New owner - All stock - 1985 4Runner
- Thread starter Toy_Boy
- Start date
The right balance for the right price.
I had come across so many first gens that had cherry
interiors, ok motors, but were seriously hurting in the rust department,
yet people wanted way too much for them.
Here with the tired interior and blown motor, it was enough to warrant
a price I could live with.
Shortly after picking her up I came across an 87 that had
180k documented miles, who's entire drivetrain, axle to axle, was super clean, dry, and smooth - but who's body had taken a shot just behind the driver's door and required enough of a repair to warrant a salvage title in just its 2nd year (documented). So her previous owners let her rust away in all the critical areas.
Bought her cheap to swap over what the 85 could use and store the rest as
back-up.
I had come across so many first gens that had cherry
interiors, ok motors, but were seriously hurting in the rust department,
yet people wanted way too much for them.
Here with the tired interior and blown motor, it was enough to warrant
a price I could live with.
Shortly after picking her up I came across an 87 that had
180k documented miles, who's entire drivetrain, axle to axle, was super clean, dry, and smooth - but who's body had taken a shot just behind the driver's door and required enough of a repair to warrant a salvage title in just its 2nd year (documented). So her previous owners let her rust away in all the critical areas.
Bought her cheap to swap over what the 85 could use and store the rest as
back-up.
Attachments
1987
$2200 was what he had it up for on the ad.
Story goes like this. 16 year old goes out and buys a 4Runner with all his savings, without telling his parents.
Eventually his parents get wind of it and get so upset, Dad decides to unload what he felt was a piece of shit. Tries and gets what his son paid.
Anyhow, after a dozen people BALK as his asking price, somehow, someway I inquired about the truck just as he was at the end of his rope.
$1200 is what I paid.
Which after doing a list of do-dads that can be swapped over to the other truck, and a list of other things I can set aside for future use, I came out way ahead. I think.
$2200 was what he had it up for on the ad.
Story goes like this. 16 year old goes out and buys a 4Runner with all his savings, without telling his parents.
Eventually his parents get wind of it and get so upset, Dad decides to unload what he felt was a piece of shit. Tries and gets what his son paid.
Anyhow, after a dozen people BALK as his asking price, somehow, someway I inquired about the truck just as he was at the end of his rope.
$1200 is what I paid.
Which after doing a list of do-dads that can be swapped over to the other truck, and a list of other things I can set aside for future use, I came out way ahead. I think.
My million dollar question though is this.
There's not single leak. Dry as a whistle. Did a compression test and all the numbers are in the 170's all across the board. I didn't quite expect that from a motor with supposedly 180k.
So I'm thinking either this things already gone through a thorough gasket change or.....
Where I'm really confused on, too, is even the transmission and the transfer-case is clean.
Maybe the thing was babied mechanically...?
So now I'm about to pull this thing out and have yet to decided should I just swap it in as is and run it as is, or since I have it out, should I take it apart and assuming it's a 180k motor that may have been babied - therefore warrants some preventive maintenance to keep her going.
Plugs were ever so slightly damp so the valve seals may need attention, but other than that she drove smooth and pulled strong the whole 60 miles home.
Suggestions?
I have always had a simple mentality. If it's not broken then don't fix it. Unless your engine or drive train is giving you a reason to dig into it then leave it alone till it lets you know that there is an issue. These engines with 180k are still in their prime. My engine in my 85 has 320k on it and still pulls very strong. I just bought it so I haven't really done a lot of checking in on it as far as compression, plugs, wires, rotor, timing, etc but I really don't have any reason to. I'll put a tank of gas through it and check things as necessary. I may verify ignition timing and afm settings (if the cap has been removed) just because people like to tinker with those two to try and richen up the AFR to get a few more ponies, down side is that you run the engine rich.
wallytoo
Member
excellent find. i'm 100% with you on getting one that needs no body work, and possesses a good frame. the mechanical stuff can be repaired by a novice pretty well, especially if carefully following the FSM. body/frame issues are more difficult for a novice.
if your donor drivetrain is in good order, isn't leaking, and you've run it around, i wouldn't bother rebuilding it. transfer it over and have fun. if it sat around for any time, you may find you end up having to replace some hoses/vacuum lines, as they tend to deteriorate when a vehicle sits dormant for extended periods, and ethanol-laced gas doesn't help.
the interior doesn't look horrible, just a bit dirty/stained. maybe give a try at cleaning it before condemning it?
Thanks for the advice.
Really do appreciate it.
Figured as much. Just needed to hear it from others with more experience with this truck.
Does anyone know if the -t-case is just a bolt-on swap? I'm going to assume the motor and transmission are. Both being 5speeds.
Since the rear axle is a little longer on the 87, not 100% sure mounting points and whatnot are un-changed from the tranny back.
I have learned the rear window switch up front has a totally different connector! So I guess not everything is going to be "bolt-on" interchangeable, even if both trucks are just 2 years apart.
Really do appreciate it.
Figured as much. Just needed to hear it from others with more experience with this truck.
Does anyone know if the -t-case is just a bolt-on swap? I'm going to assume the motor and transmission are. Both being 5speeds.
Since the rear axle is a little longer on the 87, not 100% sure mounting points and whatnot are un-changed from the tranny back.
I have learned the rear window switch up front has a totally different connector! So I guess not everything is going to be "bolt-on" interchangeable, even if both trucks are just 2 years apart.
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