4runner.... rescue?

[yotadude520]

I think getting a welder was the worst thing that ever happened to me.

Passenger side firewall trimming. The 35 will probably juuuuust rub at full stuff full lock. I couldn’t achieve full stuff so I got it as close as I could without moving the computer in the kick panel. I plated the body mount bud it’s not there in these pictures.

View attachment 2277223View attachment 2277225

Tell me about it. I'm constantly looking for excuses to weld things...it's addicting.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

So this works. I was pretty proud of myself.

I was able to get inside the rockers where I patched some rusty spots and spray the backside of my welds. Obviously weld-thru primer would have been a better option but I didn’t know that was a thing until it was too late.

 

[pappy]

Obviously weld-thru primer would have been a better option but I didn’t know that was a thing until it was too late.

I've tried the weld-thru primer. Didn't like it. I couldn't get a good weld with gas.

 

[KLF]

So this works. I was pretty proud of myself.
View attachment 2285460
I was able to get inside the rockers where I patched some rusty spots and spray the backside of my welds. Obviously weld-thru primer would have been a better option but I didn’t know that was a thing until it was too late.

Uhh.... I would be also getting some paint on top of that. Primer is porous, and holds moisture. That could go the wrong way.

But I like the nozzle. Where'd you steal that one from? I think I have a WD-40 can like that.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Uhh.... I would be also getting some paint on top of that. Primer is porous, and holds moisture. That could go the wrong way.

But I like the nozzle. Where'd you steal that one from? I think I have a WD-40 can like that.

Yup. Wd40 can. They also have WD40 cans with metal flexible nozzles.

Im going to paint, of course, but I’m not to that step yet.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Little update. Got Etheridge fenders trimmed, repaired some rusty areas, and welded on the TG sliders that I bought 6 years ago for my 80. Went wheeling once.

I really like this vehicle the way it is, unfortunately I found a built/rolled ‘85 with a LOT of goodies on it for $1800. Looks like a SAS is in my future. I believe I can part out the ‘85 and end up with the semi built axles for freeish. I’ll post some pictures of the ‘85 when I get it home. She took a tumble, but I think the 3” body lift absorbed most of the impact. I’m excited. I love building s***.

35s, sliders, soft top, half doors

Airing up after a wheeling trip

 

[BlueCruiser84]

The tires rub the fender lip in the rear, but nothing too serious. The biggest hindrance to wheeling hard trails is being open/open, zero articulation, and the 4.7 case. Crawling is impossible - it’s third gear and momentum over every obstacle.

I’ve started on a winch plate so I can keep up with my buddies LS powered CJ on tons.... at least I can use my $300 (how is that possible?) Chinese winch to drag me through obstacles.

that front cross member took a substantial amount of reinforcement. I’m aware that I need a roller style fair lead for that cable.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

And then...

Obviously the body is toast, but the ‘85 frame appears to be in great shape. I’m really only interested in the axles and stuff. Hopefully the items I want are usable and I can part out the rest of the vehicle. Plan is to get it running and driving around the yard and then pull parts. Woohoo!

 

[KLF]

And then...

View attachment 2510814View attachment 2510815


Obviously the body is toast, but the ‘85 frame appears to be in great shape. I’m really only interested in the axles and stuff. Hopefully the items I want are usable and I can part out the rest of the vehicle. Plan is to get it running and driving around the yard and then pull parts. Woohoo!

Dibs on the windshield trim!!

(kidding)

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Dibs on the windshield trim!!

(kidding)

There are actually a couple decent pieces - corners mostly. Is windshield trim something people want? I had a set of trim sitting around in good condition. It may have found its way to the dump...

 

[KLF]

There are actually a couple decent pieces - corners mostly. Is windshield trim something people want? I had a set of trim sitting around in good condition. It may have found its way to the dump...

Super hard to find now in good condition. Unobtainiam from Toyota for years. It can be hard to remove without bending it. Unless you want it to stay on, at which point it will eject itself from the truck when you get up to highway speed.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Super hard to find now in good condition. Unobtainiam from Toyota for years. It can be hard to remove without bending it. Unless you want it to stay on, at which point it will eject itself from the truck when you get up to highway speed.

Heh. I got all mine off without bending, but I broke every plastic clip.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

We got some snow!! This is the first time over ever had the 4runner in the snow. It worked very well.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

I also bought this truck that has been around the forum for a while. I was going to sas the 4runner but now I think I might put that on hold. The 4runner works amazingly as it is. Easy to drive. Needs nothing etc.

I have been in love with this truck since @yotadude520 was selling it in AZ. Turned up on marketplace 8 miles from my house in VA. I’ll start a “build” thread when I get it home. It’s in rough shape, but fingers crossed, the bones are good. Goals are to freshen up the interior, go through mechanicals, and save the patina if possible.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

I may have just found the best (in my opinion) Toyota wheels for these first gen 4runners.

They’re off some 70 series. Look just like OEM wheels but they have a -20 offset. Back space is 3.5”. Here they are with 33x10.50s. I’m in love. Tiny bit of poke with the OEM look and no spacers.

 

[Manhattan]

Those do look great. And yeah - they look like they could've come on that truck... except for the backspacing - which I like!

 

[Kris]

Are they 16" wheels too?
I came this close to buying a set a number of years back, because really only stock wheels look good on these trucks.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Are they 16" wheels too?
I came this close to buying a set a number of years back, because really only stock wheels look good on these trucks.

No they are 15x7.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Got a hardtop from a buddy and “built” a half top. It’s a lot of fun. Keeps the sun off the kids, but still gives the topless feel. Needs paint and some finishing, but I’ll get to that in 2 or 3 years.

 

[jakey poo]

Great looking 1/2 Top! Any chance you still have the L molding that you took off from the windows? Mine have a bunch of rust pinholes in them