GreeneHoosier

I have a nice (relatively speaking) 87 4-Runner (5spd,ac,ps,pdb,70k on rebuild)and I just bought an 85 Runner (22RE, SR5 option package, NICE interior,sunroof) it has a crumpled 1/4 and a blown motor. I am wondering if it would be better to swap the desirable options (except sunroof) and the solid axle over to my 87 or to replace the 1/4 ( I get a sweetheart deal-labor only-at the local vo-tech body shop) and rebuild the motor (or go with a transplant) on the 85? I guess the major Q is whether it is major $$$ to swap the axle over to my 87. I would think an SAS would be easier and cheaper since I HAVE the complete assembly. Either way I will be looking at building a nice trail rig. Any thoughts?

FilthyRich

take some pics of both. I would think it easier to rebuild the 85 then SAS the 87. Just because it is the little things that make a SAS work and be reliable. Not doubting you, I just think repair is easier than complete overhaul

Intrepid

Based on Marlin and All Pro, to get 4-5" of lift out of an '85 costs the same and from what I have seen, involves most of the same work as SASing and lifting an '87. However, the '87 already has the IFS steering box and the wider rear axle, that added to the fact that in your case, it also has the good motor and body, I would SAS the '87 and part out whatever is left of the '85 after you steal the axle.
http://www.marlincrawler.com/sas.html

Fahrenheit 451

If you're going to make it into a trail rig why even fix any body damage or include it in the evaluation?
Personally, I'd say keep the SR5 '85. Put the wide rear axle from the '87 in it, go with a good kit like Marlin's trail flex kit, and put the motor from the '87 in it to boot. You'll pretty much get just as little $ out of a stripped down '87 as an '85. The '85 has the "hump" in the frame for more clearance and you are going to wind up moving and rewelding the steering box on the '87 if you SAS it so saying the '87 has the IFS box as reason to go with it really isn't a substantial argument IMO.
.....well... I'm currently in the midst of trying to type this and play "head, shoulders, knees, and toes!" all at the same time so I guess I'll have to play later

GreeneHoosier

Good points from all. The body damage on the 85 is pretty bad, I do not think I could fit in a tail light. I want the vehicle to look decent. They will not let me in the faculty parking lot like it is I need it to be a sometimes dd and erstwhile trail rig.What about parting the 85 out (options to my 87)and then tossing the 85 body and building the frame/suspension/engine/tranny and swapping my body over. This way I can drive and enjoy my 87 while I build it a stout undercarriage. BTW, I have been building cars for 20+ years and I rebuild my own motors and use to drag (tube chasiss EFI-Turbo Gremlin) and road race (Alfa Romeo) so the mechanical end does not scare me. I like the idea of building a killer chassis while I drive my 87. Any thoughts on this?

GreeneHoosier

The guy just dropped by my school with it on a trailer. This was my best look at it. It was between two cars and in the weeds when I bought it. Body wise it is as good or better than my 87, except the 1/4 panel. I can use a truck 1/4 panel, right? I even got to get under it and it is SOLID underneath. Hmm....

BruceTS

One of the members of Goldcoast cruisers did a body swap with an 85 go here

mkmarz

X2, the worst part of the SAS is cutting the IFS off. After that its cake.

deathrunner

If the 87 is in good shape, I would SAS it over the 85. Newer, better shape, more creature comforts, IFS steering.

GreeneHoosier

Thanks for all the info. I am browsing through the Body Swap article that Bruce listed. Nice link, BTW. I am leaning toward just having two 4-Runners and using the 85 as my new builder and just keep driving the 87. I MAY sell my 81 CJ-7 (Nice Truck-don't hate me ) or my Lowrider Lincoln. TOO MANY TOYS. I will post pics as soon as I can.

deathrunner

Damn that's a tough call...... I'm gonna have to say low rider lincoln.

CJ-7's are fun

GreeneHoosier

Yeah it is a tough call. Jeeps are a lot of fun in the summer, but, I enjoy my 4-Runner as much as the Jeep when I have the bikini top and the tube doors swapped. The Lincoln is NICE. It is bagged and loaded. It has a 4.6 V-8 that is SMOKIN. Fast car and it gets 31 mpg on the highway. It is however easily replaced. Rust free Jeeps are few and far between around here. I never liked the idea of taking my 87 off the road. I enjoy driving it too much. So, driving one and buiding the other appeals to me. Did I mention I have $200 in the 85 Runner?? Yep, $200.

deathrunner

Damn, that's alot of cash...hahaha really, that's awesome.

maybe the lincoln fills a more important role in your arsenal. Sounds like it is the most comfortabel of your rides for in town and commuting.

I guess you just gotta figure out which one you like better for wheeling.

Schooler

That's interesting--I also know someone else who has a CJ-7 and a Lincoln. Must be a certain class of person.

GreeneHoosier

I SOLD the Jeep. My brother wanted it. He lurks around here somewhere. He has a nice 1986 Single cab that is getting a new 22r. Deathrunner- I am stealing LOTS of ideas off of yours...The parts search begins. I really like Steve Sasaki's Powertank 1985 Runner, also. It was on the cover of 4x4 Builder last march. It is the same red as my moms 1986 Runner. I cannot wait to dig into mine The Lincoln is a 1998 Continental. Striking car. It is actually the spare car. It is LOW LOW LOW. I can air it up, but, I am reluctant to. It looks SO cool down on the ground. We usually drive my wifes Taurus and I drive the runner when we have to drive separately. Schooler-Was that a shot???

Schooler

No it was not a shot--It was just interesting to know that two different people own those cars--A lincoln and a jeep.