First Foray into 4Runners

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Hey everyone, I figured I’d introduce myself and start a build thread to document my first 4Runner.

I’ve never really worked on any 4Runners, but I was born into a Land Cruiser family and have been working on Land Cruisers most of my life. From helping my dad at a young age with installing seat belts into his nearly restored Fj40, to designing and producing numerous custom parts for my own cruiser and others, I’ve learned a lot from him and continue to learn. I’m in my 5th year of college pursuing a degree in industrial and systems engineering and a minor in entrepreneurship.


Backstory:

One of my parents’ neighbors had just sold their house, and they had this ‘88 sitting next to their barn out back. It hadn’t been run in several years, and at first I wasn’t totally interested in it. I wasn’t really looking for a project, and had just spent a large amount of money on other things for my cruiser so I wasn’t exactly trying to spend more money as I am really only able to do stuff when I’m not in class. They rolled it over to my parents house and basically said, if you can get it running and don’t want to buy it, we will pay you for getting it running. Needless to say, I got it running and after a drive around the neighborhood a huge grin showed up on my face. I’ve been wanting a manual for awhile and have really been itching to find an FJ40, but the prices on those are just unobtanium for me. Despite how slow people say these are, this thing felt like a Rzr to me compared to my Land Cruiser.

$500 later and it is now mine.

For starters, this thing won’t be a big time trail rig. At least right now it won’t be. I have my 80 for trips and wheeling. I want to build this thing for ripping gravel roads, bike hauling, light pick up truck duties, and everyday driving. I am going to keep it as light weight as possible.


As I am a full time student, I’m certain this won’t be completed anytime soon, but these are some of the things I would like to do and dream of doing. I’m sure as time goes on I’ll change my mind between certain things..like running a soft top full time.

Body off to clean and recoat frame
TRD Pro Cement respray
79-81 mini truck front grille and head lights
BFG KO2s
Short throw shifter...Marlin or LCE
Soft topper or canback
Possibly a quarter panel chop and pick up tailgate
Aluminum bumpers
Skids/drivetrain lift
New carpet in the seating areas and vinyl in the rear
I’ve seen some LT coil over conversions, but I’m not interested in doing any glass work on it. A mid travel coil over conversion, if there is such a thing would be sweet for me.
If I’m going to have more travel, might as well dive into a 1UZ swap for practice before doing a 2UZ swap on my 80...
Carbon fiber door panels and cargo panels (may settle for aluminum depending on how much I care to spend)


Realistically, within the next year or so, I just want to get this thing base lined, deal with the passenger quarter panel that has a huge hole punctured into it, and get it road worthy with a refreshed interior. Surprisingly, there is like zero body rust. There are a few bubbles developing around the sliding windows in the top, but nothing going on with the body except where the quarter panel is punctured.

So far I’ve done:

Fuel pump and strainer
Plugs, wires, cap, rotor
Thoroughly cleaned stuff
Got the rear window working (only works with key in hatch)
Removed the crinkled bumper valence
Removed the hideous side steps
Removed the bug deflector
Cleaned the interior
Started working on fixing the passenger seat cables
Some paintless dent removal on the passenger side
And a few other things.


Here’s a few pics of my 4Runner and one of my ‘92 80 Series.

 

[toyotaspeed90]

looks like you got the T4R for a bit of a steal!

Nice 80.... we had a 93 triple locked that we sold a little over a year ago, literally just sold our never ending "project" FJ40, and we have a 100 series....

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

looks like you got the T4R for a bit of a steal!

Nice 80.... we had a 93 triple locked that we sold a little over a year ago, literally just sold our never ending "project" FJ40, and we have a 100 series....

Yeah I like to think I got a good deal on it, but it really needs just about everything and the passenger side is definitely not as nice. Putting together a spreadsheet for everything it needs is downright sad. I know I don’t want to dump a ton of time and money into it since they’re values don’t seem to justify what they bring. Then again that’s really any modified vehicle. This one is definitely going to be interesting. Out of the 10 or so bolts I’ve removed, 75% have broken off.

 

[fourwd1]

Welcome to T4R.
Why early mini truck grill and lights? And how you'll make them fit?

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Welcome to T4R.
Why early mini truck grill and lights? And how you'll make them fit?

Thanks!

Aesthetically, the “dodge” looking front end has always been the biggest thing I dislike on 1st gens. I nearly bought an older pick up awhile back and have always loved the front end on them especially with the round headlights. After a bit of googling, I did find a guy who put one on the front of his 4runner, but it seems like he didn’t trim out the headlights. I’ll be sure to document it when I do it. I went ahead and ordered a cheapo replacement grille that had good reviews for ~$30 shipped today. I also ordered 1.5” BJ spacers and Moog 81043 coils for the Zuk mod. I might buy a set of 31x10.5r15 KO2s as I found that I can get 4 through Sam’s club for $520 with supposedly a $30 install. Coincidencentally, I just sold an old set of 35s from my cruiser for $550 so that seems to be a logical choice. I’m gonna put in some good work next weekend on this thing and hopefully get a bunch of stuff knocked out so I can enjoy it this fall for some biking trips.

