Questions about buying a high mileage 1st gen 4runner

[Z3R0]

(feel free to skip the into story)
Hi I am looking at a few ‘84-‘85 4Runner so start a slow roll project with my son (I’m 30 and he’s 4 so he won’t be much help, but boy is he stoked about it). I’m a Ag diesel mechanic and certified welder and have been around Toyotas since I could drive but always trying to learn more. I’ve had a 96 4runner, 95.5 taco, 97 4Runner and now currently a 2015 4Runner trail all modified to various degrees).


I am looking to build a simple, clean 1st gen 4runner on 31’s and lockers. The trouble seems to be finding something stock & not a rust bucket for under $10k….

I have been talking to a older guy who has a 1985 SR5 22re 5 speed that looks super clean, like original paint, no real body damage, very clean interior, no cracked dash, rust free and a folder of receipts but it has 440k miles…
Receipts show:
Engine rebuild 35k miles ago
Transmission rebuilt
Master replaced
New brakes
Rear axle seals
Has arb bumper, snorkel, skids & sliders

Anything on a chassis that high mileage I should be concerned about? Would it be a turn off for you?

 

[msahr]

Not necessarily if it's been maintained, which it sounds like it has. What's the price? How does it look?

 

[Mudder]

My opinion, if you’re finding a 85 4Runner with maintenance logs for under 10k and minimal rust I’d go for it. People are getting similar for rigs in worse condition because “it’s an old Toyota with a bullet proof 22re”. Most parts are still easy to find, the interior is where it can get difficult. I would check around the gas tank area for rust on the frame but if I had the money and it was in good shape I’d send it.

 

[Z3R0]

It’s listed for $10k and over the phone he said he will take $8.5k

 

[Z3R0]

.

 

[Z3R0]

Not necessarily if it's been maintained, which it sounds like it has. What's the price? How does it look?

I just put up some pictures he sent, let me know what you think.

My opinion, if you’re finding a 85 4Runner with maintenance logs for under 10k and minimal rust I’d go for it. People are getting similar for rigs in worse condition because “it’s an old Toyota with a bullet proof 22re”. Most parts are still easy to find, the interior is where it can get difficult. I would check around the gas tank area for rust on the frame but if I had the money and it was in good shape I’d send it.

Alright noted, I will check around the gas tank. Im in no rush just want to find the right base to start with and I hate repairing/ working with rust and corrosion…

 

[gnob]

that looks like a solid start if its not rusty.
interior looks really nice.

 

[pappy]

I've owned my 1985 for 36 years. My take ... don't worry as much about the drivetrain. Any issues with the engine/tranny/diffs/axles can be dealt with. I would focus most on the the body, interior, and frame. Body work is a PITA. Ya, you want a solid drivetrain, but you can get the parts to deal with any issues. Plus, these trucks are stupid easy to work on.

 

[aztoyman]

So far what's been said is spot on. From the pics so far looks like a good one. I'd maybe get some pics of the underside and the known problem areas for rust.

I had a similar background as you. Caterpillar mechanic and certified welder and I would rather rebuild the entire drivetrain than repair rust. Good luck with your search and your project.

 

[aztoytec]

I’m would jump on that. Mileage is just a number!

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Heck ya, snap that one up. Nothing there is a turn off for me except the snorkel. Looks like you won't need to do much building of it either. Of course, give it a test drive up to highway speed.
I drove one of these for 10 years. For negatives:
1. They are far less powerful than the other Toyota's you've owned. 2. The SFA and steering system is noticeably inferior to later generations for highway manners. 3. The body is quite prone to rust, especially fenders.

 

[msahr]

For only 8500 I'd grab it. A running and driving no issues 85 SR5... And other then the door speakers that's a really nice interior. Get some grilles for them. Good luck and welcome to the 4Runner sickness!

 

[msahr]

Underpowered is just a concept. I've had my 85 4Runner for over 30 years and I'm used to it for sure. And that's on 35s with stock gears. Road manners? What's that? It's a 4x4 solid axle leaf spring truck from the 80s. It's called character! Let us know how it turns out!

 

[Devils Paw 80]

.. Road manners? What's that? It's a 4x4 solid axle leaf spring truck from the 80s. It's called character! Let us know how it turns out!

No complaints here, I was just pointing out what might not be obvious to someone who has never driven one. Compared to an FJ-40 these have a Cadillac ride!
For driver's legroom I believe these have 41", a bit better than an old Toyota mini but not much. Again, far superior to a 40. This shouldn't be an issue unless you're well over six feet.
Interior does look fairly complete except for the rear panels.

 

[Z3R0]

Thats what Im thinking as well. If its not too much trouble can anyone post some pictures of what a "good condition" 1980's frame looks like? Only because most of the undercarriage pictures I have seen are covered in surface rust at the least. I understand a frame off, sandblast and retreatment can be done but at least on all my 1990's toyotas the frames still had the factory paint on them with very minimal surface rust.

 

[Z3R0]

Heck ya, snap that one up. Nothing there is a turn off for me except the snorkel. Looks like you won't need to do much building of it either. Of course, give it a test drive up to highway speed.
I drove one of these for 10 years. For negatives:
1. They are far less powerful than the other Toyota's you've owned. 2. The SFA and steering system is noticeably inferior to later generations for highway manners. 3. The body is quite prone to rust, especially fenders.

I have no illusions about this thing, my 2015 will probably out perform it in every way (Total Chaos upper and lower control arms, fox 2.5's all the way around, cbi aluminum skids & sliders ect ect. but theres something attractive about a simple design. Long term I am reading into either building a turbo propane 22r or doing a 1.9 M-TDI. But thats a subject for another time.

 

[Z3R0]

No complaints here, I was just pointing out what might not be obvious to someone who has never driven one. Compared to an FJ-40 these have a Cadillac ride!
For driver's legroom I believe these have 41", a bit better than an old Toyota mini but not much. Again, far superior to a 40. This shouldn't be an issue unless you're well over six feet.
Interior does look fairly complete except for the rear panels.

Leg room is indeed a factor for me being 6'2. It pretty much ruled out any single cab trucks. Im hoping its not too tight but I could always make seat modifications if its that bad... I wonder what the 3rd gens had for legroom to compare?

 

[aztoyman]

I'm 6'3" (short legs long torso) and drove an 86 4Runner and single cab 87 and 88 for years. Its what you're gonna get with an 85 4Runner. I guess you can mod the runner to get the seat further back.

2nd and 3rd gen definitely have more room but they just ain't a 1st gen if that's what your wanting to build. They are just cool.

 

[pappy]

Road manners? What's that? It's a 4x4 solid axle leaf spring buckboard from the 1880s. It's called character! Let us know how it turns out!

Fixed it for you.

 

[liveoak]

I'm 6'2, never thought I didn't have enough room. The thing that used to make Toyota great was that they were small on the outside yet somehow roomy on the inside. I would buy that one in a heartbeat. Do you have any idea how hard those are to find (85 SR5)and in that condition? The 85 SR5 is considered by most to be the best version of the 1st generation.