1987 To sell or keep...

[sdot2010]

I've been on here multiple times daily trying to solve problems with my first 4Runner and 4x4. Took it to the mechanic, only to receive bad news... it's gonna cost several grand for him to fix the issues:

-New ball joints
-Timing chain
-Exhaust system - front pipe, muffler and tailpipe
-Front brakes
-Doesn't accelerate over 55
-Plus tires

I was so stoked about getting her up and running, it's a classic. Now I have a decision to make. Do I let her go, or keep her?

 

[UteRunner]

If you're even somewhat mechanically inclined you can do most of this yourself and save a bundle of cash. Besides the not going over 55 thing (?), everything else is very doable.

NOTE: These may not be the premium parts some folks buy, but I've had good luck with parts in these ranges. You may even be able to find lower prices for some of these parts. Shop around.

Upper/lower ball joints: each side $30-40
Timing chain kit: $100-$200 depending on the kit
Exhaust kit from Rockauto.com: $200 + shipping
Front brakes: Get a couple of caliper rebuild kits $10. Rotors: $50. Pads: $30
Rear Drums & shoes: $120 + spring kits $20-$30
55MPH max: Diagnosis?
Tires: What size/type are you looking for? If you're just doing some mild trails then a set of 31-32 inch all-terrains are fine. You can even try to find some used tires. Warning: be cautious when buying used tires.

If you have the time and the tools you can find detailed instructions for all these online.

 

[drychlik1]

If you're even somewhat mechanically inclined you can do most of this yourself and save a bundle of cash. Besides the not going over 55 thing (?), everything else is very doable.

NOTE: These may not be the premium parts some folks buy, but I've had good luck with parts in these ranges. You may even be able to find lower prices for some of these parts. Shop around.

Upper/lower ball joints: each side $30-40
Timing chain kit: $100-$200 depending on the kit
Exhaust kit from Rockauto.com: $200 + shipping
Front brakes: Get a couple of caliper rebuild kits $10. Rotors: $50. Pads: $30
Rear Drums & shoes: $120 + spring kits $20-$30
55MPH max: Diagnosis?
Tires: What size/type are you looking for? If you're just doing some mild trails then a set of 31-32 inch all-terrains are fine. You can even try to find some used tires. Warning: be cautious when buying used tires.

If you have the time and the tools you can find detailed instructions for all these online.

Not to mentio a buddy or two with abilities that you don't have will usually work for some beer and pizza which bumps the price about $100.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

I'd agree, its relatively cheap and easy to repair a lot of the stuff yourself with even the most basic set of metric tools! You could slide that exhaust out without much issue, and just bolt the new one in its place, probably take you a half day, maybe longer if the bolts are super rusted. Of course, you could always find a neighbor with a sawzall and make this a 2-hour project!

The balljoints may take a bit more work, but really nothing that hard, you just need to download the manual for your truck (there's links on here for several manuals) and take a full weekend to get it done!

Brake jobs are about the easiest thing a person can do! This really isn't that much harder than pulling the wheels off the front, unbolting the calipers with a big wrench and (IIRC) a 19 or 21MM socket, either taking the old rotors to a parts store to have them turn each one, or buy brand new ones from RockAuto or any other place online, pull the two pads out of the caliper, then reverse the whole process! I literally did my wife's '06 Odyssey van in about an hour's time (replacing rotors instead of turning them), that was for all 4 corners! It would have been faster too if Honduh didn't put a stupid philips screw in there to hold the rotors in place!

Tires? Yeah, you're gonna be around 500-800 bucks depending on what you really want. Personally, I like good tires, so Bridgestone dueler a/t's on my 4 runner was my choice, and that was $740 installed. If you must keep cost down though, look around on Craigslist for used tires, you can sometimes find good tires with 50% or more left on them for a couple hundred bucks, just make sure its the right size and they haven't been plugged.

The only two issues you will have is the timing chain, which is an "advanced" job, and diagnosing/fixing the no speeds above 55mph. I'd say do all the other work first and see if that helps your issue with speed. Could be the exhaust/cat plugged up. The timing chain is still doable, but I'd suggest finding a friend or neighbor that's familiar with this job to help you, it will go much easier, and I bet you can do the whole job for under 2 grand, including new tires!

