backfrog

hi, i'm new to this forum and i just bought a 1987 4runner. . it's automatic and i think the engine is 22RE.
Can anyone tell me more about this car?
any suggestions and advice on maintaining it?
The only thing that doesn't work is the rear window not going down. Is this a common problem?
Thanks In Advance.

AKennedy87

I have an 87 and I love it.

My window goes down but the wiper and the defogger dosent work, my wiper just doesnt connect to the glass right.

After talking on this forum you'll come to learn a lot about your Independent Front Suspension (IFS) and torsion bars. People will tell you to chop it off for a Solid Axle Swap (Wheel travel, articulation) but I say use the IFS till it doesnt work for you.

Your rear may sag a lil bit. Mine still does. You can do a add-a-leaf or shackle lift. Both really cheap.

YOUR ROOF COMES OFF

22RE's last forever providing they are well mantained (I've blown one already).

There is tons of other stuff that you will learn over time but thats all I can think of right now. You got a great truck and will have a lota fun in it (Don't baby it, its an 87)

Welcome to the forum and goodluck,
Alex

Secret Squirell

Yes it is ... the rear window ... Mine works when it wants to. I've disassembled the tailgate padding (area holding the workings) cleaned the switches, cleaned the contacts on the switch under the center console and its still intermitten. The motor should be a 22re, unless its been swapped. I've had mine 1 1/2 years ... project truck.

AKennedy87

Also check to make sure your rear wiper button is off. This happend to me last week and I thought it was broken but instead i didnt have the wiper pulged in and had the button on so they cancel each other out and dont work.

seaflea

Welcome to the forum. I have an 87 and I love it. It has over 240,000 miles on it and is still going strong. If you maintain it you will get years of enjoyment out of it.

Secret Squirell

It is a great truck ... I've wanted one since they were new ... I'm a converted VW freak. Living where I do and doing what I use to (for a living) ... usetabe an archaeologist and did alot of survey work in the Southwest and Great Basin area ... the truck was a neccessity. Other than my Honda Quad (400 ATV) the 4Runner has got me to some pretty unique places in some pretty unique ways. I could have bought a new one but for me the 1st generation Runners just look and feel more like a "rig" should. You'll enjoy it but if you get tired of it let me know ... looking for some parts.

Secret Squirell

Damn! Thanks man .... now mine works like a charm ... I feel so stupid.

backfrog

my roof comes off?! i was wondering why the car had rollbars

Secret Squirell

Are you for real?
Come on ... you knew that. Don't jive us (especially us old folks) like that!

backfrog

i just went and drove it yesterday. i'm picking it up tomorrow. i had no idea. how does it come off?

Toddski

Welcome aboard
Take a look here. Lots of 1st gen. 4runners.
Adams:

PoBoy's:

superjoe83's:

seaflea's:

FatA$$ Toyota's:

JEDI87's:

BLKNBLU's:

884runner's:

Mine:


A bunch more. Search around and you will see them.

backfrog

those look awesome, the one i bought doesn't look as good as those. it's in rough shape appearance-wise.

backfrog

what are some good places online for parts for my truck? aftermarket or replacement.

deathrunner

www.kartek.com
www.protrux.net
www.chaosfab.com
www.summitracing.com
www.jcwhitney.com
www.downeyoff-road.com

lc engineering
4wheel parts
all pro off road

Lt. Dan

I have an 85 4-Runner, with the same problem-sort of: My rear window would work once and a while. I pulled a rear window rocker switch out of a 95 in my local Pick-A-Part. I had to CAREFULLY cut and resolder the plug from my original onto it, but that fixed it!

If that switch aint working, the tailgate switch wont work either.

The first thing I would do if I were You is get a hold of an original owners manuel from your local Toyota stealership. They cost about $25.00 but it will answer all your questions about removing yer top, ect...

Good luck and welcome to Yodatech!

PS. get a repair manual off of E-Bay. You wont regret it!!

Chapman88SR5

im with ya on that one

Tacoma Dude

backfrog:

Hey welcome!!!
You'll find there's a good crowd of people here. Looking for information on the 1st gen can be hit or miss. If you search sometimes you'll find a very well covered topic or one that's hardly covered. If you have trouble finding something and nobody can answer the question I'd suggest looking for the info at http://www.pirate4x4.com
When you search here do so with "1st gen" and you'll get the majority of what you're looking for. If you're looking for an engine related answer and have a 22RE, search with that title it may be even more complete.

As far as the top coming off of these things - it's awesome
Here's a couple of scans off of the owner's manual that I got from member Cabbage (Milton):
On second hand - these pics are huge. Here's a link to them:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ood/11top1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ood/12top2.jpg
I haven't had the chance to do that to mine too much as I just picked mine up. Here's my favorite pic so far:

AKennedy87

Also for the window check if the 2nd bolt holding the cap down from the rear on the left (Not the cone one) is tightened all the way down, there is a sensor in there to make sure the cap is on all the way and it lets the window go up.

backfrog

here are some picks of it. i think i need new buttons. where can i get some replacement parts as little as those buttons above?

Tacoma Dude

Ebay, Pirate4x4... keep your eyes open, people are parting out these rigs all the time.