fo_runner

Hey folks, i'm stuck in a dilemma right now. Ever since I was 4 years old (i'm 16 now), i've always wanted an old-school 4runner. My brother had a '87 4runner i beleive with countless modifacations (lift kit, gears, 35's, 350 C.I. etc.). Ever since I saw it, I was hooked. Now i'm searching for one with a 22RE 5spd to make swapping in a 7M-GTE possible(I am in love with boost) . I would really love a 2nd gen, but the IFS gets in the way of the oil-pan. I love the 1st gen even more, becasue of its solid-axle and simplicity, but its quite rare and hard to find here (must be a rustbucket by now, damn winters).I'm not really much of a off-road type of guy, i'm keeping this 4runner mainly on the street and as a daily driver.

Anyways, like i said before, i want to swap in a 7M-GTE in it, and keep it simple with basic turbo upgrades (larger turbo, A'PEXI SFAC, BOV, cams etc.).
Now here are my questions:

1.With a diff. drop kit, can i make the IFS from the 2nd gen clear the oil-pan of the 7M-GTE?

2.Which generation of 4runner would you recommend as for reliability and maybe punking off HonDUHS? (sorry about the Honda comment)


Help is appreciated, opinions are welcome, thanks

89macrunner

you would be happier with IFS if you are not much of an offroader..esp if you are going to be traveling at higher speeds. IFS rides nicer and handles better than a SA

You could fab up an oil pan to fit..a little more work but it will probably be worth it in the long run

Jimmeh

I'd go second gen myself. They are easier to find, and most won't have as many miles on them as a first gen. And like 89macrunner said, IFS is so much more smoother on the highway than an SA.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

NCSU-4runner

Search threads started by him...that is what you want.

fo_runner

I know NCSU, but my searching time is limited

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

I think you need to take the time to do your own homework...the 411 is out there in abundance.

NCSU-4runner

With a diff drop theres no problem to clear a 7M oil pan. Its been done with no diff drop by modding the oil pan shape. Get a 2nd gen, they are just about the same cost as a 1st gen now (is my truck REALLY that old? i still remember when it was almost new) and IMO they look nicer, but looks are VERY opinionated of a topic. Buying one based on reliability and then tearing out the complete drivetrain and installing one that wasn not meant originally to be there is a silly measure to chose by honestly. If thats what you REALLY want to do find a truck with a blown motor. You'll pick it up for practically nothing.

Dont bother looking at my website its so out of date its sad. Its on my list of things to do but other things always take priority. My thread in the fab shop section is kept it to date however.

Answers to any question you can come up with have already been answered on the supracharged.com forum.

fo_runner

Okay, got enough info for the 7M-GTE swap, now just one more thing, anyone got a 2nd gen 4runner for sale?