This thread absolutely must start by thanking gotrocks for not only finding the 4Runner but also doing the build for me.  Since I live a little over 300 miles from the build site, I will be watching along with the rest of you.

The starting rig is a 1989 Toyota 4Runner.

The planned build will include the following:

(1) Full Engine Rebuild
(2) SAS with Alcan springs with 35 inch tires
(3) Dual Ultimate Transfer Case
(4) Bumpers and sliders

Note: The bdrunner used parts that come from by black 85 truck.  Links below:

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=16036.60

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=11704.msg122372#msg122372

89 was the last of the 1st gen runners, but the pickups had already switched over.

and 

HOLY THAT IS THE CLEANEST RUNNER I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!!!!

That runners TOP SHELF, nice find gotrocks  . How much did it set you back?

does that mean you are getting rid of your pickup blackdiamond?

The pickup will be relieved of the 4.70 transfer case, front axle assembly, rear 3rd, Heavy Duty Cross Member, wheel & tires, rear Alcan springs (going to Colorado for a friend), rear shackles, steering wheel, and a few other minor parts.

gotrocks is going to build what's left and use it as a daily driver.

That runners TOP SHELF, nice find gotrocks  . How much did it set you back?

 

The coolest thing is that my wife has given the green light for just about anything I want in the build.  

nice score!! 

Why the switch from runer to truck?    more room?

There are really two main reasons for this:

(1) The family plan includes a couple of kids in the future.

(2) The last trip to Moab it would have been fantastic to have room for my parents.  When I was single the Moab trip was just my dad and I, but now that I'm married my wife comes along and an extra seat is required.

(3) Sometimes the youth group at my church goes camping and wheeling and they can always use more seats.     

well Blackdiamond I'm glad you got the tread started already. 

yes this was a really clean 4Runner and I was kinda torn on whether or not to sell it to Blackdiamond but Decided that it was good for both of us because I have 2 other Runners at my house right now.  This was origonally bought for Gotrocksgirl as her DD and sell her 2000 Dodge Neon.  But after a little thinking and convincing to gotrockgirl I decided that she could have my 36 hour build 4Runner as her DD and I'd build either my other 87 Runner back up or build Blackdiamonds ex. cab for my DD.

Blackdiamonds new Runner is by far the cleanest one that I've come across in a while.  I does have a little cancer on the Drivers fender but other than that its amazingly clean.  Very Glossy paint and a decent interior.  I will try to get some pictures posted up as the build goes along as always and keep you guys drooling on the way.  If you can believe it we scored this Runner for a mere $1500 and I passed on my good find to Blackdiamond when I decided to sell it. 

What is in store for this week....
well I'm going to get some info on what we'll need for the engine rebuild and try to get the motor pulled sometime this week hopefully.  I am just as anxious to get this rig built as Blackdiamond is but we'll see how fast I can get this one built because of College and getting married in 2 months.  This won't be a 36 hour build again but it should go fairly fast.  When the engine is getting rebuilt I am going to be doing the SAS because of the access that it'll give me to the front end.  I'm hopeing that by Thanksgiving we can have it all completed if College/upcoming wedding and life permits.

As I do this buildup feel free to ask me questions and I'll try to help Blackdiamond do a good buildup thread for you guys to watch.

well when we are down in Moab we dont' even run with the top on when the conditions premit.  I never have had a problem with visibility and once you add some moderate body protection you shouldn't have to worry about it to much.

No distracting gotrocks during the build!  This thread is for me to watch him build my rig!   

wishful thinking, I'm sure.  Right? 

That is really clean and for an amazing price! How if the frame? Any rust?

 

I would agree, but I can't   until I get him some money.

Plus I know how busy he is with truck projects, school and wedding stuff.

He is really helping me out on this project so I will be patient.  

Nice Runner. And the best part is the "Green Light."  Just be careful as that green light sometimes turns red really fast.

The "Green Light" is here to stay.  I expect to panic financially long before she does.  The goal is a rig that can support a family (i.e. more than two) and she knows the current truck is the wrong rig.  She was actually the one to push me into getting dual cases, I was ready to save the budget but she said I talk about it enough I should just do it.

 

That's a nice 4Runner, but I want a full top for trips to Moab, Colorado or the Rubicon.   

I am preparing to order my Alcan Springs and I need some weight information.

(1) All Pro Style Rear Bumper

(2) Marlin Crawler Heavy Duty Cross Member

(3) Dual Ultimate

(4) Marlin Crawler style Rock Sliders

I got the Alcan springs ordered yesterday along with a few suspension parts.

Hopefully today I will be able to get the rest of the parts I need on order as well.   

not yet.  Thats on my to do list for next week hopefully.  I will have my engine done the middle of next week and so yours is going to go under the knife within the next week or so.

not my SAS builds.  once the engine gets pulled its going to go fast.