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COB's 1990 4Runner 2-Door
Hello T4R forum goers. Any familiar faces still around?
It's been a long time and I have a lot of thoughts to get out. Skip down to the pics if you prefer. I still have my 87 4Runner turbo and 3rd gen. For years, I dove off into the deep end of Supras and got a 1989 MK3 Turbo and a 1994 MK4 Twin Turbo. My last purchase was a 1989 Pickup DLX 2WD 22RE 5 speed. Recently, a friend of mine who works at a local auto shop mentioned that there was a 5VZ-FE sitting on the side yard of the shop. As any 4Runner hoarder would, I scooped it up just on the off chance that it might be useful someday. It looks to be in good enough condition to rebuild. Worst case, I might end up buying some heads. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f0be642a_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e6d18e8d_b.jpg Back at home base https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e10d72ba_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0b5fbfdc_b.jpg Shortly after that, another deal landed in my lap, a gray top supercharger for $200. Was still in a 2000 SR5 and in working condition, but was making a nosecone bearing noise. The guy didn't want to deal with it and instead opted to sell it. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4fbf8237_b.jpg So for $280, all of the main ingredients for a supercharged 3.4L are just laying around... but what to do with it? Idea 1 was floated by the friend who provided the motor. He says to swap into my 3rd gen. My 3rd gen is a mishmash of different drivetrain components - 3RZ-FE with an R150F, relocated transmission crossmember, custom length driveshafts, etc... so there's no way to do a 5VZ swap without basically redoing the entire driveline setup. IMO the 5VZ engine is not worth rearranging my driveline. It'd be more worthwhile to swap in a 2JZ-GTE or a 2UZ-FE, which would make way more power and will fit without modifying my existing driveline setup. Idea 2 was to sell it all, but what fun is that? Then I have less toys to play with. They have such a good story too. Idea 3 was to supercharge my fiance's 1999 Limited, the motor in it is very good, but I just don't see the point. She doesn't even use the little power it has already. Idea 4 was to get another 3rd gen 4Runner or a 2nd gen Tacoma to swap it into, perhaps one with a blown engine. Then, flip it for profit. The smart person's choice. Idea 5 is to swap them into a unicorn that has the miserable excuse of a 3.0 V6 under the hood, something like a dually 1-ton 89-95 U-haul box truck, Dolphin motorhome, or a 2-door 2nd gen 4Runner. Box trucks are great and all, but I'm sure my neighbors won't appreciate seeing it. The motorhome would be even worse. Like hell I'm paying $250+ for monthly storage. After much deliberation, it has been settled. The motor and supercharger must go into a 2nd gen 2-door. I started searching the same week. |
Unfortunate for me, the 2nd gen 2 doors out there are among my least favorite 2nd gen years because of the factory options.
Even worse, I'm picky. The requirements: No rear tire carrier No wing windows No door mounted mirrors No mismatched panels No accidents No salvage titles No 3rd brake light Low price Must have a 3.slow V6 Must have spoiler Must have sunroof Must not be modified First one I found was white. Owner wanted 5k. 15 miles away. Problems: Front end crashed Rear tire carrier Salvage title (total loss) Needs a shit ton of body work Modded to hell and back https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c7a34c3e_b.jpg Second one I found was red... more than one shade of red. Owner wanted to trade for an SFA truck. 40 miles away. Have seen it on IG. Problems: Mismatched panels Faded paint Rear tire carrier Owner only willing to trade, no cash sales No spoiler Modded, clearly been wheeled hard https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f9f66a7b_c.jpg Third one I found was single stage Cardinal Red, so it would undoubtedly polish out pretty well. Almost checks every box. Only a few issues: Some rust developed on quarters It's 1,000 miles away https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...50bcccfa_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e346425b_b.jpg Anyone up for a road trip? Orange County, CA to Boise, ID in one shot! Although we did stop for a Gordon Ramsay Burger in Las Vegas, NV https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...268eac4e_b.jpg Cedar City, Utah https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...376dfab9_b.jpg Why does Utah have 85 octane regular fuel? https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ed472740_b.jpg Salt Lake City, Utah https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f0359c1b_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ffd0fd77_b.jpg And a quick stop at U-Haul in Boise, ID... Here she is. Sitting in this spot for 2 years straight. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...08867cdc_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f90e68c5_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...36be158f_b.jpg The tires took air, just enough to roll. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ec118670_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d5ecf79e_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0a8a32cf_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...06c2ac24_b.jpg I popped in a fresh Costco battery and got to poking around. It cranked, but no start. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d579309f_b.jpg Turns out that the distributor wires were a bit loose. Truck fired right up after that discovery, and drove onto the trailer. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5d4bf1eb_b.jpg Off we went back to California. Here's our first stop with the 2nd gen in tow, a shell station in Boise, ID. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a252e691_b.jpg In case you're wondering what Idaho looks like: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cb37479c_b.jpg |
