Hi everyone. I recently sold my 1987 Range Rover after it left me stranded three times in a few months due to a trans failure, then rod bearing failure, finally a distributor failure. The truck was fun and I did love the styling, but I was tired of working on it after work nearly every day. I understand the 4Runner will also need love, but the parts cost less and there seems to be more support. I also had an International Scout previously, so looking forward to removing the top. Here are both in the driveway.
The 4Runner came from California a few years ago so is mostly clean, but has some light rust underneath and at the rear wheel. I plan on treating the underside as time allows. I have already started ordering parts to replace broken trim in the interior. A few things that will need to happen sooner than later are replacing the whiny ps pump. The po included a replacement so i have it, just need to open up the hood some afternoon. I also am NOT a fan of the 3" body lift that it came with. The truck as 33x12.5" Micky Thompson muds installed, so unfortunately i believe some lift is required, I just don't care for the look of seeing the frame under the body. Any suggestions for a decent riding lift to fit the 33's? I suppose i could simply remove the body lift and install new energy bushings, and move to a smaller tire, maybe 31".
The truck came with some paint runs so i wet sanded them yesterday and will polish today, pending weather.
Before sanding:
After wet sanding:
The truck came with homemade bumpers that make quite the noise as the latching side has no bushings:
I measured and ordered urethane step bushings which will hopefully stop the squeeking in the meantime until i can lose the body lift and get replacement bumpers.
The underside needs some love as well:
I spent time under the truck yesterday with a wire attachment on a drill to remove the loose stuff, and have corroseal on the way to spray the underside.
I took care of a few other small things yesterday like adding the missing clutch pedal pad, dome light cover, and removed some stickers from the glove box. I have a replacement shifter bezel to install to replace the broken piece inside. I also have a switch panel for beneath the radio so i can relocate the bumper light switch and have space for future enhancements.
Finally, a tan soft top from Softtopper is on the way and should arrive this week. Looking forward to getting that installed.
-Marc