Get an IFS and swap it, like I did. Do it right the first time. Save up money for parts, and wheel the IFS untill you have alll your SAS parts.

 

I didn't think it would last long, considering it was a great price! I don't know the guy personally, but some of the members in goldcoast cruisers know him and that rig.... If I had the extra money, I would have gotten it. He only lives about 10 miles from me...

 

Yeah I know that was one hell of a rig, how the heck I would have gotten all the parts he had across the country I don't know but I would have tried for that price.:cry: . Oh well there's always something better just around the corner. If I'm getting you guys telling me to do an SAS on and IFS rig then I need to really understand the price of these swaps? Anyone willing to disclose the amount of cash you shelled out or have some links to ppl. who were willing to spend and tell. . I really prefer to get and 85' and run with it, but if I can buy a rig and SAS with tires for somewhere under 5,000 then I'm in. Let me know. Thans for all the leads on trucks, it's hard to keep patroling the boards.

 

You can do a SAS for around a $1000, but it wouldn't be that trail worthy. To do a proper conversion, you'll have to re-work the rear as well. Between the Hy-steer components and quality parts, you looking at $6000 minimum. Many have done it cheeper, but in the long run they start replacing the parts with better/stronger one's $$$.

After I get done with this project, I may just build a buggy that I can trailer in, then I wouldn't have to worry about breaking it. My 4Runner would become my tow rig....


I would have gladly taken them off your hands, so you wouldn't have had to lug them back across the country

 

Wow, now that's a overstatement!

Rear

springs $free-$400
shocks $100-$350

Front

springs $free-$400
shocks & mounts $150-400
crossover steering $300-500
axle $250 + $100 for rebuild kit
Miscellaneous stuff (steel, brake lines, bushings, etc...) $200-$300

So I'm estimating anywhere from $1000-$1950 for the front end only (for those who are already lifted like WATRD was, and $1100-$2700 for a complete package. Now add on labor to have someone else do it for you and that will probably be another grand but still not even close to $6000...


I'm not including gears or lockers since I don't consider those part of the swap, some people may choose not to regear or may already have lower gears or lockers so that's an unknown variable.

 

Stump-

You can get a stock, mid 80's Runnah (read- unbuilt, regular tires, etc.)in Colorado (and, I'd bet, in NM and AZ), if you're willing to take your time and look around. Autotrader is a great resource for shopping for these (plug in 80130 and pick 100 mile radius for a search area), and this board has lots of CO residents that I'd bet would be willing to check out some candidates for you. Heck, even I Might be up for checking out a few. We're also a cheap flight destination, as we've got a decent sized airport, and best of all, very little to no rust on older vehicles. While the paint on my PU suffers from some oxidation, the frame and body panels look as though they're only a year or two old, and it's a '95.
Gimme a shout if you're interested.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve,

I got your e-mail also. I really apreciate the insight and the info/suggestions you gave. Things are looking up, if this deal doesn't fall though of course. I found an 85' Runner recently rebuilt on 4x4wire. This guy claims to love the build more than the breaking it in aspect. Take a look and let me know, I have already e-mailed him, hopefully I can hear back soon from him soon. Check it Out

Let me hear some honesy opinions and some questions that might help me make a good 1st purchase on a 1st gen. Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like for the price of just SAS'ing a later edition truck you'd get a decent platform to start off with-

I had an '83 pu with the 22r that went to 174k- still ran great, but had to sell because of terminal body rot (east coast truck). So I wouldn't worry too much about the mileage. Condition may be another matter (how's compression, what about that oil burning problem), but most of the difficulties he mentions are fairly easy to fix. Heck, even a refurb. donor motor for that truck may be cheaper than an SAS. Some feel the 22re is a little small for the extra weight of a 4runner, but power is relative, and if you're not a speed junkie you might not care. Many people wheel the 22re very happily in the Runner.

I'm not really a pro regarding 4 runners- it sounds like a decent opportunity, and the guy doesn't sound as though he's blowing smoke. The few modifications he's made sound OK or easily reversible (I'd dump the add-a-leaf and swap in new springs in the rear for better flex) and the stuff that's missing you won't care about anyway (probably).

And if you're not interested in the donor truck and he's willing to drop the price some, then you'll get a decent deal.

If it falls through, then you still have Colorado options. Drop me a line, if you need to.

Steve