Looking for Suggestions on a project for 87 4runner

[climber87]

Here's the deal...I've finally got a class that allows me to learn more about and work on cars. As a final project we have a fairly open ended project - it has to be auto system ralated. I'm trying to figure out if there's a good project I can do on my 87 4runner. I've got access to a full garage, with lift, tools, engine rebuild stall, lube racks, welding, etc...pretty much anything i could want at at like 3$/hr to use. Its a partner project and we are looking at about 30-40hrs of work.

Any ideas on what a good project would be? I was thinking about either rebuilding my 22re or finding one in a junk yard and rebuilding it - but this is a lot of time and I wouldn't want my truck out of commission for a whole month or two.

Any suggestions are welcome. The stats on the truck are as follows:
5spd transmission
22-RE
just over 135,000 miles

New Parts:
-Shocks (all around-Monroe Sensa-trac, meant to use until I upgrade, but still as good or better than stock)
-new brakes all around
-marlin crawler 1600 clutch

 

[fourwd1]

First question is, what do you want to do with the truck?

What will you use it for? DD, offroad only. etc.

 

[climber87]

I'd like to keep it as a daily driver, but also want to be able to use it for some mild offroading, etc.

 

[ultrabongo]

dude- if you put in a junkyard motor that you rebuild, send me your old one. Or I'll come get it! A 22re with 135K! It aint even broke in yet. Mines got over 300k on it.
If it was me, I'd do two things- soundproof the truck cab and do some hypermileage add ons- fuel heater, water injection, maybe a different ECU chip, if available, all the many possible fixes to improve mileage and see how efficient you can make it.
You're a lucky dude. A lot of us are still working out in the yard.

 

[fourwd1]

You could do some suspension work, anything from bolting on a suspension kit to doing a Solid Axle Swap.

You could build custom bumpers and other armor.

You could do dual t-cases.

 

[88turborunner]

what are you wanting to do to it is the question. what is your budget.
20-30 hours?!? wow, man i have more time into my mountain bike than that, i would suggest if your going for something your going to be the laborer on, go with fiberglass door panels with some speakers, kick panels with speakers, sub box you can locate in the back off to the side.
Even with these products you make you can also replicate the products for a little money after.
if your going for metal work.... rock sliders, oh a ski rack. how about full underbody skid plate? that would be cool, and usefull.
take it easy, let us know what your planning.

 

[muddyt4r]

keep it simple

If you want a capable off-roader, but have the convenience of a quiet stocker for less$$$, than add some BFG ATs and some steps or a grill guard. If the type of terrain you're chompin' at the bit to get on needs clearence, a block kit and some coil spacers should do you some good with some 33-34s. That is unless you don't have IFS. If you don't, you'll need two block kits.:

 

[fourwd1]

Re: keep it simple

... If the type of terrain you're chompin' at the bit to get on needs clearence, a block kit and some coil spacers should do you some good with some 33-34s. That is unless you don't have IFS. If you don't, you'll need two block kits.: [/B]

OK, I don't get it, a block kit and some coil spacers ?

You could put 2-3" blocks under the rear leaf packs, but where do the coil spacers go? There are no coil springs.

And 2 block kits if he doesn't have IFS ?

He does have IFS, he said it's an 87, and you NEVER put blocks under front leaf packs on a solid front axle, if that's what you were inferring.

 

[Philbert]

I have an 87 too - that would be awesome to have a lift for $3 an hour - I'd kill for that!

And that engine is YOUNG! Mine has 255,000 miles and still going strong.

Maybe swap the rear drums for discs all around?

Take the opportunity with the lift to replace the gaskets on the oil pan, diff, TC, etc - just a pre emptive thing if it's not leaking already...

But if you're planning a suspension replacement like a lot of guys here are recommedning, you have a great opportunity with the setup you have in the garage there - DO IT!

 

[gotmud?13]

i'm a firm believer in a powerplant first, suspension second. if you do a SAS and have a tired old 22re in there it won't wanna turn it with ease. a supra 7mgte, 2jzgtte, or chevy small block (283,302,305,307,327 *highly suggested*, 350, 383, 400 ((the 348,396,402,409,427,454,502,572,632 ar4e all big blocks and wouldn't readily fit as nice as a small block)) ) would turn her over with ease. go to www.supracharged.com for the supra engine swaps, or to downey off roads web site for a downloadable book on the SBC (small block chevy) swap. good luck and keep us posted
, Jake Engel x