 

[O.B.A.K]

I like the idea of the cement gray respray!

31’s-32’s are perfect for these trucks.

Welcome!

 

[NINNINMAN]

Nice! I have had a bone stock 95 for a while now and i'm just starting to look into the more aftermarket scene for these trucks.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Fun day so far. New side view mirrors, tail light lenses, interior dome light cover, and bumper corners. I also cleaned the rubber around the fold out front windows, and worked on getting the front passenger door handle working. For whatever reason, my rear window, that had started working has stopped working which is annoying. I’ve started on the front ball joint spacers but I’ve never struggled so much getting the ball joint to separate. Penetrant, large brass hammers to sledge hammers, and heat to no avail. Hopefully this cooperate soon and then I’ll move onto the Zuk mod rear. Tires are in. Just need to go pick them up.

I’m also planning to fix the seat cables as soon as I can get the glass to lower. I’m also hoping I can just swap seat bottoms from side to side. That should tide me over until I’m ready to redo all of the upholstery.


Side question:

Did 1st gens come stock in some configurations with black interiors? I’ve seen that gray and red are pretty common but a buddy sent me a pick of a black steering wheel in one. It seems fairly common that people use SEM to paint the parts black, but I wouldn’t paint a steering wheel. I’m interested in going that route and would rather have an OEM black steering wheel than going with an aftermarket wheel.

 

[Cali 4runner]

I believe black interiors were not an option. Must have been painted or aftermarket.

 

[wallytoo]

I believe black interiors were not an option. Must have been painted or aftermarket.

could also have been a stock wheel from a different toyota, ie, celica.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Managed to knock out the “Zuk mod” with MOOG 81043 coils yesterday as well as the front 1.5” BJ spacers. I went for new greasible upper ball joints. Installing the ball joint spacers ended up taking a lot longer than expected. None of the “tricks” to slide it all together were working for me. After using a bottle jack, I had enough clearance but the CVs were binding up. A buddy suggested using a floor jack to raise up the lower arm with the bottle jack still pushing on the upper. It was a little sketch but worked out. Only things I still need to do: shim the front shocks and install the new rear shock as one had an eyelet literally fall off. I tried playing with the torsion bars but the nut and bolt are kind of rusted together so I’ve been treating them with penetrant oil. The rear seems to sit slightly higher, but I did remove the spare tire and wanted it to sit slightly higher for when I’m hauling bikes. If I can eventually bring the front down a tad, I’ll probably chop a little bit off the coils to bring the rear down.

I was at Sam’s Club this morning before they opened to get the 31x10.5r15 KO2s mounted. I had them balance the wheels without putting weights on the outside so refinishing them shouldn’t be too bad.

Then I scored an unknown soft top and frame for $50. It was originally blue and leaked so the PO had spray painted it in a hurry. I may end up just using it as a template for a new soft top. I would kind of like to see if I can source the material used for RTT covers (1000D PVC) and use that for a new top as it has been very durable (rubbing trees and plenty of exposure to the sun).

Now the short list has been shortened to:
Shim front shocks
Install rear shock
Paint wheels
Replace muffler (any suggestions for a quiet one?)
Burn through the remaining bad gas and run a tank of 91 with fuel injection cleaner. Hopefully solve CEL code 51/52
If not, fix CEL codes 51/52.
Fix the miss that occurs once the truck is warm. Seems vacuum related but haven’t found a vacuum leak yet
Lower ride height a smidge
Remove hard top
Fix passenger seat
Clean interior
Clean up/remove bad and useless wiring
Weld up hole in quarter panel
New shifter seat or short throw from LCE or Marlin...can’t decide.
Get copies of key
Tag and insure

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Good day today with a pretty good amount of progress.

Welded on a new muffler.
Washed it.
Cleaned all the door jambs.
My dad fixed the dented in and rubbing gas gap lid. It’s now perfectly clearanced and flush all the way around.
He also put on new wipers, and stripped and repainted all of the arms.
Broke the top shock nuts loose on the front.
Started gutting all non “essential” accessory wiring. Now the stereo is the only thing wired in with wire nuts and who knows what else.
Allso started soaking the cam bolts so I can adjust the camber.
Diagnosed my inoperable rear window to the tailgate switch. I grounded it by putting a paper clip between the green and blue wires on the plug. The best it has worked yet.
Cleaned up interior parts and put it back together with a fresh shifter boot.
Found the transfer case shift knob cover and glued it back on.
I cleaned the rear window switch and scraped the contacts etc. I plugged it back in and it made a slight sound of operation but then nothing. I took it apart again and scraped every surface perfectly shiney and nothing. So I’m not sure what’s going on there but it still works perfectly from the hatch.
Welded up the hole in the passenger quarter panel to stop water ingress.
Welded on a new nut to hold the rear outside passenger seat bolt.
Swapped seat bottoms from side to side and taped over the ripped one. It’s now pretty much hidden behind the console and should be fine until I can redo the entire interior.
Seat cable fix with cable Knarps. It would slide and tilt, but now just tilts. Probably going to have to mess with the cable tension to really dial it in and maybe solder the end so it can’t become slack.
Took off the drivers rear cargo panel. That plastic is seriously bad all around. I don’t even think I’m gonna put it back on. I also found the first signs of rust in the quarter panel so I’m going to address that.
I also sorted through the mountain of plastic in the back of the truck. Ended up finding the kick panels and installed them.

