How much would you pay? Is this rust bad? (1 Viewer)

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85roktoy

SILVER Star
Joined
Apr 28, 2007
Threads
142
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791
Location
Inlet Beach, FL
Looking at an 85 4runner near by. 230k on the 22RE. Rebuilt at 190k along with the trans. Sounds and runs good. Has oil leak maybe 1/2qt every 3000 miles.

Has some rust issues but not terrible IMO. How bad does this look? The hole beside the windshield and the seam inside the drivers door jam concerns me. Top has never been off. Would you be worried about rust under the lip? Rear fender lips have some rust.

Lifted up on 37’s with 5.71’s in the rear, stock gears in the front. Said he never used 4wd and never got around to changing it out.

Any idea on a price range? Interior is pretty rough but no rust in floor boards or up underneath. Seats are shot and some of the plastic paneling near seat belts is shredded.

Opinions/thoughts? $8-$10k realistic??

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The body doesn't "look" too far gone yet. The visible rust is just the surface. It's definitely worse underneath but now is the time to get a handle on it. The windshield frame would be my biggest concern. I'd think that it could be pretty bad under the urethane sealer. Overall it looks like a decent truck. I guess it depends on what you think of the rust. If you want it fixed and pay someone it won't be cheap. If you have the time and skill, I don't think it's too far gone yet. Look inside the cowl and make sure it isn't rusted out. Does it have any filler on it? I personally won't buy rusty trucks but that's just me being spoiled in the desert climate I live in.

Front diff NEEDS to be re-geared. I'd think the asking price should reflect this. Not too expensive if you can do it yourself though.

I have no idea on value. I think that varies by region. What are your plans for it?
 
My plans would be to get it back to near stock. Something to cruise around in on weekends. 33x10.50’s on stock wheels with OME 2.5” lift. I don’t mind the rust but I’d like to just stop it from progressing. Is that possible? Make it reliable. Something for me and the 9yr old daughter to tinker with. Add a soft top.
 
IDK much about solutions for stopping the rust but there probably are. Maybe some more Mudder's will chime in on that. If you go down to 33's both diffs would be better with 4.88 gears. Does the A/C work? Do you have to pass emissions?

Looks like a fun running project.
 
Yes I was thinking 4.88’s may be better. AC doesn’t work but it does have power steering. Does not need to pass emissions.
 
My 88 pickup with the stock 22RE had 31" tires and 4.56's were perfect. Mainly what I was going on for a gearing guess.

If you want to get the A/C working hopefully all the parts are there. You can get aftermarket compressors, evaporators, condensers and dryers. The idle up valve is no longer available but you can run one from another model Toyota with a minor vacuum hose routing change. IDK if the solenoid valves are still available.

I have some A/C parts available that I salvaged from a couple 84-88 trucks. Mainly the under dash parts and the control panels.

There's some aftermarket interior and door panels out there.

Does the rear window and wiper work?

Your interior plastic looks great compared to the ones out here in the desert heat.
 
The rear window works but the door won’t open. He said the latch needs some lube not sure how true that is though.
 
The rear window works but the door won’t open. He said the latch needs some lube not sure how true that is though.

The way you find out if it's true or not is for him to lube it and demonstrate that it works.

Ten grand? Are we being serious??? I need a tetanus booster just looking at the pics.

Signed - guy who is extremely averse to buying rust
 
The rust around the windshield is concerning. If its in that spot, guaranteed its in other spots under that chrome windshield trim. Thats a $5k max rig in my opinion. Maybe $3500 since it leaks or burns 1-2qts of oil per oil change. Thats a significant leak. It has a huge skyjacker lift and tires that sounds like you'd be selling anyways. If the price is right, grab it. But if youre looking for a more stock rig, id start looking for something thats not molested by a previous owner. Judging by this one it looks rode hard and put up wet. I dont like buying other peoples junk unless its a full tear down or for parts.
 
The rust around the windshield is concerning. If its in that spot, guaranteed its in other spots under that chrome windshield trim. Thats a $5k max rig in my opinion. Maybe $3500 since it leaks or burns 1-2qts of oil per oil change. Thats a significant leak. It has a huge skyjacker lift and tires that sounds like you'd be selling anyways. If the price is right, grab it. But if youre looking for a more stock rig, id start looking for something thats not molested by a previous owner. Judging by this one it looks rode hard and put up wet. I dont like buying other peoples junk unless its a full tear down or for parts.
this. you can buy a CLEAN truck for 10k. this is not that truck.
 
My plans would be to get it back to near stock. Something to cruise around in on weekends. 33x10.50’s on stock wheels with OME 2.5” lift. I don’t mind the rust but I’d like to just stop it from progressing. Is that possible? Make it reliable. Something for me and the 9yr old daughter to tinker with. Add a soft top.
I wouldn't buy this one at any price. It looks beat, the mods are bad news and the rust is problematic- especially around the windshield. The fender sheet metal is real thin on these, so once rust gets established they could rot away quickly in your warm, humid climate. IMO, also expand your search to newer first gens with IFS. Want reliable? You can run 32 inch tires on these trucks with no lift.
 
Thank you all. This has opened my eyes a bit on the subject. It’s not a definite no but he’d have to come way down sub $5k (which I don’t think will happen) for me to bite.
 
Are you willing to drive north between Atlanta and Charlotte?

If so 8-10k will get you much more than that.
 
I’d have a hard time passing up on the vintage ZZ Top front plate, that’s clutch. What does the brain trust think that adds in value? :). Kidding aside, I would echo what others have said regarding the rust, it’s like an iceberg, 80% is below/not visible.

Good luck with the search, I love those early 4Runners…
 
Not even an SR5 model….
Toyota owners….am I right???? Lol
If the same person who put that god awful dash cover, ZZ top plate and “super” lift on the truck are the same ones who “rebuilt” the engine and tranny then I’m surprised it’s not leaking 4 quarts every 3K! The sad thing is that truck will sell for $8500 to some poor kid who doesn’t know any better. Don’t be that kid! You can absolutely find a mint rig for $10k just gotta be patient and not eager. Let these rust buckets go, don’t waste your time or money.
 

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