The 86 4Runner Build...What Now?

[Explorer4Hire]

Looking at the cargo area in the sun today and just thinking. What am I going to do? My first thought was to rig up some sleeping system, and while that is sexy, it isn't what will work best. I will be resorting to a portable camping setup be it a tent or swag. With that out of the way, I will build drawers like I did in the FJ. I will use 1/2" instead of 3/4" birch this time for weight savings, and go simpler on the joints and cover with marine carpet in blue to match or some rubber on top. I will also leave some dead space in the back for a speaker box of some sort... I will cut it to house something practical like 6x9 or maybe 8" subs... I'm not an audiophile but I will upgrade to something decent down the line. I never plan on running a hard top, so the back has to hold stuff.

With the big decision for sleeping vs cabinet out of the way (I could always sleep on cabinet top, but that will really limit the gear storage etc...I'll think about it though) I will proceed in the following manner a few twists thrown in I'm sure...

1) Rear bumper should be fabbed up soon and go on
2) Sliders... still gotta figure out a solution... looking for welding help
3) I have a good portable air pump, so I won't be doing an ARB tank or anything... so, rear E-locker (possibly re-gear at same time depending on how she does with added stuff)
4) Suspension... It's fine now with the add-a-leaf bringing it level, but it does, and will more so need, an overhaul after everything is bolted on and welded up
5) Front bumper possibly (It would def. be the ARB because they are slick on the gen 1)... IFS with torsion bars and/or BJ spacer, so That part of suspension I can adjust if needed given the decision.
6) A couple tasteful lights, probably right on the front

*) At any point in there a dual-band radio will be mounted

That's the plan... I'm sure it will change. I don't plan on going with bigger tires. I want to see what I can do with the 31's. The truck really likes them, at least on the highway and around town. My plan is to get everything ready by fall crawl in October.

More to come...

 

[Devilmans Hand]

I have an arb front bumper and like it.
TG sliders welded on.
I bought some BJ spacers from 4crawler, but never installed them, even with the 33". Didnt seem that I needed them and the ride felt fine...when compared to the 40 anyway.

I should really fix the brakes and head gasket on mine, actually drive it around some!

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Let me know if you ever want to sell the bumper!

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Culpeper Machine and Supply has reasonable prices, no cut fee, and good deals on drops.

I think I’m going to order the 4crawler slider kit “cut pieces” as that is all currently being offered

4Crawler Rock SliderZ

I will probably just bite the bullet and buy a little flux core welder or buzzbox and weld the kit together myself. The instructions seem straightforward.

Toyota 4Runner: Rock SliderZ Assembly

The kit seems reasonable and is already cut. I just need to source the long pieces. I can put the welding classes I had to work and see if I still remember anything.

 

[PAToyota]

Perfect excuse to get a welder!

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Picking one up Sunday

 

[matzell]

Get one with gas! makes all the difference. Spend a little money and it will last. A good 120-140 amp will be around $500. Stick with the big names, Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, Esab. One day you will have to get it serviced and not many people are going to touch a Chinese knock off.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Buying a Hobart 140 from @CondeCruiser

 

[Explorer4Hire]

I took all my classes on millermatic. I love stick, but this is a great unit for my needs. Looks well maintained. Pretty excited.

 

[CondeCruiser]

Great meeting and chatting with you today Josh.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Great meeting and chatting with you today Josh.

Likewise! You have a beautiful home and workshop! The drive was beautiful this morning too in the blue fox. The Hobart looks awesome. Thanks for your time and hospitality. Seeing those old 40s made my day.

 

[afgman786]

4runner looks good man! Just saw you on 28

 

[Explorer4Hire]

4runner looks good man! Just saw you on 28

Haha. Awesome.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Primed and 1st coat on. I’ll do a 2nd coat tomorrow then mount it up.

Gonna look mean on the fox…..

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Well, I have good news and bad news. Let’s start with good news…

The bumper is awesome, solid, welded well, nice fit. Also it looks great and I towed my 12’ foot utility to dump today. No issues… kept it in 4th at 45 and AC off on the test run.

The bumper is stout and really settles the rear bounce some.

The bad news. I put it on myself and had it on a floor jack. I was all set to go and I tripped over the jack, twisted my knee, hit my head, tools went flying, epic failure with bumper falling…. The whole situation went sideways……… and…… I did the very thing I bought the bumper to protect me from.

Passenger isn’t bad, but a decent ding and gouge on driver. The good thing is the bumper obscures it fairly well. It’s nothing I can’t fix, but it definitely made me pretty upset.

In any case…. I love the bumper.

 

[bkfj40]

The first scratch hurts the most! Get some touch up paint to prevent some rust in this areas where it went to the metal.

it’s looking great! I bet that got some looks driving it around - it is a sharp looking rig!