so I just had a baby and i am downgrading from my 99 tacoma (2.7l 33x9.5 BF AT's downey 2.5 suspension lift leer cap) to an 88 4runner (stock). in real life I haul about 200-500 lbs of video equipment around with me for work on a semi daily basis, in my time off I like to drive to places that seem like they are too far away to drive to (like the southern pacific coast of mexico and alaska) (I live in buffalo NY) so anyways I am very rarely off road but I live in buffalo so there is a lot of snow to deal with during the winter, and I do have to deal with less than paved roads when I travel for fun. my tacoma never let me down, got great mpg's (22-24) and now I need to get the same reliability/ ability from my 4runner. any suggestions?

ps I know I'll never get the same mpg's from my little 22re

 

Is the 88' a 5spd or automatic? And do you intend to run the same size tire?

 

it's a 5 speed and I would like to keep the same tires (cause I still have 2 spares that I like to carry on long trips but if the gearing is hard to match to 33's then I would consider going with smaller tires.....

 

Re-gearing is only hard on the wallet , if you don't go too far on the tire size then you shouldn't have to re-gear and it would possibly help highway mileage , just get speedo re-geared , much cheaper hehe

 

Okay, you can keep the 33"s. I am pretty certain the lug pattern is the same. You'd probably need to trim the fender a little, however 9.50"s probably aren't bad at all, if they even rub.

Next, I'd pick up some 3rd members from a junkyard that are 4.56s (these came in the pickups and 4runners with automatic transmissions (check the axle code on the door jam to be certain). The correct gear ratio, according to this chart (to match factory ratio with smaller tires) is 4.27. More power is 4.88s, so a 4.56 would put you right in the middle. Finding third members from a reputable junkyard (the junkyards near me will guarantee the part is in working condition when you pull it) is a huge advantage as you won't have to completely set them up, you'll just have to double check everything. Also, it is a lot cheaper and if everything is setup correctly, you could essentially have a bolt-on component.

Next, I'd probably address the rear springs. Since the 4runners often sag in the rear, I'd either do add-a-leafs, or get new leaf packs. If the rear is all good, I'd probably add a helper spring, or some kind of beefier shock to keep those 500lbs. you ride with daily from riding roughly, or prematurely sagging the springs. Although 500lbs. isn't bad at all.

Next, I'd probably add a tach (if it doesn't have one), be sure and calibrate the speedometer, and then do a normal tune up of the engine (distributor cap, rotor, plugs, wires, PCV valve, fuel filter, air filter, check timing, etc...)

Then I'd drive it, but not before posting pictures of it on YotaTech

 

Thanks for the tips
I'll post pics as soon as I get the truck on wednesday here are some that the previous owner sent me

 

I'd just get some 15" Cragar Soft 8's (45 per wheel) and some 31 or 32" AT's.

the Cragar's are inexpensive and look pretty good. If you stick with that tire/wheel combo you won't have to change the stock suspension set-up.

 

1. get an add a leaf or a new set of springs on the rear to help with the sag and the weight of what you are going to haul around.
2. Get a good set of 31's and let it role... that way no life or regearing is needed

 

That truck looks just like mine!! NICE!! If you lived closer I have a set of American Racing wheels, but yeah some black steelies would look great on your truck.

 

[quote=dudedude;50646073]Thanks for the tips
I'll post pics as soon as I get the truck on wednesday here are some that the previous owner sent me

Looks Nice Man

 

Time for a brake and clutch fluid flush! Wooo!

Very nice. Looks a lot like mine, too. Only newer....and no rust.

 

Yeah I will be doing a PS flush to get ATF back in my puppy

 

Prob'ly a good idea...

 

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Cheap too hehe
I look for the cheap things hehe , gotta save for the rest