COB's 87 4Runner Turbo

I know the feels... every time I get something buttoned down, another something pops up. Can't seem to get ahead of it.

But the truck is great, love all the work you've done, that red interior is a challenge, IMO, and all the black you've added has really toned it down. Because everyone else in this thread has said it, I will too.... IF YOU EVER WANT TO SELL IT OR TRADE IT FOR A HASHED OUT 2ND GEN LEMME KNOW K????!!!!

I want a turbo, it's on my list. Not the "short list", but the list... the more I read the more work and $$ it sounds like. How do you like the power? I understand it's pretty much stock... how much boost are you running?


Them feels man...

Thank you! I've never been a fan of red interior either, so the black was necessary to prevent inevitable insanity.

Oh man, a hashed out second gen? Let's trade! :lol:

Turbocharging, to me, brings any decent motor to new heights. If it was a factory option, then it makes it really easy. The turbo plus a mild cam really help it get moving.

I'm running 6 PSI currently, I still have yet to install the new clutch so no boost for now (N/A pressure plate isn't up to the job). I have some 440cc Supra injectors laying around, plus a fuel pump, once the clutch is replaced. The CT26 can handle 12PSI easily, all day, every day :) Oh, and an intercooler should probably end up in there, too.

Many years ago I had an 87 turbo 4runner. What a cool ride. Had the digital-ish dash. I did the intake, exhaust and put an intercooler stuck right through the hood on it. Along with a lot of gauges and other crap (bigger afm etc.) Had newer t4r wheels on it. That thing got a lot of attention. It was still slower than snail poop but everyone, and I mean everyone loved that thing! Neat to see one still around getting it done :rockon:

That's so bad ass, haha, through the hood! That sounds so cool, even if its just to look at. I can't wait to up the boost.

This is clean for $900!! I just traded a 05 Yamaha YZ250F for a 1986 4Runner Turbo. Engine is complete but missing the turbo. Everything else is there... So it will be a long project for me aswell. I already took tons of ideas from your restore!

Just goes to show the mentality of some people. The person intended to have it crushed. The body alone was worth it.

The turbochargers on these things are really problematic, I hope you're using the CT-26 bit of info, if anything.

Thanks and good luck with your project!

Nice first gen. There's something about them that draws me in and yours has it all. I'm looking for one myself, with turbo, and this is the year I will make it happen.

Thank you. If it was only a solid axle, though! How has your search gone?

Anybody would be drawn to COB's 1st gen.

You ain't gonna find one out of the box like that :bravo:

Toyota people are so awesome. A lot of people who see it think it's a pile of shit, haha. Old = shitty to some people, I guess. People are dumb, but you are one of the good ones :)


I know its your truck and all, but the other wheels and tires look way better.

Tires out past the fenders (and white letters out) is so 90s, and 80s

the updated wheels and tires give a more high class appearance and give the impression of a caring owner.

Fantastic restoration either way.

Do you have any pics of how your soft top attached to the body/cab?

I never planned to sell the 5 stars, especially since they were on the truck when I got it. I want to get some 265/75/16 Goodyear M/TR's w/ Kevlar, then go back to them. The front center caps are cut out for the hubs and they really give the truck a sharp, clean look.

Since I happened upon this set of wheels and tires for practically free, I don't mind the 80's/90's look for now, those huge BFG's with white letters are a special kind of awesome. I'm planning on selling them to fund the new tires, should the right deal come up.

Thank you. The soft top mounts via an aluminum mount that bolts to the cab. I haven't had the hard top off in a long while so next time, I'll get some pics.
 
Steering box started to leak now... SOB...

It's evening, and I'm headed home from work. The truck is idling high, 1k+ RPM. Weird.

I get on the freeway when suddenly the vacuum gets funky and the turbo got a lot louder. :confused:

I pull to the side of the highway to find the truck wont idle, and it shut off. I'm thinking a turbo hose had come off or ripped.

The 279k mile starter is showing signs of weakness, so of course, it decides to take a shit right then and there.

Didn't see anything going on under the hood, all the vacuum lines were intact. There wasn't any tears in either the throttle body boot or the turbo inlet boot. With the truck not starting, I couldn't listen for the noise.