 

[O.B.A.K]

Your ride height is perfect IMO, enjoying watching you bring this thing back to life.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Your ride height is perfect IMO, enjoying watching you bring this thing back to life.

I go back and forth on the ride height every day. Part of me just wants a slight bit more than stock but I also like it lifted. Right now it just makes me wish I had gone with 33s instead, but keeping this efficient and quick on the stock gears is my priority right now. Who knows...maybe once I can paint these bright wheels it will all be a little more cohesive and look perfect.

I’m going to hopefully chase down the vacuum leak later this weekend along with adjusting the camber and shimming the front shocks. I just insured it today and should hopefully have it tagged and registered tomorrow. Looking forward to getting this thing on the road and seeing how it really drives.

Edit:

Replaced the valve cover gasket, grommets, and half moons as well as the PCV valve and grommet this morning. Also fixed the 22RE sticker haha

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

A lot of work since I last updated. Both mechanical and cosmetic. Super impressed with how it drives. Took it on its first “long” drive tonight and got 21mpg over 50 miles. I know I can do better than that so I’m really excited.

Short list is now:
New cam bolts etc. couldn’t adjust. Seem seized.
Install round head lights and build surrounds.
Build bumper
Start interior projects

I am kind of on the fence if I want to repsray the hood, a pillars, and roof in the near future when I get around to doing the top and some other parts. It’s kind of nice having something I’m not to worried about the paint on, but it would also be very clean if I did that.

 

[ev13wt]

Yeah I like to think I got a good deal on it, but it really needs just about everything and the passenger side is definitely not as nice. Putting together a spreadsheet for everything it needs is downright sad. I know I don’t want to dump a ton of time and money into it since they’re values don’t seem to justify what they bring. Then again that’s really any modified vehicle. This one is definitely going to be interesting. Out of the 10 or so bolts I’ve removed, 75% have broken off.

Then again, people buy these thing on ebay motors for 6 - 9 K all day everyday. In sort of ok original condition.
It's a pretty rusty truck. WD-40 everything days before you touch it

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Then again, people buy these thing on ebay motors for 6 - 9 K all day everyday. In sort of ok original condition.
It's a pretty rusty truck. WD-40 everything days before you touch it

Yeah PB Blaster has been a good friend. To my surprise, a lot of what looked like rust actually washed off. It’s still has surface rust on things but you can see that the old blue shocks looked rusty but actually wiped off after working with them. I’d still like to eventually pull the body and blast everything. I just want to have the big modifications done by then so I wouldn’t have to mess up a painted frame in the future.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Went out the other evening and ripped around some gravel roads out in the middle of nowhere. New Bilstiens have it riding a lot better but it still rides like a truck with the leaf springs in the rear.

Also put on the round headlights last night and gained a tremendous improvement in light output.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Put my $50 soft top on. Figured out it is a canback so pretty stoked on that. I also cleaned out my AC/heater blower fan.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS JR]

Been awhile since I updated here since image uploading is such a hassle compared to ExPo.

Since I have owned it, I have noticed that there is a weird issue with the brake and battery light illuminating brighter as the RPMs increase. Normally, I would suspect the voltage regulator on the alternator being suspect, but this issue only happens when the head lights are on, and no other lights get brighter.

Last night, after sitting outside in the cold for 3 to 4 hours, those two lights were illuminating brighter than usual at lower RPMs, and when the turn signal would flash, they would also flash. I have't seen that before, but after driving home, the turn signals no longer interfered with it after switching the headlights off and back on several times.

Not really sure what could be causing all of that??? Maybe something in the stalk? Anyone dealt with anything similar?



Anyways, some of the things I have done recently include:

changing exhaust manifold gasket
blocked off air injection tube
powerwashed interior without carpet in place (cargo area)
new ac control panel
custom bike grip shift knob
2016 Ford Police Interceptor sedan seat install
-driver's has an electric 6 way adjustable base, lumbar, tilt
-passenger's is manual, and I have spent about 15 hours so far working
remounting the oem sliding base to this seat. A little bit more work to
get it sliding and tilting with just the side lever will be necessary.
RX300 head rests for rear seats
RX300 heated seat switches (Will install heating elements with new interior)


Overall, it has been a blast and I have barely driving my cruiser since getting this roadworthy. I just put the can back top back on the other day and left the hardtop at my dad's shop. That will be my next order of business. A couple of the sliding windows are scratched badly and all of the rubber seals are dried up and pointless. So I will be rebuilding those with as much new stuff as I can, patching the small amount of rust on the sliding windows, and probably tinting them in addition to painting the top black for now.

For whatever reason, none of my pictures will upload that show any work, but the pictures from a day trip with a friend and his 5th gen upload.

Edit: tried uploading pictures again and they worked. Different computer but exactly the same photos.