COB's 87 4Runner Turbo

Red88TopangaCa · May 1, 2014

So I started reading this thread from the start at 9:30 pm last night. I was still up at 2:00am on page 25.... You locked me in, it was like reading one of those books where your like "what's gonna happen next?"

I too have a red runner, however mine is an 88 with grey interior Dlx no turbo 5spd.

I'm no mechanic and I know that having all of the knowledge that you seem to have has greatly helped in restoring your truck... But what I'm trying to say is this is inspiring. Seriously inspiring. You might have the best t4r that I have seen due to the fact that you've chosen to restore it in a stock format. I'm not saying that I don't like off road mods but what you have done is special and if it were up to me I'd give you one of those California historical vehicle license plates. Well maybe if you went back to stock corner lights and signals

Good job man. Maybe I will come down to the OC some time to gawk at your truck in person.

Oh and the junkyards in the San Fernando Vallley seem to suck compared to what you seem to have down there.

SCRunner12 · May 2, 2014

I seriously hate you so much. I am so jealous of your 1st gen. You've done an amazing job on the 4runner and I can't wait to see what's next. I've been slowly trying to convince my daughter to want a 1st gen, so she can pressure my fiance for one for the family.

ChildrenOfBodom · May 15, 2014

4Running Daily said:
So when is this truck getting new decals?

Might be a while when there are other things I'd rather spend on, the decals are going to be $300-$400.

liveoffroad said:
wow this thing is looking great man! thanks for the tip on the shifter boot, i'm going to be ordering one shortly

Thanks dude, hope you like the boot!

9494runner said:
Dude @ChildrenOfBodom pretty sure i saw you in that sexy gen1 on Lake Forest/Aspen at around 3:30pm today. couldn't catch you, 3.slowwwww

I was in the drive thru at The Hat. I saw you pull into the center, but I couldn't catch you.

Coming around, I see you in the Taco Bell drive thru. :lmao:

Nice rig, do you work in the area? I'm sure I've seen you around a bunch of times, usually in my 3rd gen. Have you seen it? Green, lifted, plate bumpers, red shackles.

Red88TopangaCa said:
So I started reading this thread from the start at 9:30 pm last night. I was still up at 2:00am on page 25.... You locked me in, it was like reading one of those books where your like "what's gonna happen next?"

I too have a red runner, however mine is an 88 with grey interior Dlx no turbo 5spd.

I'm no mechanic and I know that having all of the knowledge that you seem to have has greatly helped in restoring your truck... But what I'm trying to say is this is inspiring. Seriously inspiring. You might have the best t4r that I have seen due to the fact that you've chosen to restore it in a stock format. I'm not saying that I don't like off road mods but what you have done is special and if it were up to me I'd give you one of those California historical vehicle license plates. Well maybe if you went back to stock corner lights and signals

Good job man. Maybe I will come down to the OC some time to gawk at your truck in person.

Oh and the junkyards in the San Fernando Vallley seem to suck compared to what you seem to have down there.

Haha yes… the subliminal messaging worked like a charm

Glad you found entertainment reading my thread! After purchase of this 4Runner, I wanted a 22RE daily driver pickup that could be restored to stock. My attempts at trading for one didn’t work out… my friend made a convincing point to restore the 4Runner instead. Comments like yours make the time and effort feel extra rewarding, thank you.

I learned every ounce of my automotive knowledge working on 4Runners, a lot of the things in this thread were first time attempts, such as wheel bearings and locking hub work, or the interior painting. The whole experience really could not have gone any smoother, especially after the nightmare DD I used to have. Maybe someday some JDM marker lights will replace the clears.

If you’re ever in town – let me know before you come down. Always down to talk 4Runners!

SCRunner12 said:
I'm so extremely jealous right now. I have been wanting a 1st gen since 05 when my 1st gen was totaled. Looks like you have quite a few projects on your hands.

SCRunner12 said:
I seriously hate you so much. I am so jealous of your 1st gen. You've done an amazing job on the 4runner and I can't wait to see what's next. I've been slowly trying to convince my daughter to want a 1st gen, so she can pressure my fiance for one for the family.

