Think2x's '87 (slow moving) "makeover" thread.

think2x

New member
Hey guys,

I haven't had my 'runner very long and in the short time I've driven it I have found a few things that needed to be addressed. After doing a lot of reading here, I think I know the direction I want to go with it.

The most important issues are......
  • Dead Master Cylinder
  • Broken E-Brake Cable
  • Broken Leaf Spring
  • Bad Drivers Window Regulator

So here's what it looked like when I got it.


Not too bad looking but the more I looked the more I saw that the PO just loaded it with filler, not cool. :nono: I will be getting new front fenders soon enough and then seeing how bad the rear quarters really are. After I address the body work I'll be rolling it with Monstaliner, the kids want it Predator Green.

Here's the poor thing for now. Sitting out back waiting to be worked on.


I decided that the 35's were to big and heavy for it to lug around even with the 4.88's so I'm looking into some 33's. I swapped the 35's for some 33/10.50 BFG AT's which I put on my Bronco for winter until I can decide what I want on the 'runner. I'm thinking Duratracs, Grabber AT2's or Cooper STT's. I don't need anything too hard core for the 'runner, it'll only see mild off-roading and the Bronco will be the one I beat up.

The Chrome spokes had the typical rust thing going on so I had to take care of that!


After a good cleaning and a wipe down with thinner I hit all the bad spots with a wire cup brush on the drill. I then sanded what I could with a DA and then hand sanded the rest. A couple of coats of etching primer first. After that I masked off the lip with printer paper so I could spray the center only with spray in bed liner. I did this to texture the spokes just enough to "hide" any flaws the rust caused in the chrome. After the liner dried I resprayed with more etching primer and then 4 coats of Duplicolor Graphite followed by 6 coats of clear.


Here's the rear spring set up.



Broken leaf clamped together.


You could feel the axle wrap on this side pretty bad and this is the biggest reason I stopped driving it for now. I'm not a fan of the 3" blocks. I'll be going to the boneyard and getting some chevy leaves very soon and throwing this junk away!

That's all I've got so far but I'll post as it progresses, it just won't be moving too fast for now.
 
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That hose clamp on the leaf pack made me laugh a little.

It looks like a good looking 4runner. Of course, it is 20+ years old so it could use some lovin' but what can't at that age. Keep posting pics of your progress.
 
That hose clamp on the leaf pack made me laugh a little.

Yeah, hose clamps and black zip ties fix everything don't they? Don't know what the PO was thinking.
I would have laughed too but I drove it and it felt like the axle was going to roll out from under it when you drove it the least bit hard.
 
Out of my budget for this one. I'm leaving this one IFS front with the 4" bracket lift that's on it up front and just getting some good springs to level out the back. Either the Chevy springs or the Skyjacker Softride's

Get the 4 pack 63 inch chevies.
 
I dig what you did with those wheels. I've got the same ones on my '85 right now and I was going to pitch them - you've got me rethinking that now. :)

The Zukmod on the rear springs can stay if you aren't wheeling it hard - it limits flex, but it really does improve the ride. The lift block and hose clamps probably oughta go :lmao:.
 
No, it certainly is not. I'm able to pull my truck halfway into my closet-sized-garage, which at least gets me out of the wet...
 
Small update. I just couldn't stand seeing the 'runner on blocks any longer plus I ran across these on CL. The clear is dead on them but The plan is to strip and paint them anyway. All four with the dead BFG's on them plus a steelie spare with LN factory bridgestone on it for.........$165





Gotta decide which 285/75/16's to go with now. Probably going to spray them the same graphite as I did the steel spokes.
 
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That's about right for those. I scored one set for $75 without tires, and another for $125 with. Throw in the spare and you're just about right. Time for some bigger tires, though. :)
 
That's about right for those. I scored one set for $75 without tires, and another for $125 with. Throw in the spare and you're just about right. Time for some bigger tires, though. :)

The boneyard wants WAY more for them. Bigger tire for sure, just glad to get it back on all fours. The brake master is on the way this week and that will be done. Next is the leaf spring problem, leaning towards Superlift's for now because I don't have a lot of time or shelter to be working on the 63" chevies and I want to drive this thing more!
 
Any opinions on tire size on this factory 16x7, 285/75/16 or 255/85/16? I'm shooting for a ~33" Diameter, the 35's made it too sluggish with 4.88's.
 
The boneyard wants WAY more for them.

Ha! I know. I went looking for a single to put my spare on, and the yard wanted $125 for a single wheel. Then he asked why I was laughing. :D

Any opinions on tire size on this factory 16x7, 285/75/16 or 255/85/16? I'm shooting for a ~33" Diameter, the 35's made it too sluggish with 4.88's.

I really really like my 255/85s, but there's only a couple tires made in that size and none of them are cheap (off the top of my head, BFG KM2s, Toyo MTs, Cooper STs, there may be more I can't remember right now). Lots and lots more choices in 285/75. Your truck will like the skinnies more, though - better mileage, less wear on the suspension and steering, etc...

Is your truck an auto or a manual?
 
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