Farm Find: 1987 4Runner Turbo

[Florida Runner]

Welcome to Florida Runner's 1987 4Runner Turbo 'Amateur Build Thread'

October 21st, 2015 - Toyota unveils the 2016 Back to the Future Tacoma in honor of Marty McFly's visit to the future.

I had been looking for a project vehicle for a few months so this steered my attention toward the 2nd Gen Toyota Pickup.

Ran across COB's 1987 4Runner Turbo Build on the web and immediately became obsessed with building either a Pickup or a 4Runner.

Searched Craigslist for a few months trying to find a project near me that I felt I was capable of undertaking.

The ad was for a "1987 turbo charged 22re motor or whole truck" Scary

A month after my initial conversation with the seller I purchased the truck Scarier

The Good:

• Digital dash works
• 22RTE - Runs decent for 197k
• All original, no hack job mods or repairs
• Light rust overall for a Florida ranch truck
• Complete interior
• Goes in reverse
• Grey

The Bad:

• A340H - Wont shift into drive in any gear (reverse works!)
• Broken windshield
• Rear axle leaks
• Paint faded
• Body dented
• Bumpers shot
• Quarter panel & Light A Pillar rust

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This truck will definitely require the most work and learning that I have ever put into a project but I figured it was worth a shot.

I have a lead on a used A340 and transfer case about 80 miles from me to possibly get it back on the road...

Obvious goal is to manual swap one day - I just want to get her running and driving for now

 

[89FourRunner]

It easily has $800 of parts on it, you got a good deal.

 

[joeynational]

awesome deal and super clean!! Good buy i'm jealous!!

 

[GeoRoss]

I'd say the positives out way the negatives. Great find.

 

[soupkitchen]

after you get the inside all scrubbed out, that green bottle of turtle wax interior detailer spray has a great smell that lasts....like fresh water, if that makes any sense.
I just know what it must smell like now from the interior shots.. =/

Great find, love that digital dash and of course that turbo!! Good luck!!

 

[TOY2G]

This truck will definitely require the most work and learning that I have ever put into a project but I figured for $800 it was worth a shot.

I have a lead on a used A340F and transfer case about 80 miles from me for $100 to possibly get it back on the road...

Obvious goal is to Manual swap one day - I just want to get her running and driving for now

Thoughts?

I happen to have some experience with 1st gen barn finds. There are some things I might be able to help you with if you get stuck. Also, if it has been sitting for a long time and you run it much, it is very likely you will blow a piece of the Head Gasket out...They get super brittle from sitting.

things you may end up needing some help on that is rather hard to find information:
Cold Start Injector (I have three NEW IN BOX sitting on my desk)
MAF "re-calibration"
Starter Solenoid upgrade

Great find, I would love to hunt one of these down... Good luck

 

[Florida Runner]

I happen to have some experience with 1st gen barn finds. There are some things I might be able to help you with if you get stuck. Also, if it has been sitting for a long time and you run it much, it is very likely you will blow a piece of the Head Gasket out...They get super brittle from sitting.

things you may end up needing some help on that is rather hard to find information:
Cold Start Injector (I have three NEW IN BOX sitting on my desk)
MAF "re-calibration"
Starter Solenoid upgrade

Great find, I would love to hunt one of these down... Good luck

Wow thanks!!!

I'm not sure how long it was sitting, do you think it's better to replace before it blows a gasket or just know that it will at some point?

Same with the other three items? It's running eh... ok at the moment - just sitting in my driveway, drove in reverse to the backyard today to take the top off...

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[TOY2G]

Wow thanks!!!

I'm not sure how long it was sitting, do you think it's better to replace before it blows a gasket or just know that it will at some point?

Same with the other three items? It's running eh... ok at the moment - just sitting in my driveway, drove in reverse to the backyard today to take the top off...

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Just know that the head gasket needs attention if it has been sitting too long. I would not say to replace it for good measure unless you completely compfortable with that scope of work.

If the truck starts well, then likely you are fine with the cold start injector you have, same with starter relay. But these thing tend to pop up when these old Toyota motors are resurrected.

Now the MAF re-calibration is a really good idea, and it's free. I do recommend a regular tune up first. I cranked all three of mine up 2-3 notches and the idle and throttle was notably improved.

 

[ritmatt]

I'm no mechanic (far from it!), but this looks like a fun project. Can't wait to see how it progresses. Good luck to you!

 

[Florida Runner]

Started cleaning up the Farm Runner, first step was getting the top off and gutting the interior - truck was super dirty but very complete with only a few broken pieces of interior trim!

Floor was clean and rust free underneath

First literal "hack job" uncovered...

 

[Florida Runner]

After a week of researching and analyzing photos I pulled the trigger on a used A340H (claimed to be in working order) and scored on a ton of other parts including a perfect roll bar, all for $200!!!

 

[89FourRunner]

Its just getting better and better regarding the condition of the body.

 

[soupkitchen]

wonder why the bar was cut? seems odd to me, but then again I've never had a first gen.

Great work so far!!

 

[SpookyMulder]

That's a great deal! I've always wanted one of the turbos with the digital dash and all. Good luck on the restoration it looks good so far!

 

[frm_808]

Sell me your inclinometer!!!! HAHA! good find though!!

 

[Jixxer6]

Jealous! Nice find!


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[HiLuxer]

If you ever want to sell those brown seats, let me know. I'm also restring my '85 pickup.

Great project so far. I also have a '87 Runner same color as yours.

 

[Florida Runner]

Still cleaning up and learning about the truck, my goal at this point is just to get it sanitary and take care of any basic fixes before the transmission swap.

Built a stand in the backyard to house the top and various parts that won't mind the elements, the carpets are still hanging on the fence after a thorough detergent and pressure washing - not sure they'll make it back into the truck...

Also built a skate so I can move the transmission freely without damaging it or myself

Soaked the tailgate cables in PB blaster and paint thinner to free up the action, handle works well now - next step is to tackle the lock switch mechanism

Changed oil and filter with 10-40 conventional, $20 special. Also fixed an oil leak at the plug with some teflon.

Bumper from the salvage truck was in much better shape than mine, knocked out a few dents and threw it on. Had to spend some time drilling out sheared bolts on the corner mounts - those pieces will need to be replaced as the only one I have is trashed.

More to follow once I figure out how to stop my upright photos from rotating...

 

[rfj62]

Nice find! Floor plans look great.


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[Florida Runner]

Due to a leak in the sunroof gasket, the passenger seat frame had turned into this...

Fortunatley this was the only rust on the floor, took me forever to drill out the seat bolt

The foam on my passenger seat (right) was also torn up so my plan was just to throw the gray skin on the brown seat frame / foam (left) until I realized that my seats had a pretty aggressive bolster on the base and cushion.

Ended up splicing in the necessary foam from the salvage seat and sealed her back up. I used parts from both seats to get it back together, the cables still need some attention for rear seat access

Zip ties for upholstery? - I'm pleased with the result.