Help?

[cscrawford]

This morning I posted a thread about a 4runner I'm about to make an offer on, however tonight I can't find my post, or any responses, so my guess is I made a mistake somewhere. Will someone let me know if you get this?

I want to buy my neighbor's 85 4cyl 5-spd. 169k, hasn't been started in three years, but supposedly ran when it was last parked. Covered in dust, dead battery, seats torn, some small dents and bumper damage, definitely not a highway mileage car, very basic-not an SR5, no back seats, ugly basic steel wheels-for now, but, the engine was replaced at some time with a factory engine...he "thinks" it was new and not a rebuild. Neighbor is technically declined with machines so he's not much help with anything. Front boots are both leaking, but my guess is that isn't abnormal for an old one parked for three years.

Based on what I know...I want to offer $600. It's in Texas and rust doesn't appear to be an issue, but I'll check when I tow it out of the garage for closer inspection. Driver side and rear windows are stuck down, and it will definitely need a cosmetic overhaul, if I don't just yank the top, drill and weatherproof the whole thing.

What do ya'll think is the MOST I should pay, and other than fun stuff like lift kit, wheels etc., what kind of replacement things should I look for? I need to make a $$$ cutoff in my mind before I make an offer and potentially negotiate. Also, this will not be a daily driver, but a Toy, and may see off road in the future, but for now will mainly be for fun, dog, home depot, fishing poles. mountain bikes, camping.

Opinions more than welcome!

-Chris Crawford
Dallas, TX.

 

[fourwd1]

Definetely it's worth it, especially if it runs, but I'm cheap and would try to get it for less.

One thing, you said the "front boots are both leaking", what do you mean "boots" ?

CV joint boots ? If so, it's an 86+, not an 85. 85's are solid front axle (better) and don't have CV joints.

 

[cscrawford]

IFS vs. Solid/Leaf, Pro comp vs. OME?

Ooops. I posted this as a new thread. Still learning the ways of the sight. Here goes with copy and paste:

IFS vs. Straight/Leaf...Pro-Comp vs. OME?
Wow, the truck was mfg. in 85, but it may actually be an 86. They sure looked like CV boots to me, like on a FWD car. Does the IFS have coil springs on the front opposed to leaf? I'm trying to figure out how to tell for sure.

If that is the case, am I correct in assuming it will be
a) bettter riding on the road and
b) weaker and less able off road?

I know the IFS isn't as desireable off road, but should it be a deal breaker for the guy who plans to do hardcore off-road with it? If it turns out to be a nightmare It'll probably go to such a guy if I throw in the towell (looking at resale). I'm still planning to stay mostly on road...for now. I was planning to build it a little heavier if I got a non-IFS, but may have to change directions here. Bottom line is I'll try to buy it either way, but would still like opinions on what to do, regardless. In researching, I've so far concluded the OME is the best for a slight lift while keeping ride quality. I'm real close to a 4Wheel Parts store that installs lots of suspension, and I was thinking of the Pro Comp kits until I learned of OME. Thoughts on Pro Comp?

Yikes, I just priced kits for 86 vs. 85. BIG price difference. I'll have to figure out what I'm dealing with. Thanks again, I really appreciate your help and hope to get my "fix," no pun intended, on this sight.

-Chris


__________________
Chris Crawford
Dallas, TX