I mostly cruise on the 3rd gen 4Runner side but I've recenlty purchased a 1987 Toy Pickup with the 22R motor. Our Diesel tech sold it to me for $500 with the manual transmission sitting in the bed of the truck (clutch was DOA). I've pulled the motor and am planning on going through the seals and gaskets. But when I pulled the valve cover I was heartbroken... the oil was just jello and the cam gear was rusted. What now? Should I try and save the cam or buy the whole rebuild kit (timing chain, gaskets, cam, bearings, valves, etc.)? Also what the hell is the plate on the back of the head for? Mine was cracked so I'm getting a new one.

My plan is to use the truck as a CHEAP dedicated trail rig. I want to roll on 35" swampers with a 4" suspension and 2" body. This is only a trail riding rig not a rockcrawler or heavy mudder so no need to tell me the axles will snap. I am still searching for a cheap winch carrier and have had sucess with Warn's brushguard, but I'd like something different with my Warn XD9000i winch. I will be putting on sliders and my shop foreman is going to weld the rear and possibly the front (have not yet decided yet). Anyone have any pictures or ideas? I know it's overkill for just a mild to easy trail rig but I've always wanted a nice lifted truck and personal 4x4 project for my wife and I to share and enjoy. Thanks for any suggestions and help. I don't get on much as I'm always busy fixing GM trucks/cars so please be patient if I do not reply right away.

 

For the head, you can buy a new one with the cam for $250.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...d-them-147691/

It sounds too good to be true but there are 3 people in the link who have it.

 

got pics?

anyhow, even if you get a new head and cam, you'll still want to change the gears, chain and guides. being that the top end is rusted, unless it's just light surface rust, there's a good chance that either the head gasket is compromised somehow or the chain has worn into the timing chain cover.
if the cam lobes are rusted, I wouldn't bother trying to save it.
and while you've got it out, re-ringing and checking your bearings wouldn't be too much more work, and not that much more cost.

 

I do have pictures of the truck but not had the ability nor time to mess with the computer much. My progess is very slow unfortunately. So far I have pulled the head and cleaned the gasket materials and put it in the "hot bath" at work. I've been researching engine swaps with V8s, 22RE, and even 4.3 Chevy, but have come to the conclusion that the time and money it would take is too much for my true intentions with the truck. I just wanted a nicely lifted mild trail rig only. I can make up the power loss with gearings which I will do myself and have my diesel tech weld the rear. Peformance wise I just plan on doing an electric fan and having a local machinist/short track racer mill the "feet" of the rocker arms to give the camshaft a slightly longer duration. He knows how to do this as he was banned from a local track after racing 22r motors and the inspectors figured out how he was getting away with a "stock" motor 3 years later. My first evolution is just to get the engine and transmission in and get it moving with 31" tires. Next will be the body lift and gears. Afterwards 35" and suspension lift.

Does anyone know where to get a winch mount for the front? I'm wanting one that looks nice but around $350 or less. Not a removeable one though. I used to have a Warn brushguard with a winch plate for my '84 S10 Blazer and it worked well, but have had no luck finding it now.

 

Sounds like you've got a good plan there.

Are you looking for just a winch plate? cause theres plenty of offroad shops that sell some nice tube bumpers that have winch mounts

 

No I'm looking for more of a winch bumper, but I think I've found my prospect from addictedoffroad.com I'm not sure if it allows for a bodylift or can use a roller fairlead.

 

addicted offroad does great work.. dont know the guy personally but his work is topnotch.. he can s.a.s yer runner ..
hes in colorado i believe. but will ship a bumper.
my trail rig is just a stock lift on 32 inch mudders with a welded rear.. it will get through almost anything... the suspension is set up great from factory... maybe a snorkel and a cb and some armor!

 

Here is some photos of my truck.



Engine

 

do some research on that engine. I see a dual row chain.
has lot's of potential!

 

Dual roller in an '87?
Thats not factory
Lucky dog

 

Dual roller? I do not know too much about it. Our deisel tech did a swap from a Camry or Corolla or something. The clutch was bad and the coolant block off plate was cracked so I decided to go ahead and pull the motor just for an internal checkover. The bad thing now though is the same man who sold me the truck is getting 2 more trucks tomorrow. Worst yet is they are both solid axle (both 1985, one with a v6 and other with an I4). Unfortunately my wife would not let me get another doh!!!

 

Yes, I build them for body lifts. 1", 2", or 3".

And, yes you can use a roller fairlead with mine. It does block the hitch receiver slightly though. But who cares when you have a winch with a hook to begin with.

Call me with any questions: 970-420-4198