Fahrenheit 451

Well hopefully for my first post here I don't stir things up too much. I have a nothing fancy '85 4Runner, LC Engineering EFI Pro 22re, big bore throttle body, 30lb flywheel, Alcan 3" lift (I live in the city where Alcan is located, however I got these springs back in the day they still built everything like it was a Kenworth LOL!), Goodyear MTRs, that kind of stuff. Mostly just a simple desert banger that gets us there and back.
However, there is a new "Us" coming. I thought I had too much gray in my beard to have a first kid, but my wife disagreed and I confess I didn't put up much of a fight. Anyway, now the old 2 door might not cut it anymore with "baby makes 3, 4 wheeling".
So, my 2 part question is, anybody out there with kids that stuck to the old 2 door and livedd to tell the tale and how good are the 2nd gens? 4 doors might make things easier, but going from an old solid axle utility version to that IFS makes me nervous.
Also, although this probably isn't the correct forum to ask, anybody have much experience with older FJ60 Land Cruisers? I am also considering getting one of them and sticking with something I feel a little more comfortable beating on when the need arises.
Any opines would be appreciated!

Chris
210,000 smoking, leaking, but still rolling miles and counting...

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Welcome to the forum Chris.
Sounds like you have the much coveted solid axle EFI rig a lot of folk's would like to get their hands on.

2nd gens are nice that they have more room, and the 4 doors, but lots of folk's have 1st gens, and families too.

You can always do a SAS on a 2nd gen too.
Take a look at Gibby's maroon 4Runner here.

The FJ60 & 62s are real nice.
Though I am partial to the 62s because they have EFI.
I hope to get one some day, and here is the one that does it for me.

I still like my 2nd gen though, as I have a lot of time & money invested in it making it fit my needs.
Plus for what I run, I find the IFS is perfect.
I would only need a solid axle if I got into rock crawling, and the NW trails here in WA. state you don't really need that for what I like to go on.

Cebby

...and have three kids like I did, 3 seats fit across the back of the 2nd Gen. Gibby (Upindair) has a third row seat in his 2nd gen that I'm itching to get a look at.

Here's what three seats (and 3 kids mess) looks like in a 2nd Gen.





Good thing the next phase this thing will become is a trail rig. Anyone know how to get melted gummy bears out of carpet???:cry:

Welcome to the forum Chris.

gwhayduke

While others on this board will tell you they prefer the 1st Gen, you'll find that the comforts in the 2nd are much better while still retaining the original toughness. They'll remind you that you can pull the top off a 1st but the 2nd comes with a great sunroof (which I have).

The frame, as far as I can tell, are nearly identical. The engines as well. Mine is a daily driver that just turned 178,000 and will get her new leather seats in about a month. I've got the 3.0 but the 2.4 is just as good and a little better at mileage. Although you'll find out that the gearing on 3.0's is set up for 31's right out of the factory while the 2.4 is not. I've also got the 5speed and get 18-19 mpg. I've always had a 5 speed and once Toyota removed the option from their 4Runners I decided I really didn't want to upgrade anymore.

Oh...and the 2nd gen is quieter at speed. And it can be deadened further with a little soundproofing.

You'll love the 2nd gen...it was a refinement in the original 4Runner concept....before Toyota figured out they could sell more to Soccer Moms that to 4wheelers. But still has a rugged frame, plenty of upgrade options and will give dependable service for years to come.

gwhayduke

By the way...Gummy Bears are water soluble...the hotter the better.

Cebby

When the wife is done trashing it, I was probably going to get new carpet. Now, maybe jsut a good steam cleaning...

The worst is chocolate though. Ground in with goldfish, it makes a nice paste...

gwhayduke

Nice to know I'm not the only one waiting for their wife to hand-me-down a 4Runner. She's talking about a 4door Taco now...I'd rather have the 4Runner.

UKMyers

Oh man that's a good un.. Sorry to hear a Runner has to go through that but they are tough.. I'm sure she'll come through with flying colors.....or maybe swirled ones made out of crayon...LOL

Obnoxio

I have a 85 4Runner that I try to use as a daily driver. I sold a 98 Tacoma ext cab, 4x4, with 32 and OME's to get this truck. The Taco was too small in back for my Grrls to ride in, so an old 4Runner seemed like a good choice. My kids like the 4Runner because it has a real seat, but the two door setup is kind of a pain, especially with 4" lift and 32's. Its just depends on how much you like your 4Runner. A 2d gen will drive circles around a solid axle rig on the road. But, a solid axle truck can take a spanking offroad. Too bad a 85 Doublecab was never imported, that would be the best of all worlds.
-Toddb
1985 4Runner
1985 Cressida
1968 Corvette

toddowaddo

Chris, I have one of each and I must say I like driving my 1st gen better. If I had to put a baby in the back seat every day, I think my choice would be my 2nd gen hands down.