Felt like we were being tailgated. Towing cars is always interesting. My first time towing one across state lines. First time towing one beyond 130 miles.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...336e3c76_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6dcf321d_b.jpg Fairly clean underneath. Not much salt is used in the area. Dirty, but manageable. A great canvas. Bonus, it has H&R springs in the rear, so the rear sag issue is no more. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f5341561_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0dfc3b1a_b.jpg Interior is quite clean! The seats are in great condition. The dash has some cracks. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...61f80215_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c00087b6_b.jpg Entering Utah https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b91e17d6_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...31ecd08f_b.jpg Salt Lake City, UT https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4661b4d4_b.jpg Finally got too tired to keep driving. We drove all through the previous night and we tried to make it back to Las Vegas, but we didn't have it in us. We stopped and slept in the back of the 3rd gen. Fillmore, UT https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9f23f305_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6be8d859_b.jpg Hurricane, UT Quick stop to meet the folks at Matt's Off-Road Recovery. They were all very nice and we felt welcomed. They gave us a tour of the shop. Can post more pics if anyone's interested. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e45c1110_b.jpg Back home! Mission Viejo, CA https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8b38f6a8_b.jpg |
The next morning, I scored a set of new takeoffs from a 2022 4Runner. Still had the plastic on them. Figured these would be a better solution than sticking with the blackened 15" wheels.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bc34fd22_b.jpg The very next day, I scored a second set of takeoffs from another 2022 4Runner. These ones were a perfect gift for my dad on Father's Day. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...06ed5d12_b.jpg This meant I now had a set of 2011 SR5 wheels laying around that might be a better fit for this older truck. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b1caa917_b.jpg A shot under the hood. Some obvious leakage from the power steering pump area. The bay is dirty as expected from a vehicle in Idaho. The motor appears to have already been significantly repaired. The head gaskets are definitely not original and there's evidence that the whole motor was rebuilt at some point. By now, I had not had a chance to run the motor long enough to see if there were any issues. It was low on fluids, but the coolant and oil were not mixed, both were clean. Oil change was done 2 years ago, still had another 2k miles before it was due again. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...62aa7a6c_b.jpg The loose distributor wires were now functioning as intended https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...71a28f48_b.jpg Dirty air filter https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e2401caf_b.jpg I put 36psi into the tires, topped off the radiator and the engine oil, then popped down to my local Shell station for a couple of fresh gallons. I figured it'd be nice to use 91 octane for some of the detergents. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d843e6b2_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...28d1be67_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a24e3621_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...31282999_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7cef1742_b.jpg The very next morning, I went to AAA and got a temp tag for it. The truck was now running pretty smoothly and it was anyone's guess whether it would pass smog. Now was a good a time as ever to get underneath and give it a solid inspection. Visiting my good friend John over at Japanese Car Specialties https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e4e6e012_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5c342294_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3cb1fefa_b.jpg Could use a fuel filter. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7e2da00a_b.jpg Tie rods, wheel bearings, steering pitman and idler arms, and ball joints were all pretty much done for. Steering box is leaking from upper seal where the steering shaft comes in. Needs steering limit caps. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...91916e19_b.jpg Tested 4WD and put the wheels up to 40mph. Some noises and bearing groans, but nothing that can't be fixed. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...35288c4a_b.jpg Trans cooler is cracked and leaking. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e2b92074_b.jpg |
nice scores, especially the 2-door. i’ve always liked the 2-door versions. looks to be in great condition for the price you paid. around here, the nitwits think their trashed, rusted, beat junker is worth $6k minimum.
