Hardtop Removal and Seals

[Tatanko]

I have a friend with an '88 4Runner (been owned by his father since new) and the top has never been taken off. We wish to take it off, but are worried about leaks. While we have it off, we were curious as to how much it might cost to replace all the seals (I'm sure they're old and cracked) just to make sure that once the top is back on it won't leak.

Also...are there instructions in the manual or what?

 

[TOYOTABOONE]

There should be instructions in the owners manual if you have one of those.
Taking it off should be pretty straight forward though.
I think there are 5 bolts along the top going into the cab
on the bottom bed portion you need to take all the plastic trim panels off to access the bolts ging into the quarter panels.
I've lifted the top off a couple times by myself, but it's much easier with two people.
When you bolt it back on the owners manual specifoes which bolts need to be tightened first, but I usually just bolt it down & i've never had any problems with leaks.
If the rubber seals are no good when you get it off, you can order new ones for under $100 from Toyota

 

[fourwd1]

I pull the top off of my 84 every summer to put a bikini top on.
The gaskets are still in decent shape and don't leak.

When removing the bolts note that the 2nd to last bolt on each side at the back (near tailgate) is different from the rest. Make sure they go back in at the same spots. The one on the drivers side engages a lock out switch to prevent the rear glass from being raised with the top off.

Also disconnect the wiring harness and washer hose in the back drivers side corner of the cap (where it meets the bed).

 

[Tatanko]

Thanks for the replies. I think my friend will just go ahead and order the new seals and what not ahead of time so we know for sure we'll have good ones when we take the top off.