85 4runner

[88rnr]

So its been a while since I posted any updates. As you can see by my user name, vehicles have changed. I was lucky enough to find a decent 85 4runner in the northeast. It does not look like it but I have done a lot to the truck, a few items that come to mind are: gas tank and sending unit replacement, sonically cleaned fuel injectors, timing chain service, coolant sensor replacement, Aisin clutch pressure plate throwout bearing and slave cylinder replacement, energy suspension body mounts, LC header and full stainless exhaust, master cylinder and brakes all around. Frame clean and painted with Eastwood frame paint, full knuckle rebuild, complete OME suspension, stock chrome wheels and 95 4runner seats, LED replacements for cargo area and overhead. My next plans are to change the tires to 33x10.5x15's I do have a donor rear body section that my Dad and I picked up over winter break down in VA, not sure when we will tackle that.
I am looking for the following if anyone within a reasonable driving distance has them:

A real good set of 33x10.5x15 tires
A full soft top
Tube doors
Rust free and straight hood

The questions that I have are: The steering box is worn on the truck (150,000 mi) when I got it aligned after the lift, it was noted that the steering box had a lot of play in it. I have looked in the forums but have not seen anyone mention rebuilding a SFA box. Has anyone out there had any experience doing this? Can you recommend a source for the parts?

I was unable to find LED bulbs for the map lights (A12V8W) has anyone changed these over? where did you find them? I used SuperBright LEDS for the other but could not find this application there

Thanks for listening to my story, any input on parts or the steering box situation is welcome.

 

[Dropzone]

just what exactly were those blue square tubes for coming off the front?

 

[128keaton]

just what exactly were those blue square tubes for coming off the front?

My guess is it was used for those "oversized load ahead" crews.

 

[88rnr]

Those were part of a cooler storage rack that the previous owner had on it, I cut them off after I walked into them a few times. The truck was used as a beach buggy for surf fishing, those decals on the bumper were annual permits for beach access. Here it is with the lift and 31's

 

[Cali 4runner]

Cool 4runner! How do you plan to address the rust?

EDIT: just read the part of the donor body. Good call.

Also, I did swap out the map lights with leds on my 4runner. Got them from superbrightleds.com

Think these are them https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...gleBaseChild&gclid=COywmKGuy9MCFYmRfgodmsoD_Q

 

[128keaton]

Woo! That sucker is awesome with an awesome(er) story!

 

[88rnr]

Thanks for that link, I could not figure out which bulb it was. I have been gathering clean used OEM fenders and doors to get the bodywork off to a clean rust-free start when I get around to it.

 

[SomeDay]

I like the color and the stripes :bravo:

 

[fourwd1]

Looks like mine with a white top

 

[Jhawkins2330]

Nice! I was just looking at one in the same color. Love it


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[Cali 4runner]

No prob. Love those factory chrome wheels!

 

[Sup41]

Looks great

just what exactly were those blue square tubes for coming off the front?

 

[89FourRunner]

You are right at the point where you can still replace those rear quarters using replacement front fenders.

 

[88rnr]

On the drivers side you might be right rust-wise, but the passengers side is in worse shape.The rockers,inner wheel wells and cargo area are rusted thru in spots too. I plan to integrate this donor 4Runner into mine. It was a total that took a frame shot dead center.

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[CCDave]

Nice looking 85. Yep, that blue is a sharp color.

 

[ddonovan48]

good lookin truck

 

[88rnr]

After 35 years in the northeast the cargo area was rusted beyond spot repairs. This is what the truck looked like after all the damaged metal was removed

I purchased a junkyard bed from a Chevy S 10. That became the donor for the rear cargo area. Ironically enough, the measurement in between the wheel wells was identical.

Welded in place. There was no sourcing a solid Toyota bed for the corrugated sheet. This idea Came from my father who suggested we try it on my 04 Tacoma where we grafted in a large section from a Ford ranger bed. This may be helpful to some dealing with a similar circumstance.

 

[Dropzone]

i'd say using another brand's sheet metal worked out awesome. especially if you end up throwing some carpet in the back. no one will ever know.