Hey all,
Well it finally happened. After looking for months every single day I finally found a 4runner to start my project. Well the back story: This runner was bought in December of 85 from a dealership in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. A few years later it moved to Simi Valley where it has been since. I bought it from the original owner and so far it looks like it has been well taken care of. It did not run and he said some crooked mechanic said it was a head gasket then offered $500 for it. Anyways, I jumped on it right when I saw it and the project starts
http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_1619.jpg

 

Tried that picture again.

 

I have a bunch of plans for it, but starting with the engine to see what went wrong. Put the boat in storage because I need the room and got it planted where it will lay for awhile.http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/...1/P1201994.jpg
Then started on what I had. Pretty clean engine compartment for a 27 year old truck. I was very particular I wanted a 4 wheel drive, 22re, w56 trans, and A/C. http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/...1/P1201998.jpg

 

Dang still learning with the pics sorry.

 

End of first day.

Some more progress.

Some labeling

And more labeling...

AND possibly over labeling, but I hate getting lost.

 

Finally started to pull the engine.

Decided to pull the engine with the trans and started to regret it right around here.
I was hitting the ceiling with the hoist and started thinking I didn't have room for the trans.

But got it out. Good day. By the way I've never pulled an engine and passed my previous experience awhile ago. So this is a learning experience for sure.

 

Feel free to post comments critiques. I'm sure my questions will start flowing soon for all you pros out there.

 

so what's the issue with the engine? doing a full rebuild or just the front end? any upgrades?

 

Hey Ian,
I had all kinds of plans before buying one but was gonna let the truck condition lead my decisions. I like the overall condition of the truck so I am going to keep it somewhat original. My plan right now is rebuild the engine, trans, and transfer case. I am thinking 33's with 4.88's in the rear end, and front and back bumpers. Other things are on the drawing board too but we'll see how the budget goes. I would love to SAS this thing one day but that's not in the plans right now. I'm sure things will change a little as a make progress.

 

Well here is the engine compartment with it out. Gonna start cleaning it up soon.
Got the engine and trans separated. Gonna put it on the stand today.

And I built this little stand for the trans. Made a mess so today is getting the engine on the stand, cleaning up, and getting organized.

 

so no 4.88's in the front? don't plan on using 4wd?

 

that thing is really clean! lookin forward to seeing how it comes together

 

Wow that that thing is really clean. I wish my truck was in that good of shape when i got it...

Looking forward to see how it comes out!!

 

Subscribed.Looking great so far! Can't wait to see how it turns out.

What plans do you have for the engine? Stock rebuild?

 

I got my 86' for $500 but mine was in 1000X worse shape


Although now it isn't!

 

Thanks guys so far I think it's a good find. We'll see I've never seen what works and what doesn't. I live in smog happy California so it's just a stock rebuild for me. I just want a strong, fresh drivetrain so I can take it farther and not worry about it. Swimmerboy your build really motivated me thanks for the comment I'm hoping it turns out great. More to come soon!

 

Glad to hear I got you motivated

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.

 

Hello jnew911...Welcome to Yotatech. Wish I could get something like that for $500. I just did an 88 and am doing an 86. On my 88 build I tried to put up alot of the common problems found on these and it is all listed on the first post where to find them.

As far as motor work 92Toy did an excellent job on where to get parts and pics. When he started he said he had no experience at all and think that included basic maintainace and now he is a pro. His build will help you alot on motor work. Plenty of guys here willing to help.

I am always willing to offer advice you ever get in a bind. I am doing one now. That is a sweet truck. You will like when you get it running. Getting the Cranshaft bolt can be a bear at times but a basic tool set will get you through for the most part. Good luck and looking forward to your build.

 

@Terrys87: Thanks for the info! I will be looking at 92toy's threads to learn more. I'm looking forward to the crankshaft bolt lol. I've always wanted a 1st gen 4runner so I can't wait to get it on the road.
Thanks everyone for the positive posts! I should have clarified in the first post on the price. The mechanic knew he could fix it real quick and have a clean runner; he was a crook looking to get this runner. The PO said no with intentions to fix it. It sat for awhile and he decided to sell it as is. He wanted $1800 and when I saw it's condition I didn't even try to negotiate. I bought it 2 days after he posted it on Craigslist and I was not the first to make an offer. Everyone else was trying to lowball him but I think it was worth $1,800. We'll see. I saw plenty of them and when I was looking and most were in bad shape.

 

Looks like you're off to a great start, way to jump in! You couldn't ask for a better candidate, beautiful truck you've got there!