A 1st gen that does everything

[Friedom]

Hi guys. I'm new to this section of the forum, as I usually hang out with the 4th/5th gens - what I and most buds have.
But I'm on the lookout for a truck with a usable bed, and after going back and forth have decided on a gen1 4runner. I like the look, the convert into a truck feature, the extra back seat to take the little one with me, the 22r/e because, well, duh, and the playability. I'm not looking for a crawler, but would probably do the 63" chevy swap with dual shackle and rears in front with some 33s. Of course I dream of twin tcases, but really have no need. My 11 gets me anywhere I want these days, except the lady gives me stink eye if I scratch it.
So I'm shopping, and still figuring out if this truck will fit my "needs".

Questions for ya: is it reasonably doable to do chevy 63" springs in rear but put the springs under the axle instead of over? I don't want that much lift, but a little would be nice. Is this a dumb question? I realize this would change my rear springs in front plan, and that would only work if it's a sas..

Next question: how much height is in the cab and under the stock roll bar? Trying to figure out if I could haul dirt bikes. I read about one guy putting them in backwards so the handlebars didn't go past the roll bar, but I've been searching all day and can't find an actual measurement of it. The seats on our bikes are typically 35" tall. Would it work? I'm sure the tailgate would need to be down. 'Sok.

Anything else you think I should consider? Use would be trucking things around, taking friends to reasonably challenging remote locations, hauling bikes, exploring washes that might be overgrown, and fulfilling questionable childhood ambitions. Maybe camping out in the bed, but the 11 is pretty good for truck camping already..

Thanks for any input.

 

[rustED_]

I think you only gain aprox 3" of lift with chevy 63's depending on how "used" they are, so I think going through the trouble of doing a spring under would defeat the purpose. If you are just wanting to get rid of the sag, and have some extra weight carrying capacity for hauling your bike, I'd suggest doing a Zuk mod. I used Jeep TJ front coil springs when I did mine, you can cut them down to achieve however much lift you need to level it out.

For the rollbar clearance, mine measured 33" from the floor to the bottom of the rollbar, 35" to the top of the rollbar, and 37" to the roof. With the top off you might be able to put your bike in backwards, compress the suspension and and slide the bike in under the rollbar. I hope this helps you out some.

 

[Friedom]

I think you only gain aprox 3" of lift with chevy 63's depending on how "used" they are, so I think going through the trouble of doing a spring under would defeat the purpose. If you are just wanting to get rid of the sag, and have some extra weight carrying capacity for hauling your bike, I'd suggest doing a Zuk mod. I used Jeep TJ front coil springs when I did mine, you can cut them down to achieve however much lift you need to level it out.

For the rollbar clearance, mine measured 33" from the floor to the bottom of the rollbar, 35" to the top of the rollbar, and 37" to the roof. With the top off you might be able to put your bike in backwards, compress the suspension and and slide the bike in under the rollbar. I hope this helps you out some.

That's extremely helpful, thank you. Now I'm wondering if I could keep the hatch on and fit a bike in partially, with bike engine cradle resting on the tailgate. Probably a bad idea, but the measurements you gave me are exactly what I was hoping for, thank you.

Part of the reason I like the chevy swap is because I hear it does wonders for the ride, and with dual shackles could add a lot of articulation without lifting too much. If it stays stock height with those benefits that would be cool too. Is there any other reason not to do spring under?
I'll check out the zuk mod - sounds promising.

How long have you had your gen1, and how much have you loved it? Anything I should look out for?

 

[rustED_]

Ive never ran a double shackle setup, but have heard that they can be unpredictable, and unload on you when you're coming down a steep incline, might be something to research. I still think a Zuk mod would probably suit your needs nicely, especially if your going to be hauling your bike in back.

I've had my 86' for 3-1/2 yrs. It was stock when I first got it. I love it, it just the right size for me and the faimly.


I was pretty happy with the Zuk mod. It was a really easy install, i had to unbolt the rear shackle and use a bottle jack to get enough space between the bump stops to get the coil spring in place. I used a ratchet strap to compress the coil spring as much as possible. I gained 3" of lift, and still had descent flex, and the ride was good. I ran it like that for 2yrs until I got my AllPro Offroad lift for the rear.





^After the AllPro lift.

 

[Friedom]

Ive never ran a double shackle setup, but have heard that they can be unpredictable, and unload on you when you're coming down a steep incline, might be something to research. I still think a Zuk mod would probably suit your needs nicely, especially if your going to be hauling your bike in back.

I've had my 86' for 3-1/2 yrs. It was stock when I first got it. I love it, it just the right size for me and the faimly.


