86' 4runner gets VooDoo'd

[dorton]

********Most current photo of vehicle ********

Before

*********Read about progression below********


I sold this one about 5 years ago, and was called about a year ago by the person that purchased it from me.
He was wanting to dump it because it had a blown head gasket just past the 300k mark.
I was excited, because when I sold it the first time, it was almost by accident. I had priced it jokingly,
and within a couple days the buyer showed up with cash in hand...

Fast forward to the begining of last year. I purchased it and took it to where I work as a service manger
at a small toyota store here in NC. I bore scoped it, and confirmed a leaking cylinder head gasket into #3.
Just for giggles I pulled the valve cover and cranked down the head bolts tighter than specs. So far,
300 miles later, and it hasn't used a drop of coolant. *****EDIT* Made it 5,000 miles before it went again,
just a week before I left for Colorado in it.******

It was also in bad need of both front wheel bearings when I got it back, so that was taken care of that same day.
The idler arm has plenty of slack, so bushings were replaced. Other than aesthetics, and trim the rig isn't in too bad of shape.

Had it out that weekend with wife, little girl, and dog enjoying the weather and snapped some pics

My inspirations for building up a rig for future camping/exploration

I had an E-locker i've had stashed away for a bit that will be going in, along with 4.88s front and rear. I'm wanting to keep this one IFS, and may install an ARB in the front when it goes together.

Up soon was to be rock sliders, and bumpers front and rear, along with a winch
When I bought it back, I had full intentions of installing a new OEM short block, ported cylinder head w/ oversized valves, but I hate taking this one out as good as its running. On my first tank, corrected for tire rollout, I averaged 22mpg.
My goal for this one will be a 2 week trip next year to our beautiful western states, accompanied by many nights camping here in NC, VA, and TN.

 

[dorton]

And......i decided to not run the trailgear diff armor i had. Instead, i purchased this cover that is welded on your housing, after using a cutoff wheel to remove the original cover. Hopefully have some completed pics of the rear axle by the end of next week with the elocker installed, the new rear cover put on, drain bolt/ring shaved, and hole filled, u-bolts flipped, and shocks relocated.

Here is the barnes 4wd cover for the rear housing

I put my runner up on stands, and went to work removing the front and rear axle assemblies.

Barnes Diff cover installed, drain plug shaved, armor added to the bottom of the housing, and the opening modified for the 4.88 ELocker third member.

While he was doing this, I took the front diff assembly(factory 4.88s I bought used with low miles)to work and installed a Spartan locker

At 300k the rear end was in need of drivers side wheel bearings, and the right side wheel cylinder was leaking.
So I decided to replace everything on both sides while it was apart. Bearings, seals, shoes, wheel cylinders,
one e-brake lever boot. and all mounting hardware.

I then had my friend Ivan come give me a hand painting

While that was drying, I decided to yank the Warn hubs off to install my new to me Aisin's.
During the install, I replaced the star gasket, and the locking knob o-rings.

Here are the hubs in "locked position" Warn on left, and Aisin on right

"unlocked" same orientation

Final product

Ivan giving the thumbs up!

Puting a little bling on the front diff assembly getting ready to go back in.

 

[dorton]

Since the front was done(for now), Decided to go ahead, and install the 12voltguy's Elocker wiring harness, and switch assembly. Very nice product, very easy install. I did however decide not to mount it where it was intended. Instead, I mounted the switch on the dash, just left of the steering column.

With that done, I moved back to the rear axle assembly.
Once again, luckily Ivan was able to give me a hand. "here, hold these while I paint"

Installed my u-bolt flip kit

Then, I just finished up the little stuff so I could move on to removing the hitch,
buper, and little side plastic things. First thing before I could get rolling with that was
remove the bushwacker flares........
Ouch.

That may have something to do with it living in Boone NC for the time I sold it, the reason I
say that is, the spray paint can is pictured here for size reference to show the pile of
road salt that fell out of the flare when removed. This will be a project for a later date.

At some point during the process, I found some extra wheels that I had stashed away. One just
happened to roll up beside my rig, and I liked the look.

