New to Toyotas but not to rock crawling. My 76 Bronco has evolved into a marginally streetable rig (stretched, narrowed body, linked, full-hydro, etc.). But I just picked up a bone stock, extremely clean 85 4runner auto with some unique graphics. Says "4Runner" above the rocker panel with some striping around it. No Pics yet

Looking to build a mild-wheeler, streetable rig. No bobbed bed or exo, etc. Plans include auto inchworm to dual cases, 5.27's locked front and rear on 35's. I will clock,lift the drivetrain and modify the tunnel until I can get a flat belly under the truck.

Stock tank looks like it's just asking to be bashed. I'll lose the stock tank, get rid of the spare and find a tank that will fit behind the axle. Anyone done this? anything from a boneyard that fits? I'd rather not put a fuel cell in the truck. I think a stock 12 gal bronco tank would work.

My only issue is the suspension. I've grown to appreciate a low rig with a flat belly--and I'm not afraid of tasteful zawzall work on the fenders to make the 35's work. Most toyota's I've seen on the trail and what I see in the forums are relatively tall (4" + suspension). I'd like to stay in the 0-2" range Is there anyone that has built/bought/modified a leaf suspension that works well in this range? what are you doing for steering?

I have some ideas on what I can do. but I'm not interested in re-creating the wheel if someone out there already has a good plan.

Thanks in advance

 

The OME 2" lift springs are probably the best off the shelf setup in that lift range, unless you go with some custom springs from Alcan or National. Under about 3" lift, you'll need to stick with stock steering as you generally need about 3" of lift to fit crossover steering.

 

the 82 im buying has a 3 inch lift springs in the front.. and has stock steering with what looked like a j type bar on the knuckle and push pull.. it has a ifs box not no pump which ill put on.. it has 35s the rear has lift blocks "puke." but with a 3 inch lift the tires 35s dont rub in the front... it has nobed so i dont know about the rear.. welded fornt and rear and it preformed well the videos i seen

 

Thinking last night. anyone done a radius arm/track bar type system similar to the Jeep Rubicon Express lift arms. This is a great simple design with adjustability. Easily fabbed arms, Coil buckets on the frame and axles and some springs from a XJ or TJ might be the trick with a IFS box and high steer? Need to get under the truck again and look how wide the frame is and how much room there is on the axle for coils outside the frame.

 

There is a thread where they put a plastic fuel tank from a 80's or 90's , ford f150 truck, the fit looked very clean , it was up between the frame rails , they were flatbellying their rig. Hope this helps, good luck.

 

P.S. thread also shows how much of the tunnel had to be cut for the flatbelly.

 

Stock 80-series Land Cruisers and LX450 have a radius arm suspension that has a much wider front axle as well. Might wanna crawl under one and take a peek.

Crossover steering, high pinion front diff, electric lockers, etc.