85 4Runner: Attempted Build

Discussion in '4Runner Builds' started by tacoman15, Apr 1, 2013.

  1. Apr 1, 2013 at 1:38 PM
    #1
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    As much as I loved my FJ, it just did not suit my needs anymore. So, I sold it to my uncle and in the same week purchased a 1985 Toyota 4Runner. The P/O had all the original paperwork, including sales receipts and maintenance receipts dating back to the 80's. I knew a chance like this was one in a life time considering all the paperwork and the condition, considering it is a 29 year old truck. Now on to the good stuff :D

    How she currently looks...

    10603759_835924969760643_205278819613144_b6a7d220d3378ac88942c49dfb6fa5419ce0b0bb.jpg

    The day I picked it up
    IMG_20130328_104024_449_2438962acf28d6de35341c3177dc4fc4cb3f0b3b.jpg

    It came with the original fenders, which are pretty rusty. I also received the A/C unit in pieces, but who needs A/C when the topper comes off? The truck also came with a ton of really cool little things, but I will get to those later :cool:. Drove it 5 hours back from Raleigh without a hiccup. I did stop a few times to check for leaks and why the check engine light kept coming on, but as it turns out it comes on any time I go 60+ mph :rofl:

    Drivetrain
    1985 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4
    22RE EFI
    215,XXX original miles
    W56 5 speed, top shift transmission w/ 21 spline output
    Solid front axle :cool:
    LC Engineering Header
    Flowmaster Exhaust
    Spartan Locker (rear)

    Suspension
    Ironman 4x4 2" lift kit
    12" Bilstein 5125s in rear
    Trail-Gear High Steer Kit (4 stud)

    Wheels and Tires
    32x11.50x15 Dunlop Radials (sold to my neighbor)
    33x12.50x15 BF Goodrich KM2s
    OE 15" Toyota Wheels

    Armor
    Addicted Offroad front bumper w/ all the goodies
    Addicted Offroad 67" sliders
    Trail Gear Rock Assault rear bumper w/ additional supports
    Budbuilt t-case crossmember w/ 4xInnovations HD transfer case mounts
    Barnes 4WD HD Diff Cover
    Trail-Gear front axle truss

    Communication
    Uniden Pro 520XL

    Recovery
    TJM 9,000 winch w/ wireless controller
    Hi-Lift
    Wheeler's Offroad Recovery Strap (3"x30')
    Cellphone

    Miscellaneous
    Low Range Offroad housing breather kit x 2
    Half-Doors w/ door handles and cup holders
    Round Eyes H4 Headlights

    On with the pictures!

    I have not messed with the sunroof too much, but I was told it still works.
    IMG_20130401_145745_494_552f3a5a39857bd8f6441a81bcb809cfa607a943.jpg

    :woot:
    IMG_20130401_145706_829_46e24bb5ca7fe79802f09d3a944148d1f3fe9139.jpg
    IMG_20130401_145640_056_2cbe56aeb335d408190fe57775fd9efe4f756e8a.jpg
    IMG_20130401_145525_464_8b2fa36b9f837fba201ee8380046ed8bc5b05bf9.jpg

    Some problem areas.

    IMG_20130401_145625_035_2e7c4016d01b9268b99765b92ab8ae49ae20f68d.jpg
    IMG_20130401_145550_577_b131b09379df19d47930dc1f11a621f8cd890225.jpg
    IMG_20130401_145540_035_63416e119ca9e288a7734964a92764673b7d5595.jpg
    IMG_20130401_145611_450_5d1b9ca37e66dfcb3e63f411f296d60ffacd4a25.jpg

    And a fully working back glass, it goes/down up via key lock on the tail gate or the switch in the cab.
    IMG_20130401_145443_051_c8086aa4188da6565b45089894bf52f39f4ea8b4.jpg

    On to some interior shots.
    IMG_20130401_150336_608_b50e1aa5a3f0d82707ba5409128d0f3fa07675f3.jpg
    IMG_20130401_150041_588_3f59efa03ab08c4a6193a8b06b242c89065e93d6.jpg
    IMG_20130401_145948_045_05ce69a4a81ecca06b76b217331cd348d36c0db4.jpg
    IMG_20130401_150155_764_d9c7038f0a794678d412c63d0cde5696c779397f.jpg
    IMG_20130401_145914_323_01a060fb958b70e1ee823dd45ea582732092aab6.jpg
    IMG_20130401_145857_320_a6c0216b0e8c8439b095d2bd10e47bfd65ed995c.jpg

    And here are some of my favorite things about this 4Runner.

