YotaTech Member’s ’87 SR5 4Runner is an Excellent Work in Progress

He has begun an epic journey to turn his 4Runner into a great looking, no frills beast of a truck. 

The YotaTech forum is veritable repository of awe-inspiring 4Runner builds. This fantastic 1987 4Runner was painstakingly restored to showroom condition. This ’86 got a pretty badass makeover over the last several years. And this subwoofer installation thread is an excellent read. There’s always a cool 4Runner being made into something even better on YotaTech.

Forum member “5 Fists” recently started his own 4Runner build, and so far the truck has morphed into a pretty unique ride. He is no stranger to the 4Runner, having owned several in the past. But his most recent acquisition is his boldest project yet, and it’s shaping up to be a really cool experience for him and everyone else.

5 Fists is a 4Runner veteran, and he acquired his latest project from a friend who could not stop the truck from overheating. Fortunately, he solved the problem by replacing the radiator.

This is how she looked when I got it. Front end smashed in from him hitting something, different hood on it, front drivers fender is a replacement by some shop he took it to, missing a head light. That pic is the day before I drove it to work the first time, it tried to overheat on me on my drive home from work that day, so parked it and started researching while slowly straightening out the front end. Discovered he was running no thermostat to try and stop it from overheating, did not help. Put a thermostat in, checked fan clutch etc. Everything pointed to the Rad, but my buddy claimed it was brand new. Pulled it out, and sure enough a big dark brown spot in one of the bottom corners that I couldn’t see with it installed. New rad in, overheating issue fixed.

He then thoroughly detailed what he’s done and the things he still wants to do to the truck. It’s an inspiring list and a great preview into the in-depth coverage he provides everyone in subsequent posts.

Got the front end straightened out, new headlight in, built new bumper ends, and this is still about how she looks now.

Things I’ve done:

-Adjusted TPS back into spec. (wasn’t idling right, and jumping the diagnostic port wouldn’t work, fixed it.)
-Redone 4 main grounds
-Valve adjustment
-Remade copper contacts inside starter
-RAD4Runners starter relay install (fixed my no start issue)
-Made new door panels
-Made new bumper ends
-Removed rear heater and bypassed lines
-Made custom center console (with cupholder!)
-Replaced fuel pump and filter
-Started Delete of rear roll up window, to replace with canopy style flip up, and use tail gate as storage (Ongoing!)
(There’s more.. come on brain, work with me!)

Things I plan to do:

-ZUK mod
-EGR delete
-A/C delete
-Colour match and paint hood
-Fix rusty fenders (still researching)
-Install shoulder belts for rear seats
-Add sound deadening
-Assess my heater controls before the cold comes

The juiciest bits of 5 Fists project 4Runner concern his custom fabrications. First up was bumper ends for each side of the truck. This was his initial sketch.

His first prototype didn’t properly fit, but that didn’t deter him one bit.

He made a second prototype too, and this time it worked! All he had to do was alter the build a bit so they fit under the bumper and angle corners for a better fit as well.

His final build worked and he even painted the bumper ends black.

The result looks pretty great and as a bonus, the ends themselves are metal. His experience as a sheet metal worker helped him with the fabrication process.

He then sketched out his plan to rebuild the door panels. Impressive stuff!

His first fitment worked out well.

And here’s the final product, adorned in red oxide primer to match the exterior paint of the 4Runner. He intends to build another set, but the ones he created look just fine and could plausibly pass as stock.

5 Fists did run into some mechanical issues with his truck though, although he successfully diagnosed and fixed the issue.

Truck wouldn’t start when I went to leave work one day. Confirmed spark and air, so disconnected supply side to fuel filter then jumpered to bypass COR and AFM circuit, only a sad little dribble of fuel came out. Picked up a new pump and filter, already had one side of filter unhooked, so might as well replace. This is how the old filter looked. Wasn’t leaking though.

Install new pump, go to install new filter.. and lose one of the Banjo bolts in the gravel parking lot at work. had to order one from the dealership, took 2 days, so had to leave her parked at work and take a company truck home for a couple days. Got the new bolt, new filter in, and fired right up. My pump must have been failing for a while, a new one solved a starting issue I was having.

He also ran into some issues with his brake lines but thanks to the help of his fellow YotaTech forum members, he got his truck back on the road.

The next item on his agenda was the removal of the rear window motor and the regulator to make room for some additional storage space.

Powered accessories like the window motor and regulators obviously become more of a liability as a vehicle ages. And if you don’t actually roll the rear window down there’s no point in keeping it. Plus, just look at the size of the motor! No wonder he wanted it out of his truck.

He also plans to replace the rear window with a better fitting one, hence the new hinge.

He also removed the EGR valve.

There were some benefits to removing it too.

I am convinced my EGR was non functioning, with the increased throttle response and smoother running at cruise I am getting now.

5 Fists also plans to remove the air conditioning system.

Removed A/C idle up VSV and capped vac ports, as I will be removing all factory A/C components soon.

He also performed some engine maintenance.

Also did my Valve cover gasket and half moon grommets, as I had a slight leak from doing my valve clearances awhile ago. Gotta say, taking the valve cover off without the mess of vac lines is stupid easy now.. not that was all that hard before, but wow.. could do it with my eyes closed now! Gave the cover a quick clean too, doesn’t look as terrible now!

Battery terminals are also a priority and he’s done one so far.

What’s planned for the future? Closing up the holes created by removing the power rear window components with some nifty doors, complete with latches!

5 Fists is off to a great start with his 4Runner and he’s already given the truck a unique look with the bumper ends. There’s bound to be more awesome sketches and fabricated parts in store for everyone to enjoy. He’s looking for some input into his rear door project, so if you’ve got some advice for him, make sure to head over to the thread and contribute your two cents. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it!