Author Topic: Which truck to get? Found one!! (Read 3962 times)

wakkjobb · « **on:** Jul 18, 2009, 09:46:52 AM »

Hey folks, looks like I will have some cash soon and have found a few trucks locally that are cheap enough for me to buy. Here's what I'm expecting to do with the truck when it's 'done':
moderate wheeling

--eventually turn into heavy wheeling
maybe DD in winter (if it ever snows)
camping/fishing trips

I can do most anything mechanical and electrical so whatever problems or "needs work" the truck has I should be able to handle... with help from the board

. What are your recommendations? What should I look for as far as frame rust/damage, known and typical problems etc...
Also what should I start working on first; suspension, drivetrain/axles, wheels/tires...

Thanks in advance...
Dan

ninja turtle · « **Reply #1 on:** Jul 18, 2009, 09:52:14 AM »

im say keep looking.

crawlerdad · « **Reply #2 on:** Jul 18, 2009, 11:33:43 AM »

It depends on how good of a mechanic you are.

wakkjobb · « **Reply #3 on:** Jul 18, 2009, 12:27:25 PM »

Not to sound like a jerk but I'm a good mechanic. I have done engine builds/swaps and all that goodness. Some of the crawler stuff is all new to me so I'm a little nervous about it, like double t-cases and that dual ultimate deal. Still waiting to hear back about a few of them; I'm thinking more about that dead red runner. $500 and a bad engine? Crap, I could swap that out in a weekend. Don't know if it's got a 4 or 6 in it though; I want to get something with a 4 banger in it though so there's more room in the engine bay for work... or a turbo

.

We'll see...
Thanks!
Dan

Snowtoy · « **Reply #4 on:** Jul 18, 2009, 02:14:32 PM »

I would say either the '85 or 88 Runners would make a good platform to start with, the Runners are heavier and make for a nicer riding DD than the trucks. If you are a small/average sized person, the 1st gens are OK, but are a bit on the small size IMO. Rust issue is going to be your biggest issue with any of them you choose. you might broaden your search to Arizona or here to CA.

wakkjobb · « **Reply #5 on:** Jul 18, 2009, 04:12:43 PM »

I'm not concerned about rust since I envision this truck meeting some rocks and trees along the way. I've seen most of the deals are in CA but that's too far from me, towing/hauling would be nuts. If I did manage to buy something out there it'd probably be 100% built and I would have won the lottery and bought a tow rig and trailer. I'm going to check out the $500 red runner later since it's about 10 minutes from me... and $500.

Dan

Tallchevy · « **Reply #6 on:** Jul 18, 2009, 07:25:10 PM »

Buy the 92 with the box. Convert it to a 4x4 RV

wakkjobb · « **Reply #7 on:** Jul 20, 2009, 04:03:02 PM »

...that's what I Was thinking...

Thanks for your input, figured I'd ask people who know more than I do about these things. I know what to look for when buying any vehicle, just wondering if there were any trouble signs to look for on the Toyotas.

I slacked off and haven't checked out any trucks this weekend... too hot and lazy. I was looking in the Marlin store for stuff for that $500 Runner... but since it's an 89 there's not much or am I not looking in the right places? I figure since it's still a 1st gen body style the earlier Runner parts would still fit. The more I think about practicality the more I'm leaning towards a Runner instead of a truck. I like having room to move in the cab and would need room for camping stuff/dog as well. I dunno... still have to buy something first.

Soon... soon
>>Dan

crawlerdad · « **Reply #8 on:** Jul 20, 2009, 08:47:25 PM »

From what I understand 22r & 22re are great. The V6 had head gasket problems till 96. Ask around some guys have tricks to fix or maintain them. If I am wrong I'm sure someone will correct me.

wakkjobb · « **Reply #9 on:** Jul 20, 2009, 09:54:40 PM »

That's what I heard about the 3.0 and (early?) 3.4 engines and it's why I am trying to stay away from them. Nothing personal, I bet they're great/decent when maintained. I found this bad boy today and want to swoop in on it ASAP: '85 4Runner 4 cyl 5 speed, 'luxury' model with sunroof/power windows/gauges good interior. It's listed for $250 less than that red/white '85 and has all the body parts which isn't a big deal; they'd get modified eventually... by either me or nature.

Also a 5 speed, not auto. I'm getting pictures from the seller soon, hopefully I'll have it in my dirty little hands by next week.