I like the progression of the quotes… before and after, very fitting. Well I knew you hated me already, lol. Thank you though. As cool as 3<sup>rd</sup> gens are, they are bland to drive compared to the 1<sup>st</sup> gen. The 1g is slower, worse on mileage, harder to find parking (don’t want it stolen), etc… but it’s 5 times as fun to drive. Eh, you know exactly what I mean. I hope to see you find yourself in another one someday, like old times!

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ChildrenOfBodom · May 15, 2014

Took out the turbo (details later in this post). While I was in there, I replaced the melted oxygen sensor plug that got too close to the downpipe (junkyard replacement plug). It's been rerouted along the body away from the exhaust.

Replaced the vacuum diaphragm on the valve cover, the one close to the PCV valve. I forget what it does exactly. Found a better one at the junkyard, one that didn't have the cap broken off.

Also removed the rear heater lines and shields - the rear heater was removed when I installed the double compartment center console - the lines were just taking up space. It really freed up some space next to the downpipe for wideband O2 access.

3,000 miles and counting... engine installed at 264,601

Untitled by cobblewagen, on Flickr

I've been having issues with exhaust leaks from between the turbo and manifold. There is an MLS gasket in there so it was clear something was loose. Also, getting to the bolts holding the turbo to manifold was not happening in the truck. Out the turbo came.

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

One of the nuts holding the turbo up was completely backed off. The rest of the brass nuts were not holding up to my expectation. Out the brass came. Replaced 2 studs on the manifold (for the turbo) and 2 studs on the head (for the manifold). All new stainless hardware, M10x1.25.

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

New manifold gasket

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

All back together again. No leaks at all!

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

9494runner · May 15, 2014

Ya i work over on technology and alton. I think i have seen your 3rd gen but its seriously hard to miss your gen 1! My buddy has a 90 gen 1, but we have yet to attend a socal meet up, that needs to be fixed. But at least i will be up on saddleback with my runner and my pops new jeep this sat. Gotta put some off road miles on my new aisins

ChildrenOfBodom · May 16, 2014

9494runner said:
Ya i work over on technology and alton. I think i have seen your 3rd gen but its seriously hard to miss your gen 1! My buddy has a 90 gen 1, but we have yet to attend a socal meet up, that needs to be fixed. But at least i will be up on saddleback with my runner and my pops new jeep this sat. Gotta put some off road miles on my new aisins

We have local meetups every last friday of the month. This month we are doing May 30th, 7PM. Looks like we're meeting at In N Out near Laguna Hills Mall. You guys should drop by!

Quatre Coureur · May 16, 2014

That would be a '90 Gen 2!

9494runner · May 16, 2014

Quatre Coureur said:
That would be a '90 Gen 2!

Yes I mean a gen 2 haha i was typing on my phone, downside to having bear paws

ChildrenOfBodom · May 28, 2014

PCV hose - OEM

Untitled by cobblewagen, on Flickr

New battery. Old one was not dead yet, but I wanted to get a battery that actually fit. Made a new negative battery cable, plus new ground strap.

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Trailer build:
What trailer build? Pickup truck bed trailer! A gentleman was nice enough to trade me a fully stripped frame from a 1987 Toyota 4x4 standard cab, in exchange for my extra cab frame. I only needed the back so I'm glad that the extra cab frame will go to good use.

The new frame to build upon:

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

More will come over time!

Donor progress:

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Stripped her down. Among parts removed are front diff, axles, and aisin locking hubs.

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Removed engine

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Bed and Tailgate also removed. Tailgate separated because the bed was heavy towards the back. Removed it for better weight balance while moving.

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Jacking the cab up to slide frame out

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Frame slid out straight into the buyer's trailer!

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Time to get the rest of this truck sold and out of here!

KidVermicious · May 29, 2014

Looking good!

poleclimber63 · Jun 8, 2014

Wow!

What an awesome truck! I saw a truck exactly like yours, last Fall, For Sale near where I live. It wasn't in great shape, as it hadn't been restored in anyway, but the owner had taken care of it--- everything worked. As I live in a fairly rugged environment, these vehicles are sought after and therefore, command high prices. This example was listed for $8000! It sold after about 2 wks!

ChildrenOfBodom · Jun 9, 2014

KidVermicious said:
Looking good!

