rusty_p's 1985 4runner

[rusty_p]

1985 4runner...mostly stock

OK, I figured it's about time to start a build thread. I picked up this 1985 runner a little over a month ago...



Drove it over 600 miles to get home without any issues, so was happy about that. So the plan is to take time and build it up. There's no hurry, since I have no need to drive it right away.

Here's a few more pics to show what we got...







My son and I have been work on this project together, most work being done on the weekends since we got it home. I have some catching up to do to get up to date on our progress, with lots of pictures. Stay tuned...

 

[92-SR5]

Great runner to start with! Can't wait to see the build.

 

[KidVermicious]

Looks like a good start.

 

[dorton]

Looks like you've got a great platform to start on.

 

[Pisa 8687]

Looks solid that's awesome. Do you know what those seats are from

 

[rusty_p]

Looks solid that's awesome. Do you know what those seats are from

The front seats are Corbeaus. I believe the rear seats are out of a Ford Explorer.

 

[Cali 4runner]

you have the same build on yotatech right? I have been following it. You guys have made lot of progress so far!

 

[rusty_p]

The build begins

Thank you all for the welcomes and kind words. As we progress, I welcome any advice you all may have. I have learned a lot on these forums and appreciate the input.

After getting the runner home, we wanted to drive it some before beginning the tear down and took the top off to see what that was like. Pretty cool...



We were anxious to begin work on it, so decided to start with the interior. Removed the seats, carpet, and panels. Then began the process of removing the factory sound deadening/insulating material from the floor in preparation for painting with bed liner. That was no easy task...





We didn't really have a clear plan when we started and wasn't sure how deep or involved we wanted to get into this "rebuild". Part of the issue was time...just never seems to be enough of it. Plus, we don't have a shop, so work would need to be done outside or take up one side of the two-car garage. That would mean parking either mine or the wife's car outside.

Well, we decided to do this right and start from the bottom and work our way up. So into the garage we go...



We will be removing the body to clean up the frame. Started out by removing the bumper, grill, and pulling the rad...



Then we began the process of disconnecting hoses, wiring, brake lines, cables, etc. to free up the body from the frame. We were sure to take pictures along the way to help us remember how everything goes back together, but I won't overload the thread with images.

Removal of the ECU...







I'll stop there for tonight and do some more catching up tomorrow...See ya!

 

[Pisa 8687]

The front seats are Corbeaus. I believe the rear seats are out of a Ford Explorer.

Thanks.

 

[rusty_p]

you have the same build on yotatech right? I have been following it. You guys have made lot of progress so far!

You are correct Cali. My son is keeping up on the other build thread. I decided to post it here as well to get all the advice we could get. Thanks for following!

 

[rusty_p]

Still Catching Up!

I'm going to skip the hundred or so photos of the process of disconnecting wiring, brake lines, hoses, and bolts to free the body from the frame. I'm sure it's all been seen before, but if there anyone has questions or would like to see a photo of something specific, let me know and I'll see if I have it.

Everything came off relatively easily, even all the brake line connections. We didn't even break any bolts! Once we thought everything was free, we began the slow process of lifting off the body a little at a time while keeping an eye out for anything that may have been missed. Only thing missed was a vent line to the fuel tank.

After we knew everything was free, we rolled the runner outside to the new temporary home for the body to sit while working on the frame. Here's a few shots removing the body:









And in case you'er interested, here is a Youtube timelapse video of the process:

4runner timelapse h264 420 1080p MQ 4xSlow - YouTube

Then cleaned up the frame/motor/trans and back into the garage we go...



The next couple of weeks will be spent removing everything from the frame, cleaning and painting as we go...more to come!

 

[SV_Dude]

That runner looks familiar! I'm glad you're doing some good work to it and having fun with your boys at the same time. I'm horrible about remembering to do things sometimes but I got the fsm burnt to a cd for you and will get it in the mail tomorrow afternoon.

 

[rusty_p]

That runner looks familiar! I'm glad you're doing some good work to it and having fun with your boys at the same time. I'm horrible about remembering to do things sometimes but I got the fsm burnt to a cd for you and will get it in the mail tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks SV_Dude, good to hear from you. We are having a great time! I know what you mean about remembering to do things...uh...what was I going to say? No worries though.

 

[Footofgod]

That runner looks familiar! I'm glad you're doing some good work to it and having fun with your boys at the same time. I'm horrible about remembering to do things sometimes but I got the fsm burnt to a cd for you and will get it in the mail tomorrow afternoon.

Great to see it in good hands. Granted part of me wishes "someone" had never sold it. I wanted to work on that beast.

 

[CRassett]

Man I wish I had the space to do a frame off like this! Jealous but definitely watching this. I have a new member of the family myself which is going to need frame work so I do enjoy and appreciate the pictures. Looks like somebody in the family is a photoshop guru huh? They look great.

 

[rusty_p]

Great to see it in good hands. Granted part of me wishes "someone" had never sold it. I wanted to work on that beast.

Thanks Footofgod! If you're ever in NW MO, swing on by...I could use your expertise..:biggrin2:

 

[rusty_p]

Man I wish I had the space to do a frame off like this! Jealous but definitely watching this. I have a new member of the family myself which is going to need frame work so I do enjoy and appreciate the pictures. Looks like somebody in the family is a photoshop guru huh? They look great.

Yea, I am a bit of a photog...I'm trying to take good pictures of our progress, not only for others to see, but also so I can remember how everything goes back together. I hope they are useful and will help someone else along the way. Thanks for the compliment!

 

[Footofgod]

Thanks Footofgod! If you're ever in NW MO, swing on by...I could use your expertise..:biggrin2:

I don't know about expertise, but I am actually in your area several times a year. My family is in Northeast KS. I'm in the Kansas City area often. Heading out again here soon.

 

[rusty_p]

Stripping the Frame

The next step was to start removing parts from the frame. Our intent was to wire wheel the frame, then paint it with a good rust inhibitor.

Gas tank and rear bumper removed...



Transmission and motor are coming off...





Removing the suspension was no easy task. One of the leaf spring shackle pins had to be cut off as well as one of the U-bolts. We were able to remove the remaining pins using heat and some persuasion. Finally got the axles out from under the frame...





Removal of the drive shaft revealed the factory pink color coding on the end of the pinion flange shaft for the 4.10 gear ratio...



I forgot to mention that although we started wire wheeling the frame, we decided to go ahead and take it to a local shop where it will get sandblasted and a powdercoat finish. Here it is loaded up ready to go for a drive...



Whew! Getting close to being caught up to our current progress. Will continue tomorrow...

 

[brosama]

Good call on taking it to a shop. You did all the hard work so get it done right.

Coming along well. What are your plans? You're in a great position to take it in any direction you want now with it all apart. Subscribed.