Here's the deal...I've finally got a class that allowing me to learn more about and work on cars. As a final project we have a fairly open ended project - it has to be auto system ralated. I'm trying to figure out if there's a good project I can do on my 87 4runner. I've got access to a full garage, with lift, tools, engine rebuild stall, lube racks, welding, etc...pretty much anything i could want at at like 3$/hr to use. Its a partner project and we are looking at about 30-40hrs of work.

Any ideas on what a good project would be? I was thinking about either rebuilding my 22re or finding one in a junk yard and rebuilding it - but this is a lot of time and I wouldn't want my truck out of commission for a whole month or two.

Any suggestions are welcome. The stats on the truck are as follows:
5spd transmission
22-RE
just over 135,000 miles

New Parts:
-Shocks (all around-Monroe Sensa-trac, meant to use until I upgrade, but still as good or better than stock)
-new brakes all around
-marlin crawler 1600 clutch

 

If you are wanting to rebuild, then get one from a junkyard, especially since you dont want your truck out of commission for a month or so. How about a full 2 1/4" exhaust system (header, cat, muffler) to go with the rebuild. And/or regearing the differentials so you can put larger tires on, if you plan on it.

 

been thinking about it and wondering if a rebuild is worth it if its running fine as is...maybe I can get some more time out of it before that? Or would there be significant improvements?

What is typically the first thing done to a 4runner?

 

What about a full roll cage for the whole truck and maybe a couple bumpers and regear & lift for bigger tires?

 

If your going to rebuild a 22re dont ruin your barely broke in virgin 135,000 mile motor. Go get a junkyard motor to screw up. And as for a rebuilt 22re's worth? Well since I can score a number of 22re's for anywhere between $0-$100....not much especially since (no offence) it is being rebuilt by a high school kid in a class (im assuming)

The first thing done to 4runners.... Rims and tires, rear locker, armor...

 

+1 for what 4rnr said.

lockers, regear and some larger tires