I posted this up on the 86 and up forums and justrealized I probably should have posted it here.

I'm looking at an 85 4runner out in Arizona (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123) and don't know a thign about the 85's other than they have the EFI and SFA. Is there any difference between the 85 and 86 year model EFI motors that I should worry about?

I'll end up selling my 86 to fund this build but want to sort of know what I'm getting into before I buy it.

Thank you.

 

the only substantial difference is the front end (axle, diff, steering). there might be some minor differences like the style of the center console or something. thats a great looking truck. of course the IFS is much more comfortable, and equally competent on regular roads.

 

There are no differences between the 85 and the 86-95 22REs to my knowledge. The SFA is the only majr difference I really know of.

 

The rear axles were also 3" wider from 1986 forward, iirc.

I'm actually thinking about swapping a later model rear axle under my '85, but I'm not sure how easy it would be.

 

Didnt they change the block deck heights when they brought out the 86 models ?
From my knowledge its when they brought out the long blocks.
That motor should have metal guides, instead of the crap plastic ones on later models.

Thats a very beautiful truck, I would deff say go for it...

 

The motors are the same. There was a deck height change but that was earlier IIRC.

 

the deck height changed between early 84 and late 84 with the intro of efi
junker: looks like a really clean runner and a good deal. good news that it had a timing chain recently. the true test is a compression test see if the guy will let you. if its bad its not the end of the world but it would be a good leverage point for price.

 

should be pretty easy to do teh swap pretty sure the perches are in the same spot.. you may have a different bolt size on the dshaft too but i donno.

 

it's pretty easy, i did my bro's in a couple hours. one thing you have to plan on is switching the e-brake cable or adjusting it. or what i did was just put a link on the driver side so it could reach wheel to wheel.

 

I contacted the owner about the compression check. The numbers came back 150, 150, 135 and 130 front to rear. I also got a few more pictures of the body and one of the motor, the motor is dirty but it doesn't look like it's been leaking.

I have a few more days to bid so we'll just wait and see if it gets up above my money limit.

 

the block change happened 'officially' for the 85 model year, but the old stock of <84 blocks was used up as well, making it 'technically' a running change. Being an 85, it is possible that an older block was installed, and in which case, the cam chain would be different as well. otherwise, there are no significant differences between the 85 and 86 engines.

With the change to IFS, as mentioned, the 86 rear axle is approximately 3" wider than the 85 axle and consequently, the cross-over e-brake cables are different as well, to accomodate the wider axle. Rear springs are the same also.

 

DIdnt the later engines (86 and up) have more hp?

 

compression is a little low. spec is 171 lbs, min is 142, and allowable difference between cylinders is 14. but who cares, for $1300 you're buying the truck not the engine, worth around $2k around here if it is straight and has no rust. the chrome strips around the wheel wells and rain gutters, and the bottom of the tail lights is where the body rust may be present.

i think the 88-94 22REs had about 10 more hp, due largely to the improved throttle body and upper intake plenum.

 

My IFS 87 4runner rode like a school bus on train tracks (before BJ spacers and rear AAL/ZUK mod) compared to my stock SA 79 pickup

Easy swap, but your going to have to go use either the spring plates off the 86+ axle or do a u-bolt flip. The 86+ axle tube is bigger than pre-86 truck rears.



and to the OP, i'd go for it, looks great, love the color combo
I swapped that exact interior into my 87 lol

 

Fuel injectors changed throughout the years from what I've read...

85-86, 87-88 Supposedly 87 fuel injectors won't work with 85 efi harnesses. Plugs are a different shape.

 

If you're getting a clean 85 that looks like that one, a little mech work is an insignificant issue! PLUS its a loaded SR5. That is a nice specimen! Anything under about $4k is a steal.

 

X2 on that^^^

Just offer him $2500