And just remember, there's a LOT of guys on here who are damned good at diagnosing problems with these engines! I guarantee that your issue will not be the first of its kind, and more than likely, something we've seen many times before!

:rockon:

 

[sdot2010]

I'm mechanically inclined, unfortunately not financially inclined. I was hoping to get this truck up and running this summer but investing another 2-grand may be slightly out of the question right now and I'm in need of space to work on it.

This is giving me hope though.

I've done spark plugs, spark plug wires, new O2 sensor, air filter, coolant and oil and it definitely ran better. But this engine issue has got me stumped. I've come down to Air Flow Sensor, TPS or fuel injectors. Mechanic seemed to thing it was a timing issue.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

You're mechanically inclined, but not financially inclined...? All the more reason to do it yourself. None of these jobs require a ton of space. Checkout YouTube also. There's a video for everything u talked about. GL and Keep the Classics Alive!!! :clap2:

 

[58rennur4]

I'm mechanically inclined, unfortunately not financially inclined.

Learn to work on them and make them right shopping out of salvage yards and what not turn that into a "financial inclination". Extra cash, labor of love, and cool rigs.






.

 

[89FourRunner]

Those are all mainly wear parts. Theres nothing wrong with the truck it just needs maintanance. With a body (and assuming frame) as good as they look in the pictures you would be bonkers to abandon ship.

Just fix it part at a time. Whatever you cant handle get a backyad mechanic to help you with.

 

[drychlik1]

With all due respect, you are the type of guy I was looking to buy my T4R from. You know what you have, but are so frustrated you just want to dump it. Possibly to the first person waving cash in your face. Then I go home and spend 3 weekends and a couple hundred bucks to have a KickA** fishing buggy.

It sounds crude, but it happens everyday.

Every post on here is another member with similar interests trying to help you realize your dream.

You can do this. Just step back, take a breath, and keep telling yourself that.

If you sell it, you will always regret it.

 

[wade _s]

If I couldn't fix something on my 4Runner myself and was going to have to spend "several grand" to have someone fix it I would sell it as is or part it out. I'm sure that the several grand you put into it so you can drive it more will not be the last $$ you are going tio have to spend on it. I didn't even pay anywhere near several grand for my 87 4Runner that is in good running condition LOL! Good luck.

 

[Infamous82]

I would fix it and enjoy it. Most of the parts are fairly cheap and easy to do, just remember to do an alignment after the ball joints. As for the exhaust, I would find a local shop that builds exhaust and have them do it. We have a shop here that will build a full exhaust with muffler for around $200-250 for parts and labor. If the it won't go over 55 is a power issue could be a clogged cat as well

 

[jgilk1]

-New ball joints
-Front brakes

I had a lot of reverse engneering to repair and discover but...

Caliper rebuild, front rotors, pads, bearing inspection + repack, both cv's, ball joints (upper and lower), complete tie rods, shocks, steering stabilizer, idler arm, and new pads, rear pads+ spring if there was other parts they elude me

Took me and my brother about 20 hours of work (40 man hours) should have waiting till i had full poly bushing kit... But ill do the rear in a fewvweeks and see how i like the polly... I had a 95 240sx with what would nearly be a bushing delete setup i doubt poly bushings would be that stiff

 

[penbergm]

I'm in the middle of a full assault on my '86 4Runner. The 22re is SO EASY to work on. I had a coolant leak, pushed it too far, blew the head gasket.
My problem is I love this truck! I've had everything apart before and deep into it now. Parts are cheap and it doesn't get any easier than a 22re to work on.
I plan on posting before and after pics when I am done.

 

[Kean]

If you sell it, you will always regret it.

....not necessarily but then again, only the OP can answer that based on his own feelings/sitaution.

OP, you'll need to decide. If you have decent mechanical skills then you will at least know what's involved in fixing the obvious items. As far as those that have yet to be diagnosed, you may be able to figure those out too but then again they may lead to more of a headache than what you what you want to deal with.

Personally, (if it were me) I would try to get the undiagnosed problems (55 limit) sorted first before moving on to the known issues (replacing related maintenance/defective items). If you hit a wall and lose interest then at least you won't be too far into it and can cut your losses at that point. On the other hand, if you successfully tackle the problem and get it running right, it may help remove any doubt in your mind that it's worth doing the rest of the work (e.g. ball joints, exhaust, brakes, etc.). A bit of a morale boost. ....just a thought.