    Here is a shot of the original owners info.
    IMG_20130401_150436_656_4608ea9167b053d74f370bcdaeb08c141767d677.jpg
    Original owners manual.
    IMG_20130401_150534_598_dd89ad9154e5f79802038a63631156e78c99420a.jpg
    And the original owners guide.
    IMG_20130401_150600_017_2dfd220bac6764c9b0e4e33b8995e595199c8f46.jpg
    Also in there was some old registration receipts the oldest one I found dated back to 1992.
    And the stack of receipts.
    IMG_20130401_150740_052_ff7c57577a1059b5be2a9f61d9517f2214432b65.jpg

    What is in the little black pouch?! I bet it has something to do with this:
    IMG_20130401_150824_600_664a70bd1ee841a3f7abcea485bf7fa2ae7a13b0.jpg

    It is a small lamp that hangs from the hood!
    IMG_20130401_150754_600_7d2d6a031eb2a762bc50828e874c44e5be0fa8c7.jpg

    And it still works!
    IMG_20130401_150907_867_18696512223defb7f0cd9d567575037b9c2c3174.jpg

    In the back cubbies I found some more goodies :eek:
    IMG_20130401_153845_346_8267158940db6af3e7f2c77d95b7311e8ca1a55a.jpg

    And in the green pouch are....
    IMG_20130401_153909_393_813615ec12ea325b55a7f8187db315d2ba02a60f.jpg
    Actual Toyota tools. Everything but the green and red handled screwdrivers have "Toyota" stamped on them.
    IMG_20130401_154152_626_cbbd710ff9be203a4f2c7497250d9ac751d16daf.jpg

    Wish List:
    Duals (currently piecing together)
    RUF w/ Chevy's (currently piecing together)
    5.29's
    Soft top
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2015
  2. Apr 1, 2013 at 1:38 PM
    #2
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    4/30/13

    I got the exhaust buttoned up today. I caved and ended up taking it to a shop because I don't have the time or the proper tools to finish what I started. The guys did great work though, I am really impressed.

    IMG_20130430_165434_338_85cbe6052c3f48b05e76f2b46167a9caee945cf9.jpg
    IMG_20130430_165509_231_4941b0dbc2397f6f03db663830071c4a71f916e8.jpg

    5/23/13

    Trail Gear Rock Defense bumper installed with the frame support kit.

    IMG_20130523_114716_128_9d3c80fd44e4dcba345783590f3a249343e9e963.jpg
    IMG_20130523_114741_141_9ecc820fda8b5f1c2c8f2992872810ce3b334c5e.jpg

    5/24/13

    CB setup installed.

    5fede363-223b-4ca8-a4fa-ec4c883d11c7_8c10bdb3a09e24a90826379637302c27e31cecd1.jpg
    IMG_20130531_163506_967_6417a7075698a2f36f5ee5b1fde079c01b8bea1e.jpg
    IMG_20130531_163556_376_94e79101c4f80fba7d5e265d2b7e89041856e24e.jpg

    9/1/13

    Addicted Offroad front bumper and Addicted Offroad sliders installed.

    image-6_8054b8c48da4ebbd3479087612d9b314dad0a6ad.jpg

    12/1/13

    BF Goodrich 33x12.5x15" tires installed.

    [​IMG]
    image_ea1e9ae76bfb02553589683467bb7e5474f78a80.jpg

    3/1/14

    I got tired of having to move the CB every time I needed to move the seat so I shoved it (literally) into where the ash tray used to be. It works pretty good but it isn't permeant yet so it has fallen out once or twice.

    image-7_2cc9890c966f6badb2f8b3c29f9142d7d0078d2b.jpg

    4/2/14

    I relocated my rear differential breather today. I ordered two from Low Range, but they only sent me one :bananadead:

    imagejpg1_8756739d252eeeef967c7381b14acd2d9d67f6f9.jpg
    imagejpg2_9da0311447f77eb4fa0a9ed7a96beb49b64c49a3.jpg

