Was a jeep guy but am interested in a 4runner I can't find anything on what axles a 1987 4runner has and the gear ratio and anything else to know about it what to look for it has no Rust and newly rebuilt engine and transmission
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Lemme just answer some of those in an unorganized fashion
1986 and later 4runners lost a solid front axle, and moved to independent front suspension. 1979-1985 4wd pickups and 4runners had a solid front axle configuration, a "Toyota front axle". Doesn't really have a name.
All 4runners have a solid rear axle. None of this is made by Dana, by the way, so comparisons to Jeep are not helpful. The rear axles are fairly tough - I have never met an individual that broke a rear Toyota axle shaft. The third members have an 8" ring gear, and the whole setup is stronger than, say, a Dana 35 in many Jeeps. I've heard that rear axle shaft strength in a Toyota is similar to a Dana 60's shaft strength.
In these older trucks, most are going to be equipped with 4.10 axle ratios, with 4.30's and 4.56's being less common. On some 1990-1995 auto V6 4runners, 4.88 ratios were used.
Things you should know about don't really include anything I just said above. In my opinion, the engine is the weakest link in these trucks, and should be paid attention to. It being rebuilt along with the trans (if documented of course) is a positive point. Being an '87, it has a 2.4L 4 cylinder, turbocharged (rare) or non-turbo.