Then I'm off to

for mods.

Springs first? Clutch? Lockers? Everything at once?

>>Dan

crawlerdad · « **Reply #10 on:** Jul 20, 2009, 10:20:50 PM »

Thats what I have 85 4Runner SR5

REG535 · « **Reply #11 on:** Jul 20, 2009, 10:35:24 PM »

nice find! post pics when you get it. I would say clutch first and all the little things, and you can do the springs last lol after the drivetrain is done etc
just my 2cents

crawlerdad · « **Reply #12 on:** Jul 20, 2009, 10:41:45 PM »

It on the ground and running with a All-Pro Extreme Lift. Still working out some bugs. But its just fun to drive around.

Snowtoy · « **Reply #13 on:** Jul 20, 2009, 10:49:51 PM »

The 2nd '85 sounds like a deal if it is as good as the seller claims.

The 3.0 is a good engine, providing you maintain it. Granted it is a little more complicated to work on then the 22r(e). The 3.0 got a bad rap for 4 reasons, the first being the HG issue, which was remedied by Toyota and as long as people aren't cheap w/the rebuild(i.e. machine the heads and use new head bolts), reoccurring BHG aren't normally an issue. The second issue people have w/them is they are under powered when compared to to the domestic and the import V6's that debuted after the 3.0, but at the time it debuted it was the biggest engine offered in any mini truck. They are known to burn exhaust valves, the consensus on this is from the design of the oem manifolds and x-over pipe. I had to rounds of burnt valves, once in '98 and again in '04 w/ my '90. After the second round I went w/headers, and time will tell if that has solved the issue. The other real big issue w/the 3.0's is they are expensive to build power out of, though it can be done, however today it is about the same price to do a power build-up of the 3.0 as it is to swap in a 3.4, so most have gone w/the 3.4 since it yields more power and you can always ad a super charger.

wakkjobb · « **Reply #14 on:** Jul 21, 2009, 10:09:03 PM »

Well if things turn out the way I'd like (ha ha ha) I should be in possession of an 85 4Runner SR5 by either this weekend or early next week. Waiting to hear back from the seller... this is a really big deal to me; a Runner with:
solid axle

injection

manual trans

rebuilt engine (60k miles ago)

in one piece

running!

I know the 79-85 were all solid axles; I almost bought that other 85 with a carb'd engine for $250 more! The red 89 Runner had a dead 3.0 with auto trans in it... and IFS, even for $500 I'll pass. The trucks are just too small for my tall self, plus if I wound up doing an internal cage... oof.

Gimmie gimmie gimmie!!!!
>>Dan

REG535 · « **Reply #15 on:** Jul 21, 2009, 10:34:24 PM »

i hope u get it

Snowtoy · « **Reply #16 on:** Jul 21, 2009, 11:49:35 PM »

If you get the Runner and find that you need more leg/head room, Toyota Supra seats will help you out there. The seats sit lower and move further back on their rails, then the stock truck bucket seats do.

wakkjobb · « **Reply #17 on:** Jul 22, 2009, 09:04:00 AM »

Guess what? It was sold last night... figured something would screw things up.

They said they have some other Runners for sale but weren't specific about what year/all that. Hope to hear back later today... might just have to pick up the red carb'd runner instead.

dammit
Dan

REG535 · « **Reply #18 on:** Jul 22, 2009, 10:12:38 AM »

dang that sucks

Snowtoy · « **Reply #19 on:** Jul 22, 2009, 04:43:53 PM »

Upgrading to efi is easy enough so you don't have to worry about finding an SA runner w/efi already in it. You could use the sale of the one you missed to help broker a lower cost on the carb'd '85, not to mention the front end needing fixing. I would offer them about $1250 as a starting point.