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Now I'm entering the parts gathering phase. If you have seen my 89 Pickup build thread in the Other Vehicles section, then you have probably seen this white 93 4Runner before.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d23ecbaa_b.jpg It was parked in a neighborhood nearby when some drunkard crashed into the rear axle. The axle housing was bent and the truck was a total loss. It had a V6, 5-speed R150F, 4.88 gears, and a blue interior. My friend purchased the truck for the gears and the motor. I ended up buying the front seats and console for my pickup. I also bought the front fenders and the entire core support for future 4Runner front end conversion possibilities. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4a77fc97_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2fbee305_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...62b0b126_b.jpg The truck had not been useful to me otherwise. This all changed when I got this 2-door. I traded the new takeoff wheels for the remnants of the truck, including the 5-speed manual R150F transmission, pedals, driveshafts, clutch line, the works... https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2d266c9a_b.jpg Reusing the clutch and flywheel because we won't be needing these after the 3.4 swap... after all, it's only a 3.0 in there, not like it needs any serious gripping power. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...09cbbedf_b.jpg It also has a clean steering box that doesn't leak. Other bonus goodies include a set of ball joint spacers, definitely taking those! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ae94cd1c_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...959a228d_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3ea5f0bd_b.jpg\ https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...08e1ee63_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8f539df0_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...73e27bcd_b.jpg I'm putting all of the useful parts into boxes, then onto a pallet, then storing it in my warehouse. PM me if you need anything. Happy to ship! Also have doors and larger objects which are pickup only. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6a4b31fe_b.jpg |
First order is in. Sankei 555 makes really good OEM quality parts.
Upper and Lower ball joints Inner tie rod ends Pitman and Idler Arms https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8c7b7ef1_b.jpg My next order will be from RockAuto and it will contain the outer tie rod ends as well as a variety of other miscellaneous components, such as brakes, wheel bearings, shocks, spark plugs, wires, cap & rotor, and much more. Lets see what we can do about this color. Test run! The shitty chrome flares are coming off also, to be replaced with the OEM chrome trim from the white 95. I am using a Makita electric DA with a 5" Meguiar's yellow pad. Doing a lighter cut with level 4 Meguiar's Ultra finishing polish. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6f6b879e_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1b1f1b00_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...26d818d7_b.jpg Before and After https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...03057395_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2dc99389_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2e8e8dfb_b.jpg Left side mostly done https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cfe366ed_b.jpg Hood halfway https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...da717a6d_b.jpg Hood and cowl done https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ab0d77a8_b.jpg Right fender https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...585874ae_b.jpg It's already shaping up to be quite nice, there is still more polishing to do on the right side, rear, and top of the vehicle. I also have to remove the chrome trim and running boards to get the remaining hidden spots. I plan to ditch the running boards entirely. I have already found a buyer for the Automatic transmission in the truck and I told him he could have the running boards for free when he buys the transmission. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2e0bffac_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9a81f301_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...966128b1_b.jpg And yes, we have every gen now So to recap, more parts are on their way, more polishing to be done, a transmission swap, a wheel swap, and much more. I happen to have a 95 front bumper and perhaps I can find another grille that is sealed beam compatible/better looking... not a fan of the 90-91 4Runner grille. |
Nice find!!
I always enjoy your builds! 2nd Gens are my all time favorites and 4th are the second! Cheers! |
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Thanks MDST! I definitely remember seeing you around way back when. Sweet LC Prado you've got, two doors are my favorite of those as well! Quote:
I appreciate the kind words, thank you thank you |
Letting the red shine, haven't gotten around to finishing the polishing on the passenger side yet.
