BigSky04

Hi Folks,

Not sure where exactly to post this, but here it goes:

I'm looking for a reliable all in one shop that runs the line between toyota specialist and off-road enthusiast. Basically, one shop/mechanic that can apply specific experience to a restoration/expedition project.

I have an 87 4Runner that I would like to drop off at a shop for a somewhat lengthy project. I want to commit to this vehicle as a long term, long distance, camping expedition vehicle AND daily driver. That being said I want to do it right. I've done the research and know pretty well what I want to do. Unfortunately, I'm short on 'tinker time' and resources. I have a unique living situation were I park my truck and take a lobster boat to my house, which makes working on my truck difficult.

That being said, I'm willing to make a considerable investment because; hey, it's a Toyota. I would ideally drop the vehicle off at the shop in the spring, for a pickup in the fall. I could also maybe drop it off and camp out for a week or two. Or ship it and then fly to pick it up, but that would cut into the budget.

At the very least I would like to complete:

1. Auto trans swap to 5spd. manual trans. (turbo trans)
2. Re-gear both diffs 4.88, add a selectable locker to the rear (ARB)
3. Mild suspension work (upgrade torsion bars, better leaf springs, etc.)
4. Custom roll cage, built to size of original top, I'll build the soft cover.
5. Rear axle disc brake conversion, upgrade front
6. Dual battery and winch install
7. Fab work: fortify existing front bumper, rear bumper, rock sliders, etc.
7. Address any other issues, mechanical, electrical, etc.

4Runner is in MAINE (04103) and I would be willing to drive pretty much anywhere within reason. New England would be nice. California not so much. Is there a certain 'go to' place? Perhaps a Land Cruiser place that would take on a 4Runner? My research has pointed me to CO, CA, AZ, and British Columbia...all a great distance away. Can anyone help me out and point me in the right direction?

Sorry in advance for the long winded diatribe!

FourwheelinVT

Performance Unlimited is a well recomended shop around here. (Vermont)
And the owner belongs to our local 4x4 club.
http://performanceunlim.wix.com/performance1
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Perfo...34944699875146

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

I like the first gen 4Runners but just curious why you would spend so much money on one that old. Been there done that talking from my own experience

Some parts are becoming more interesting to find .I needed a engine harness because the last owner managed to break most of the plastic connectors a new one is no longer available.

If this is a Maine truck it has seen a long life of harsh winters I know what the liquid brine does in just one winter.

I think your looking at much more work then you think I know when I started on mine it became a money pit.

How ever it plays out good luck.

FGZ

http://www.toyotacrawlers.com/forum/index.php These guys are mainly in W. MA and do more hardcore wheeling, but they should be able to recommend shops. A member there CentralMassSamurai does a lot of custom work. He's not fulltime professional, but I haven't ever heard of an unsatisfied customer. His business is Central Mass Off Road. The only thing he might be unfamiliar with is your IFS suspension that you want to keep lol

A fulltime professional that does excellent work for a higher rate is Bob at Baystate Offroad, but I'm not sure he is doing much more than gear setups for racing these days.

Dr. Wheels is another down near Cape Cod. He's another mainly Jeep guy, but would have all the custom stuff down pat.

BigSky04

@VT:

Thanks for the links, I will investigate.

@WYO:

I bought the truck for $300 while a freshman in college. I've been working on it ever since. I own/have owned other vehicles, but keep going back to this 4Runner. I have considered the new 4Runner or a built tacoma/FJ, but I can't justify the price of the new Runner. With any option, I would ultimately build it the same way.

Plus, I like the idea of using an old vehicle...more 'green' than a Prius I suppose...

It's been a Montana truck. Almost ZERO rust. It HAS been in Maine for about 2 years, so the issues are going to happen.

DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WAXOYL? A LA DEFENDER...

It might be a money pit, but I want a vehicle that is reliable and safe for hunting, fishing, and camping...along with a Pan-American drive if I feel like it. It also wouldn't hurt to have a zombie defense vehicle should the need arise.

Thanks!

@FGZ:

I appreciate the heads up, these are all good leads in decent proximity. I have family on the Cape so that might be a good option.