88 4Runner 3.0 needs it all (1 Viewer)

[Couse44]

Hello Mud members! I figured I better start documenting all the work I end up doing to this 4Runner. There is nothing special about it, except how well it runs for how rough it is. It’s not even what I was looking for. Wish it had solid front axle, AC, and was a year older. Our insurance company in Saskatchewan put a cap on what is recognized as a antique, if it was a 87 it would save me 850 bucks a year. But I’m going to put money into I anyways. This is the 6th 4Runner I’ve owned in my life, and at the moment I have two. The other is a 2015 trail edition, and also a 1976 fj40 that is almost near completion from a half restoration. Well anyways, here are some photos of her.

 

[yotadude520]

Sweet find man!! And your ideal 4Runner would be three years older if you wanted a solid axle & A/C.

Post some more pictures as you go through it!

 

[Couse44]

Okay... I am kind of ridiculous and found another 4Runner lol it’s an 85 with a solid front axle, cruise control, but no AC. Who cares right?! Has good year wrangler Duratrac tires 33”. Standard tranny. Had bumpers and anemometer, but I had him take them off to save me money on the sale. I’d like an ARB front bumper. So for now I’ll give this one attention.

 

[Couse44]

After a week of owning I did an oil change with a Toyota filter and 5w30 oil. And just last night I did cap, rotor, plugs, and wires.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Interesting decals for an 85...???

 

[gnob]

Kinda my thoughts Probably aftermarket. At first glance looks like 86 stuff.

Interesting decals for an 85...???

 

[old87yota]

My guess is that those decals are a Canadian dealer option.

 

[Couse44]

Yea it is Canadian.... and because of that I installed myself a buddy heater on the passenger side to keep the frost off the windows on these cold nights.

 

[steffan]

Nice one - looks pretty clean

 

[Ryno5150]

Don't need AC in a Gen1. When warm weather comes around the top comes off and stays off.

 

[yotadude520]

That 85 looks pretty nice! Any bad rust on it?

 

[Couse44]

That 85 looks pretty nice! Any bad rust on it?

Oh yea some pretty bad rust, I’m just so use to rust in Saskatchewan lol. Good thing I have a welder!

 

[Couse44]

As soon as spring comes I’ll be throwing time and money at this thing. Before Christmas I added a 10”sub in the back. Thought under the passenger seat was best place for amp, well that’s not true. The mechanism for the seat sliding back and forth was too low to fit amp under. Another hour later I finally got the amp all mounted under the driver side. Then during Christmas the 4Runner sat the whole time, we use the wife’s rav4 as the family transporter. And finally after holidays I was able to give her some attention at the shop! Soon enough she will get more love.

 

[joseywales]

Are those 33x12.50 or 10.50? They look kind of right in the middle of those sizes. Presumably you have stock gears? How much of a dog is it? I’m looking at going from 31 to 33x10.50 and would prefer not to get in to gearing.

 

[yotadude520]

Are those 33x12.50 or 10.50? They look kind of right in the middle of those sizes. Presumably you have stock gears? How much of a dog is it? I’m looking at going from 31 to 33x10.50 and would prefer not to get in to gearing.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you will probably have to regear! The best gear ratios I’ve had were 5.29s for 33 x 12.50s and the 4.88’s in the red truck on the 285/75/16’s is perfect.

My 94 had stock 4.56 gearing on 33’s and was a dog!

 

[joseywales]

I have a V6 and 4.30s so I’m hoping it’s tolerable. This isn’t a daily driver, and will just be poking around at the beach and in low range going fishing and hunting, so I’m not looking for a race car! If it’s bad I’ll throw in some 4.88 thirds a friend of mine has. If I can get them for a good price.

My Hilux had 35s and 5.29s with 22RE so I’m realistic with my expectations.

And yes, I HATE myself for selling that truck!

 

[yotadude520]

@joseywales - No way! I think I have that same picture of your truck saved on my computer from google.

I loved the way that truck looked! It reminded me a lot of my 94.

Anyway with the 3.0 and 33’s you’re definitely going to need 4.88s!

 

[yotadude520]

After a week of owning I did an oil change with a Toyota filter and 5w30 oil. And just last night I did cap, rotor, plugs, and wires.View attachment 1809489View attachment 1809490

What were the part numbers for the OEM spark plugs? My stealership down here didn’t have them and I couldn’t find any!

 

[joseywales]

@joseywales - No way! I think I have that same picture of your truck saved on my computer from google.

I loved the way that truck looked! It reminded me a lot of my 94.

Glad you liked it. There is definitely a twin thing going on there! The only thing I hated about mine was the “whore house red” interior! You KNOW I’m jealous of your current ride!

 

[KLF]

Glad you liked it. There is definitely a twin thing going on there! The only thing I hated about mine was the “whore house red” interior! You KNOW I’m jealous of your current ride!

I could post a photo of the interior of his truck that would make your eyes bleed and beg for mercy. It was really bad when I first bought it.