1st Gen Mods

THE04Runner · 09-21-2004, 10:35 AM

I may soon be the proud owner of an 84' 4Runner

BUT...before i do get this, i was wondering...how is the price on mods for a 1st gen? expensive, not expensive? or what

also are there many mods out there for a 1st gen?
thx
-Toast

***waskillywabbit*** · 09-21-2004, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landon_Toast

I may soon be the proud owner of an 84' 4Runner

BUT...before i do get this, i was wondering...how is the price on mods for a 1st gen? expensive, not expensive? or what

also are there many mods out there for a 1st gen?
thx
-Toast

Mods on my 85 = $$$

Toast...meet Mr. VISA! Now wave "bye bye"!

seaflea · 09-21-2004, 11:04 AM

There is a lot of aftermarket parts for the first gen.
all pro here is a good site to get started. Ther are a lot more, I just cant think of any right now.

Welcome to yotatech

THE04Runner · 09-21-2004, 04:02 PM

any other opinions?

crawler#976 · 09-21-2004, 04:09 PM

what kinda wheelin' do you want to do with it?

THE04Runner · 09-21-2004, 04:21 PM

Im in MD...so i dont really know whats around here...thats another question...anybody know of any good places to off-road close to the DC metro area. Thx yall

-Toast

Also im pretty new to 4whealin so any

would be nice too

THE04Runner · 09-21-2004, 07:29 PM

So anyone have any other opinions or ideas? or do i need to find a different 5000 people for

Thx

SoCal4Running · 09-21-2004, 08:10 PM

SAS suspension lifts are cheap reltivly speaking compared IFS.
Motor mod will set you back around $500.00 to $2500.00.
Is it EFI?

wifesaysimadumbass · 09-21-2004, 08:20 PM

compared to other stuff out there i probably have spent a total of 4 grands on the truck and mods. i am pretty mechanical so all maintenance i do myself. if you surf around on this site and others you can get ideas that can save lots of dough!!! i would not do much modding to a vehicle that old, till it has a few miles on it and you are confident it is mechanically sound. i had a friend who spent all his money on lockers and a winch and the first run the motor blew up and it's been sitting for a year now because he spent all his dough.

kyle_22r · 09-22-2004, 04:35 AM

you wanna lift it? much cheaper than IFS
want it to really excel off-road? drop the cash. you can only go so far modding the stock configuration until you need to go to crossover steering, lockers etc

Runner-Man · 09-22-2004, 06:14 AM

Your truck is very 'wheelable' as-is, especially if you are new to off-roading. Spend your first dollars on making sure it is reliable. Wheel it, and find it's limitations (and yours!). Talk with the people you wheel with and people on this board and others. Look around and decide what you want to do, and come up with a plan. Then go from there. Trust me, if you don't have a long term plan, you'll end up spending money on stuff you'll take off and replace later.

It's a good truck design. Drive it, have fun, then decide what you want to do with it.

crawler#976 · 09-22-2004, 07:35 AM

The reason I asked what type of wheelin' you want to do is each "discipline" has different requirements. Here is a brief summary.

In all three groups, driver safety is a requirement- a good welded roll cage attached to the frame and 4 or 5 point harness should be installed.

Mud requires a high horse power motor, a lot of lift to clear big tires, and super stout drive train components like locked Dana 60 axles, a Turbo 400 tranny and 205 transfer case. The lift doesn't need to be flexible, so it can be easier to do that part. In a Toy, a 350 Chevy is OK, but a 383 SB or 400 SB is better. Things break pretty regularly- it's a spendy hobby.

Sand/Desert rigs also require a lot of horsepower, a long travel, soft suspension, and in most cases, 4x4 isn't required. It's cool to have, but ads a lot more cost to building a true pre-runner. The cost of a long travel suspension can be real spendy- a single coil over shock can cost over a $1000.00. A rear locker is required.

Rocks are perhaps the most expensive hobby- even after you spend 5 to 10k in mods, the constant breakage requires parts replacement and maintenance after every run. Horse power isn't as important as gearing- try to end up at least 100:1 for a manual tranny, and about 60:1 for an auto tranny (the torque converter basically doubles the available torque). A supple long travel suspension is required, but it doesn't have to absorb the big hits a pre-runner set up does. A certain amount of armor is required- sliders at a minimum. Bobbing the rear of a rig helps a bunch for clearing obstacles. Front and rear lockers are required, up grading driveline components (axle shafts, u-joints, birf's) is required, and shaving/clearing axles help too. High clearance transfer case mounts and drive train lifts help.

