Crawler's 88 Rebuild Thread

[Crawler]

Here is what we are starting with. A completely stock 88 4Runner.

The engine is a 3V-Slow and oil pours out faster than you can pour it in. So, after researching, we decided to search for a better engine. I found a 5VZ with 60k or less miles. Used 1995 T100 ECU on the way to control engine and transmission.

Let the swap begin:

Out with the old

Engine and Trans separated

Transmission cleaned up and ready to take to trans shop. It was working perfect, but, I am not going to go through all of this and it fail. So it is getting rebuilt.

I could not get the back window up. Checked all safety switches and of course the last thing to check was the problem. Right behind the seat belt on drivers side sits the factory relays for the rear window and wiper and washer. I have no idea why they installed it with the connection facing up. But it filled with water at some point and destroyed it.

IF YOURS IS STILL WORKING, GO CHECK IT!!! IF THE CONNECTION IS FACING UP. UNSCREW IT AND TURN IT SO THE CONNECTION IS FACING DOWN.

I did not even attempt to call Toyota, I heard they were like $400.00. So I replaced it with two 5 pin relays. The rear wiper is not functional anymore so we are going to remove it and install a LED light on the back of the top.

I am waiting on a call back from Cruiser Outfitters for OME lift kit and new rear springs.

New to me engine should be here this week. Then to call Offroad Solutions to get them started on the harness.

More to come.

 

[Scalded_Dawg]

opcorn: Sub'd for engine swap details... that's a nice start!

 

[Crawler]

I was searching online and eBay for interior door panels and found a nice set identical to what these door panels USED to look like... So, I shelled out an exorbinate (sp) amount of money and they are on the way. Seller also happen to have the rear window/wiper control relay for $50.00. Looks like I'll be putting the almost useless wiper back on. I would have tried to repair my door panels, but, my stepson left the windows down too many times in the rain and they are gone. Since at his gen 1 had power windows and locks, it is hard to find door panels.

 

[flagbasher]

These panels?

Toyota 4Runner SR5 Power Window Gray Premium Door Panels 1986 1987 1988 1989 | eBay

I've got the rears that match these and one of the fronts.

Seems like finding the rest of the matching set with switches will be hard and/or expensive.

I've got red interior now, and I'm slowly swapping to gray. Vent windows and power windows combined, so finding those door panels in gray is going to be rough.

Not sure if I'll get by with mismatched gray panels, or make my own from scratch.

These are my style, but I need electric window switch holes instead of crank holes... and of course not $350. :tongue1:

1986 1987 Toyota 4Runner 4 Runner Manual Window Interior SR5 Gray Door Panels | eBay

Good luck with the build!

 

[Crawler]

These panels?

Toyota 4Runner SR5 Power Window Gray Premium Door Panels 1986 1987 1988 1989 | eBay

I've got the rears that match these and one of the fronts.

Seems like finding the rest of the matching set with switches will be hard and/or expensive.

I've got red interior now, and I'm slowly swapping to gray. Vent windows and power windows combined, so finding those door panels in gray is going to be rough.

Not sure if I'll get by with mismatched gray panels, or make my own from scratch.

These are my style, but I need electric window switch holes instead of crank holes... and of course not $350. :tongue1:

1986 1987 Toyota 4Runner 4 Runner Manual Window Interior SR5 Gray Door Panels | eBay

Good luck with the build!

Yes, I bought the first set you posted. They are exact what I had. I do have the passenger panel that is in usable shape if you need one. I mainly needed the driver side, mine fell crumbled in my hand. The electric window version is different than roll up. You said rears??? Rear what? All my switches, luckily, are in great shape. I'm having the dash reworked. Center console will prolly be fiberglassed over or under for strength.

 

[RAD4Runner]

Awesome build! Best wishes with it, and please do tell us how the OME upgrade goes.

... Right behind the seat belt on drivers side sits the factory relays for the rear window and wiper and washer. I have no idea why they installed it with the connection facing up. But it filled with water at some point and destroyed it.
IF YOURS IS STILL WORKING, GO CHECK IT!!! IF THE CONNECTION IS FACING UP. UNSCREW IT AND TURN IT SO THE CONNECTION IS FACING DOWN.

Good catch!

AND restore the louvers on the vent. Water (i.e., horizontal spray in the car wash would get inside that body panel through the vents if the rubber louvers are gone (which is usually the case with old trucks).

...The rear wiper is not functional anymore so we are going to remove it and install a LED light on the back of the top.

I'd also like to install a high-mounted brake light somewhere up there. Good when a bike on hitch mount rack covers the stock brake lights.

 

[flagbasher]

Yes, I bought the first set you posted. They are exact what I had. I do have the passenger panel that is in usable shape if you need one. I mainly needed the driver side, mine fell crumbled in my hand. The electric window version is different than roll up. You said rears??? Rear what? All my switches, luckily, are in great shape. I'm having the dash reworked. Center console will prolly be fiberglassed over or under for strength.

Passenger panel of your style is what I've got. Thanks for the offer though!

Rears of the panel style you have. Back seat panels. I got 3 of the 4 piece set from one guy. I only really planned to use the rears since I figured the plastic bits and switches for the fronts would be hard to obtain. Looking at the prices from that seller, it looks to be true.

I thought about recovering or repainting my red panels, but they seem too nice to do that to.

So, I wait until I give up and make my own, or I find just the right thing.

As for the console plastic, I'd look into SEM's plastic repair products. I'm going to use some to fix some of my plastic. It's tough enough stuff to re-make torn off plastic bumper bolt tabs and such. I've got a few cracks here and there, some chips taken out of the console, and a nice big chip taken out of my passenger power mirror that I'll eventually re-fill and re-paint.

 

[Crawler]

If I had the complete backer board on my drivers side, I would not hesitate to have them re-covered.

 

[Crawler]

Awesome build! Best wishes with it, and please do tell us how the OME upgrade goes.



Good catch!

AND restore the louvers on the vent. Water (i.e., horizontal spray in the car wash would get inside that body panel through the vents if the rubber louvers are gone (which is usually the case with old trucks).



I'd also like to install a high-mounted brake light somewhere up there. Good when a bike on hitch mount rack covers the stock brake lights.

I called Cruiser Outfitters this morning. They had to "check stock" and would return my call. But, I didn't realize it would take all day? They never called back... Does anyone have a customer service oriented vender they prefer?

 

[KidVermicious]

Cruiser Outfitters is local to me. The owner just yesterday posted a Help Wanted on the local wheeling board, he may be shorthanded. I know the guy personally and can assure you he's customer service oriented - I've never had anything but outstanding experiences spending my money with him.

 

[Crawler]

Cruiser Outfitters is local to me. The owner just yesterday posted a Help Wanted on the local wheeling board, he may be shorthanded. I know the guy personally and can assure you he's customer service oriented - I've never had anything but outstanding experiences spending my money with him.

Thanks Kid, I will give them a little longer. I was trying to order so I could get it here by Monday and give it to my son for his 15th birthday. He is getting 4runner parts for his birthday.

 

[KidVermicious]

I hope they come through for you. They're one of my favorite vendors, I hope they're not slipping.