85 4RUNNER, IS IT WORTH IT?

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tommy854runner

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Alpharetta GA
I just started looking a few weeks ago for a reasonably clean/fairly stock 1st gen 4runner. I missed a few really nice ones in the Atlanta area because I wasn't ready to pull the trigger and now i can't find a single one. Through a good friend I've located an 85 in North Carolina, 255k, 5 speed DLX. Body has had a repaint in white and overall very little rust and in good shape. 2.5" lift with some bobo 32x11.50's. Interior is pretty shot though. She won't budge off of $5k though which I think is a little steep. What are your thoughts?? I was really wanting to stay in the high $3k range low $4's. Are 85's worth that much more of a premium now days just because it's a solid axle truck? I know they are more saught after but for me I'm not going to build a crawler so it's not a deal breaker for me.

I'm really just wanting something to tool around with the kids on the weekends and do a little light duty wheeling/camping with them.
 
It depends on what you want. I will say trying to refurbish an interior gets expensive.
 
It's just a DLX not an SR5? SR5 gets you the sweet sport seats and inclinometer plus the clock and sunroof (although I think I saw once where every 1st gen 4Runner had a sunroof but not sure?) I'd say wait. Resprays in a different color may hide many ills. Plus how rough is the interior? There were some 4Runners that came without a back seat. You could get a later model IFS if you're not going to make it a rock rig. There's tons of info on upgrades for the IFS. Same rig, basically, with a smoother ride.
 
I could see it still being worth $5k to someone just because it's an 85 but the front seats are shot, no center console at all, no carpet, rear tailgate interior panel is plywood, door panels are ok and that's about it.

I guess for me I should just wait for a cleaner one.
 
Which motor? 22re and a solid axle is generally considered the best combo and carries a premium. On the off chance it's a diesel it's a steal.

Sounds like you don't need the solid axle but If you plan to sell the truck in the future the solid axle will probably hold its value much better.

Ultimately the value will depend on local market values
 
GeoRoss said:
It depends on what you want. I will say trying to refurbish an interior gets expensive.
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Better than needing to refurbish an engine. My front seats have never left me stranded :)

I'd worry more about maintenance history and miles on the clock
 
My humble opinion.

First, you would not even get my attention with $5k for my '85. I know what I have, and I know what I've done to it. They are holy grail of 4Runners. But there needs to be something left to make them worthy. And they better be real clean.

Second, interior parts are only obtainable from a boneyard, years 1984 - 1987. Ya, some parts go to 1989. The DLX models DID NOT come with a back seat, and a seat was dealer installed in the US. Frankly, unless you have kids I would not worry about it. Gut the interior, have it sprayed lined, install seats and a Tuffy console. Done. But, I would not give her $5K for basically a shell.

Third, how is the drive train? If the engine is very sound, along with the tranny, transfer case, axles, brakes, knuckles, etc, ... then $5k might be possible (OK, who am I kidding?). But, my experience is folks that trash the interior also neglect the rest of the truck. If it isn't a sweet truck to drive, mostly intact, with everything working, then $5K is a dream.

And I agree with the poster that the fresh paint is probably hiding something. I've seen that too many times.

(although I think I saw once where every 1st gen 4Runner had a sunroof but not sure?)
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Not even close.
 
If you don't really care or need the solid axle, then expand your search to include up to 89. More available and more affordable than strictly the 85, which most are trying to find because of the solid axle efi combo. You will more than likely find several that are cleaner and in your budget.
 
An SAS isn't that hard, but neither is converting a carbed engine to EFI with Toyota.
 
Mudder said:
An SAS isn't that hard, but neither is converting a carbed engine to EFI with Toyota.
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I agree 100%.

A bone stock '85 isn't that much more stout than an '86 and up first gen with IFS on the trails. They both flex out pretty quick with stock suspensions. With that said the sky is the limit in regards to modifications and aftermarket parts available for any year 1st gen 4Runner. Truthfully, I'd snag an '86 up one for about $3k or so and find all the parts to do a SAS. You already have the correct steering box for high steer ('85 guys need that).

You could even throw in a Spartan or other limited slip diff in the front of an '86/up rig and go through a lot more than someone with a bone stock '85 ever could. The 1985 year is a great platform to build a very capable wheeler especially since you already have the front diff, but out of the box they aren't much better than an '86 or above 4Runner/mini IMO.
 
toomanytoyzz said:
I agree 100%.

A bone stock '85 isn't that much more stout than an '86 and up first gen with IFS on the trails. They both flex out pretty quick with stock suspensions. With that said the sky is the limit in regards to modifications and aftermarket parts available for any year 1st gen 4Runner. Truthfully, I'd snag an '86 up one for about $3k or so and find all the parts to do a SAS. You already have the correct steering box for high steer ('85 guys need that).

You could even throw in a Spartan or other limited slip diff in the front of an '86/up rig and go through a lot more than someone with a bone stock '85 ever could. The 1985 year is a great platform to build a very capable wheeler especially since you already have the front diff, but out of the box they aren't much better than an '86 or above 4Runner/mini IMO.
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Pretty much agree. If you're determined to go SAS a lot of the work is already done on a IFS rig. Spring hangers for a competent welder are pretty easy as long as they can read a tape measure. So if you found a nice IFS rig for around 3K it's easy.
 
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