Ok so I had to move once again six moves in a nine year period sucks but good things can come from it. So bulletproof is put on hold and in cold storage (my 83 project truck) now I'm in El Paso with nothing to do and a single car garage from my three car garage. Well after getting here I needed something to do so I jumped on CL to find a cheep 4x4 just happened to stumble across a 1987 4runner with a bad head gasket. So I picked it up here's what I got 1987 SR5 22re 184200 mile and correct wow!! It had a blown head gasket so that was the first thing on my list so ordered all sort of new engine goodys ripped it apart to find I was correct timing chain guides were shattered all down in the oil pan and a really nice copper flake in the oil! Luckily I bought all that stuff! So I pulled the mains and rod bearing to find 3 and 4 were worn badly measured the crank no damage or wear still factory specs well I got her all back together now. Runs like a champ so now about the name 5runner I have 5 children and love to share the outdoors with them so I'm conceiving a plan for a third row seat but with that safety is key!!

Here's the plan

Two extra jump seat style seats rear facing

4xinovations full roll cage

Keeping IFS for daily driving

33x10.50 tires

Front and rear lockers

Custom front bumper

Tire carrier rear bumper

Soft top so kids can have fun with air flow and keep them cool on the trail

Custom recovery boxes built in to interior rear 1/4 panels

Water cans at least two military style

That's what I'm thinking so far if you guys have any input send it

 

NIce looking Runner. I like the Ideas you have for it. I have similar ones for mine. I really like having the ability to take the family along with me.

 

Thanks i had the choice between this 4runner and a 86 turbo runner I got this one because the PO put a bunch of extra junk on the turbo one he was running a boatload of boost and blew the head gasket on it. I love the standard 22re everyone complains it's underpowered but it's a smooth running engine and very reliable when serviced regularly. I also have a quick question anyone ever remove the 3m foam tape from the rocker panel chrome rocker kit? I can't get it off!!! I know paint striper will get it off but don't want to damage the paint until I can get the truck painted! Also anyone ever vinyl wrap their whole truck? It's a cheap option and from what I here holds up better then a macco medium priced paint job (not bashing macco I have seen good products but the price is 3x the economy paint job!

 

When I got my runner one of the rocker panels was removed and a bunch of the foam was still on there I got mine off with 3m adhesive remover from Home Depot and a paint scrapper just make sure u get a rag soak the area for like 10 mins then it pretty much comes right off there are a few little spots that are still there but I'm on the search for a passenger side panel to put back on. my drivers side looks so good with it on

 

So did some wheelin today had a blast also got to build a mock front bumper for the winch before you knock me I know it needs more reinforcement before winching thought I would post some pics.

 

Bumper mock up

 

Any progress on your rear storage boxes?
Curious to see how to arrange them with the planned jump seats in the back with the 4xinnovations cage (great choice BTW )

 

I'm doing it bit by bit I will probably start on building storage boxes after the bumper is done. Patience is the key I've learned this with my 83 and not to compromise what you want. I'm still looking for the jump seats no compromise for my children's safety! I will keep ya posted tho!!

 

So got to take the older kids out today wheelin they had a blast I didn't get to take a bunch of pics but here is one spot where the kids didn't think the runner would get off with out getting stuck! The running board barely cleared and I could barely open the door it was a blast!!

 

Great to hear the kids had a good time. These little trucks will go and on a little 4 banger it is surprising.

 

Just sourced a 5mge engine,harness and ecu for freeeeee!! The guy just needs to scrap the car but has no title and the yards require a title so we are parting the car out only two things to source now oil pan and bell housing! supra excited (pun intended) I'm going to rebuild the motor this winter and drop it in once the weather is warm enough and work slows down

 

So I was playing around in the truck the other day and heard what sounded like a belt squeal didn't really think anything of it until the truck started running ruff so went to open the hood and everything soaked in oilafter about 10mins of driving. Got it home and had at least a qt of oil on the ground! So I washed the truck really we'll and the crank pulley was slinging oil everywhere ripped it apart and this is what I found!!