:thanks:

poleclimber63 said:
What an awesome truck! I saw a truck exactly like yours, last Fall, For Sale near where I live. It wasn't in great shape, as it hadn't been restored in anyway, but the owner had taken care of it--- everything worked. As I live in a fairly rugged environment, these vehicles are sought after and therefore, command high prices. This example was listed for $8000! It sold after about 2 wks!

$8,000 is a hell of a premium! Is that Canadian or USD? Thank you!

Was it also a turbo?

ChildrenOfBodom · Jun 9, 2014

Painted the exhaust manifold heat shield with ceramic header paint.

Photo Jun 08, 2 23 16 PM by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Updated engine photo for front page

Photo Jun 08, 5 57 08 PM by cobblewagen, on Flickr

Zorlac · Jun 9, 2014

Nice and clean!

Did not install the lower cover ?(engine)

poleclimber63 · Jun 10, 2014

ChildrenOfBodom said:
:thanks:

$8,000 is a hell of a premium! Is that Canadian or USD? Thank you!

Was it also a turbo?

That was last year when CDN D was almost par with USD..... That was CDN D. I suspect he got $7000. Over the last 10yrs the dollar has varied from 0.60 to 1.14 US..... I'm not sure about the Turbo... I don't remember seeing a boost gauge and I can't remember how the valve cover was labelled.
It has always been common to import cars from California, but more so in recent years. As long as the specific model isn't prohibited, it costs $200, an inspection, and 72hrs to import. I looked quite seriously for a 4Runner 2 yrs ago, but with transportation, time and the fact I had trouble finding one I wanted (California has a ton of 2wd's), I ended up buying one here. The 4Runner prices on the West coast USA, weren't much lower than here in Canada. Most vehicles are significantly cheaper in the USA with the exception of a few models (4Runner's included).
There's a guy, near where I live, that does nothing but import from Japan. All of the vehicles are exceptional: the common ones are diesel Hilux, Prado's, Carib (Corolla) 4WD's, Mits 4WD vans, Nissan 2000's, and those tiny flat bed trucks Suzuki's????.
I ran into a guy, this Spring, here, that has 2 diesel 2.8L Hilux Surf's and he brews his own bio-diesel on his farm... how cool!

jgilk1 · Jun 10, 2014

476 posts read in under 3 hours is that a record? can i get a cookie and/or a gold metal? i started reading through this and almost shed a tear when you said you were going to put it up for sale... then you started fixing different things and i became amazed at all the little stuff you started replacing... you really don't realize how much you spend on nickle and dime stuff... i had bought a 76 chevy luv and although the price of that truck was low i had over $2000 in to little things never quite got around to doing the turbo swapped motor i had hoped to bfr having to give it up... but your build started out exactly how mine had... i bought it for a good deal was hoping to get it up and running to sell and ended up keeping it for almost 2 years

oh yeah btw i think the truck looks better with the 33" bfg's and steelies but an awsome build up to this point

Chuckles89 · Jun 10, 2014

jgilk1 said:
476 posts read in under 3 hours is that a record? can i get a cookie and/or a gold metal? i started reading through this and almost shed a tear when you said you were going to put it up for sale... then you started fixing different things and i became amazed at all the little stuff you started replacing... you really don't realize how much you spend on nickle and dime stuff... i had bought a 76 chevy luv and although the price of that truck was low i had over $2000 in to little things never quite got around to doing the turbo swapped motor i had hoped to bfr having to give it up... but your build started out exactly how mine had... i bought it for a good deal was hoping to get it up and running to sell and ended up keeping it for almost 2 years

oh yeah btw i think the truck looks better with the 33" bfg's and steelies but an awsome build up to this point

:first: There ya go!

ChildrenOfBodom · Jun 20, 2014

Zorlac said:
Nice and clean!