The trim needs to come off to get to those hard to reach areas. Going to wax the whole thing afterward. There's potential here, let's get on it. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...281fd578_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3a8711e3_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c35d5fe3_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...61b108c5_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...81e0299e_b.jpg |
Running boards are no more!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1832d5a1_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b3e322e4_b.jpg Getting a closer look. Whoever painted the original wheels did so on the vehicle, so there was a black pattern of spray paint on the brake drums. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a0f188b0_b.jpg Quick peek at the drums. The shoes have some wear, but they're not in desperate need of replacement yet. Good enough to run them for now and get to the brakes later on. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6bfbcfea_b.jpg A quick shot of black on the drums. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...557cd911_b.jpg Chrome trim off. Some dirt beneath, and some rust hiding. Going to think about what the best course of action is here. First will clay and polish and see how it looks bare. Then, some eastwood rust encapsulator to prevent further degradation. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f71c3677_b.jpg Another view of the H&R springs. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0f756b44_b.jpg The shocks are some Les Schwab brand "Mountain Ryder XT". They seem fine, no leaks or anything, probably need to pull them off to test them and see if they're actually doing anything. If they're not blown, I'll give them a coating of black paint and a set of poly bushings. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...110b81a1_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...aaf33e66_b.jpg Test fit of 2011 4Runner wheels, 17" with 265/70/17. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...50428be8_b.jpg Comparison with the unpolished side... https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6c20af30_b.jpg I really like the look compared to the stock 15" wheels. Never liked flat black on wheels either, I think they cheapen the look. These have a nice machined looking finish with a clear coat. Fronts on, no caps for now to clear hubs. Might do a 33" tire later on and at that point may consider spacers and reinstalling the front center caps. ADD hubs will stay, manual hubs suck to be frank. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5237a708_b.jpg |
It's starting to look more like it should. That chrome fender trim was pretty ugly. I might still use them, but painted black. Might give it a kind of 3rd gen SR5 skinny flare look. Needs front mudflaps ASAP
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d94b35bc_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e928c25b_b.jpg Found this D-ring shackle hitch mount on the trail, popped it in for the hell of it. The receiver is a bit rusty, I have another hitch receiver that is rust free. Planning to swap them, thinking of painting it with SEM trim black before installing. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...221eed5d_b.jpg There's been some issues in the cargo area. The key doesn't operate the window. I pulled the door apart and the switch seems to be in fine shape. Next I will test the relay box on the left side to make sure it's working properly. Love how the 2-doors have a half cargo panel. So much easier than dealing with the giant panels in the 4-doors. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4bbfe2f7_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4ffc2e8a_b.jpg The speakers in the rear appear to be MTX Audio. The left was working fine, the right one wasn't. The right one came back to functionality after unplugging and reinserting the plug into the OEM box. They honestly sound pretty terrible so I'm planning to order 4 Rockford Fosgate 4" speakers for the whole rig. Cheap and easy. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b9732cbc_b.jpg Removed a parking permit sticker from the rear window. Had to roll out the window while the tailgate was down. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ed3d92c1_b.jpg Next was the wiper motor in the rear. Old one had broken the white plastic arm. Apparently this is a common failure point. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4f4d619b_b.jpg Donor wiper motor with good plastic arm, front: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d69917a9_b.jpg Installed and tested functional. Love to see the wiper pop upward into place now instead of sagging downward onto the window unceremoniously. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...46674835_b.jpg Rear left seat back knob was broken off. I don't have a gray one, but I did have a blue one. Gets the job done for now until I can get a gray one from the scrapyard. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cc9cb841_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...39e30463_b.jpg |
Wasting no time with this automatic transmission. Works fine, but just a mediocre driving experience. It'll be going into a 1995 Limited owned by a local 2nd gen guy.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c2ba895d_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...34207ed0_b.jpg Removing the auto shifter trim has always been one of the more disgusting experiences of an interior cleaning. Years of coffee and liquid spills, various nastiness... https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...dbbf718f_b.jpg Pulled the shifter out, both driveshafts, and then drained both the transmission pan and transfer case. Speedo cable, dipstick, and vibration dampener removed. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ceea1e7e_b.jpg Pulled the bolts out of the torque converter, bell housing, exhaust bracket, and let the starter drop back a few inches. Dropped the sway bar down, pulled the front skid and fished the transmission cooler lines out, unbolted the cooler, and fished out the kickdown cable. Harbor freight transmission jack for the win, worth every penny and then some. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7c60ca53_b.jpg Jacked up the front to clear the height of the transmission jack with transmission attached. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cd0bd6b3_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...95bcfce7_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a47f7327_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d1c8014d_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3ae648f8_b.jpg Now it's time to gather the remaining parts needed to swap the manual transmission in. - Flywheel bolts - Pressure plate bolts - Pilot bearing - 3VZ to R150F stiffener plates - Transmission mount I also need to: - Cut tunnel hole wider to prep for new tunnel overlay - Cut tunnel from manual truck to fit into auto truck - Overlay manual tunnel panel over cut auto panel, seam seal, rivet into place. Retains factory boot mounting locations. - Make a clutch master cylinder firewall hole template - Cut clutch master cylinder holes in firewall Great to be working on an old project again. Love to be able to do so much with so little money. Love my Supra, but one mod on the Supra alone could have paid for this whole project and then some. Thanks for viewing, more to come. |
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