    6/10/14

    The old rear shocks that came with the Iron Man kit decided they didn't want to work anymore. I replaced them with some 12" Bilstein 5125s with new upper and lower shock mounts thanks to SBC Offroad.

    photo1_2c8b8b522bb0c095073d8873b35f00ef2abed4d8.jpg
    photo2_0e5fd5ff883f1b7024c1cb51b45a8ce81e72eb71.jpg

    I also finally got around to installing some LED flood pods. I have no idea what brand they are but they work for me.
    photo-2_c85b4d14952230fd8876d3779dbe2523e87d9114.jpg

    High Steer

    tray%20with%20chris%20037_c8def5199c92d7827634d924054f38039552c518.jpg

    Got all dem leafs and ain't got no flex!
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2015
    Nicklovin likes this.
  3. Apr 1, 2013 at 1:39 PM
    #3
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    3/2/14
    I went wheeling some some local guys in Whittier. It was fun and it got pretty off camber in a few spots as you can see in this picture.

    image-3_2c887b8841a7a7dcdc6ece6ec37f975d51cd8751.jpg

    4/12/14
    Some pictures I took this weekend at URE. I stole most of them :evil:

    roadtrip_205920eb38f6c99dd37de40e9b1d91e5ef05843c.jpg
    lineup_587d77dbc5b36fd458828c8d40f2af6c87efec8c.jpg
    IMG_20140412_125704_587_a03b9d318b1c3b16e5590e13aaf1c5b1a9e80f58.jpg
    IMG_20140412_133602_886_a6522dfd71c5de65273b1a4e77a5b476ea84b286.jpg
    IMG_20140412_133302_517_93e0b8379cfaa8201fd7386f07c358a300f464ce.jpg
    IMG_20140412_133544_225_91bbbe186786aab45d2851ebc6ba0f217c17eeb7.jpg
    Daniel3_bd78f71ee191a0d77b14eed66e39fca171c81921.jpg
    Daniel4_20242ea19e586c659abaa433e65b0b41f5cc90cc.jpg
    Daneil_5d7d45c0f19acca575ab9fe213a20cb9716bd0d9.jpg

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcaANM3093k
     
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2014
  4. Apr 1, 2013 at 1:44 PM
    #4
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    3/27/14

    Today I installed my Spartan locker with a local friend who owns a sweet Suzuki Samurai. Anyway, on with the process.

    First, chalk the front wheels and break the lug nuts before you jack up the back end. Jack up the back end and remove the e-brake cable on both sides and loosen the brake lines. Also remove the nuts and washers what hold the axles in place. There are four on each side.

    image-9_59129a4a1680b33d11e6557078730a8fbf944d47.jpg
    image-14_73481eeda40f5fdaf9875b634b7fd0ee178dbf70.jpg

    Next unbolt the drive shaft from the flange. We didn't pull them all the way out, just far enough to pull them out of the gears. After that unbolt the 3rd member and pull it out.

    image-12_1c300f4d9bb2f513e73afb823f8e55b9980eac51.jpg
    image-11_901a9dcd001bf49a14a99d0f06ef1f168bb153a0.jpg

    Now for the fun stuff. Once you have pulled you're third out, bend back the clips holding that are holding the ring gear bolts into place. Once those are bent far enough back, start removing the bolts; there are 10 total.

    Note: I had to bend these clips almost all the way back in order to get a socket to fit. They had to go much further back than pictured.

    image-13_9da3b46f572d04a44dcdfa6219754d07bf2b2ff0.jpg

    Remove the smaller pin holding the cross pin in place. I used a punch and a hammer. It was a real pain in the ass but if finally popped out. Once that is removed pull out the cross pin in a similar fashion. You can now pull the carrier out of the housing and remove the ring gear and spider gears.

    image-16_180f75f5077aba140e7d6e1ecf8057acf422ab36.jpg
    image-10_665031be856aa0c51c618587f5846a56799e63b0.jpg
    image-15_3fa0657a4e1a6b69b0aa61a15d17c34cc7e5fd36.jpg

    Install the locker.

    image-18_6946319a697eef3690371858d65857838ae4aa2d.jpg
    image-20_afe71e634f09dd659b714e7e9af7eb5205bdd0c5.jpg

