New with an '89

[4RunnerinSB]

Hi everyone! New to the site and 4Runners. I've always really liked these 1st gen 4Runners, I think mostly because of the styling and removable top. I had a late '70s 2WD truck in high school and my family always had Toyotas growing up in the '80s but never a cool 4Runner. Anyway, this one I found was close to me, super clean and ran strong. '89 V6 auto 240k. It just had a few little body dings and everything seems to work except the AC is not that cold. So after getting it down from 5900 to 4k, I took a gamble and picked it up.

Please check it out and let me know what you think and any tips/recommendations. I will be using it as a DD around town and for very light off roading. I think for now I want to keep it stock and get to know it. I know very little about these cars but definitely want to learn. A few things I want to address now are 1) loose gear selector when going through PRND2L 2) is it missing a front spoiler? how should I go about getting one on there? 3) maybe raise the rear about 1" to level it? Also, the wheels are plasti-dipped which I might try to figure out how to remove.

Thanks!
JB

 

[4RunnerinSB]

more

 

[92-SR5]

Looks clean!

 

[89FourRunner]

That's one clean 4runner, congrats. You are going to love this thing, it's so capable stock compared to other modern IFS vehicles. You are going to enjoy it.

 

[SR587]

looks great to me!

 

[RAD4Runner]

...I think for now I want to keep it stock and get to know it....
... is it missing a front spoiler?
... maybe raise the rear about 1" to level it?

Good idea about keeping it stock for now. Focus on making it reliable first.
Then check the rear suspension for sag and fix it.
Yes, you're missing the "valence". Many who upgrade to off-road bumpers are getting rid of that, so hopefully you can find one locally.

 

[crash813]

Very clean.....especially interior.

You're missing the fan shroud on the radiator. I'd suggest picking one up. It increases the efficiency of the cooling and the one thing on these 3.0 is that they are prone to popping head gaskets if you get them too hot.

Other than that....make sure maintenance is up to date and enjoy it for awhile.

 

[kc15842]

Very nice truck, it looks like the PO was kind and maintained it well. You can find the valence on ebay you'll just have to have it painted.

 

[4RunnerinSB]

Thanks everyone!

you're missing the "valence"

Hopefully I can find a valence locally.

You're missing the fan shroud on the radiator

I'm going to get on this right away.

Does anyone know of a write-up on how to install the radiator fan shroud or the the front valence?

Anyone see anything else? Ideas on the loose gear selector?

Thanks!

 

[Pisa 8687]

Great looking t4r dude. You'll never want a thing else

 

[4RunnerinSB]

where to get a fan shroud?

You're missing the fan shroud on the radiator. I'd suggest picking one up.

So far I'm only finding this available to be ordered at my local dealer for $110 or try and use a Mr Gasket 3" universal for $60 which doesn't sound good to me.

 

[flagbasher]

So far I'm only finding this available to be ordered at my local dealer for $110 or try and use a Mr Gasket 3" universal for $60 which doesn't sound good to me.

Check eBay. Not sure what the going price is for a shroud.

Used:
84 Up Toyota Truck 4Runner 22R 22RE Radiator Fan Shroud Look | eBay

Generic repro:
Radiator Cooling Fan Shroud 89 95 for Pickup Truck L4 84 89 for 4 Runner | eBay

I've had mixed results gambling on repro parts. I've had better results gambling on OEM used parts. :tongue1:

In this case, I'd assume the repro is probably okay since it's just a big hunk of plastic.

 

[flagbasher]

Also, your dash looks un-cracked.

I'd get a dash cover immediately.

I got the Dash Designs DashTex charcoal one. I think it was about $50 and looks great.

I googled high res pics of their different material types and went with the DashTex. I've got the cheapest generic carpet looking type of their material in another car and didn't like the way it looked in person. I was happier with the way the DashTex material looked.

 

[crash813]

If you plan on keeping that t4r you're going to need to learn two things:

1) Sourcing parts
2) Fixing stuff yourself

For #1, few things does Toyota still stock and if they do, its $$$$$$. Find local salvage yards, pick and pulls, or just other sellers. There's a dozen members parting out 1st gens at anytime. The nice thing is that the 3.0 is found until '95 for just about every salavage yard out there should have a dozen.

For #2, you'll have to ask yourself.

As far as the shroud...... its a simple 4 bolts that goes right into the radiators frame. Super easy. Hardest part is getting it in and around the fan with the upper hose still connected. If you're not daily driving it in stop and go traffic, you're probably fine short term so don't panic.

 

[Pisa 8687]

If you plan on keeping that t4r you're going to need to learn two things:

1) Sourcing parts
2) Fixing stuff yourself

For #1, few things does Toyota still stock and if they do, its $$$$$$. Find local salvage yards, pick and pulls, or just other sellers. There's a dozen members parting out 1st gens at anytime. The nice thing is that the 3.0 is found until '95 for just about every salavage yard out there should have a dozen.

For #2, you'll have to ask yourself.

As far as the shroud...... its a simple 4 bolts that goes right into the radiators frame. Super easy. Hardest part is getting it in and around the fan with the upper hose still connected. If you're not daily driving it in stop and go traffic, you're probably fine short term so don't panic.

^^^^ this ^^^^
I have built 2 complete rigs and starting another one all thru Craigslist. And pick-a-part.