mtnloki

Hello all.

I've been reading the threads for a while, so I decided to add my project. This was mainly done to force me to get off my rear and get the project moving. I figured if it's here I have no excuses to not get to work!

This is a quite tired 85. Over 400k on the frame. When I bought it, it had a top end rebuild a week or two prior to being sold.

So far I've replaced the left fender, and updated the instrument panel with a white face kit. The battery holder was rusted, so I created a new frame and welded it in. Oh, and added the Optima battery. I also have a Trail Gear winch bumper, that I will be building around (I have the cardboard already for mock-up). I will also be replacing the rear bumper with something custom (swinging tire mount, etc.)

When I registered in California, I listed it as a diesel, so there will be an engine swap ... still debating what engine it will be (more to follow). Oh, the 22re will be available.

I already pulled some of the dash, but all will be pulled and reworked (fiberglass with a pseudo suede cover, do like the feeling). The entire interior will be redone. I know that suede may not be the most off road friendly material, but it does look good.

I do want to lift the runner, but that will not happen as soon, since my budget is a bit limited.

Finally, the reason for all of this ... backwoods trekking, gold prospecting and generally getting away! Perhaps some light crawling.

mtnloki

More initial views







battery:
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Fender:

instrument cluster:


Oh, and I have the rear window problems so I have the 9v guys kit to install:

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

Looks like a solid little 85 you have. Looking forward to your build. Welcome to Yotatech. Lots of good information and people willing to help here.

mtnloki

I was asked to put a link for the rear window kit:

http://www.12voltguy.com/4-RUNNER-REAR-WINDOW-KIT.html

I cannot recall were I first saw the link for this kit, but since the kit exists and really isn't that pricey, I believe it money well spent, since wiring all this up myself would have probably cost much more in time alone ... and that's not including getting out the gremlins!

The 12 volt guy has some other nice little products available if you just don't want to spend time getting the parts and wiring everything up. Here is the main page with products for Toyota:

http://www.12voltguy.com/Toyota/

On a side note, was going to pull the bumpers today, but I don't like working outside with non-stop lightning. Oh well, maybe tomorrow?

rustED

iTrader: (2)

Welcome to Yotatech, Nice looking 4runner! Look forward to seeing how your rear window wiring project goes, that's something I need to address as well.

mtnloki

I had a chance to do a little work. I pulled the front bumper and replaced it with a trail gear winch base. I will be building the front bumper off this base, but until I raise the body about an inch, I don't want to start the mock up since it will be slightly off. I ordered the 1" body lift yesterday, so hopefully it will arrive quickly. Oh, and Saturday was a waste! Went to the Hot August Nights Swap Meet in Reno .. I must say it was quite disappointing this year.

If anyone is looking for a stock bumper, it's available .. or I may just craig's list it.

Here are the "progress picks":

bumper off-

winch base added-

rustED

iTrader: (2)

What kind of bumper are you planning, round tube, or more of a plate bumper? Look forward to seeing your design!

mtnloki

I'm leaning towards a plate design. I already have a 4x2 sheet of 3/16th, so I can cut up the plate into whatever design I come up with.

Of course, I will also have the rear bumper too, and all the interior panels ... so, many plans ... and I still have to start hunting for a diesel engine ...

mtnloki

Did a little work on the truck this weekend. Removed all the interior ... had my two helpers make sure everything was alright. The seats and carpet are out. I did find some rust in front of the drivers seat in the foot well. It appears to be surface without any rust through. So, I'll wire brush it and use rust reformer and perhaps some POR-15. I still have to finish removing the dash, and then I may actually begin the rebuilding process. I tried to remove the tube rear bumper, but some previous owner welded the bolts on the right side. So, I will be getting some cut-off wheels for the dremel and removing the bolts. I do expect to be doing some drilling too. So much for an easy removal. I'm sure it won't be the last item requiring more work then planned. Still looking for the diesel engine ... Saw an interesting 2.5 TDI V6, but parts would have to be obtained from Europe. Well, that's the update for this day.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

Always nice having the helpers involved. Someday I am still hoping to do a diesel conversion. Gas isn't going to get any cheaper and I think cost per mile is going to be cheaper then gasoline. Seems the OM617 is the easiest motor to get here. Overseas, diesel Toyotas are a dime a dozen. We are missing out here. I have got to drive them and they are sweet.

mtnloki

Well, I've spent the last few weeks trying to hunt down an engine. I almost had a 2.0 TDI, but didn't win the bid ... If I cannot find a TDI soon, I may go with a Lexus V-6 ... nice bit of power and torque.

Removing the rear tube bumper was a bit of a chore. The previous owner had welded the bolts and rails to the frame. I had to get dremmel cutting wheels to remove all the welds ... it was quite tedious.



I have lifted the body an inch and replaced the rubber bushings with pro-thane. I also bought stainless steel washers to better fit the new body mounting hardware.



Finally, I cut out aluminum skin for the tailgate.



That's about it for now ...

Gizler00

iTrader: (1)

Nice looking runner.

It's amazing the miles these little trucks can make it to!!

I would also like to see the write-up on the tailgate wiring.

mtnloki

I will get the write up on the wiring soon ... as I do it ... I definitely have to get it done soon, since the seasons will be changing and rolling up the rear window would be beneficial.

SqWADoosh

iTrader: (1)

Exciting build. I'm waiting in anticipation for the diesel swap!

rustED

iTrader: (2)

Nice work so far, I like how your aluminum tailgate skin turned out!

mtnloki

I have a bunch of 4'x2' aluminum sheets for all the panels .. doors and side of bed. I'm happy that my hand was steady with the cutting blade on the grinder. I hand filed the edges after cutting. The sharpie lines (X's) are drilling locations for the stainless steel fasteners. I do like bolt depot for those items.

mtnloki

So, I thought I might do a quick update ... picked up the TDI engine finally. Despite it being in quite good shape, I will be spending the next few months disassembling, checking all the parts, replacing whatever is needed and rebuilding. Since it's an AHU, I will be looking at replacing it with a mechanical pump, eliminating all the computer wiring issues. Anyway, here are the pictures of the engine:

yota81

looking forward to the rear window switch install

mtnloki

I hope to get it done this weekend .. will post some picks

mtnloki

I thought I had the rear window kit all wired up ... but, after working on it for way too much time, I realized some of the wires in the old harness had been damaged, so I need to do some more wiring repairs before it is working correctly. Things never go as easily as one would hope.

I have pulled much of the engine apart .. the heads look to be in great shape ... I will do a leak test with solvent to confirm no valve problems. The engine block, pistons and crank all look good.