5 minutes go by and I'm still on the side of I-405 with traffic whizzing alongside. I'm starting to get uneasy... why did I watch all those LiveLeak videos...?! :nono:

I give it a shot once more, foot on the gas, and the truck comes to life. Drove it straight home and didn't let the RPM's drop. The next morning, I check under the hood and notice this:

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The idle adjustment screw just kinda departed the throttle body. I grabbed the one from the old throttle body when the truck was automatic.

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I wrapped it a few times around with teflon tape, I doubt it will loosen again.
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So, this vehicle is next in the rotation. The plan is:

- New starter
- New flywheel
- New clutch + pilot/throwout bearings
- New Fan clutch
- Trans input seal
- Trans fluid change
- Transfer Case fluid change
- Differentials fluid change
- Reseal power steering pump
- Reseal power steering box
- Power steering fluid (ATF)





Here's some photos from the recent past...


This was the first time on dirt

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I didn't bother with any mud, but here it is with its first ever light dusting of dirt. The 4wd system gave me no trouble, it was a pleasure. This 4Runner turbo lovely MK3 Supra turbo in the background make for a great 80's Toyota combo.

Both have:
- removable top
- 5 speed manual
- two doors
- CT-26 turbochargers (plus extra cool turbo logos)
- Innovate widebands
- Autometer Boost gauges
- Aluminum radiators


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Special visit to the ghetto! She fits right in! lol

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so instead of hooking the two straps back to the aluminum piece that goes on the roof, you went to the rear end of the truck with them?
trying to find a different way to put mine on, it always comes off around the corner of the roll bar on the highways
Yes, correct. It was advertised to me as a custom version of the top, supposedly with rear straps, but apparently the top is identical and I got mislead by the manufacturer.

I purchased some picture hangers, then bolted them up with two of the top bolts. I chose the rearmost boltholes. Then, I just clipped the top strap to the hanger.

I did it mainly for aesthetics, though I've never once had an issue of them coming loose.
 
I haven't given this truck the attention it deserves. The next big job for this truck has been put off for way too long. The guilt started getting to me, so while I still have yet to do the clutch job, that doesn't excuse leaving the truck to sit unused. The paint is not going to last forever.


There have been a few times here and there that I've driven the truck, but as you might guess, having two Supras is a bit distracting.

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The battery had a 36 month free replacement warranty. 35 months of that had elapsed - two weeks left - when it stopped taking a charge. Costco warranty for the win.


Old Battery, manufacture date 3/14. Month of purchase 5/14.

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New battery. Even got a small refund! This one has an even longer free replacement warranty.

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Fired up for the first time in what feels like forever. The truck didn't hesitate to come to life like new. The layer of dirt was embarrassing, thus it needed at least a rinse.

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The paint getting some much needed attention. Clay, buff, Meguiar's wax.

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The rear window was dirty from the inside. You can trick the window to come out when its unlatched. This took some care, it would be very easy to shatter the glass.

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The power antenna wasn't working. I had another switch without a plug, which after testing, was the solution to my issue. A little crimping later, and the plug from the broken switch was used. Thank you [MENTION=44831]JohnsD90[/MENTION].

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3D printed logos "4Runner turbo EFI." I like the 3D print look of them, but they're going to get some filler, plus new paint along with the side trims and window frames.

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"My favorite flavor, cherry red."

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10,000th mile (purchased with 264,584)

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Budge Protector weatherproof car cover. 100% UV protection, 7 year warranty.

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You really should learn to solder good. It's 10 fold better then those crimps and they are 20 times longer lasting. Besides crimps take a lot of space and don't take bending or shifting well. Nice truck!

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk
 
Absolutely prime.

Thanks Sal. Welcome to the forum, pleasure to have your first T4R post in my build thread.

Where did you get the 3d printed emblem? I need some myself

A gentleman on here made them for me a few years ago. I'm not sure if he is still making them, but he made these one off for me.

You really should learn to solder good. It's 10 fold better then those crimps and they are 20 times longer lasting. Besides crimps take a lot of space and don't take bending or shifting well. Nice truck!