I'll suggest some items that would be useful in an all around rig. I'd start w/ a moderate lift- 3" or so to clear 33" tires. Keep the lift low, trim fenders in required to clear tires. The lift should increase suspension travel. IMO a body lift is a poor choice since all it does is provide clearance. A rear locker like an ARB or Toy E-locker gives you the best of both worlds- it's transparent on the street, yet works like a full spool off highway. In most cases, a front locker isn't required for general trail use, but having a limited slip or ARB is gravy. Sliders are useful in protecting rocker panels and the lower door. Stout front and rear bumpers help too. A roll cage would be a good addition.

For a first gen, the front and rear is real easy- 3" lift springs from All Pro or Marlin. Drop in a new rear third w/ an ARB from a good shop, and you've got a good start on a capable rig.

fourwd1 · 09-22-2004, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landon_Toast

Im in MD...so i dont really know whats around here...thats another question...anybody know of any good places to off-road close to the DC metro area. Thx yall

-Toast

Also im pretty new to 4wheelin so any

would be nice too

Big Dogs' events in Winchester.
Rausch Creek and Paragon in PA.

All have trails from beginner to hardcore.

For easy stuff there's also Geo Wash Natl Forrest in VA. There is a bunch of Toyota guys going there 10/22-24.

kyle_22r · 09-22-2004, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crawler#976

Mud requires a high horse power motor, a lot of lift to clear big tires, and super stout drive train components like locked Dana 60 axles, a Turbo 400 tranny and 205 transfer case. The lift doesn't need to be flexible, so it can be easier to do that part. In a Toy, a 350 Chevy is OK, but a 383 SB or 400 SB is better. Things break pretty regularly- it's a spendy hobby.

i wouldn't say you need super stout components for mud. you're not binding the drivetrain like you would in the rocks so dana 60s aren't necessary. actually, i'd rather have something like a 9" or toy axles in the mud, as they have a lower profile than the heavier axles. me put a chevy engine in my toy?

sure you don't have this confused with drag racing?

crawler#976 · 09-22-2004, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyle_22r

i wouldn't say you need super stout components for mud. you're not binding the drivetrain like you would in the rocks so dana 60s aren't necessary. actually, i'd rather have something like a 9" or toy axles in the mud, as they have a lower profile than the heavier axles. me put a chevy engine in my toy?

sure you don't have this confused with drag racing?

in the mud pits, the big tire, big axle, big motor wins...

Seriously, a Toy motor won't spin a 44 Swamper or 45" tractor tires in 40" of slop. A 513 Caddy, 502 Chevy, 472 Ford, or 488 Hemi is the right motor- and if you've ever spun up a big tire, stout axles are a must.

This guy rig is a good example of a practical application of a mud/snow wheelin' rig- it's a good video!

http://www.akfabshop.com/movies/Lackeys.wmv

THE04Runner · 09-22-2004, 04:13 PM

OK well have fun agueing about mudding...but until i try once (which dont think will be for a while) it think ill be stickin to rocks (or atleast tryin those out)

THE04Runner · 09-22-2004, 05:12 PM

Also, this first gen is an 84, so that means it has a 22R, right? Anything i can do to increase power to it, short of a complete engine swap?

***waskillywabbit*** · 09-22-2004, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landon_Toast

Also, this first gen is an 84, so that means it has a 22R, right? Anything i can do to increase power to it, short of a complete engine swap?

Try several seafoam treatments and some RESTORE, new plugs, wires, cap, oil change, fluid change/flush, and it'll run like a new engine. Mine did! See the difference in my before and after compression on my 85 4Runner thread. You can also get an MSD ignition box, headers, high flow air filter, etc. to improve performance.

Or there is TURBO!

deathrunner · 09-22-2004, 05:24 PM

Crawler (976)-

I agree with everything you say except when you say 4x4 is more costly on a prerunner. That isn't necessarily true. The only thing that changes in the setup is the new cv axles. A set of T-100 axles is only 200.00 Otherwise all the kits are pretty closely matched. Having a front axle is still very useful in the desert and the 4x4 frames are stronger anyway.