I was pretty happy with the Zuk mod. It was a really easy install, i had to unbolt the rear shackle and use a bottle jack to get enough space between the bump stops to get the coil spring in place. I used a ratchet strap to compress the coil spring as much as possible. I gained 3" of lift, and still had descent flex, and the ride was good. I ran it like that for 2yrs until I got my AllPro Offroad lift for the rear.





^After the AllPro lift.

Looks good. I'm guessing having a trail is optional when you want to get somewhere.
That's a lot more build than I'm looking for though. As cool and capable as a SFA is, if it doesn't come with one I don't need to do that kind of chop time. I just want a play/work vehicle with a truck bed. A little wrenching is fun, though.

I know there are lots who will say, "yeah, we all started that way. Just wait - you'll want bigger tires. This won't be enough. " and they're right.
It will never be enough. Ask someone with a dedicated trail rig that gets trailered in, has full exo, wheels the size of a gen1 truck, and a ls1 powerplant, and they'll tell you about the next upgrade they're looking at. At the end of the day, it's a tool that accomplishes a task. As long as we don't try to use things to establish our identity, we can probably steer clear of some of those pitfalls and be able to be happy with what already is.

End rant.

In other news, I've seen a lot of posts on the Web from people who are happy with their dual shackle 63s. Having a tough time getting answers on a rear SUA setup though.

 

[Kean]

I know there are lots who will say, "yeah, we all started that way. Just wait - you'll want bigger tires. This won't be enough. " and they're right.

...guess I'm in the minority then. I'm quite happy leaving my '86 stock. However, I really only use it for trails and occasional hauling every other weekend (trips to the home improvement store, etc.). In the future I plan to have spring packs made to replace to old, sagging stock leafs. ....not much else.

 

[nevada]

Hi guys. I'm new to this section of the forum, as I usually hang out with the 4th/5th gens - what I and most buds have.
But I'm on the lookout for a truck with a usable bed, and after going back and forth have decided on a gen1 4runner. I like the look, the convert into a truck feature, the extra back seat to take the little one with me, the 22r/e because, well, duh, and the playability. I'm not looking for a crawler, but would probably do the 63" chevy swap with dual shackle and rears in front with some 33s. Of course I dream of twin tcases, but really have no need. My 11 gets me anywhere I want these days, except the lady gives me stink eye if I scratch it.
So I'm shopping, and still figuring out if this truck will fit my "needs".

Questions for ya: is it reasonably doable to do chevy 63" springs in rear but put the springs under the axle instead of over? I don't want that much lift, but a little would be nice. Is this a dumb question? I realize this would change my rear springs in front plan, and that would only work if it's a sas..

Next question: how much height is in the cab and under the stock roll bar? Trying to figure out if I could haul dirt bikes. I read about one guy putting them in backwards so the handlebars didn't go past the roll bar, but I've been searching all day and can't find an actual measurement of it. The seats on our bikes are typically 35" tall. Would it work? I'm sure the tailgate would need to be down. 'Sok.

Anything else you think I should consider? Use would be trucking things around, taking friends to reasonably challenging remote locations, hauling bikes, exploring washes that might be overgrown, and fulfilling questionable childhood ambitions. Maybe camping out in the bed, but the 11 is pretty good for truck camping already..

Thanks for any input.

I would plan to run a trailer to haul the bikes. you might be able to get them loaded in backwards, but it will be a major PITA every time.

also, for your described use, I would just keep it stock. or maybe some shackles in the front and blocks in the rear.

an IFS 1st gen will run 33's without any lift, and only minor(if any) fender trimming.

 

[Friedom]

...guess I'm in the minority then. I'm quite happy leaving my '86 stock. However, I really only use it for trails and occasional hauling every other weekend (trips to the home improvement store, etc.). In the future I plan to have spring packs made to replace to old, sagging stock leafs. ....not much else.

That's refreshing to hear! Gives me hope that I can own one without tripling the price in mods..

 

[Friedom]

I would plan to run a trailer to haul the bikes. you might be able to get them loaded in backwards, but it will be a major PITA every time.

also, for your described use, I would just keep it stock. or maybe some shackles in the front and blocks in the rear.

an IFS 1st gen will run 33's without any lift, and only minor(if any) fender trimming.

Your counsel is sound, but I don't have room for a trailer (HOA). I have a hitch carrier for the bike that works, but in case I needed to haul another bike, it's fun to think of options.

A ifs gen1 just went up for sale very local for 1500, and there's one 5 hrs away that runs but needs t chain service(he says.. runs but lousy under load). Asking 1200 Obo. Shame it's not closer..

I really wouldn't mind finding a SFA setup though. Just found a really great bouldering/crawling spot.

Thanks for the words guys. I'll try to post up on here if I get something together.