1st gen 4runner question

[mich4runner]

So i'm looking to buy a first gen 4runner and was wondering which year was built the best for offroading(mud,sand and two track trails)? Probably won't be doing any rock crawling.
The only 4x4 i owned was a scout and only drove it twice.
Thanks for your help from a newbie.

 

[techno]

The first years of production had a solid front axle. They are the best for offroading. 85 and 86 I think.

 

[mich4runner]

Those were the two years i was looking at.Thanks man.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Check out these two links. Lots of neat 1st gen stuff

 

[mich4runner]

Thanks man.Those are great links.Got a question about solid axles vs the others.Whats the difference?
I tried searching but didn't find anything.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks man.Those are great links.Got a question about solid axles vs the others.Whats the difference?
I tried searching but didn't find anything.

If it's your plan to "go big or stay home" many would argue the solid front axle is better. There are more options for big, strong aftermarket replacements. You can get more lift easily than an IFS (Indepent Front Suspension).

If you are big time off-roading where extreme articulation angles are desired solid axles are better.

The solid axle years are the same as the Toyota truck of the period and there's tons of aftermarket avail.

The advantage of IFS systems is ride quality, the abilty to have a lower body height with adequate suspension travel etc.

If you plan to go with 3" or less of lift there seems to be good support for the IFS. If you want more than that pursueing the solid axle variant might be worth it.

Hope that helps.

:cheers:

 

[mich4runner]

That helped out alot.Thanks man.I would atleast do a 4" lift.

 

[MLSD]

The 86 4x4 4Runner has IFS - I know because I owned one. If you decide to go with the solid front axle, go with the 85 because it's the last year of the solid front axle and I believe the first year of EFI. I also owned an 84 Toyota 4x4 truck and it was carburated.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

That helped out alot.Thanks man.I would atleast do a 4" lift.

I ask this 'cause it may open up the year model range for you... Do you want 4" total? If it's a combo of body and suspension lift you could get 4" easy with an IFS.

I stand by my earlier position that the solid axle has real advantages but if you could shop a 3-4year model range instead of a two year range that would be nice; that's why I threw that out there.

 

[mich4runner]

Basically i want a first gen.I love the option of taking the roof off and i love the looks of that body style.

I found a 86 4 runner with a 175,000 on it.runs great.Body isn't great but its not that bad to look at.I haven't test drove it yet though.

4" total sounds good or 5".Like 3" body 2" suspension.It'll be my daily driver,so i want it to be a pretty comfy ride.
Thanks again for all your help on this.

 

[mich4runner]

Dammit.The 86 is sold.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Dammit.The 86 is sold.

Keep lookin', you'll get it:biggrin2: It will be worth the wait :bigok:

 

[mich4runner]

Thanks man.My buddy has a 87 that he's selling for $1,500.It's in pretty good shape.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks man.My buddy has a 87 that he's selling for $1,500.It's in pretty good shape.

Cool. Weren't all the '87's EFI? That's a good thing in mind.

:cheers:

 

[mich4runner]

Yeap and this one is the turbo model and has the inclinometer.

 

[mich4runner]

I should be picking up the 87 4 runner in about 2 weeks.All stock except for 2 inch blocks in the rear and the torsions are just twisted up a little to level it out.
My plans are to get the fiberglass replacement 1/4's,fenders and L trim and 31X10.50's first.I will post pics when i get it.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Excellent!:biggrin2: Congrats, we need pics when you get it! Make sure the Turbo and exhaust are in good shape? Those items can cost real $$$$. I don't know much about it beyond that... I do know if you Google the engine code 22re-t (I think) you'll find a good bit of info.

Back in the day a buddy of mine had one, it was an awesome ride and surprising easy on fuel.
:cheers:

 

[mich4runner]

Thanks man.Exhaust is brand new.No turbo on it right now but he has the manifold and turbo for it.So i'll just grab that from him too.He doesn't have the turbo ecu for it though,ill have to hunt one down.

I can't wait to get this rig and start driving it and doing stuff to it.All the videos and pictures i have looked at are a big tease.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Oh that sounds perfect! You're going to have a blast :bigok: Post pics when you can :biggrin2:


I am sure you've spent a good bit of time drooling over these two rigs; in case you missed them:

IFS model http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=28541<br /> :biggrin2::biggrin2::biggrin2::biggrin2:

Solid axle model http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=26725<br />

:cheers: