what year is this 4runner?
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: hendersonville, TN.
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what year is this 4runner?
OK, my brother just picked up a 4runner, 22re, auto, 4x4 the works. its in great shape and has 3000 miles on the motor, tranny, xcase and rear end. the problem is the vin and reg says its a 1985 model, but the door tag says '84, but it is IFS which says '86+. whats the deal. all numbers match on the body frame and motor.
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Temecula Valley, CA
Posts: 12,723
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Sounds like an 85 body on an 86+ chassis with an 84 door. It is possible to body/frame swap and get it registered. CA will reassign the VIN from the body to a frame rather than deal with changing the VIN tag to represent the chassis since that is stamped by the OEM. You should be able to get a history on the VIN from the DMV.
You can also try looking up the chassis code- it's stamped on the frame by the front, right wheel.
You can also try looking up the chassis code- it's stamped on the frame by the front, right wheel.
Last edited by abecedarian; 02-19-2010 at 05:44 PM.
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: hendersonville, TN.
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
all numbers match, clean title. DMV says frame, motor and chasis all are '85. and the door plate is on the cab, not actually on the door, so a replaced door is not a likely reason for the door plate to read '84.
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Temecula Valley, CA
Posts: 12,723
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
DMV can re-issue a title with matching VIN, chassis, etc on it. This is done to reduce issues in the future with registrations, inspections, emissions tests, etc.
However, if you research the chassis number, you'll probably find it reflects something different.
However, if you research the chassis number, you'll probably find it reflects something different.
Trending Topics
#8
I think Abe pretty much already covered it..
But sounds like someone swapped an 85 body onto an 86 Chassis. There is no VIN on the frame, so you can't say its numbers matching in that sense.
And just because it was built in 84 doesn't mean its not an 85 model year vehicle. For example, my 93 MR2 was built 2/93 meaning its a February produced 92, but Toyota calls it a 93 model year car. What is the production date on the info tag?
But sounds like someone swapped an 85 body onto an 86 Chassis. There is no VIN on the frame, so you can't say its numbers matching in that sense.
And just because it was built in 84 doesn't mean its not an 85 model year vehicle. For example, my 93 MR2 was built 2/93 meaning its a February produced 92, but Toyota calls it a 93 model year car. What is the production date on the info tag?
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Central Sierra Nevadas (Oakhurst)
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Does the date on the door indicate a manufacturing date? The 1985 models were produced starting in 1984. That part could line up. What is strange to me is the IFS. I would guess that the cab (which has the VIN, and is registered with DMV, and to which license plates are assigned) is from a 1985 model year vehicle which was manufactured in late 1984, and which has more recently been transplanted to a 1986-later frame.
California DMV will generally go by the VIN in the cab. The frame will also have VINs, partial VINs, and other identification numbers and manufacturing marks stamped on it in various places. I don't know offhand where the actual VIN locations on the frame are. If you find them, I bet you will find a different number than is on the cab.
MC
California DMV will generally go by the VIN in the cab. The frame will also have VINs, partial VINs, and other identification numbers and manufacturing marks stamped on it in various places. I don't know offhand where the actual VIN locations on the frame are. If you find them, I bet you will find a different number than is on the cab.
MC
#11
There are no VINs hidden on the frame. I have been up and down Toyotas for many years. The only place they put any sort of identification is the pass side front behind the suspension, where they stamp the model code. Its not the VIN, but it will basically tell you that its an 86 IFS frame.
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: hendersonville, TN.
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
did the vin check, comes back as '85 4runner manufactured in '84. explanes the door plate and reg. and the frames do have referance codes on them, had DMV look at them. frame matches vin. even the DMV inspector couldnt tell me why and now they are giving us trouble with transfering names.
maybe a over sea's model? 85 with IFS? wierd.. ill let you know.
maybe a over sea's model? 85 with IFS? wierd.. ill let you know.
Last edited by yotaman85; 02-19-2010 at 07:07 PM.
#13
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: hendersonville, TN.
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
just paid to have a complete history report, vin came back as a 1985 P/U dlx ext. cab, 4x4 22re manufactured in '84. frame # are NOT vin matching but dmv says they are... so why is this truck not a truck? and what kinda am i into? so far ive got an '86 frame and an 85 truck vin with a 85 4runner body...... wow.
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Central Sierra Nevadas (Oakhurst)
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
No offense to the minority of DMV employees who are actually competent- but I wouldn't trust them to find the VIN on a VW bug on a good day with a manual, and with the rear seat already removed. The actual vehicle VIN is stamped on that frame. It may be inside a frame tube, and it may be separated into a couple of pieces, but it is there. If you are seriously interested, find an old Highway Patrolman who worked a stolen car detail and ask him. I bet he could ID that frame for you.
On a legalities note- unless the frame is currently reported stolen (unlikely), then you are still good to go with the cab registration.
fwiw-MC
On a legalities note- unless the frame is currently reported stolen (unlikely), then you are still good to go with the cab registration.
fwiw-MC
#17
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: hendersonville, TN.
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yea, dmv doesnt ever look at the actual truck.dmv has it as a 85 4runner though,so we will just stop talking to them about not matching #'s and try to avoid the hassle. but the insurence co. has the vin as a truck, the lady said no big deal until you get in an accident and they want to know why your truck isnt a truck..