RE motor still?

I have heard that there was a more rare diesel 4runner, at least in Canada.
 
Get yourself the cleanest truck you can find and build it:) Would it be great to start with an 85 runner? Sure. Most of them had fuel injection too.

If you can fabricate, then it doesn't matter. It would be nice to know how much money you are planning in dumping into this as well.

Remember, if you find a clean, well built rig, then you can get it very cheap as the mods don't pay off when they sell. It's a buyers market for 95% of already built rigs.

As far as rear axles go, I'd swap the e-locker rear out of a Tacoma into the project truck and run a cable if you don't want to wire it. They can be had for around $600, the price of an ARB...

Or, even better, grab front and rear e-locker equipped 80 series axles and go to work. Coilovers, 3 link front and 4 link rear!!! WOO WOO
 
I don't have any fabricating skills, although I've never tried. I'm just full of ideas :idea: I will have access to welding, which is required for the SAS.

I don't really have a big budget. With the 86-89 4Runner I can buy it for very cheap ($2-3K CDN) and get a SAS kit w/ lift from Alpro or others for $2k USD. Then ring and pinion, lockers, and wheels/tires.

The beauty is that I can do this over time when funds are available.

My other option is buying a 70 series ($4-7k CDN) cruiser for more money and waiting to do a lift and lockers (not easy/cheap to fit 36's, but it has a diesel).

The mini trucks are much easier to get parts and a lot cheaper, but I love Cruisers.
 
Does the SAS kits include 4runners from 1990 - 1995? Is the rear of these 4runner's leaf sprung?
 
I was thinking about the 4runner also. I ended up getting a 95 with a 4cyl. I will probably be using the bentup SAS kit/some Waggy Springs since they do great work and are local here in NorCal. I have a very clean rig to start a good project, also like the 4doors. Also with the 4cyl/5spd and can put on the Marlin Crawler box. Will probably just go with the LC coils in the back.

A little different then the 86-89, but also a good option. I still really like the size of the 4runner for tight trails verses a 80 series cruiser.

I used to have a 85 toy pickup and it was great also. Damn, why did I sell that thing???
 
Early 85's are carbed later 85's are efi. Both came with solid front axles.My wife has the carbed version and loves it. If it were up to me I would have bought a efi.
 
One of the guy's in our club has a bj70, nice truck. If I were to do it all over i'd probably buy the 85 so I dont have to mess with doing the solid axle and could put the $ in other things. But since mine is a 87 I have to do the swap. Another good shop to look at is http://offroadsolutions.com/
 
I have a lead on a California / Florida 1984 Pickup (flat deck, SWB) truck that is up here. The guy doesn't want much money he would like to see it go to a fellow Toyota enthusiast. It is carbed, but the body is in excellent shape, it's never seen winter.

I'm assuming the '84 22RE is the same as an '85 sans EFI. The engine has 165,000 miles with a rebuilt 5 speed. Is it easy (bolt-in, no kit or welding) to put the 3.0L V6 into this truck? May be a 2.3L 2LT turbo diesel.... HMMMMM....

There are a few importers in Canada that bring in Hilux's and TD 4Runner from Japan. I think I will start investigating.
 
The non fi motor is called a 22R. The transmission is different for the 3.0v6 and quite frankly, the 22R and 22RE are better motors than the 3.0v6. It would be sweet to swap in the TD though...

If you go to the trouble of a motor swap, consider the newer 3.4v6 which is a fantastic motor. Powerful and reliable.

Performance accessories are available here for the 22R and 22RE:

http://www.lcengineering.com/
 
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