I am looking into purchasing a first gen 4 runner for a second vehicle. I want to lift it and make it trail cabable but still be able to drive it on the road 20 miles each way to work. I do not do extreme wheeling so the IFS does not scare me. I want to run ~33's with a rear locker and I understand that to do it on an ifs vehicle I could add a leaf in the rear and install spacers in the front I would also consider adding a 1-2" body lift. Should I forget about a 86 or newer runner and concentrate on a solid axle or would I be better off with the newer (86-89) runner? I like the removable tops of these vehicles as well as their trail capability. I am just looking for some opinions or suggestions from others who have contemplated this and also what kind of lift setup you think would be best.

 

I have an 87 with a 4" suspension lift, BJ spacers and stuff. It is my daily driver.
I would think that the aal and Ball Jiont spacers along with a 1-2" body lift would be fine to fit 33s. But you will want to look into changing the gearing on it if it is a 4 Cyl.
I run 4.88s and have no problem with drivability.

 

What's your gas mileage like with that setup?

 

18-22 mpg
I get less on the highway now with the ARB up front.
With the stock bunmper and air dam I could get 20-21 hwy, but now I'm pushing 18. In the city I get 20-22 depending on how I drive.

 

i have an 85 runner, if it were me, id try to find one of that yr first, lifting an 85 is way cheaper than the newer ones, unless you go with all-pro or somthing, and its way easy, only took 6 hours to do a complete 4" lift and they came with EFI, beware of runners with auto trannies tho, they suck.