What would you do if you just got an '85 4Runner?
 

:alert: Hey guys...I just bought my dream truck! I found an '85 4Runner in GREAT condition! This guy is only the second owner! It is still stock and EVERYTHING (even the back window) works flawlessly! Only paid $2300! I want to occationally take it offroad...but for now, it will be my everyday driver. I know I will have to paint it (it is gold! :barf: ). I want to either paint it black or just Rhino Line the entire exterior. I know I will want to lift it and put gears and 33's on it. My question to you all is, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO IT IF YOU HAD IT!? I am looking for ideas. Anyone that has one (85 or not), that has done something to your 1st gen Runner, that you just love.....PLEASE share it! Example: What brand lift to go with...what size and brand shocks....just anything that you did that you could not live without! Any advise and info would be greatly appreciated! :alert:

well, if i were to paint it, i wouldn't spray the whole thing in rhino lining. the weight would suck, mpg would drop and if you didn't like it, your screwed. the only part i would rhino line would be along the rocker panels.

for lifts, look at all-pro and marlin kits, and when you do it, i'd switch the steering from the stock to the hi-steer system (requiring a IFS steering box).

You don't like the gold? Is it the Gold Pearl or that faded lookng Topaz color?
Mine was gold pearl and I loved it. I actually liked the color, but it was very cool not to see another everywhere I went. In 15 years I only ever saw a handful of gold ones. By the way, the pearl was an "extra cost" color. $509 more for it.

HEE HEE! I would like the flame paint job! But, no I do not like the gold! I guess it is more the topaz color....it is pretty gold though! I just like black!

Come on guys....anyone else out there??? What would you guys do to it! I need ideas!

wabfab

:good:

Right on!

lift it put some lockers on it custom bumpers and some silders

I got a very very nice 85 very cheap, but all my extra money went into (basically) a new engine. But here's my semi-realistic build up plan when I get some more dough together....

LC Engineering Header
4.88's f&r
LSD front
AussieLocker rear
or ARB's f&r if I can afford it
Longfields and chromoly inners up front.
3" Spring lift (Downey if I go cheap, AllPro or Marlin if I go expensive)
Ubolt flips f&r (rockstomper)
Marlin Hi-steer & IFS PS box
34x12.5-15 TrXus MT's
4.7 Marlin Tcase Gears
Foxfab sliders
Custom rear bumper with swingaway tire carrier
ARB front bumper with winch

Already have a BudBuilt Crossmember adn tcase skid (A MUST HAVE IMO).

On top of that my truck already has nearly a complete new engine ($ :( $) (new shortblock, redone entire top end, complete new OEM exhaust.) only major maintenace item that won't be up to suff when the engine is done is to rebuild my front axle knuckles.

Finally someone on here w/ some taste! :hillbill:

:guitar:

If you're going to put any sort of coating on it I suggest you POR-15 paint (it's a 3 step process) any rusted area's around the fender trim or anywhere else, and then have the bottom few inches of the entire truck along the fenders/rockers line-x'd (not Rhino'd). It's a tougher, thinner, little more slippery, not as prone to fading liner and a better choice for that type of thing In my opinion.

Then I'd look for some cooler offroad rims. And change the tires to something more all around geared such as an all terrain like the BFG A/T's. Next after that would be to re-do the leaf springs, perhaps giving yourself a minor lift with higher sitting/arched leaf springs (like some of the ones from OME) all around so you can fit bigger tires maybe later on and still have a bit more clearance for offroading if needed. Also if you do change the leaf springs to something with a mild lift (say 1"-2"), then you may need slightly longer shocks. Perhaps there is an OME system that would work for your truck that someone could suggest. This would at least be a start. From there the sky is the limit really depending on your cash flow and your goals. But to make it respectable I think some of the things I just pointed out as a foundation might not be too bad to start with.

My personal opinion from my experience with mine. This is the order I would do things if I had to do over again, and some I did this way.

1. Engine/mechanical in perfect running order - can't wheel it if you can't drive it
2. Lift and tires - stupid to do one w/o the other
3. Gears/lockers - preferably w/ #2 or shortly thereafter
4. Dual cases
5. Armor
6. After that it don't matter

Just paint it or leave it alone. Putting some kind of liner on it will make it a boat anchor and kill your gas mileage if a daily driver. If you are going to wheel it and it has good paint on it already, waste of money IMO.

If you are just going to daily drive this thing mostly and drive on dirt roads, then start w/ #1 and forget the rest, put some bling bling rims on it, some decent tires and paint it BLACK! :rockin:

:guitar:

X2 what the wabbit said...

My order would be this

1.) Engine/trans/electrical

2.) Gears/Lockers/Shafts etc.

3.) Tires/Lift/Beadlocks/Steering

4.) Tube/Cage/Bumpers

5.) Then throw all the Bling on like winch, OBA etc....

Leave the body alone and run it Gold...that way when you slam it up against a tree or flop..you won't care.

My personal belief on body is it's meant to be destroyed. If you build a truck like your talking you will have to run with the rigs that run the hard trails where body damage is to be expected.

Both my fenders are hanging on by one bolt each and nothing is straight on my body nor any of the rigs i run with.

Traumahawk,
Lift it, put 33's under it, see how well the gearing works with the tires...if your satisified then add a rear lockright. You will then have an incredibly capable rig and be-able to comfortably drive it everyday.
Nice buy man!

Chad,

Email me your phone number again...Vince and i just picked up a new shop down by TheRoc on Alum Creek and pic up the keys tomorrow.. :great:

E-mal sent to ya Mark.
Call me anytime...I'm currently working 50/60 hour weeks so times are tough but the money isn't :)
It's nice getting back in touch with you.

1. Supra swap
2. Lift
3. 33' Tires
4. Stronger gears
5. Hy-steer kit
6. A sweet painjob (flat black)
7. Beadlock rims (black)

#1) sell to me for $100
#2) drive it over here
#3) leave

:D

hehe

maybe the modification imagination would increase with PICS!! :bigok: