It's that time of the year again when the salt trucks will be coming out, so, the 4runner is going back into hibernation: the pole barn.

See you in the spring ole' girl.

vmax84

 

dam salt ruins everything good to see you putting it away

 

just put my 62 austinhealy away for the winter...
you take good care of that runner.. shes gonna last you a lifetime.. my parents had that same colour 4runner when i was growing up.. learned to drive in it...
see ya in spring 4runner!

 

I can't count how many "looks" and comments I get when it comes up in conversation that I park it during the winter!!!!!!

"Why do you park a 4 wheel drive during the Michigan winter? And you get that ground hugging Corolla out to drive instead??? You must be out of your mind!!!!!"

Well, I've got a lot of work, sweat, busted knuckles on this thing and I'll be damned if I'm gonna take it out in the winter and watch the salt dissolve it away. I just can't do it. But, I never leave home without a shovel in the back of the Corolla, either. I may cuss a little when I get stuck with it, and wish I had the 4Runner, but come spring time it's all worth it.

vmax84

 

dude i get my cars krown oil sprayed and they dont rust.. i drive my right hand drive surf all winter KROWN OIL SPRAY GO THERE AND WATCH THERE VIDEO! its not oil spray its better

 

And your not saying goodbye, but rather "so long, old friend"......

 

I have never heard of that. Sounds like it definately would help.

But I do have an extra car, so for now, the Corolla will be sacrificed to the Michigan salt trucks.

vmax84

 

Awww, Poor thing...

Do you start it up and drive it around the block during the few months it sits...
Or does it literally sit there for 4 months or so (idk how long michigan winter is..Here in cali its like 3 months )

 

I'll put it up on blocks and get the suspension up off the ground. Put a trickle charger on the battery once in a while. Marvel mystery oil, can of alcohol, and seafoam in a full gas tank. Fresh oil change and filter and grease job. Pull the plugs and fog the cylinders with oil. That's about it.

vmax84

 

man thats a great looking 4runner. IVE NEVER SEEN ONE SO CLEAN!!

not clean as in, not dirty. But man that body is mint!

 

Keep your vehicle out of the damn salt and it will last a long time. I envy the guys that live in the southern climates and take this stuff for granted.

vmax84

 

Wow that 4runner is in GREAT shape, especially for one in an area with road salt.

I recently sold my 88 1st gen, after 8 fine years of ownership. Had to swap it out for a 2000 4 cyl 4WD 5 speed due to a new family member and need for a 4-door, basically an updated replacement. My 88 spent the first 100k miles of its life in Illinois, according to carfax, and it showed- rust bubbles in the rear fenders and rocker panels.

Cherry 1st gens like yours are getting ever more rare, and becoming classic. Good to see you taking care of it!

I think you could use a set of rear spring add-a-leafs, IMO. That sure helped mine ride better (got the springs up off the bumpstops) and look better too. Just my $.02...

 

Wow. That thing is clean.

Whats snow?

 

haha, snow is this stuff that makes it fun to slide around in. It wouldnt be that bad if they didnt dump a crap load of salt here in canada on the roads.

 

Vmax- That is one clean looking vehicle. I can tell you really take the time to take maximum care of your stuff.
I grew up and still live in CA. When I was in the Army and moved to the east coast and learned about the snow/salt. I bought my DD over there (silverado) and it was originally a Michigan truck. I did a torsion bar key swap to level it out and it was seriously a pain. The truck is a 99 and the torsion bars were rusted into the keys. I had to soak them overnight and beat them out with a sledge. My buddy was doing his at the same time, and he bought his truck here in CA. His keys literally fell out in his hand. It then became crystal clear how nice we really have it.