    Then re-install everything in reverse order. Take your time and don't over torque anything, like I did here. Don't forget to reset your backlash, mine is right at .006 which will be perfet.

    image-17_bf0ce71abaade8880015407be02b66feb296b3de.jpg

    Also don't forget to bleed you're brake lines once everything has been buttoned up. I knew that awesome dome light thingy would come in handy! It throws way more light than the pictures shows.

    image-19_818afe07a2758b1461013297e4f074487d8c1641.jpg

    And you're done! Thanks again to my buddy James for helping me out and letting me use his tools. I couldn't have done it without him!
     
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2014
  5. Apr 1, 2013 at 1:52 PM
    #5
    BulletToothTony

    BulletToothTony You’ll have that on these big jobs.

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Member:
    #4833
    Messages:
    16,289
    First Name:
    You can call me Susan if it makes you happy.
  6. Apr 2, 2013 at 12:36 PM
    #6
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    Just got back from Autozone with this:
    [​IMG]

    Lots of great info in here. Well worth the money IMO. Since I have all the A/C parts and no need for A/C, I am thinking about turning it into a air compressor :devil:
     
  7. Apr 2, 2013 at 1:05 PM
    #7
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    Haha you are one of the few who have said they like the color. I personally like it too but it might get repainted when I get the rust taken care of. I just can't decide between the current color or a flat FJ Cruiser green.
     
  8. Apr 2, 2013 at 5:39 PM
    #8
    ajohnson

    ajohnson Glamour Shot

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2009
    Member:
    #16145
    Messages:
    8,494
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    07 DCLB TRD Sport Prerunner 4x4
    Things and stuff and such
    Oh what up. Holy shit you got a hood light, and a rear seat heater? This thing is so baller.
     
  9. Apr 2, 2013 at 6:02 PM
    #9
    MadToy

    MadToy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2011
    Member:
    #67334
    Messages:
    824
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Huntersville, NC
    Vehicle:
    07 Midnight Blue TRD
    OME 886, Dakar leafs, LR UCA's, 16x8.5 Level 8 ZX, 315 MTR Kevlar, All-Pro sliders, BudBuilt skids, Undercoverhwms winch mount, Warn M8000 with synthetic rope, ATO Hi-Lift bed mounts, Diff locker override, Hitch harness relocated to bumper, Undercover bed cover, Gromm Aux adapter, Grillcraft grill, DT pipe bombs, Custom Magnaflow exhaust, Brute Force HC bumper, TRD Supercharger
    Very nice! If I had room on my driveway, I would have scooped that baby up... :)
     
  10. Apr 3, 2013 at 6:47 AM
    #10
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    Yeah buddy, rollin' like a big shot. I forgot to put this up there, but all those tools minus the green and red handle screwdrivers have "Toyota" stamped into the tools :cool:. I can't wait to see your triple sticks. I hope it turns out as good as I am making it sound in my head lol




    ;) I can't wait to wheel it. Hopefully I will be able to get out before works starts picking up.


    Because I am going to have separate sections and I didn't know how much room I was going to need :D
     
  11. Apr 3, 2013 at 8:36 AM
    #11
    ajohnson

    ajohnson Glamour Shot

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2009
    Member:
    #16145
    Messages:
    8,494
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    07 DCLB TRD Sport Prerunner 4x4
    Things and stuff and such
    Fer shizzle. The other case is arriving next week and I want to install it the following weekend. I'll give a shout if you want to lend a hand.

    Do you have any first upgrades planned besides fixing rust?
     
  12. Apr 3, 2013 at 8:47 AM
    #12
    saundern

    saundern Swerve for nothing

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2009
    Member:
    #27342
    Messages:
    6,861
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Simpsonville, SC
    Vehicle:
    2005 TRD Sport
    that's so badass, it's like a time capsule!
    what are your plans for the paint?
     
  13. Apr 3, 2013 at 10:06 AM
    #13
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    Ok so that is two weekends away correct? I should be able to get off work but I will let you know.

    My first plans are upgrading the exhaust because it needs to be replaced anyway. I am contemplating upgrading the headers too because there are some other things that need replacing, such as the heat shield. I asked this in your thread but haven't looked yet, have you heard any complaints about the headers they sell? It doesn't look like too bad of a deal.