Half of it is laziness, the rest is how cheap I am, lol. I've been meaning to get a soldering iron. Thanks for the advice.
 
Thanks Sal. Welcome to the forum, pleasure to have your first T4R post in my build thread.



A gentleman on here made them for me a few years ago. I'm not sure if he is still making them, but he made these one off for me.



Half of it is laziness, the rest is how cheap I am, lol. I've been meaning to get a soldering iron. Thanks for the advice.

harbor freight has a soldering iron and solder for less than $10
 
I sure love those Mud Terrains.

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Pros -
Look SEXY
Raised white letters go great with the chrome
Stored indoors their whole lives before my ownership, little to no cracking

Cons -
Old... really old. 2001 manufacture date old. I don't want to have a blowout and die, old.
Rubbing like crazy on turns
Too big - hard to move, hard to stop
Storing the truck outside means the tires see sun daily.
I can't find another matching wheel, only 3 wheels match.



So while it might be a step back in aesthetics, I've taken the muds off and stuck them in the garage. Not sure if I'm gonna sell them or what. They'd look good on the truck if I ever got the change to garage it again.

I really wanted to go back to the 16" 5 stars that have been sitting unused in my garage. Those, but with better tires.

Thanks to [MENTION=85535]TRDteen[/MENTION], I bought a set of used BFG All Terrain T/A KO's. They don't have a whole lot of tread, but they're only a couple years old. I won't die driving on them.

Matt with his new KO2's.
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His old tires. 285/75/16, Load D, BFG A/T
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Dismounting the 265/70/16's from the old tire set.
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285's mounted.
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Compared to the 265's...
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It was at this point that I realized that there'd be some left over tires. Someone on craigslist had a set of chrome 5 star wheels for sale, so naturally, they were a great candidate for the 265's.

Selling the extra set, $400.

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I got some of the 3rd gen style flat center caps to replace the bulgy style that the T100 uses.
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Both sets of 5 stars
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Aaaand mounted. I forgot to pop the roof up, that helps with the aesthetic appeal quite a bit. These are noticeably toned down, however they are phenomenally better on the road than the muds were.

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The fan clutch has not been doing its job, so as the truck heats up, the radiator cap wasn't sealing all too well and resulted in coolant loss while driving.

New AISIN fan clutch and a Stant 10233 radiator cap, no more problems.

Also got the input shaft seal for the upcoming clutch job. The clutch and trans parts are ready, but the 300ZX has to be sold and the 3rd gen driving before I touch it. One step at a time!!



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Needs a bit of clean up after the mess the coolant made.
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All is well...
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Beautiful Yota's, COB!

...
The 279k mile starter is showing signs of weakness, so of course, it decides to take a shit right then and there....
May we know in what manner the starter shows sign of weakness?
I'm sure you know your truck well, but I wonder... Have you addressed the poor wiring OR in the case of auto transmission, the absence of a starter relay? Here I illustrate the paths of current needed to energize the starter solenoid compared on trucks without starter relay, trucks with starter relay wired wrong AT THE FACTORY, and those that have been properly rewired / retrofitted.
 
Beautiful Yota's, COB!


May we know in what manner the starter shows sign of weakness?
I'm sure you know your truck well, but I wonder... Have you addressed the poor wiring OR in the case of auto transmission, the absence of a starter relay? Here I illustrate the paths of current needed to energize the starter solenoid compared on trucks without starter relay, trucks with starter relay wired wrong AT THE FACTORY, and those that have been properly rewired / retrofitted.

Very good info. I have done a few starter relays on older Camry's at my old job, though, I've been slacking on adding one to the truck.

Thank you for the link.

Nice job! Looks great!

Thank you!
 
Clutch time? 1.5 years later...

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Leaking input shaft seal.

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Koyo throwout bearing and greased fork

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New OEM input shaft seal, clutch fork greased and ready to go

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Non turbo clutch.

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R151 flywheel, bigger than the W56 flywheel. Didn't get a picture of the R151 clutch mounted up.

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276,000 and counting, now capable of boosting 7PSI. This truck is actually not too slow!

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