I'm new to the forum and just got my first 4runner yesterday. I have a few quesitons for ya. I know its typical on these rigs bu what can I do about the sag in the rear... no pun intended. Its an 87 and I bought it for 3K. The interior is mint concidering the age. As far as I can tell everything works, with the exception of the starter. Every once and a while it won't start. I give the starter a tap and it fires right up. Im assuming I will need a new one. The only other thing I found is the driver side door won't open from the inside. I haven't taken the door apart yet but that has to be an easy fix right? One more question how hard is it to remove the top? The guy said he has owned the rig for 15 years and has never had the top off. If I remove it is it likely to leak? What kind of seal is there if any? The guy was asking 3500, did I get a good deal?
Hello all
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mike1979
New member
:welcome: yeah nice truck. the top(once you get used to it) is a 3-5 minute removal process. trim removal and a few 12mm bolts. the gasket is just a rubber tube seal. when its exposed just mash it with your fingers and get it plyable with some silicone spray as a collective action. mine was the same story and it doesn't leak. just take your time when puttine back on, there is a few guide posts that stick up from the body to help with alignment and they will bust your top because it is fiberglass if you try to slide it or just drop it in place if its not lined up. not to mention, since it is fiberglass don't store it for a long time with out either hanging it from the top(supported) or if on the floor then, you may want to make a quick frame for the outside base just to keep it from opening up since the back of the top has no connection when off the truck. the other stuff will probably be a plastic bushing thats cracked or missing. easy stuff. they are 80's technology, nothing to big or bad when it comes to diagnosing. just need to remember that as I realized when I got mine. have fun!
Awz
New member
Looks good, and welcome. What engine does it have? It does sound like you need a new starter. They best way to get rid of the sag, is to lift it and but different springs in the back. They easiest way, find some springs in a junk yard of a similar year pick-up. They 4runners have extra weight in the rear the pick-ups didn't have, but they used the same springs anyway. They top is simple to take off, I took off the interior trim pieces and just kinda tucked them away in the garage. When you take it off you'll see the alignment dowels mike was talking about, the previous owner of mine removed them, and it makes it easy to slide it into place. I'd recommend two people at least, but I've done it alone. It's more awkward then heavy.
$3000 for a 24 year old vehicle.
was it a good deal you ask ?
well, the exterior looks clean....
whats the mileage ?
has it had the head gasket , timing belt replaced ? Does it have air conditioning that currently works ?
I personally would not have payed more then $1800 for it...and thats only if it had less then 180,000 miles on it and didnt burn oil.
I would assume kelly bluebook value is under $2500 ....so IMHO, you payed top dollar and I doubt you will be able to sell it at a profit or break even price, if you decide to eventually resell it .
I purchased a 95 -4runner about 6 weeks ago...has working air , 4 W.D. , moonroof/sunroof , towing package , V6 auto , top cargo racks , side running boards...and has 155,000 miles on it...I payed $2200 for it and had to put $300 in it...so I got $2500 total in it...
Your vehicle looks cleaner then mine...I would say yours is in excellent condition, and mine is in good-very good condition. But in the end , its the overall condition and mileage that means the most..as long as the engine doesnt burn oil or have a head gasket leak.
was it a good deal you ask ?
well, the exterior looks clean....
whats the mileage ?
has it had the head gasket , timing belt replaced ? Does it have air conditioning that currently works ?
I personally would not have payed more then $1800 for it...and thats only if it had less then 180,000 miles on it and didnt burn oil.
I would assume kelly bluebook value is under $2500 ....so IMHO, you payed top dollar and I doubt you will be able to sell it at a profit or break even price, if you decide to eventually resell it .
I purchased a 95 -4runner about 6 weeks ago...has working air , 4 W.D. , moonroof/sunroof , towing package , V6 auto , top cargo racks , side running boards...and has 155,000 miles on it...I payed $2200 for it and had to put $300 in it...so I got $2500 total in it...
Your vehicle looks cleaner then mine...I would say yours is in excellent condition, and mine is in good-very good condition. But in the end , its the overall condition and mileage that means the most..as long as the engine doesnt burn oil or have a head gasket leak.
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fourwd1
Moderator
Welcome to T4R, nice clean truck.
The proper way to fix the rear sag is new springs. Alternatives would be longer shackles, Add-A-Leafs, or even blocks.
You probably need a new starter, but you might want to check all the connections first to make sure they are clean and tight.
The door thing is probably one of the plastic pieces of the linkage.
When removing the top remember to disconnect the wiring in the left rear corner.
The proper way to fix the rear sag is new springs. Alternatives would be longer shackles, Add-A-Leafs, or even blocks.
You probably need a new starter, but you might want to check all the connections first to make sure they are clean and tight.
The door thing is probably one of the plastic pieces of the linkage.
When removing the top remember to disconnect the wiring in the left rear corner.
Nervo19
Member
Funny you should ask if you got a good deal. You have to forgive Rumme. He has a '95 that apparently has mechanical problems. So he only paid $1800. First and second gen 4Runners are completely different; the big difference is your top will come off and his never will. Historically when a vehicle becomes collectible it's the first generation that is collectible, ex: early Broncos now cost $14k-$20 in excellent condition. Your 4runner looks minty fresh and I wish you had shown the interior! Last night I was looking at Searchtempest. com for a 4Runner soft top and noticed the prices on some first gens. The only ones that looked good were $3500-$6000! And of course they had soft tops which is why they came up in my search. I was planning to put $5k in a 4Runner and got a very nice complete original '89 for $2400 last fall. Mine even still has the covers on the rear seat hinges. I've done some mechanical work, got new tires and by the time I get it painted I'll probably have $5k in it. I think you did very well. Please don't tear it up and paint it rattle can olive drab! I've seen too many of those!
P.S. To remove the top remember it weighs 180 lbs. If you don't have the owners manual look at 4Crawler.com. He has the directions there. It's a few bolts and disconnect the window cleaner and wiper. Very simple. If your truck was repainted run a razor blade between the top and the body first so the paint won't peel.
P.S. To remove the top remember it weighs 180 lbs. If you don't have the owners manual look at 4Crawler.com. He has the directions there. It's a few bolts and disconnect the window cleaner and wiper. Very simple. If your truck was repainted run a razor blade between the top and the body first so the paint won't peel.
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4runner_kid
Senior Member
Welcome to the forum, clean truck!
I got an add a leaf kit, you can buy them from Tonneau Covers, Lift Kits, Winches, Leveling Kits, Tires, Wheels & Tonneau Cover Truck Parts by 4 Wheel Parts for a good deal. I replaced the shocks at the same time, the truck rides real nice now compared to having stock 250k+ blown shocks and worn out springs. Eventually I may replace the whole leaf assembly, but while I work on more important things the add a leaf will do me.
I think you paid too much maybe but that truck seems to be real clean. Mine is kinda beat up, have been working on fixing it up though! Still runs real nice.
I think you paid too much maybe but that truck seems to be real clean. Mine is kinda beat up, have been working on fixing it up though! Still runs real nice.
