First round of upgrades finished

[WarDamnEagle]

Just spent 4 weeks in the US and managed to spend a bit of money on my 1985 4Runner. Quick list:

OME suspension complete with shackles, shocks, etc.
New engine from DOA Racing
ARB front bumper
Warn 8000
Custom rear bumper (Kennessaw Mountain)
LC Engineering vented rotors, clutch, header and stainless exhaust (including Cat)
Poly bushings everywhere (body, torque rod, etc.)
BFG 31x10.50-15 MT's
SR5 instrument cluster
Tons of other little things...

A few after photos....

 

[WarDamnEagle]

a couple more...

 

[amgraham]

That's a mighty clean runner you got there. Looks great!

 

[LeftCoast]

Alabama doesn't deserve such a nice Runner.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Then just consider it an Auburn Runner! War Eagle!

 

[Turbo Turtle]

An even rarer 85'1/2 truck. You failed to mention the IFS. An injected runner with a stock solid front axle. Is da BOMB! I'm not a hater, but... Damn sweet rig!

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Forgot to say thanks to everyone on IH8MUD for all the tips, advice and answers to my questions over the last few months. It certainly helped when I needed to get most of my parts ordered long distance and the work done in very little time.

 

[Darksyde4Runner]

Runner looks great keep it up. I love the removable top. but my 2nd gen will have to do. put 400,000 kms on it and hope to put 400,000 more.

 

[BC-Luc]

Very very nice !

How do you like the new engine ?

 

[Curse]

Wow, so sexy

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Very very nice !

How do you like the new engine ?

So far so good. We only put about 600 miles on it before we had to go back to the UK. It will get driven some in our absense but not a lot until next summer. It cruises on the interstate at 70 to 80 as long as you're running flat. A bit of grade and she slows down although it will pull up a fairly steep grade at between 65 and 70 in 5th gear.

According to Tim at DOA (and others that I've spoken to), the engine will tend to get a bit stronger for the first few thousand miles. As little as we drive it it could take a few years to get a few thousand on it!

Running the 31" BFG MT's, I would like to go to 4.56 differentials which will then bring the overall drive ratios back to "stock" ratios with those tires. The engine feels like it would prefer to run a few hundred rpm higher when cruising in 5th gear. You can tell that it feels like it has more power at 80 than at 70. Maybe next summer I'll put a Toyota elocker in the rear with 4.56 ratios and a Detroit Trutrac up front with 4.56.

A good friend who owns his own shop installed the engine. He was impressed. Over 180 psi per cylinder when he checked the compression. My only "complaint" is the overall noise is a bit more than I would prefer but that isn't the engine's fault. I installed an LC engineering ceramic coated stainless header and stainless exhaust all the way back which included a new CAT and Flowmaster muffler. It sounds good but when my 4Runner was completely stock it was as silent as a Swiss sewing machine which I always thought was pretty cool when I was hunting. Can't have everything I suppose!

I'm going to work on the interior a bit next summer and I might try some dynamat or something similar under a new vinyl or carpet kit.

 

[F-junker]

Nice rig, are you oil and gas? I saw the "UK, and Gulf Coast". My brother has been back and forth from Houston and Aberdeen Scotland for years. I love the UK except for two things Gas prices and Guns (or the lack there of). The rain takes a bit of getting used to but the climate as far as temperature is great. What about the wheel though???? There are s***-piles of defenders over there 110' and 90's.

You runner is looking like mine should have had I not bought an FJ-40 from hell. It's been a real pita project and a pain in the wallet project. I bought it originally for the axles but could part her out. Last time I make that mistake. But I like it and the old 4runner is more of my work truck anyway so it all worked out in the end. cheers Ken

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Nice rig, are you oil and gas? I saw the "UK, and Gulf Coast". My brother has been back and forth from Houston and Aberdeen Scotland for years. I love the UK except for two things Gas prices and Guns (or the lack there of). The rain takes a bit of getting used to but the climate as far as temperature is great. What about the wheel though???? There are ****-piles of defenders over there 110' and 90's.

You runner is looking like mine should have had I not bought an FJ-40 from hell. It's been a real pita project and a pain in the wallet project. I bought it originally for the axles but could part her out. Last time I make that mistake. But I like it and the old 4runner is more of my work truck anyway so it all worked out in the end. cheers Ken

Not oil and gas. Refining and petrochemicals. Gas prices are a bit stiff. Shotguns aren't an issue. A permit is easy to get as is access to pheasant and partridge hunting. Pistols are out of the question. For me the weather sucks. Lots of rain and never any warm temps....not Gulf Coast!!

I have been looking at 110 and 90 Defenders but I'm not sure I like them after riding in some. Also, you can't them back to the US unless they're 25 years old and the first Defenders won't be that old for 2 more years. Another american friend just bought an old Series III that he's going to take back to the US. It'll be worth more there than in the UK. Tried to buy an '81 BJ42 out of Switzerland last week. It was in good shape, low miles, with original PTO winch. Dutch guy got there first. I'll keep my eyes open but there are NO FJ40's in the UK. OK maybe 1 or 2 but no more than that.

Thanks for the comments on the 4Runner. We've had it forever and it's only been used for hunting in the last few years.