Regardless he's getting an 84 so I doubt pre-running is his cup of tea. Or he's getting the wrong year.

09-21-2004, 10:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
THE04Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Potomac, MD Posts: 490	1st Gen Mods I may soon be the proud owner of an 84' 4Runner BUT...before i do get this, i was wondering...how is the price on mods for a 1st gen? expensive, not expensive? or what also are there many mods out there for a 1st gen? thx -Toast __________________ -Andrew The artist formaly known as Landon_Toast '04 4Runner SR5 4WD nothin yet but im workin on it

09-21-2004, 11:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
seaflea Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: wilmington nc Posts: 1,604	There is a lot of aftermarket parts for the first gen. all pro here is a good site to get started. Ther are a lot more, I just cant think of any right now. Welcome to yotatech __________________ Will WabFab Off-Road, LLC Toyota 4x4 Parts and Custom Fabrication updated website with lots of new products 87 runner with every bolt on available

09-21-2004, 04:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
THE04Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Potomac, MD Posts: 490	any other opinions? __________________ -Andrew The artist formaly known as Landon_Toast '04 4Runner SR5 4WD nothin yet but im workin on it

09-21-2004, 04:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
crawler#976 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Chino Valley, Az. Posts: 938	what kinda wheelin' do you want to do with it? __________________ ...down to the two Taco's, no more SloYota!

09-21-2004, 04:21 PM	#6 (permalink)
THE04Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Potomac, MD Posts: 490	Im in MD...so i dont really know whats around here...thats another question...anybody know of any good places to off-road close to the DC metro area. Thx yall -Toast Also im pretty new to 4whealin so any would be nice too __________________ -Andrew The artist formaly known as Landon_Toast '04 4Runner SR5 4WD nothin yet but im workin on it Last edited by Landon_Toast : 09-21-2004 at 04:23 PM.

09-21-2004, 07:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
THE04Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Potomac, MD Posts: 490	So anyone have any other opinions or ideas? or do i need to find a different 5000 people for Thx __________________ -Andrew The artist formaly known as Landon_Toast '04 4Runner SR5 4WD nothin yet but im workin on it

09-21-2004, 08:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
SoCal4Running Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oceanside, CA. Posts: 786	SAS suspension lifts are cheap reltivly speaking compared IFS. Motor mod will set you back around $500.00 to $2500.00. Is it EFI? __________________ '86 4runner 22RE, 5-speed, LC Street EFI head w/ cam, LC Pistons, ARP Head Studs, Downey header, Dynomax 2 1/4" full exhaust, VDO water temp guage, 01-03 Tacoma cd\tape radio with 10" Bazzoka, Downey 2" rear springs, GDI radiator, Torus fan DONE!!!! '68 Ford Mustang Fastback Daily driver with a built 289 and a streetfighter trans.(Retired) 98 Subaru Outback-Took over daily driving duties MicroMatic.com Waco93.com

09-21-2004, 08:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
wifesaysimadumbass Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ocean Beach S.D. Posts: 1,269	compared to other stuff out there i probably have spent a total of 4 grands on the truck and mods. i am pretty mechanical so all maintenance i do myself. if you surf around on this site and others you can get ideas that can save lots of dough!!! i would not do much modding to a vehicle that old, till it has a few miles on it and you are confident it is mechanically sound. i had a friend who spent all his money on lockers and a winch and the first run the motor blew up and it's been sitting for a year now because he spent all his dough. __________________ "yeah were gonna have fun, and we're not going to let any cops spoil it" Alex at surpestition 8 85 runner not stock anymore TUBINGWORKSFABRICATIONS custom rocksliders with rear bumperexocage with tire carrier soon to come: more stuff my wife thinks is useless CALL TUBINGWORKS 619 438-1160 good strong stuff for your rig custom built for use and abuse

09-22-2004, 04:35 AM	#10 (permalink)
kyle_22r Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lacey, WA Posts: 3,991	you wanna lift it? much cheaper than IFS want it to really excel off-road? drop the cash. you can only go so far modding the stock configuration until you need to go to crossover steering, lockers etc __________________ 1998 tacoma, 3RZ-FE, 5 speed, 30x9.5R15 M/Ts past toys: 1984 4x2 1979 4x4 1991 4x4

09-22-2004, 06:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
Runner-Man Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cartersville, GA Posts: 39	Your truck is very 'wheelable' as-is, especially if you are new to off-roading. Spend your first dollars on making sure it is reliable. Wheel it, and find it's limitations (and yours!). Talk with the people you wheel with and people on this board and others. Look around and decide what you want to do, and come up with a plan. Then go from there. Trust me, if you don't have a long term plan, you'll end up spending money on stuff you'll take off and replace later. It's a good truck design. Drive it, have fun, then decide what you want to do with it.

