86 tr5 questions

[c-dog]

i just bought an 86 tr5 4runner for $20 a couple weeks ago,
because the guy disn't want to put up $700 to fix the brakes (mechanic). the mechanic also said the frame wouldn't last another year b/c of rust.

BRAKES: i replaced the front brake calipers @ $200
but now they feel a little spongey. i can't find
any leaks and i'm at a loss as to what the problem is.
they stop the vehicle fine, but i'm a little nervous. any
ideas?

FRAME: as for the frame, the suspension stops are rusted out
pretty good, but other than that, the frame is just rust
colored. there are no holes, but i would like to preserve it
for a few more years. ideas?

TIRES: what's the largest size tire to fit under it w/o rubbing?

TOP: does anyone make a top compareable to the windjammer
for a jeep? something that will go straight down behind the front
seats

SEATS: i want to get water proof seats for bothe the front and
back. where?

CATALOG: are there any catalogs out there for accessories/parts
for 1st gen 4runners?

i know it's a lot, but any help would be great!

 

[fourwd1]

i just bought an 86 tr5 4runner for $20 a couple weeks ago,
because the guy disn't want to put up $700 to fix the brakes (mechanic). the mechanic also said the frame wouldn't last another year b/c of rust.

BRAKES: i replaced the front brake calipers @ $200
but now they feel a little spongey. i can't find
any leaks and i'm at a loss as to what the problem is.
they stop the vehicle fine, but i'm a little nervous. any
ideas?

Look at the rubber hoses while someone applies pressure on the pedal. The old hoses may be weak and swell/bulge under presure. Depending on exactly what you nean by spongy, the MC could have an internal leak.

FRAME: as for the frame, the suspension stops are rusted out
pretty good, but other than that, the frame is just rust
colored. there are no holes, but i would like to preserve it
for a few more years. ideas?

Mid 80's Toys are notorious for frame rust. The frame rusts from the inside out, so by the time you see it it can be bad. Take a small hammer and start going over the frame, inner and outter faces of ea rail. Especiallya nywhere it transitions upward from the horizontal, above the rear wheels, and behind where the fuel tank sits against the inner rail.

TIRES: what's the largest size tire to fit under it w/o rubbing?

Probably 30" tall max.

TOP: does anyone make a top compareable to the windjammer
for a jeep? something that will go straight down behind the front
seats

The only soft tops available now are from Kayline

SEATS: i want to get water proof seats for bothe the front and
back. where?

Wet Okeole makes waterproof covers

CATALOG: are there any catalogs out there for accessories/parts
for 1st gen 4runners?

What type of parts and accessories? dress up, performance, offroad, ??

i know it's a lot, but any help would be great!

 

[Down2TheC]

For the Brake trouble, I'll bet dollars to donuts that you have air in your system after the caliper replacement. Bleed the line 'til you think it's clean, then bleed some more. There's always that tricky bubble that just won't come out until you've wasted a quart of DOT3. I have a neat vacuum pump that makes it easier than pumping the brakes.

 

[c-dog]

For the Brake trouble, I'll bet dollars to donuts that you have air in your system after the caliper replacement. Bleed the line 'til you think it's clean, then bleed some more. There's always that tricky bubble that just won't come out until you've wasted a quart of DOT3. I have a neat vacuum pump that makes it easier than pumping the brakes.

i bled em twice already, but i think i'll do it again. thanks