Located in Southern Wisconsin, about halfway between Madison and Milwaukee.

After inheriting my late uncle’s ‘72 C20, my wife says we have too many vehicles, and I need to get rid of my 4Runner. I agree that the 4Runner is cooler, but the C20 has a lot of sentimental value, and the 4Runner needs more restoration than I have time for.

This is a currently "daily drive-able" truck, that's long term probably a parts truck. It drives perfectly straight down the road, rides nice, runs great, but I'm not sure the rust is long-term fixable. I've driven it a few days in the last week or two to work, which is 124 miles round trip, and it's smooth and steady all the way up to interstate (75 MPH) speeds. The frame doesn't show holes or noticeable soft spots, but it's probably rusting on the inside as well. As mentioned, I completely trust it on a long drive, so it'd probably make a drive across the country if you wanted to take it home somewhere out of state. Fly into Madison, and I'll pick you up at the airport.

I know I could make a lot on parting it out, but I just don't want to commit the time. I have a standing offer of $500 on the engine, and I know that a lot of the interior parts are highly desired, plus two complete working rear window assemblies are valuable.

Lots of miles to brag about (245k), but no signs of the engine giving up any time soon. Engine is strong, 4WD works. Transmission is good with an aftermarket Centerforce clutch that probably has 40k on it.

The best part about this 4Runner is that it has all the options, and (as far as I can tell) all the original accessories. Including the original sunroof cover, under-hood work light, jack and tools, and all headrests. I also have a bin of extra parts that came from an ‘88 I parted out including the ECU, headrests, light assemblies, and more.

Some notes from the pictures of things I have but are not installed:

Skid plate (removed to fix something, it was winter, I just never put it back on)
Armrest cover (removed to reupholstrer , never replaced)
Top (it’s nice out right now)
SR5 badge (fell off, but I have it)

Power windows, locks, clinometer, cruise control, power mirrors, and rear window all work. AC was converted to R134A and worked last I ran it a few years ago. I never used it, so I didn’t replace the belt when another one went.

Not working:

Parking Brake (needs new cables all around
Power antenna (was converted to aftermarket, but was wired to original switch - the aftermarket antenna died)

I believe a previous owner upgraded the cam on the engine, as it seems to have more power than the ‘86 I had previously. Doesn’t leak or drip anything on the ground, though I believe the distributor seal leaks just a bit of oil. The engine has had a slight intermittent miss only at idle (I believe on cyl 4) that I haven’t been able to track down in the 12 years I’ve had the truck, but compression has tested good every time I’ve checked it, plugs has less than 10k on them, and injectors were sent in to be cleaned and balanced about 20k ago (probably 10 years), but the idle goes away at any higher RPM. Performance has not dropped since. Oil changes have always been under 3k, with a high mileage synthetic blend. I’ve put on 38k in the 12 years I’ve owned it, and it’s mostly been a second vehicle. The last two years I’ve averaged less than 1k per year.

The transmission and transfer case shift smoothly and all gears work without any signs of trouble. Manual locking hubs are good and 4WD functions perfectly.

The interior is in remarkable condition, save one big crack in the dash that happened in a cold winter. No tears or burns in seats or headrests. Small tears in door panel vinyl should be easily repairable. Carpet is in good shape with no holes. All seat movements work, including lumbar support on driver’s seat. The sunroof and body around it are all rust free, and the roof does not leak. All glass on this truck is good.

Upgrades include keyless entry with remote start (it is a special kit for a manual transmission), CD player with aux jack cleanly installed in center console, speakers, and a small subwoofer that is easily removed. Has receiver hitch, and the trailer light connector works.

I think this truck would make it in a drive across the country, though due to some needs with the brakes, it probably shouldn’t be. It drives straight and smooth with no wobble up to interstate speeds of 80 and (eventually) above. Tires are BFG All Terrain and have plenty of tread, but are at least 10 years old and should probably be replaced, but don’t leak. I have a 124 mile daily commute, and while I usually drive my car for better fuel economy, I am absolutely comfortable driving it to work, including on the interstate.

Extras included:

(2) good, rust free tailgates. One is white, one is light silver. Intended to swap, never did it.
Good, clean rear window (existing one is good too)
Good, clean rear window regulator (existing one works too)
Tailgate badge with license plate lights and window key switch (no key)
‘88 ECU
Factory AM/FM Cassette
Additional misc accessories, I think tail lights, front corner lights, headrests, roll bar cover, and some interior panels.

I’m asking $1,800 as despite the rust, there’s a lot to use here for a restoration, plus it’s completely drive-able. If you prefer reliability over the turbocharged engine, this is about as good as it gets for options in a 1st gen.









More Pictures: Imgur: The magic of the Internet