    Thanks! I am in love :) I really do not want to change the original color, but I really love the FJ green. But I am thinking if I just get it painted original color and new decals to replace the cracked ones, it will look really good.
     
  14. Apr 3, 2013 at 10:13 AM
    #14
    Max-4_Yota

    Max-4_Yota The Welfare Cadilac

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2009
    Member:
    #27357
    Messages:
    4,235
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    3rd gen Tacoma
    Chicken lights, chrome and smoke tunes.
    :woot: Love it! Kinda wish I would'a got a 4-runner.


    Wanna trade? :D
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2013
  15. Apr 3, 2013 at 10:20 AM
    #15
    MojaveMadman

    MojaveMadman Cali Raised LED

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    Member:
    #98029
    Messages:
    2,276
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma TRD OR
    All New Everything
    Love these 4runners! I wish I could convince my wife to ride in one, haha. I love the 22RE too, I had one in a pickup 12 years ago when I was in high school, best running motor I ever had after getting the head re-built. I had a header on it too, I can't remember what brand, sounded great and made a noticable difference in power too!
     
  16. Apr 3, 2013 at 10:23 AM
    #16
    higherlux

    higherlux Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2008
    Member:
    #11307
    Messages:
    6,927
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Blake
    middle of S.C.
    Vehicle:
    1998 tacoma 2.7l 4wd/1986 POS
    Mall crawler status
    Awwww shit this gonna get good :popcorn:
     
  17. Apr 3, 2013 at 11:06 AM
    #17
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    Haha naaa. I like my EFI :D if I remember correctly you pretty much stole yours though didn't you?

    Don't worry, my gf thinks it is "horrendous". She will ride it in, but she gets so embarrassed haha city girls :rolleyes:

    I hope so!

    Something I just thought about was doing the body work/paint last. Reason being is I still do not have a definite plan for this build. For example, I don't know if I want to run 35"s or bigger. I do know I want to stay as low as possible lift wise, but I don't want to slap on 35"s then wish I went with 37"s. I don't mind doing some body work to make 37"s flush when stuffed if I could be, say 2" lower suspension wise. Don't know if that is possible, but 37"s on a 3-4 inch kit would be ideal if it can be done.

    I will probably try to just find some old stock headers off a beater but that may not be any better.
     
  18. Apr 4, 2013 at 2:33 PM
    #18
    Boomtacoma01

    Boomtacoma01 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2009
    Member:
    #27162
    Messages:
    1,322
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Houston
    Very nice. All the goodies that came with it are sweet. Mine had a pile of work history, oil changes and receipts from all the work that was done over the previous 2 owners. Without it I may not have bought it. Insight is always good.

    When you upgrade your headers, be very careful removing the bolts and or studs. Helicoils are a pain in the ass. My exhaust manifold is a nightmare.

    Keep the OE color. FJ colors are just that. An FJ only wishes it was as cool as this.

    I can help with any questions you may have if you need any input.

    You can do 37's on 3-4 inches easily. Don't go any taller than that.

    Nice Ride and Good luck
     
  19. Apr 4, 2013 at 4:08 PM
    #19
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 [OP] Boobies

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2011
    Member:
    #62001
    Messages:
    3,567
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Northeast Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD OR & 1985 SR5 4Runner
    Alright I'll post up a picture when the weather clears up of the header and let you see what ya think. I can hear it rattling around through the floor boards.

    Good call on the color. I am not going to repaint it for a while, but I agree on keeping it the OE color. Ideally, I would be stoked to have a 3" lift and 37's. I think I am gonna just do RUF and Chevy's. I keep going back and forth about that or a TG 5" kit and take some of the leafs out.
     
  20. Apr 4, 2013 at 4:39 PM
    #20
    ajohnson

    ajohnson Glamour Shot

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2009
    Member:
    #16145
    Messages:
    8,494
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    07 DCLB TRD Sport Prerunner 4x4
    Things and stuff and such
    I suggest you take it wheeling and check out some other rigs and see how what works. Mike is running RUF and 63's on his pickup. I am pretty happy with my TG 4" suspension but I want to take a leaf out of each pack to drop it down some. TG 5" is too tall IMO.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top