My 86' 4runner build

[KLF]

I have installed quite a few e-lockers, starting waaay back in 2000, I think there's still a write up on 4x4wire.com with all my pictures. I have then F&R in my truck now. I have regeared more than I have installed too.

My comments:

Modifying your rear axle is not hard, but its best if you can beef up the sealing face with some welding.

I cut the notch by first drilling holes at the corners, then I use my cutoff tool with a fresh disc. Cleanup with files and die grinder.

Do NOT use the gasket to mark the holes to drill. It's too flimsy and flexible, you won't get them in the right spot. Do the welding and cutting on the housing so it will drop in, there's also a spot on the other side where you have to pound it out a little to clear the bigger carrier bearing. Lock the diff, remove the actuator, the drop it into the housing. Use a long punch thru the 4 holes to mark the holes, then drill and tap.

I never use the longer studs to hold on the actuator. Just get long bolts, I think they are 110mm long. Much easier.

The wiring is the hardest part. Get the harness. Get a kit, or homebrew your own, which is what I do. My relay box is kinda complicated, but that's because i like to do wiring.

 

[ROBsSON]

I'm putting a parts list together I can't start for another 10 months but it's between just getting the stuff I need to change it out and swapping the whole axle. Thanks for all the info I'm saving it all so I can just read it over and over.

 

[dorton]

I'd be happy to answer any questions. When I did mine, I planned on going to 4.88s because I plan on staying with the 33s. Make sure you plan ahead when doing the build, as you dint want to have to spend the money twice.

The next round of changes will be toward the powerplant. The 22RE has served well, but there are times where a little more power would be nice. To combat the lack of horsepower, I've decided to purchase a wrecked 3rd gen 4runner and swap the 5 VZ 3.4L into it. At this point, I'm not 100% if I'll go with the new auto, or run a R151 from behind a 3VZ.

 

[ROBsSON]

That's where I'm at right now making a plan I'm actually about to go over seas. So ill have some extra time to do that. I was looking at trying to do the same with a Tacoma motor if I get the chance. I'm still new to working on 4runners I spent alot if time on the old 40s and 45s and am still not sure how I feel about the IFS.

 

[dorton]

Small updates since last post. I've added 4.7 t-case gears, and a twin stick. I've also acquired a budbuilt crossmember and and 15k miles since the FJ Summit in Colorado in July.

I'm really just not sure what I want to do next. Probably lighting, how about some suggestions.

 

[ROBsSON]

Beautiful pictures is that in North Carolina or Colorado?
Any plans with lights yet?
How did your truck do on gas on the trip to Colorado?
I think you mentioned something about camping you ever thought about making a roof rack for gear?

 

[ajordan1975]

solid axle

 

[dorton]

Beautiful pictures is that in North Carolina or Colorado?
Any plans with lights yet?
How did your truck do on gas on the trip to Colorado?
I think you mentioned something about camping you ever thought about making a roof rack for gear?

These pics were from NC, TN, and I'll add some VA in this post too. I spent just under $1000 in fuel, and averaged right at 19+ for the entire trip. I had planned on building a roof rack, but it has been placed on hold, and instead, I've started a trailer build. I think it will work out good for me.



Here are a couple pics from a wheeling and camping trip in VA last weekend.














I've also swapped from 33x10.50r15s to 255/85r16s. The trip to VA was my first time on them, and so far I've been very pleased.

 

[G-Cat]

I'm really just not sure what I want to do next. Probably lighting, how about some suggestions.

QUOTE]

solid axle

Solid axle would be cool, if it fits your intended use. A soft top would be a nice addition. Your 4Runner is one of my favorites...it's one of the few Toyota 4x4s I've never owned (1st Gen) and always wanted. It always comes down to having to sell the 40...I go back and forth but mama always votes to keep the Cruiser.

I've seen 4Runners built to perfection only to end-up getting body panels hacked out and eventually evolve into a buggy of some sort. To each his own, but I hope you never take the Sawzall to her!

 

[dorton]

Thanks. I don't plan on ever taking a sawzall to it. I've got too much effort in putting the new panels on the first time. Solid axle swap, I don't see that happening anytime soon. Possibly a medium or long travel suspension though.

 

[KLF]

I've also swapped from 33x10.50r15s to 255/85r16s. The trip to VA was my first time on them, and so far I've been very pleased.

What tires did you go with? I can't tell what they are on the photos. I need to decide on what to do soon. Looking hard at the Goodyear Duratracs.

Very nice truck.

 

[dorton]

They are BFG KM2s. I've been very pleased with them.
I've had them in 265/75r16, 33.10.5r15 and nite 255/85r16. All have done great.

My brotherer has Duratracs on his. They seem to do great on his. He's had them on a Sequoia, and now a 3rd gen 4runner.

 

[ROBsSON]

How does your truck drive on the highway and on long distance trips with the BJS and chevy springs any big difference from stock?
I happened to run across a nice deal on a 4" pro comp ifs lift but it feels alittle much for an DD.

 

[dorton]

It rides better than stock, better than my Tundra, and my wife's Camry. The OME shocks on the front, and Bilsteins on rear are what completed the package.

 

[ROBsSON]

It rides better than stock, better than my Tundra, and my wife's Camry. The OME shocks on the front, and Bilsteins on rear are what completed the package.

That's awesome to hear! I'm making a wish list for when I get home in a few months and have it all just waiting to get put together

I just was worried about using bjs and it being a daily driver and moving between NC TX and CO but looks like your trucks doing it without issues!

I really like your trailer I've been trying to pick up an old army one on post we don't use but it's harder than I thought.

 

[dorton]

Only issue I've had from the ball joint spacers has been idler arm bushings. The last set went 20k(probably 1k+ of off road miles) miles on oem. The good news is they are less than $20 and take about 30 minutes to swap. This could be fixed with bronze bushings, but I just haven't been bothered enough by swapping the oem's yet.

 

[ROBsSON]

Only issue I've had from the ball joint spacers has been idler arm bushings. The last set went 20k(probably 1k+ of off road miles) miles on oem. The good news is they are less than $20 and take about 30 minutes to swap. This could be fixed with bronze bushings, but I just haven't been bothered enough by swapping the oem's yet.

That's good well that makes it an easy choice sounds like a good option that will be good on and off road

How did you like wheeling in Colorado?
We're moving there next fall looking forward to putting my truck together before we get there

 

[dorton]

That's good well that makes it an easy choice sounds like a good option that will be good on and off road

How did you like wheeling in Colorado?
We're moving there next fall looking forward to putting my truck together before we get there

Colorado is beautiful. I've been trying to talk my wife into moving there for 10+ years. I'll be heading back out to Colorado with it in July. Along the way, I'll be hitting Moab, and do some wheeling in Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota.

 

[ROBsSON]

Colorado is beautiful. I've been trying to talk my wife into moving there for 10+ years. I'll be heading back out to Colorado with it in July. Along the way, I'll be hitting Moab, and do some wheeling in Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota.

We just got lucky and landed orders to Ft Carson so I can't wait to get out there I've heard nothing but good things just want to get my truck set up before we get there.

When you put on your BJS on your truck with the Chevy springs was it an even lift or did you need to do anything else?

 

[dorton]

Congrats on the new location.

I had to make another set of shackles, as the first set wasn't long enough. The Chevy 63s are very surprisingly soft. It's important as a daily driver to get the shocks as vertical as possible to help with dampening. Many with the swap have the shocks angled at close to 45 degrees. That's great for off road, but really dampens the shocks effectiveness.