defrag4

New to me: 87' 4Runner 4x4 SR5 22RE-5spd

Hey fellas,

I finally made a decision on my expedition vehicle that will be taking me from the top of Alaska all the way to the southern tip of Argentina.

Found this one on craigslist listed for $3500 with a freshly rebuilt 22RE, new transmission, and new clutch. The guy who sold it to me was very honest and clear what had and had not been done and the current issues. I offered $2800, he countered at $3K and we had ourselves a deal.

I drove it home from Sacremento about 2.5 hours and it ran great, no overheating no problems whatsover.

It currently has a 3inch BL on it and an add-a-leaf and 33inch BFG Mudd Terrains.

Anyway, Ill post more later lets get on to the pics!









First thing I would like to tackle is the suspension, I want to make sure it will be relialbe. I have heard alot about the OME as being the best of the best but it is fairly expensive for my budget.

What would you guys suggest? I have some pictures of the leaf springs if you would like to see their current condition. The shocks seem fairly stock, Toyo somethings

Randyman...

How many miles? Are the diffs in Ok shape? I know my 87's rear end broke a few teeth around 180K - swapping in a set of 4.88's was cake especially when you can buy the 3rd member set up and ready to roll! The U-joints also went out around the same time...

I hope to get my 87 back on the road soon. Too many motor options for me to choose one at the moment!

best of luck in your modding and on the Alaska adventure - Sounds fun!

defrag4

230K miles on the body, Diffs look OK no leaks or anything but I am not sure how to check further. 4x4 engages and drives fine with no grinding or shuddering. What would be the best way to test their condition?

Randyman...

I'm not sure how to "test" the expected life remaining on a 3rd member - but I knew mine went south when I found a tooth and shavings on the drain plug My U-Joints sounded like someone tapping on the driveshaft (ping/crackle type sound).

I'd guess you could change the diff oil, drive for a few thousand miles, and see what kind of shavings you end up with and go from there? 230K on the rear diff would make it a nagging worry in the back of my brain (especially on a huge expidition like you're about to partake on!) - but I had all sorts of fun issues with my 87 4Runner. My 99 Taco has been the complete opposite...

Sorry I didn't have any more info for you but I personally wouldn't trust a stock diff with that many miles (however my driving habits are pretty severe and my 22RE was heavily modded to boot).

tumor21

Sweet rig man. I would second going to 4.88's with the 33's. my truck was an auto which i converted recently to 5spd. I run the stock 4.30's and it does drive better than other 5spds with factory 4.10 gears... but I only run 31's with a small suspension lift.

As far as rear leaf springs OME are great, I love my add a leaf setup in the back, but you could always do the 63inch chevy springs. A friend of mine with an '86 pickup did the swap and loves 'em.

As far as lift's as a package, wabfab has some good deals on kits and they post on yotatech as well if you have any questions for them...

http://www.wabfab.org/Suspension/View-all-products.html

yoder519

i think your gears should be just fine. breakin a rig gear or tooth would be the last of my worries. i dont hear about it happening enough to make it a big deal IMO. but yea if your gonna be doin alot of traveling i would throw in some 4.88s or 5.29s. unless it already has 4.88s in it. nice runner! And good luck

Randyman...

Even with 230K on the clock and 33's on the stock 4.10's? I was on my 2nd motor rebuld, my 3rd clutch (went to the TRD Clutch/Flywheel), and 2nd diff by 250K but I'm hard on my Toys.

The 4.88's made a HUGE improvement with 32's and the 22RE in my rig - so I would bet they should be heavily considered with 33's and a stock 22RE...

defrag4

ditchin the 33's asap, PO put em on in in december, too big for me