Just signed up today and I'm already looking for advice. I am looking for a 1st Gen runner. I know the 85 has the sloid axle and EFI this wuold be my first choice if I could find one. So then we get to the IFS, how hard is it to lift one, how much does it cost, how high do you have to go to fit 33's and so on. What about engines I know the 4cyl are good but aren't they under powered? What are the major concerns about the 6cly? Are their any options I should be looking for? Have I ran on long enough yet? So any advice and or opinions would be great. Bryan

 

First off, welcome.

Now, an 85 yota would be great, but it's not a perfect world and they are hard to find.

I lifted my 1990 toyota pickup with the pro comp stage 2 lift. It lifted it 4 inches and easily cleared 33's. It wasn't too hard to lift it. It took me and a buddy of mine about 9 hours to do the whole job. The hardest part was to get all the old bolts undone. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, it should be no problem.

As for the cost, I spent right around the neighborhood of $1500 for the lift and the tires. I'd imagine that this could be done, but I haven't checked the prices in a long time.

The 4 banger is quite underpowered, but it can be modified MUCH MUCH eaiser than the V-6. I had the V-6 and liked it. There isn't really a market for performace parts for it. There are a couple places that make headers. One thing to look out for is the head gaskets. There was a huge problem with them on those engines. I got lucky, but there are many that didn't.

It all depends on how much you want to wheel it. If you want to go balls to the wall, then either get an 85, or get one with the IFS, and solid axle swap it.

 

Welcome Bryan,

Let me know when you get a 4Runner, we'll go wheelin'!

 

Absolutely! You don't know of any good deals in the area? I am not trying to take away from this post but have you checked out NMVJC.org yet? Despite their name they have quite a few different kinds of rigs in the club. They go out in the local area alot, I have only be online with them, but they seem like a good group. Let me know either way later Bryan.

 

No, I haven't checked them out yet. I saw an 87 SAS'd w/ 350 on NM TTORA. Maybe check it out.

 

Bryan....Rio Rancho....That just to the east of Belen right?

My mother is from Belen....I still have relatives in Albuguerque and Belen. My uncle was once Fire Chief of Belen. He is still there, owns a firetruck manufacturing company there.

 

Rio Rancho is a suberb of Albuquerque. Belen is a little south, if you ever come out this way thier is some good wheelin. Bryan

 

There is an 85 for 2000 a few miles from my house. wish i had money

 

Wish I was closer to WA!

 

Hey Jim I am going to pick up my 4runner today. I am gitting a 89 V6 5spd, the guy I am buying it from is doing alot of work to it. To include a warn hub conversion up front. I have found a U-bolt flip kit for $25 so I'll pick that up and get started. Talk to you later Bryan

 

Cool, do you plan to mod it/wheel it?

You should plan to come up to the CO4RJ with some of usin August. I know for sure that SteveO and I are going. Not sure about a few others.

 

bryan, if you don't mind me asking where did you find your u-bolt flip kit? and since i got my lift and new springs the shocks mount a lil differently than it seems so how is the flip kit gonna work and be able to mount the shocks?

 

oh yeah, welcome and good to have you. we always need more 1st gens. running around on this board.

 

I picked my flip kit up from a guy on another forum. As for the other ? I have no idea I'll figure it out as I go. I let you know what happens, not this weekend though maybe next. Later Bryan

 

Welcome to Yotatech bryan. I work in Rio Rancho so you may see my gold Runner with the YotaTech sticker cruisin around.

 

alrite bryan, thanks.
alan