Ok, back to removing stuff. With the bumper, and hitch, and side plastic things, I had to remove the
brackets that held said plastic things by cutting them off. You can see the ones toward the rear corners here

With them removed, I had to get back to covering up the canker sores over the wheel wells. My plan is to section the flares
so they are flush with the body at the bottom.

This is how it sits right now. The tires that are mounted on the alluminum wheels are 31x10.50 15s, I am working on getting some 33x10.50 15 BFG All Terrains soon I hope.

 

[dorton]

Minor update on mine. I installed a set BFG KM2's in 33x10.50x15. I haven't had much time to do anything with it lately.
Monday, I'll be taking it out for a trail ride at Uwharrie National Forest.

 

[dorton]

One of my customers has a Toyota graveyard. Lucky for me he had a 4runner with perfect bedsides. So i spent yesterday with my pal Sawzall separating them from the donor. I am going to POR 15 the insides before the replacement. I have also acquired new OEM front fenders, 2 used doors with zero rust, and used liftgate with zero rust, black door handles, and black grille. Now its time to go back out and cut the rock rails off to get ready for skin transplant.

I've been working on it, and getting closer every little bit.
Hoping to have it sprayed the end of next week. The replacement quarters are being coated with POR 15 before welded then, liberally applied seam sealer at all junctions.

 

[dorton]

I am not a fan of the chrome strips that run down the rockers from the factory, so, during the
process, the holes were welded up, and finished and readied along with the rest of the vehicle.

 

[dorton]

I added 1.5" ball joint spaces, Chevy 63s in the rear, OME N98s on the front, Bilstein 5125s (12" travel) in the rear, installed a CBI rear bumper, a 1" body lift, and had a local Graphic shop cut the decals.

 

[dorton]

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Nice work. She's looking great!

Bet you'll think twice before selling your 4Runner again.

:rapture:

 

[ToyoTech]

any chance you can show some pix of the rear set up? mainly the shock mounts. im looking to do 63s and not sure if it will give me the right amount of lift.

 

[dorton]

The springs are very, very soft, but the bilsteins made a tremendous difference.

 

[4Running Daily]

I really like the blue!

 

[BucknutBob]

Truck is looking great! Nice work! Don't quite understand the rear rack, though--is it just in progress, with pieces still to come?

 

[dorton]

Truck is looking great! Nice work! Don't quite understand the rear rack, though--is it just in progress, with pieces still to come?

It's still far from being complete. When it's done, there will be a fold down table for cooking, a spare tire carrier, and a way to mount a removable cargo carrier that will be mounted high as to not hinder departure angle. I've got about 10 different projects going on it right now, and am trying to get it done to take to Ouray Colorado in July for the FJ Summit.

Here is what I worked on this past weekend:
It originally had rear heat, so the center console had just over zero storage room. I need more volume than it could offer. A few weeks back, I had purchased some front seats out of a Scion TC to install. When I placed them, I moved them as outboard as possible to gain more width for the console. You will not be able to replicate the width without moving your seats. By the way, I love the TC seats.

 

[ToyoTech]

do you have a body lift? what size tires are you running? if you could, can you tell me the distance from the rear bottom fender to the top of the rim? trying to see if i should give 63s a try since i have them just lagging on install lol

the console box looks sweet covered. the tC seats are really nice and snug.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Absolutely gorgeous.

 

[dorton]

do you have a body lift? what size tires are you running? if you could, can you tell me the distance from the rear bottom fender to the top of the rim? trying to see if i should give 63s a try since i have them just lagging on install lol

the console box looks sweet covered. the tC seats are really nice and snug.

Yes, I have a 1" body lift. The tires are 33x10.5r15s. I'll check the measurements for you. Just directly over the center of the wheel?

 

[ajohnson]

I love the voodoo blue. The rear CBI bumper is really nice, I can't wait to see the rack when it is finished.

 

[KidVermicious]

Love the hell out of this truck. Nice build!

 

[BucknutBob]

You do some darn fine craftsmanship, friend! Very nice work on the console! I love it when people build completely from scratch, and when it's done, it looks like it could've been a factory option.