I have a question for anyone who cares to answer.
I Have 2 4runners right now a 1989 sr5 v6 5speed with a rotten frame and a
1989 4cyl with a great frame and body but no motor or trans. The v6 runs great, head gaskets were just done. The drivetrain is in good condition but the body and frame are shot!
I have the ability to trade the v6 and $1000 for a 1985 sr5 auto 4runner!
Is it worth it or should I take the 4cyl 89 and build it with parts from the v6?
I will be doing a sas if I keep the 89's. I noticed that a sas kit isn't a hole lot more than a quality lift kit for the 85. Also I will want crossover steering, an upgraded rear axle and front v6 brake calipers!
Just trying to figure out the most cost effective way to start!
Thanks for the help in advance.
Joe

 

I think that depends on if u want to have auto or stick? If u want stick stay with the 89 but if u don't care if its auto go with the 85 since its already solid front axle and use the grand to make it ur own(customize)

 

SAS kit isnt much more than a lift for a truck with a SA stock, but you still have to get the axle and do a s-load of cutting and welding for the SAS. just more food for thought

 

I realise I will have to do some cutting and welding. I am not afraid of the work just wanted to know what to do for best cost!

 

Anyone else have any input?

 

The 89 rear axle is the desirable version (wider) as is the IFS steering box. since you plan on sas'ing any way stick with the 89 and part out the other, youshould make enough to cover most of your parts for the SAS.

 

pull out the 4banger, swap in the v6 & rest of the drivetrain (tranny/tcase/axles/brakes..etc). then SAS it. dont bother with the 85..since you'll be putting a solid axle in anyway along with all the other goodies like highsteer etc. plus, you'll already have the wider rear on the 89 V6...

 

Ive realized 84-85 toyotas are not really that desirable anymore because lots of people are running propane instead of efi and full widths or running a linked front so the only reason a sfa truck (stock) is good if you are gonna keep the leaves up front.

Keep the 89s, swap the drivetrain over, part out the rest of the 89 if there is anything worth it, scrap the body, frame... Then with the dough buy the sas kit. this also allows you to customize the front end, where to put the steering box, how big of a drop hanger, how far forward to mount the axle.

personally though i would drop the 89s and get the 85 just because that is too much work for me right now

 

Thanks for the confusion...I guess

I will stick with the 1985 and I think I will have a 1989 for sale with a mint frame and a decent body with a complete grey interior to go with it!
Later
Joe

 

I would avoid the auto like the plague if you plan on driving it on the highway. The overdrive is so damn tall that it won't pull it on anything remotely uphill, and if you want it to, you'll be limited to 33's with 5.71's.

 

4cyl Auto is poop.

Keep the 89's More fun as a project, anyway.