Advice for the new guy please :)

[stabiner]

Hey all,

I’m looking to get my 1st 4runner. At this point I’m pretty open to suggestions, but I do have something in mind. I had a 1974 Chevy K5 Blazer lifted with some 36” tires and loved to take it to the snow. The Blazer was a blast and I had lots of fond memories in my snow trips in northern California. I have since sold my Blazer years ago and I’m looking to once again get a rig that will handle some snow excursions with my wife and 9 year old son.
My idea. ’85 Toyota 4Runner. I like this year because of several features; removable top, straight front axles, and an option for a fuel injected engine.

I’d probably want to ;
-lift it enough to allow for some snow/mud tires
-outfit it with lockable differentials front and back
-make the interior comfortable for my family
-make the exterior so that it wasn’t an eye soar
-outfit an air compressor system of some sort

About 10-15 years ago my friend set up an air compressor in lieu of the air conditioning unit on the engine. He would then fabricate a fitting to come out of the front grill. The air was used to air up deflated tires for snow runs and I think also for locking differentials (I’ve never used these so I don’t know exactly how they work.) Was this a common practice and is it still a good set up for today? Is there a better set up for this now?

I’m glad I found this forum because it seems like you guys know these vehicles pretty well. So I’m looking for advice from the wisemen. Let me know if I’m on the right track.

Thanks,

stabiner

 

[turboSR5]

The convererted York compressor is still a popular option with Jeep guys. In my opinion there are better options out there for on board air and it is fairly inexpensive unless you are airing up 37" tires then you are going to need a beefy compressor to handle that load ($$$).

 

[stabiner]

If memory serves me right he had it set up so that the AC switch would switch on the compressor. I guess another question I had was that should I be concerned about getting an 85'? Are the 86-89 pretty easy to outfit a straight axle? Are there disc or drums brakes on these things? If it is pretty interchangeable then my search widens from just 85 to 85-89 I'm hoping this is the case.

 

[cometobanks]

your options are as wide open as your wallet...

1st gens, not so gifted in the "comfort" area.

Solid axle swap or SAS on the later t4rs is doable but not great if your going for a daily driver.

Plenty of affordable lockers out there that work great.

AC conversion air pump is plenty powerful enough to air up tires, I use a C02 tank instead cos its cheap and it will air up tires, run air tools, carbonate cranberry juice / vodka, and frost your mug.

31/10.5R15 MTs will fit with little to no modification.

Hope you find something cool! Welcome to the club!

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[fourwd1]

If memory serves me right he had it set up so that the AC switch would switch on the compressor. I guess another question I had was that should I be concerned about getting an 85'? Are the 86-89 pretty easy to outfit a straight axle? Are there disc or drums brakes on these things? If it is pretty interchangeable then my search widens from just 85 to 85-89 I'm hoping this is the case.

There are plenty of SAS kits available for the 86+ IFS trucks.
The stock brakes are front discs and rear drums.

 

[stabiner]

Thanks for the advice fellas. This definately helps to get a handle on what I'm looking for as I'm saving money for it.

Sorry but, "SAS". What is this? Is it the name of a straigh axle? Is there a link to it?

 

[cztheman64]

Thanks for the advice fellas. This definately helps to get a handle on what I'm looking for as I'm saving money for it.

Sorry but, "SAS". What is this? Is it the name of a straigh axle? Is there a link to it?

its what us yota folks just call the Solid Axle Swap, its just easier.

ive been driving my 87 4runner for white a while as my DD. although it doesnt have a solid front axle i am still in the process of finishing my lift, but i have been riding around on my 33x10.5/15 MTs for quite a while and mostly at stock height. so with 36s you dont need much lift just cut up on your fenders and you will be fine

 

[Bad_Vision]

i came from a 86 k5 and i will admit the lighter 4 runner is a great platform for running anything i found meself scratching on rocks and trees with my k5 now that i have the 4 runner i can go alot more places.
the great thing is the parts are mostly bulletproof i know a broke a lot of stuff on my k5 including shooting the body mounts through the floor......that was fun by the way.

i love going topless and the 4cylinder is good for gas and fun so its really nice on the wallet too.