1st Project!

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ROBsSON

ROBsSON

Yeah thats my dad
10 Year
Joined
Sep 2, 2011
Threads
41
Messages
1,271
Location
North Carolina
Sup Everyone,
Well im looking to find a 1st Gen 4Runner to give myself something to do after i get home from this deployment. Im hoping i can get some suggestions on a strong year for a 1st Gen 4Runner. and maybe where i can find one!

Thanks guys
 
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!! Welcome to MUD!

1985 is probably the most "desired." Last year of solid front axle (84 and 85), and first year available with EFI. 1986-1989 is IFS. Really just depends on your preference. Several available 1st gens on craigslist in TX.
 
Cannon88 said:
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!! Welcome to MUD!
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x2

And I will agree that an 85 would be good, but an 87 with a turbo would be fun. Kinda depends on what kinda project you want to take on. An 86-89 with IFS could make a nice "project" if you did an SAS on it. I think an 87 turbo 4cyl 5 speed that you could SAS would be a sweet project for the winter.

Keep us posted,

Tucker
 
You pay a premium for an 85 because its considered the holy grail in stock form. I would look for a deal on an IFS rig with the 22re and SAS it when the time comes. Don't pass up a clean 85, but they will be hard to find and expect to pay more.
 
Thanks Guys i appreciate it!

And i've been looking all over the country! California to Texas. ive seen a few missed out on some great deals but ill get lucky sooner or later.

the 85 was my first idea because growing up with all of the 73 FJ40s and the old 45s never had any experience with the IFS... solid axle just seemed right.. but from what i here the IFS rides a little smother. True or False? my biggest draw to these 1st gens is probably just because of the removable top.

as for the turbo i actually got a little interested when i red a Toyota 4x4 mag where the guy put a 3.4L V6 supercharged into his 87 or 88 4runner looked great, but who knows what ill find!
 
Well if you are looking to do a 3.4 swap, then you are going to want to look for an 88 or 89 that came with a v6 originally. I have an 88 myself and I am having a 3.0 cleaned up to go back in it as we speak. I would also look for a 5 speed so that swapping in a gear drive case from a 4cyl truck will be easier in the future.
 
Well good news my dad found a 87 with 130,000 miles on it clean and well looks like its a winner and just thought id ask what a good lift would be ive only checked 2 out so far the PRO COMP, and ALL PRO 4" lifts just because im gonna start with 33" tires and this way ill be able to put 35s on when the time comes i wont need to get a new lift. just looking for some imputs on some stuff you may have tried on your truck that ran smooth and was good on the trail! thanks everyone

and i think for now the engine swap will just be put on hold hahah i wanna clean the rest of the truck first. but best of luck on your 3.0 gotta put some pics up when you finish!
 
Congrats on the score. As far as lift goes, i would suggest a set of ball joint spacers and a set of springs to level it out. That should clear a set of 33's nicely for your start and will be pretty inexpensive depending on what rear option you choose.

The ProComp you mention is going to be a bracket lift for the IFS and the All Pro set up will be a full Solid Axle Swap and will be much more involved and will involve some major surgery to your new-to-you ride.

Just a suggestion, but I would get the rig, do all your PM and drive it for a while, wheel it some and decide what direction you want to take it.

Oh and it doesn't really exist until we see pics, and *********** the official Mud Welcome. :grinpimp:
 
Awesome man well thanks for the tips! and well once im home im sure everyone on Mud will get to see it, but im at least planning to keep the IFS for a while cuz i dont wanna do that kinda work till i understand the trucks alittle more. ill post some pics of it once i get some more my dad is the one whos taking care of the whole getting the truck and what not since im here!

Everyone who reads this have a great day! and enjoy that sweet American air!!! :flipoff2: hahahah
 
Here is a picture you the 4 Runner William AKA WhiteTiger45 is getting I am working on picking it it in the next few weeks
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That is a nice looking project. It has just the right amount of character to make you ok with taking out on the trail. I guess I should find some pics of mine so we can compare notes as the builds progress.

Gotta love those saggy old rears.:grinpimp:
 
I agree. Don't rush into changing it too much at first. However, If I had to build a 1st gen from scratch, I would do the minimum amount of lift and then do some very clean fender and firewall tubbing.

Congrats on the purchase. I grew up in Copperas Cove. My dad retired while stationed at Ft. Hood, and now I live down in Austin.

Thanks for your service, and have fun with the new project!
 
jynx said:
That is a nice looking project. It has just the right amount of character to make you ok with taking out on the trail. I guess I should find some pics of mine so we can compare notes as the builds progress.

Gotta love those saggy old rears.:grinpimp:
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alright man thanks sounds like a plan ill post some stuff once i get home and can do some work! thanks for the support man!
 
austintaco said:
I agree. Don't rush into changing it too much at first. However, If I had to build a 1st gen from scratch, I would do the minimum amount of lift and then do some very clean fender and firewall tubbing.
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Yeah im looking to do a 4in lift i dont think im gonna go any bigger than 33s for a long time at least a good year or 2 so now im just trying to find out what suspension kit is good for the truck.
 
If you are looking to run 33s for a year or so, and the frame is straight, then I would suggest that you look at some ball joint spacers and a set of OME rear springs, a good set of shocks and you should be good.

That is kind of what I am thinking for mine for now, until I get ready to 3-link it.

The spacers come in 1.5" and a good set of springs will level things out. You may want to check into a set of gears too. For 33s, 4.88s should do, but if you plan to eventually go up to 35s or 37s, and you won't be driving it daily, then you may want to go on up to 5.29s

If you really want to go for a 4" bracket lift, then would look at ProComp, super lift, or skyjacker. I'm sure there are others, but those three jump out at me.

Later,

Tucker
 
Here's what an 85 with 33s looks like. I just finished mine.


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Racehoss said:
I just finished mine.
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Bet you haven't. They are never finished and the truck will evolve for as long as you own it.

Oh, and my 1985 on 33":
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Have fun with your new truck. The Gen1 4Runners are as good as they get.
 
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