Did not install the lower cover ?(engine)

Thanks. I still have it but will be reinstalled soon.

poleclimber63 said:
That was last year when CDN D was almost par with USD..... That was CDN D. I suspect he got $7000. Over the last 10yrs the dollar has varied from 0.60 to 1.14 US..... I'm not sure about the Turbo... I don't remember seeing a boost gauge and I can't remember how the valve cover was labelled.
It has always been common to import cars from California, but more so in recent years. As long as the specific model isn't prohibited, it costs $200, an inspection, and 72hrs to import. I looked quite seriously for a 4Runner 2 yrs ago, but with transportation, time and the fact I had trouble finding one I wanted (California has a ton of 2wd's), I ended up buying one here. The 4Runner prices on the West coast USA, weren't much lower than here in Canada. Most vehicles are significantly cheaper in the USA with the exception of a few models (4Runner's included).
There's a guy, near where I live, that does nothing but import from Japan. All of the vehicles are exceptional: the common ones are diesel Hilux, Prado's, Carib (Corolla) 4WD's, Mits 4WD vans, Nissan 2000's, and those tiny flat bed trucks Suzuki's????.
I ran into a guy, this Spring, here, that has 2 diesel 2.8L Hilux Surf's and he brews his own bio-diesel on his farm... how cool!

$200 and 72 hours? That's a steal! Sucks the price gap doesn't extend to 4Runners, at least you got something local.

As for the guy who makes his own biodiesel for his hiluxes... lucky bastard! Haha I might have to hightail it to Canada if things go sour in the US. Never been to Canada before.

jgilk1 said:
476 posts read in under 3 hours is that a record? can i get a cookie and/or a gold metal? i started reading through this and almost shed a tear when you said you were going to put it up for sale... then you started fixing different things and i became amazed at all the little stuff you started replacing... you really don't realize how much you spend on nickle and dime stuff... i had bought a 76 chevy luv and although the price of that truck was low i had over $2000 in to little things never quite got around to doing the turbo swapped motor i had hoped to bfr having to give it up... but your build started out exactly how mine had... i bought it for a good deal was hoping to get it up and running to sell and ended up keeping it for almost 2 years

oh yeah btw i think the truck looks better with the 33" bfg's and steelies but an awsome build up to this point

A record it is! I'm quite flattered you did that, haha.

If you are ever in my area, I will happily provide you with a cookie. I'm still waiting for my gold medal from [MENTION=9139]steezemcqueen[/MENTION] (check page one of this thread), or else maybe I'd be able to provide that too

Thankfully the little things were the easiest, most were from junkyards where pockets don't get checked lol... the whole build was built on a budget, I guess I just got lucky with the initial purchase ($900) and new motor ($800).

Sucks to hear about your Luv... no one wants to say goodbye to a project (unless it's a 1989 Ford Probe, of course). Hopefully your newest project goes better.

Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.

Chuckles89 said:
:first: There ya go!

You're the reason I checked this thread today... haha 46 likes! I had to do a double take when I saw the notification. Thanks dude

Easily the person who likes my posts the most.

ChildrenOfBodom · Jun 20, 2014

I came out to the garage to find drops of oil under the truck (nooooooo)

On top of the fact that I couldn't get a small coolant drip behind the water pump to go away, it was time for a little teardown.

Removed the A/C compressor to find the oil leak is coming behind the timing cover. Did everything I could to avoid removing the cover... alas it was hopeless.

Culprits:
Oil leak - timing cover gasket made of shitty paper
Water leak - timing cover gasket (also) because it's made of shitty paper
Water pump gasket also showed evidence of seepage... it too had a shitty paper gasket

Note to self: next time I buy a motor - check all gaskets instead of just the easier ones

New timing cover gaskets (2)
New water pump gasket

8 hours later, I'm done. I took a few photos but not many.

With my 3rd gen away, I was having manual transmission withdrawals... all else I have to drive are automatics.

First off... you do NOT have to remove the head or the oil pan to do this job (unless you lost bits of your plastic timing chain guide)

Untitled by cobblewagen, on Flickr

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

The middle water pump bolt sheared off from rust, could not get it out for the life of me. It required drilling and tapping to add a new bolt, which was then drilled and tapped for a stud.

by cobblewagen, on Flickr

02SE · Jun 21, 2014

ChildrenOfBodom said:
Untitled by cobblewagen, on Flickr

I think this is the first time I've seen an engine bay picture on here, where the old, contaminated brake fluid has obviously been flushed out of the system.

Nice.

COB's 87 4Runner Turbo

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