Just got this today. Got a killer deal on it. 1985 EFI SR5 4Runner. Specs as best I know:
Rebuilt 22RE w/ aftermarket Cam
5:29 Gears
Welded Front
Unknown lift in front
Looks to be stock leafs in rear with 4" blocks and longer shackles?
Front shock hoops. (My bro ripped one off and had them reinforced to the stock mounts)
Homemade rear bumper
IFS Steering box (leaking?)
Hi-Steer
Stabilizer
30" LED bar
Homemade front D-Shaft
37" Cut Boggers (these tires kill it in mud and sand, which is most all that is in our area)



I'm a noob at building full size rigs, especially Yotas. I was hoping some of y'all could try to help spot any potential issues with it. I also have a ton of questions.


It needs new leafs for sure. My current plan is go with a new pair of chevy 63" leafs in the rear, new spring packs in the front, different wheels/tires that are more road friendly and can crawl, and likely going to lockers front and rear.
Some close up shots. any help with parts identification is greatly appreciated:
Front end.

Anyone think the front d-shaft will survive crawling? The u joints look tiny.

The shock towers. I hate the angle of the shocks. Maybe I should switch to F250 towers?



These front shackles look any good? Wondering if I should rebuild and reuse them.

The stabilizer feels like it does nothing. I need to flip the U bolts. Any suggestions on a replacement stabilizer and a u bolt flip kit?

IFS steering box, leaking? The steering is very sloppy. I need to go through it all and would like to add a ram assist while im at it. (Anyone notice tighter steering when going to ram assist?

Stock rear D-shaft? They hold up ok?

Stock springs w/ blocks and longer shackles?

I’m going to need to find some shock mount ideas after I flip the U Bolts.

Rear Bumper.

I’m open to any and all input here. My objective is to make it more crawler oriented (obviously it was a mud rig), and more streetable. I would really like to be able to drive this to the beach from my house, and that is 80 miles away. If that just is not feasible, then I want to make it a full on trail machine. Looking for input in both directions.


My first goal is to tighten up the steering and replace the suspension. Opinions in that area are welcomed.

 

Great vehicle to start with.

The front spring hoops are definitely weird. Giving the shocks that outward angle. I would think the tire could hit it under flex.

Shackled look fine, ou could reuse them to save some money or upgrade to some grease able ones

Trail gear makes new shock mounts for after a u-bolt flip kit.

Tons of options for the front springs.

Front driveshaft would probably hold up just fine in the rough stuff.

 

Sweet rig , good luck