Windshield rubber gasket seal conversion - 84-88 and 89-95 info

Terrible info and YouTube vids online for this for 84-88’s

There are two different windshields
Bigger for glue in applications
Smaller for rubber weatherstrip / gasket / seal

84-88 and 1st gen 4Runner - gasket seal part number - 56121-89117

Searching domestic (U.S) auto glass vendors, there is only one size windshield available for glue in apps for 84-88 that is too big to run the rubber seal / gasket

My solution - I trimmed the cabs sheet metal lip , about 1/8th inch each side , maybe 1/8th to 3/16th top and bottom and got a great fit using the standard US “big” windshield

if you’re going to do this, take your time, better to trim too little and then have to trim a little more than to remove too much and have to add material back

Supposedly you can also trim the windshield glass to the smaller size but being a metal fab dood , trimming the metal cab lip was something I felt more comfortable trying

89-95 info - gasket seal part number - 56121-89121
Or browser search LN85 windshield seal rubber or something like that

You CAN buy the smaller windshield for 89-95 in the US needed to run the rubber seal

Why would you do this - easy pulling/installing windshield for racing or race car prep , cab repair, roll cage access …
Because rust and the plastic trim glue style is ugly

Why would you not, because supposedly it makes the cab structure weaker if the windshield is not glued in

 

My 1987 below where I trimmed the cab lip and used the bigger US windshield for glue-in apps



My 1989 below where I ordered the correct and US available smaller windshield for rubber gasket seal apps

 

I'd love to install this - your truck looks great! My trim is shot, and I costed out trim and clips at ~ $450!

I don't know the details on the 56121-89117 gasket - is there a slot for the body flange, as in old-type weatherstripping? I'm a metal guy too, so the trim is not a problem, but I like to have a picture of the outcome in my head before I start! Thanks!

 

So are you saying the seal I bought that doesn't fit my 1986 pickup that had a glued in windshield will work if I get the 1989
windshield glass???
Thanks, Bob Richmond

 

Also another way of asking sort of for my own scenario - if installing into a 1985 pickup, when replacing with smaller '89-'94 windshield does one use the corresponding rubber gasket/seal (89117) or the other one for 1985 pickups (89121). Thanks.

 

Has anyone yet to do this to an 89-95? And if so what mods did you have to do or was it direct fit? Want to get rid of the chrome plastic that always chips. Thanks!

 

I dont think the 84-88 and 89-95 windshield’s are interchangeable

For my 87 i used a windshield for 84-88
For my 89 i used a windshield for 89-95

i thought my post was very clear but whatever internet

 

Well, it sounded to me like the windshield themselves are not interchangeable. But the combinations of:

larger windshield glued-in
- or -
smaller windshield w/ rubber gasket seal

are interchangeable. Correct?

 

Yes I believe the cab / window metal is the same for both style windshields
Yes bigger windshield for glue-in with the clip-in trim
Yes small windshield is for gasket / boot install

84-88 i could only find big windshield so i modified the cab metal window trim to fit the big windshield but using a gasket / boot

89-96 you can get the find both the big and small windshield so pick your install style, glue in or gasket / boot and get the correct windshield to match

 

Ok, try not to strangle me.

I have a 1985. i want to use the rubber gasket. Am I able to use a smaller 89-96 windshield? (I think those are easier to find)

Or, are the windshield frames the same from '84-'96?

I think I'm essentially trying to do what you wanted to with your earlier pickup. And, seeing if the later model smaller windshield would do the trick.

THANKS

 

Looking at the picture from Happysmilely of the rubber gasket install using the smaller windshield and corresponding gasket #56121-89121. Looks like that install was done on a 1989 Pickup with the next a Gen.5 body style. Just would like to confirm that combo works with the 84 thru 89 Gen.4 trucks as well. If that combo of the smaller windshield and the rubber seal works on my 1986 Pickup then it's a no brainer. Able to do the sheet metal work no problem but would prefer to maintain the original integrity of the stock frame and make it a plug and play mod. Happysmilely, words of wisdom?

 

following this I would love a rubber seal vs the shitty flimsy chrome trim