Hey all, Need some input/ guidance ASAP, I just got back in a Yota 2 weeks ago, a 87 re 4runner. It has the usual cancer of 1st gen runners... & a slightly hacked engine harness, floods/goes way rich on cold start but runs good.. Ish. (That I am in the process of making a thread about for help).

I just found a 85Re 4runner for $1500, that "just quit & wouldn't start back, then started & ran for a min(Ish) & died. Now won't do anything." says the owner.
Here lies my dilemma.. My DD a GMC, 4L80E just lost reverse & im stuck in my xj.
The $1500 for the 85' will clean out my "
Fund".
Sorry for the crazy rant, but I've been after a 85 for ever.
Is $1500 for a clean 85re with possibility a bad engine a steal? Or am I just nuts & need to rewire & sas my 87?
Im thinking fuel pump & possibility burnt up starter is the prob with the 85.
Im going to look at it in the am, what should I look for & is it worth it even if it needs rebuilt?
Thank you for your time, patience & input.

 

If it is in descent condition, I would go with the 85 since you are wanting a solid axle. The cost of a SAS is likely going to be that much for your 87. Several different reasons for it not starting. If it isn't cranking that is a starter issue. Crank but no start can be several things. Just by the questions you are asking and how you are describing the symptoms, you may need quite a bit of help and it can be found on here. Do you have the shop, time, skills, tools... to do the repairs that are needed?

Even if it is in great condition, there are going to be other issues that you cant see without driving it. I am working a well cared for runner and I am already finding tons of issues just due to age. I missed out on an 85 SR5 and still kick myself in the butt for letting it go. As a general rule for myself, I add a thousand dollars on top of the cost of the truck to get it up to condition to where I want it to be and that can be a low estimate. I would say you are looking at a $2500 or more 85 SR5 runner. Not hearing it run is a gamble for you. Just depends on how bad you want it and if you have the abilities to get to what you want. Check the frame for rot.

 

Thanks Terrys87, I'm going to pull the trigger on the 85' & worst case go ahead & rebuild. The 87' is a sr5 so I'm thinking swap parts around to get the best for me then send the 2nd grader wired 87' down the road.
My thoughts exactly.
Well there will be a 85' build thread starting later this week hopefully & a PLZ help me with this crazy hack wired 87 thread.
The new shop will hopefully be up by spring, I will make the time, ain't nothing to it but to do it, should have all the tools needed to complete the job... But one can NEVER have enough tools.

Thats what I'm / was afraid of.
If I can have it done, better than new & ready for a Southeastern road/trail/camping trip for 6k or less by Fall time I will be thrilled.
Can you clue me in to the trouble spots?

Thank you so much for your time & much needed confidence boost!!!

 

Frames are the biggest issues, just forward of the rear tires to the rear of the frame in most cases.

Wiring normally is hacked, good luck finding one that isn't hacked. It separates into 4 different harnesses so is easily fixed. Toyota did not have the best electrical engineers at the time, some upgrades are available for that.

Fuel systems get nasty in these trucks, most likely due to the poorer quality of fuel. I just go completely thru mine. Tank may look rusty, but when cleaned, you wont find any pitting inside. Return Line most likely is clogged.

EGR makes a mess, getting all of the carbon cleaned out of the Intake System is not a bad job at all. It takes a few hours.

I have rebuilt motors and bought rebuilt motors. I suggest buying a rebuilt motor as in most cases it is cheaper and you have some sort of warranty.

Transmission, I check to see if it whines in 5th gear. Just don't like noise. How is the clutch? To do it myself, I use Aisin and have the flywheel turned. It cost about $175 if I do it myself. To have it done it can cost $600-750 depending on where you live.

Brakes need to be gone thru from one end to the next.

Just a few of the areas I look at. I eventually go from one end to the next. A lot of problems can be fixed for cheap or free. In my build threads listed below, on the first page will show several fixes like headlight issues, wiper bottle,.. that just takes some time. Use Marlin Crawlers front axle seals but in just about every other case, stick with Factory OEM parts. Much better quality and for about the same price as parts stores. No one stop shopping though, you have to find them on several different sites.

 

Hey, Terrys87
I got the 85' & it is CHERRY in my book, very minimal rust in Qtrs & NO frame rust. New lift springs & shocks.
The rears have to go <later> in favor of longer springs b/c of huge arc (maybe able to use them up front or sell all 4 as a kit)
I'd like to hear your & or some other members opinions on this.
I will post some pics later w/tape measure from spring to frame so yall can help me figure out the lift in these springs.

I need some help & posted in the 86-up forum because of traffic & I don't want to make the same mistake of a "duplicate like" thread in here,
so if you get a min would you check out my thread in "86-95 Trucks & 4Runners", -(22re) Is starter locking/sticking & binding keeping engine locked common?
Thanks for your time & support.