Author Topic: Family Wheeler - 1987 4Runner All Original (Read 10310 times)

lbeard_gv · « **on:** Mar 14, 2010, 09:26:35 AM »

Well, I started with a 95 xtra cab that I built myself, but found that it was getting a little tight with 2 little ones and all our gear. To top it all off, I wasn't getting out crawling as much as I wanted, but was more on trails and mild-wheeling more and more, so I wasn't even using the capability of my rig.

Old Rig:

So I sold it.

I started my search for a new platform for mild wheeling. Requirements were:
1st gen 4runner, good engine, clean interior, ok body, a/c (for my wife!)

and I found this on Craigslist within 2 days!

1987 SR5, CLEAN!!!

160k on the clock, NEVER BEEN OFFROAD! Lived in the city it's whole life. I don't think the top has ever been off.
More pics here: http://picasaweb.google.com/landonbeard/19874RunnerSR5OriginalCondition#

So the build begins...
Plans are to fit 33x10.50x15 MTs
Lockers F/R (would love to find an ARB RD90 for the front)
ZUK coil lift for the rear http://www.gearinstalls.com/coilnoweld.htm
Replace stock rear bumper for better decent angle
seat covers! I'm not too partial to the burgundy color

More to come...

mudmaster · « **Reply #1 on:** Mar 14, 2010, 09:46:08 AM »

Looks like a nice rig to start with

86bobbedtoy · « **Reply #2 on:** Mar 14, 2010, 10:19:45 AM »

no solid axle on this one?

Ghtoyrunner · « **Reply #3 on:** Mar 14, 2010, 11:56:09 AM »

that 4runner is clean. can't find any in new england like that. how much did you get it for?

chim · « **Reply #4 on:** Mar 14, 2010, 12:49:10 PM »

Ugly red interior.. but very impressive on how clean it is!!!

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #5 on:** Mar 14, 2010, 05:35:39 PM »

No. Sticking with the IFS for now till I wear it out, then I'll do the SAS. I picked up a factory 4.88 with LSD and a front 4.88 last week. I'm still looking for a locker for the front. Really want an ARB so I don't tear up my front end, but we'll see how that goes!

Picked it up for $2700! The only bit of rust on it is the rear of the frame where the hitch mounted. Every other bolt and area is free and clear.

I got some exact-fit seat covers from GTCOVERS.COM in a charcoal/grey color that really dressed up the interior and covered up most of the red. Looks pretty nice now. I'll post a picture later.

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #6 on:** Mar 14, 2010, 07:52:35 PM »

After seat cover installs:

Cost was about 175$ per pair, but I tried the 20$ kmart/autozone/napa/whatever kind, but they never fit good enough for me, and they don't offer ones for the rear seats.

Started mounting a tube bumper I picked up for the rear, only to find that it is bent!!!!

Gonna take it to a local shop to see if it can be salvaged.

THK Matt · « **Reply #7 on:** Mar 14, 2010, 08:15:37 PM »

Ill watch

looks fun.

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #8 on:** Mar 14, 2010, 08:35:20 PM »

I'm already missing my lockers (detroits F/R) from my other truck. Couldn't even make it over a stupid rock today.
mmmm...lockers...must find them...QUICK!

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #9 on:** Mar 18, 2010, 05:02:38 PM »

Picked up an ARB for the rear...but it won't fit my V6!!! DOH! gonne be up for sale... ;(

THK Matt · « **Reply #10 on:** Mar 18, 2010, 05:03:53 PM »

Quote from: lbeard_gv on Mar 18, 2010, 05:02:38 PM

Picked up an ARB for the rear...but it won't fit my V6!!! DOH! gonne be up for sale... ;(

get a 4cyl third... dime a dozen.

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #11 on:** Mar 18, 2010, 05:06:55 PM »

yeah...but i haven't found one with 4.88s yet!

THK Matt · « **Reply #12 on:** Mar 18, 2010, 05:08:48 PM »

you can put v6 gears on a 4cyl 3rd..

