DIRTCO's 1986 4Runner Build-Up Thread
#1
After years of building, wheeling and destroying my last 4Runner, it’s time to build a new one. The 85’ has served me very well but has gotten to the point where it is no longer practical; it’s pretty much a buggy with some twisted and torn sheet metal. That wouldn’t be an issue, except for the fact that I don’t have a tow rig or trailer and I have always driven it to and from the trail. I always planned on getting a tow rig and trailer, but after a couple years I realize that it’s not in the budget (no mater how hard I try to squeeze it in). So, the only option I have is to build a new more streetable rig.
The goals for this next build are quite a bit different than the last. The main issue is that this is my one and only daily driver, so it has to be street friendly, have heat, and overall be comfortable. It also needs to be built up enough to run my favorite trails and cruise out to Moab with all my camping gear. I know that I won’t be able run the super hardcore trails any more but that doesn’t bother me, without a tow rig it is more stressful than fun.
Here’s the build up of the old 85’ 4Runner.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f115...thread-134399/
And a couple random pictures



The goals for this next build are quite a bit different than the last. The main issue is that this is my one and only daily driver, so it has to be street friendly, have heat, and overall be comfortable. It also needs to be built up enough to run my favorite trails and cruise out to Moab with all my camping gear. I know that I won’t be able run the super hardcore trails any more but that doesn’t bother me, without a tow rig it is more stressful than fun.
Here’s the build up of the old 85’ 4Runner.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f115...thread-134399/
And a couple random pictures



#2
Here’s why it had to be retired. I couldn’t get a windshield back in it and the doors would no longer fit back on. The body was braced to the cage to help minimize this, but it was not enough.






#4
Enough with the old and on to the new!!!
1986 Turbo SR5 4Runner Automatic, pretty much stock except for the following.
- LC Engineering short block bored .30 over, Head modifications
- MSD 6A box, MSD wires
- Electric fan with Flex-A-Fan controller
- K&N cone filter
- 3” Exhaust (needs some work)
- Stock digital dash cluster
Here are a couple older pictures.


And here are a couple more recent pictures.




1986 Turbo SR5 4Runner Automatic, pretty much stock except for the following.
- LC Engineering short block bored .30 over, Head modifications
- MSD 6A box, MSD wires
- Electric fan with Flex-A-Fan controller
- K&N cone filter
- 3” Exhaust (needs some work)
- Stock digital dash cluster
Here are a couple older pictures.


And here are a couple more recent pictures.




#5
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#10
I hate you, for two reasons.
1. That 85 was sweet, and now it's gone.
2. You Turbo is badass and it's not mine.
Good luck. I will be following this closely.
Oh, and what would it take for you to build a bumper like that for me? (seriously)
1. That 85 was sweet, and now it's gone.
2. You Turbo is badass and it's not mine.
Good luck. I will be following this closely.
Oh, and what would it take for you to build a bumper like that for me? (seriously)
#14
The 85' was sweet but the Turbo 4Runner will be even better (capable and comfortable). It will be a fun build and even more fun on the road/trail.
As for the bumper, it took way too long to build. It will be a while before I build another one, I'm glad that you like it though!
#15
I second that
1. I hate you
2. You have a sweet rig, and mine pretty much sucks right now
3. You have a place to do that dammit!
4. I'd love a turbo, they're just sweet.
Seriously though, it's looking good, I like how you did that bumper. Good luck with it!
1. I hate you
2. You have a sweet rig, and mine pretty much sucks right now
3. You have a place to do that dammit!
4. I'd love a turbo, they're just sweet.
Seriously though, it's looking good, I like how you did that bumper. Good luck with it!
#17
How does the Turbo handle offroad? I thought about adding a Turbo a little later on.
Also, are you going to keep the Auto in there or are you going to swap in the manual?
If so, I call dibs on you auto trans
Also, are you going to keep the Auto in there or are you going to swap in the manual?
If so, I call dibs on you auto trans


