09-22-2004, 07:35 AM	#12 (permalink)
crawler#976 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Chino Valley, Az. Posts: 938	The reason I asked what type of wheelin' you want to do is each "discipline" has different requirements. Here is a brief summary. In all three groups, driver safety is a requirement- a good welded roll cage attached to the frame and 4 or 5 point harness should be installed. Mud requires a high horse power motor, a lot of lift to clear big tires, and super stout drive train components like locked Dana 60 axles, a Turbo 400 tranny and 205 transfer case. The lift doesn't need to be flexible, so it can be easier to do that part. In a Toy, a 350 Chevy is OK, but a 383 SB or 400 SB is better. Things break pretty regularly- it's a spendy hobby. Sand/Desert rigs also require a lot of horsepower, a long travel, soft suspension, and in most cases, 4x4 isn't required. It's cool to have, but ads a lot more cost to building a true pre-runner. The cost of a long travel suspension can be real spendy- a single coil over shock can cost over a $1000.00. A rear locker is required. Rocks are perhaps the most expensive hobby- even after you spend 5 to 10k in mods, the constant breakage requires parts replacement and maintenance after every run. Horse power isn't as important as gearing- try to end up at least 100:1 for a manual tranny, and about 60:1 for an auto tranny (the torque converter basically doubles the available torque). A supple long travel suspension is required, but it doesn't have to absorb the big hits a pre-runner set up does. A certain amount of armor is required- sliders at a minimum. Bobbing the rear of a rig helps a bunch for clearing obstacles. Front and rear lockers are required, up grading driveline components (axle shafts, u-joints, birf's) is required, and shaving/clearing axles help too. High clearance transfer case mounts and drive train lifts help. I'll suggest some items that would be useful in an all around rig. I'd start w/ a moderate lift- 3" or so to clear 33" tires. Keep the lift low, trim fenders in required to clear tires. The lift should increase suspension travel. IMO a body lift is a poor choice since all it does is provide clearance. A rear locker like an ARB or Toy E-locker gives you the best of both worlds- it's transparent on the street, yet works like a full spool off highway. In most cases, a front locker isn't required for general trail use, but having a limited slip or ARB is gravy. Sliders are useful in protecting rocker panels and the lower door. Stout front and rear bumpers help too. A roll cage would be a good addition. For a first gen, the front and rear is real easy- 3" lift springs from All Pro or Marlin. Drop in a new rear third w/ an ARB from a good shop, and you've got a good start on a capable rig. __________________ ...down to the two Taco's, no more SloYota! Last edited by crawler#976 : 09-22-2004 at 07:38 AM.

09-22-2004, 04:13 PM	#16 (permalink)
THE04Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Potomac, MD Posts: 490	OK well have fun agueing about mudding...but until i try once (which dont think will be for a while) it think ill be stickin to rocks (or atleast tryin those out) __________________ -Andrew The artist formaly known as Landon_Toast '04 4Runner SR5 4WD nothin yet but im workin on it

09-22-2004, 05:12 PM	#17 (permalink)
THE04Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Potomac, MD Posts: 490	Also, this first gen is an 84, so that means it has a 22R, right? Anything i can do to increase power to it, short of a complete engine swap? __________________ -Andrew The artist formaly known as Landon_Toast '04 4Runner SR5 4WD nothin yet but im workin on it

09-22-2004, 05:24 PM	#19 (permalink)
deathrunner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 2,931	Crawler (976)- I agree with everything you say except when you say 4x4 is more costly on a prerunner. That isn't necessarily true. The only thing that changes in the setup is the new cv axles. A set of T-100 axles is only 200.00 Otherwise all the kits are pretty closely matched. Having a front axle is still very useful in the desert and the 4x4 frames are stronger anyway. Regardless he's getting an 84 so I doubt pre-running is his cup of tea. Or he's getting the wrong year. __________________ IFS IS FOR LOSERS Decroded Piece of Crap