Depending on your price range, any of these would fit your above criteria
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/1281767068.html
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/1265236950.html
The 3rd gen stadnd cabs have a lot more head and leg room than the older gens.
Depending on what engine this X-cab might be worth considering, you could always swap out the auto later on.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/1267690388.html
This '90 Runner would work as well(depending on its service history)
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/1255567322.html
The same for this X-can w/bad engine, depending on how much the owner will come down.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/1234677063.html

If you aren't in a hurry you don't have to settle for anything you have found so far, you can wait for the right rig to come along at the right price.

bigarms23 · « **Reply #20 on:** Jul 22, 2009, 05:31:46 PM »

id go with the 854runner

1985SR5 · « **Reply #21 on:** Jul 22, 2009, 06:51:51 PM »

x2 with the 85 runner!

wakkjobb · « **Reply #22 on:** Jul 22, 2009, 07:01:46 PM »

Quote from: Snowtoy on Jul 22, 2009, 04:43:53 PM

Upgrading to efi is easy enough so you don't have to worry about finding an SA runner w/efi already in it. You could use the sale of the one you missed to help broker a lower cost on the carb'd '85, not to mention the front end needing fixing. I would offer them about $1250 as a starting point.

That's what I was going to do; provided it's still listed so I can show them instead of just saying "There's another one for less for sale..." like blowing smoke. I was thinking of showing up with $1500 but offering $1200 as a starting point; have some room to bargain. Was going to check it tonight but it got canceled, owner had some family emergency or something. Tomorrow night I'll see it... I hope. I'm just impatient and always think whatever I want to buy is going to be gone by the time I get the money together for it; like that EFI Runner I thought I had. Close... but not close enough.

Plus I want to get something while I have the money for it.
>>Dan

wakkjobb · « **Reply #23 on:** Jul 25, 2009, 05:41:40 PM »

Well these people have had it listed since June and I think I know why: They never answer the F'n phone! I went by to check it out and called but no answer. Knocked on door, no answer. 3 cars in the driveway and the 4Runner was on the street... SOMEone's got to be home, right? It's in decent shape aside from the grille/bumper being AWOL (not worried; want to dove-nose in the future) and it's an auto trans... but comes with a manual. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up a pedal assembly and some other Toy parts (stockpiling spares before I buy the dang thing...

) from a guy I bought an engine from a while back.
While I was driving home I passed a 78 or earlier Toyota... with the 4 headlights and thought "Hey, I bet I could graft an older front end onto that 4Runner...", it's look so strange; just like me!

The longer they delay this the better; paypal takes forever to transfer $ to my bank. Plus I could say "I woulda had more money but since you weren't returning my calls I spent some of it on other stuff. Here's $1200, take it or leave it."

Wel'll see what happens; is it possible to dove-tail a Runner since it has the fiberglass topper thing? I'll search; it just popped in my head.
>>Dan

REG535 · « **Reply #24 on:** Jul 25, 2009, 09:37:26 PM »

i would think you could dovetail the rear of a 4runner

crawlerdad · « **Reply #25 on:** Jul 25, 2009, 10:00:51 PM »

You would have to section it and glass it back together. I want to see that.

COToy91 · « **Reply #26 on:** Jul 25, 2009, 10:47:20 PM »

Quote from: Terminator Toy on Jul 25, 2009, 09:37:26 PM

i would think you could dovetail the rear of a 4runner

854Run did it up here in Castle Rock, but he no longer uses the whole top, just a section to cover the rear seat

trucha · « **Reply #27 on:** Jul 26, 2009, 04:17:01 PM »

I had both the 3.0(93 four runner) and 3.4 (99 four runner) nothing wrong with the 3.4 at all!

unclejpl4x4 · « **Reply #28 on:** Jul 26, 2009, 04:32:58 PM »

all i have to say is check the frame for rust befor you buy...

wakkjobb · « **Reply #29 on:** Jul 26, 2009, 06:49:46 PM »

I'm starting to feel like a woman... changing my mind a lot lately. Still no word from that 85 Runner so I'm starting to abandon that idea. Called about some 37" MTRs and found the guy has a 91 X-cab with 3.0 and 6"? of lift (springs in rear) for same price as the 85 Runner. Also comes with mounted 35" TSLs and a set of 35" BFGs; started right up with a jump and sounds good. No leaks, decent body (fenders and bed are cut/clearanced), some fancy rear bumper, 5 speed, the 37" MTRs included as well. Mileage is 234??? or so but the engine was replaced (along with trans and clutch) shortly after he bought it due to rod breaking in the first 3.0.
So I'm thinking:
Is it worth it to swap the 3.0 for a 22RE or newer 2.7?
How much of a PITA would a SAS be?
Any specific springs to run up front?
I figure I'd be ahead of the Runner since this has a lift and extra tires plus is X-cab so I'd be able to fit my tall lanky behind in it.

Off to search about getting a lost title!!
>>Dan

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