If the trailer thing was a no go, then unplug the rear body harness at the drivers kick panel and see if the fuse blows. Should be 2 big plugs.
If it does the it is in the front part of the 4runner.
Unplug the front turnsignals and see what happens.
So did you ever check resistance values? You'll find your shorted wire if you can probe each connector back there.
Ok sorry if this sounds dumb because I didnt really read the post like i should but your issue sounds just like the one I had. Have you checked the alternator wire, I did the alternator mod to the cadillac deville 140 amp and the wires became lose hitting together on the frame causing my lights and gauges all to stop working but not messing up drivability, I hope this helps maybe it want but its all I could think of and no one hasn't brought it up.
anything is possible, i have been wheeling a lot lately so things could be a little loose, i'll check tomorrow for sure. thanks for the suggestion.
So I bought a 1988 4Runner for what I thought was a great deal. The 3.0 is in great condition. Even though I've read about the drawback of the head gasket and overall performance. The interior and body is in great condition. IMHO, not bad for under a grand.
The problem is a push start and a hack job on the body harness for the AC, head lights, tail lights, blinkers, dome lights, deck lighting, and all power windows. I have no idea what the previous owner was thinking for cutting here an there.
I'm considering with just buying an entire wire harness. What do you'll think?
If it makes a difference in my decision, I do plan on swapping for a 3.4 5VZ. The 3.0 only has 110,000 miles. For now i'm sticking with, "If it ain't broke...Don't fix it"