New to the forum and 4Runners

[MtnHome 4Runner]

Hi everybody. My name is Ron and I am still pretty new to off-roading. I've been wheeling my 2001 Ford Ranger for about a year now. I decided I wanted something with a solid front axle and still have fuel injection. That led me to buy my '85 4Runner. I really liked the body style when I saw it and knew it was the truck for me. I picked it up in April and I have been working on it whenever I get the chance. The engine runs good but the interior was trashed and the leaf springs were either flat or arched the wrong way. I am hoping to get it out on the trails by the end of the month. Here are some pics of my work in progress:

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

Having problems uploading pictures.

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

Any way to put more than 1 picture in each post?

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

Interior shot

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

Right now I am in the process of rebuilding the knuckles, installing a hi-steer conversion, and replacing the rear leaf springs.

 

[mikes4runner]

Looking good and welcome


just one pic per post.

Mike

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

Thanks. I figured it was one per after I did a few, but good to get confirmation.

 

[srpage]

Welcome to the forum. Have fun on the buildup.

 

[fourwd1]

... and the leaf springs were either flat or arched the wrong way.

They came with almost no arch to give a better ride. After 20 yrs a little negative arch is normal.

 

[Gh0st]

Nice truck! what size tires are tho's? 33's? in my 1991 I had to put new after market springs in to get rid of the sagging, I dont have the leaf springs :bigok:

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

Nice truck! what size tires are tho's? 33's?

Thank you and yes, they are 33 x12.5s that I borrowed from a friend to drive it home. I picked up a set of 34 x 10.5" Super Swampers to go on the Runner. That is with a 5" lift. I have Trail Gear 5" rear springs and the front springs are Alcan 5" lift I picked up from a buddy.

Things are going slow right now. I have the new rear shackle mounts welded up, but I am waiting for new front spring mounts. The first ones I got, well, I just don't like them. They are too wide and long. They just don't fit well so I ordered a different style. I also ordered some new shackles since mine were severly corroded. Hopefully my parts will be in by Weds. As soon as I get the rear end put back together I'll post up a pic of the 34s so you can see how they fit.

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

I thought I would post an update. I got the front and rear springs installed. The 4Runner is finally back on it's back tires. Tomorrow I plan on starting the front third member swap. I have a complete third member with a TrueTrac and 5.29 gears. The rear springs are supposed to be 5" lift. I am thinking they are WAY more than that. The truck looks pretty precarious way up there.

Anyway, here's some updated pics:

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

BTW: those little tires under there are 34" x 10.5" Super Swampers LTB.

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

I think I need BIGGER tires! :beer:

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

I swapped out the front third member and installed the axles. Now she is on all fours. The rear end dropped down 2" when I got it off the jacks. I now have 11" between the top of the tires and the fender lip on all four corners. I am really getting a lot done while on leave. Mon or Tues I am going to see a man about some driveshafts.

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

Here's another angle.

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

I am going to wait a bit before getting my front drive shaft lengthened and my rear one will probably do as is. I have to clock the flange since the thirds I got have a different bolt pattern than my originals. Then I will be able to see if it will work. Yesterday I changed out the rear's third member so that's all done. It was fun getting the fill plug off, someone in the past hacked it up real good. I managed and luckily my local parts store had a replacement. I also discovered that the wrong bolts were holding the drive shaft to the diff. They were way to small. I also managed to finally remove the old steering box and bracket in prep for the hy-steer.

 

[madalbert]

I swapped out the front third member and installed the axles. Now she is on all fours. The rear end dropped down 2" when I got it off the jacks. I now have 11" between the top of the tires and the fender lip on all four corners. I am really getting a lot done while on leave. Mon or Tues I am going to see a man about some driveshafts.

Wow that sure is coming along nicely... one heck of a lift job, can't wait to see some more pics

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

I'm in California now and then I am off to S. Korea for a year, so no more off roading for me. I did manage to get on awesome run completed before I left. Here are a couple of pics. I also posted 3 pictures on this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20987

Here's my finished truck (for now)

 

[MtnHome 4Runner]

A trail pic