90 Build, My new Toy

[024RunnerSE]

Picked up a 1990 4Runner base SR5 V6 with the manual windows, 5spd 4WD. Everything works on this thing and its pretty clean with just some clear coat issues on the hood and roof which I will have repaired.

I also picked up a 2nd gen spare tire mount from a guy off craigslist for $100 complete.

For Sale: Never used Ashtray..

Truck came with a weird CD/Tape stereo held up with cardboard. I'll be replacing the stereo bezel and finding the stereo mounts to actually hold that thing up until I buy a decent deck. I installed my peaked and tuned Cobra 19 CB radio but I haven't ran the coax yet. Pic shows the test fitting which was perfect.

Mods to come will be some SR5 bucket seats, 94 4x4 Pickup fascia and bumper/valance, lift kit, Bushwacker flares nice tires, sliders and I'll be installing front and rear Aussie Lockers. This rig wont be a hardcore rock hoper so I wont be needing the overkill bumpers as I wheel my 3rd gens pretty hard and come out with minor scuffs from the longer wheelbase rigs. Driver side rear bumper wing is a bit beat up but I'll replace that and mount my CB antenna to it.

I've always wanted a 90's Toyota pickup extended cab, but now I can have the best of both worlds. The front half of the pickups looks and the practicality of the 4Runner.

Truck does need some shampooing and a decent buff. Until then, It's going to be parked until I get it tuned up and have it pass emissions. It did come with brand new axles, rotors, pads. Drove it 50 miles with expired but paid registration and it drives nicely.

 

[024RunnerSE]

Installed 33s on it, haven't installed my lift yet until after the engine conversion. Going to lift the front 2.5" and raise the saggy rear end by 3". Should give it a leveled stance and a compliant ride.

Picked up my 1UZ-FE to drop in the 4Runner

My buddy from ToyotaV8.com built my R150F adapter plate for the 1UZ. With over 100hp and 90lbs ft torque gain before the tune. Should be a healthy bump in power, fuel economy should be increased by a great deal to.

Still waiting on a few maintenance parts for the UZ, new CV axles and my Aussie Lockers. Once the old 3VZ gets yanked out, the front diff should be a lot easier to work on. This is going to be one fun all around rig for the trail and for the streets. On a side note, my buddy from Daft Innovations was thinking about making a UZ 4Runner swap kit if its not to much work.

 

[KidVermicious]

Looks good! I'd be interested in a UZ swap kit for the 22re if the price was right.

 

[024RunnerSE]

Yeah, he was looking from an affordability point. I don't want to do the body lift thing to that 4Runner guys do with the UZ, but in the name of affordability, we'll probably do a body lift mockup just to make it as an affordable kit but other than that, I'll probably have Rich from Daft rework my oil pan to clear the steering. Either way, we'll see where this goes. I'll try to get some detailed pics of the engine clearances around the diff and firewall. Here's a pic and vid of Daft's 90 Pickup with the same motor but with a ton of EFI modifications.

And heres the last picture of it being driven by the 3VZ. Next picture of it on the street will be when it's V8 powered.

 

[BucknutBob]

Very nice! That should be a blast with the V8 in there. You've got the right kind of buddy who built that adapter plate--sweet work! Can't wait to see more after you get the engine hooked up.

 

[024RunnerSE]

I can tell you, even though my Cressida only weighs 3400lbs, the 1UZ really woke it up after I dropped that boat anchor 7M they call an engine. I'm sure this 1UZ will do the same especially with the lower gear ratios of the 4Runner.

One tiny update, I ordered a replacement leather shiftboot for my rig off ebay and I'm extremely impressed. Although it is easy to get high off the smell of the freshly dyed leather, it's still very impressive craftsmanship for the money.

 

[v8stang289]

What seller did you get the leather shift boot from? I did a quick search but couldn't find one that looked like that.

 

[024RunnerSE]

VAUXHALL OPEL, VOLKSWAGON items in TOP GAITERS BOOTS store on eBay!

 

[Diverse4runner]

This is going to be sick! Please take lots of pictures I really want to do this sometime next year. Thank You

Also, Im guessing your going to use the stock 3.0 tranny. Will that hold?

 

[024RunnerSE]

R150F is a very stout transmission. I'm running my 1UZ Cressida with a W58 and it holds just fine, except for the last one; I shattered 2nd gear when I dumped the clutch. If the weak W58 out of the non turbo Supra can handle harsh stage 3 unsprung clutch engagement at high RPM's, the R series will hold even better.

1UZ-FE Powered Cressida Hidden Camera Fun - YouTube

Some updates:

I decided that I wanted something a bit more aggressive and to make more room in the engine bay. I ordred a Rough Country 4" lift kit which comes with diff drop brackets. It's better you lower your diff and gain a few inches of clearance from under your vehicle than installing ghetto body lifts. Not to offend anyone, but the body lifts are just not my thing.

I also ordred some bushwacker flares and I've been considering the Truck-Lite LED headlights. Yeah, they're $600 and they look hideous, but seriously, when have 4Runners been known for their wonderfully bright headlights? Since I'm building an expedition vehicle, lighting is an important factor.

Talked to Torque Master about replenishing their stock of 8" lockers. They assured be that they should have more product in 10 days or so. They were surprised at how fast they sold out of them but hopefully in 2 weeks, I'll have my order for both front and rear lockers in.

Also, if anyone possibly might have some 2nd gen grey sport seats with the adjustment knobs in good condition they want to part with, let me know. I'll probably hit up some wrecking yards next month to scavenge some trucks for interior parts.