defigh

Hey all,

I have a 98 Runner right now which I love, but I am considering buying a 1G w/ a solid axle to dedicate to a trail only rig. I have been going wheeling more frequently and my newer 98 truck is getting a bit beat up (scratches/dents) and I don't want it to go to ˟˟˟˟˟. As I don't know too mcuh about the 1G Runners, I have a few querstions.

-What year did the 4Runner come with the solid axle up front?
-Can the 22r power 33in or 35in tires? and would regearing be necessary (4.10, 4.56)?
-Is the auto tranny and trasfercase able to withstand the added abuse or should I be looking for a manual truck?
-Is there anything else I would want to look for when purchasing one?

I searched for this info but I couldn't really find what I was looking for. Thanks for the help and responses.

fooddude

The 84 and 85's came with the solid axle.

My99

Anything bigger than 31's and the 22RE with stock gears is overwhelmed IMO. You'd want to regear.

I know the standards are very stout, seems most people wheels with these more than the auto's. I know I would personally, especially as underpowered as you are to start with.

ayoung101

i agree. i have a 1st gen 22re with 31x10.5 BFG AT's. i WILL NOT get bigger tires until i regear it. as for manual vs. auto tranny, i couldn't tell you. i'm an extreme beginner offroader. my 5-speed does it without a problem though.

BLKNBLU

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, my '86 is the first year with IFS. So '84 or '85 for the SA. I run 31's on the stock 4.10s and it isn't too bad. More of an issue on the hwy/uphill. I've thought about SAS and re-gear but frankly, with no lift and just the 31's, I really haven't come across anything I couldn't manage due to clearance. It's been more a question of traction. So now I'm leaning more toward spending my budget on locker/crawler/improved articulation mods. I'm not sure I need to be any higher. As far as auto tranny, I'd be surprised if you could find one in an '84 or '85. My personal take would be why would anyone want one?

Fahrenheit 451

Automatics on 1st gens make for really gutless rigs. The w56 5sp tranny is one tough customer and can take the abuse of the trail. They are a bit high geared, but enough low gears in the transfercase and axles take care of that.
'84&'85 were the only solid axle 1st gens with the '85 being the only one offering the magic combo of a solid axle and EFI. Personally, after having a fuel injected 4 wheel drive vehicle I would never go any other way. No such thing as off camber or too steep as far as the engine is concerned. Drive it and park it however you want, no sputtering or coughing from gas slopping around in a carb.
As far as having the pony to turn over bigger tires, you can really punch up the 22re. Mix that in with gears and 30lb flywheel to keep the tires turning and that little 4 banger does just fine unless you are hardcore mudbogging or locking all 4 corners and trying to smoke them all.
Does it sound like I'm trying to "sell" you on the '85? Would it be a coincidence I'm selling mine:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32771

Flamedx4

BLKNBLU has nailed it right on with all this comments.
Find an 85 with EFI and 5 speed. If necessary learn to drive. ,grin> (I too would never and will never own another auto for offroad.) SR5 if possible cuz a guy needs a tach. Since it's really your dedicated trail rig, at least do a 4" lift and 33s with 4.88s and traction aids in both ends. You will be able to embarrass folks who spent literally tens of thousands more... You won't regret it. I miss mine. It's the only vehicle I bought new that I feel I got more than my money's worth out of. It never let me down, always outdid my expectations, and more than once was the center of attention because I did things people did not believe a 4cyl toy could do. It's out there somewhere with more than 230k on it and still taking a kid to work every day and up in the mountains of British Columbia on the weekends. Try that with a '99... (hey, does anyone else hear violins?....)

trail_toy86

hey man,don't make my mistake and get IFS. it sucks majorly. save your money and get an 85. it will also be soooo much cheaper to make it a capable trail rig. And right there you would elminate at least $1000 by not having to do a solid axle swap. Thats why i haven't done one, too much cash for me to swing (stupid college). And about the 35's or whatnot. My 22r must eat its wheaties for breakfast cuz i can shoot down the highway at 75 on 35's. WITH 4:10's. And its old. So idk... must be the whole milk orsomething.lol. but 75 is also my top speed, and when i get stuck behind a slow person, unless i have about 5 miles of clearance, theres no passing for me. lol. Definitly 5.29's in the pumpkins.

defigh

Thanks for all the info. 451, you have exactly what I am looking for but I want to spend less. I love the truck through. I will keep looking for an 85 w EFI....Sounds like a great combination. I have been having some trouble finding one, if anyone comes across one, shoot it my way. Again thanks for the info.

defigh

Tell me what you think. Here are a few pics.
The specs..
-1985 Solid Axle/EFI
-168k
Few minor maintence issues...nothing major.
Asking 1500-1700

Think it's a good deal?











Hope these work...

kyle_22r

can't see the pics, but the price sounds pretty good.

jackamot

not bad i paid 2700 for mine with no rust after some minor adjustment she runs like a top .. go for it i'd offer rheem 1000 or 1200 cash and see what happens

Fahrenheit 451

With the rust showing like it is in the rear inner fender and a few other spots I would do some serious inspecting of the frame rails with a good strong hammer. It'll be a hell of a good deal unless the frame is rusted out which is a pretty fair possibility.
Also go over all the body mounts. Maybe ask them to let you pull up the carpet in the rear and check. I think you can see the rear body mount points in the rear cargo area if the carpet is removed and that could give you an idea of what they look like underneath.
You could have the start of a sweet little trail rig there or the beginnings of a ton of cutting/welding or frame replacement.

defigh

I think the pics will work if you go out of the thread and then back in...it worked for me at least I emailed the guy about the rear rust section. I just wouldn't want the back half to fall off in a few years or something. Thanks for all the help.