So I've been looking for an 84/85 4runner for a couple months now and I have only found 1 in my area (and by area I mean the state of Alaska) it is rusted and in really rough shape for $3000. After reviewing quite a few threads on here I have seen people dog relatively good condition 4runners to below the 3 grand mark. It's making me wonder where are you finding these amazing deals to say an 85 doesn't drive a small premium. I am not saying people have not found great deals but I check search tempest through all US cities about once a week and have found maybe 5 that weren't complete piles of rust.

 

Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah

Search CL in all the major cities till you find one you like.

You could try Florida also they like them down there but most of them will be mud trucks and it will probably bit harder to find a non-rusty one. Also it's about as far away from Alaska as you'll get.

 

Ya I have been checking in major cities especially California and Tennessee cause I've got family there. I am actually from northern Cali and the rubicon is practically in my backyard so they are pretty popular around there and sell quick. Here in alaska there isn't such a demand but everything's rusted and not too much to choose from

 

Check Atlanta, Macon, and other Georgia cities. I bought an 89 Runner with blown 3.slo for $800. Body is awesome, no rust, sunroof, and interior is pretty good, just dirty. When I was looking for one they were everywhere for $1500 max, and most were in running condition. Lots of 2nd gen Runners in Atlanta, too.

I know its not a solid axle like your looking for, but may be an option to SAS a later IFS model if you get it cheap enough.