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #13 on:** Mar 18, 2010, 05:15:15 PM »

i don't think i can... it is the factory 4.88's which have a thin ring gear...it would mean buying new gears too....

THK Matt · « **Reply #14 on:** Mar 18, 2010, 05:42:33 PM »

Quote from: lbeard_gv on Mar 18, 2010, 05:15:15 PM

i don't think i can... it is the factory 4.88's which have a thin ring gear...it would mean buying new gears too....

ah lame.

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #15 on:** Mar 19, 2010, 07:09:16 PM »

Well, I broke down and bought an ARB RD90 for the front. I guess it will be here in a week or two. Got it for about $750 shipped plus a free compressor. Can't beat that! I don't really need the compressor, though. My sister-in-law just wreaked her range rover, and it has a nice compressor and 2.5 gal onboad tank for the shock system that I am going to get off of it. It's a 15% duty cycle, but should be fine for what I need.

On another note, got my rear coils installed. Pretty big difference.
Before:

After:

from to 11 to 14.5 inches is a 3.5 inch lift. Perfect. The only thing I don't like and need to figure out is the "coil noise" when they flex. It is like they are hitting something or hanging up on something when they compress and uncompress. Weird.
All the pictures are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/landonbeard/2RearSprings#

Also got a wild hare today and took the top off and setup the soft top. I'll have to get pictures later.

more coming...

THK Matt · « **Reply #16 on:** Mar 20, 2010, 11:33:22 AM »

PICS PICS PICS!

what kind of coils are those?

85_4RNR · « **Reply #17 on:** Mar 20, 2010, 05:36:41 PM »

I love that 4runner. I wish I had something that clean to take very good care of. $I\'m Down$

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #18 on:** Mar 20, 2010, 08:13:06 PM »

Those are 14" 100# coils from ebay as recommended in Zuk's article here: http://www.gearinstalls.com/coilinfo.htm

pics are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/landonbeard/2RearSprings#

Yota87Truck · « **Reply #19 on:** Mar 20, 2010, 10:10:11 PM »

Sweet, nice clean runner! Too bad you sold your old truck. It was a good lookin rig.

THK Matt · « **Reply #20 on:** Mar 21, 2010, 07:18:06 AM »

I just realized something lbeard_gv, does that thing have Auto Locking Hubs?!?!?!

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #21 on:** Mar 21, 2010, 07:58:40 AM »

Yes. For now...been on the lookout for some cheap/free locking hubs. got a source?

THK Matt · « **Reply #22 on:** Mar 21, 2010, 11:30:11 AM »

never seen a set before! lol weirddddd

Hmm.... my friend has lots of hubs at his property in our "junkyard"

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #23 on:** Mar 21, 2010, 01:04:23 PM »

haha... i'll trade you a set of autos for a set of manual hubs for the IFS. I think you are getting the better end of the deal...so many features! Not having to get out and lock your hubs, auto un-locking when you reverse! Such a deal!

Let me know if you have a set you want to part with.

THK Matt · « **Reply #24 on:** Mar 21, 2010, 02:33:52 PM »

Quote from: lbeard_gv on Mar 21, 2010, 01:04:23 PM

haha... i'll trade you a set of autos for a set of manual hubs for the IFS. I think you are getting the better end of the deal...so many features! Not having to get out and lock your hubs, auto un-locking when you reverse! Such a deal!

Let me know if you have a set you want to part with.

ill get ahold of them and see what they want for a set.

lbeard_gv · « **Reply #25 on:** Oct 23, 2010, 09:57:15 PM »

Been a while for updates, and lots has happened! Top has been off and on, then off again...and now on. Sitting on 33x10.50x15 BFG ATs, working on sliders, bought and installed a tube bumper from Dave'z in Placerville, re-geared to 4.88 with ARB in front, factory limited slip in the rear (need a locker!) So anyways, enjoy the pics. More to come tomorrow when it is light outside.
-Landon

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