After search for a couple of months I found a 1987 SR5 4runner with only 120000 miles and no rust which for the others I had seen seemed like the deal of a lifetime to find one with under 200000 that was rust free. Interior also in good shape but it had a rough idle which i though would be an easy fix.

After driving the 150 miles home I found out that it was only running on 3 cylinders. Cylinder 1 only had 20 psi compression. The PO told me that the engine had been rebuilt but either he got screwed when he had it rebuilt or he just flat out lied to me.

Either way I still have the 4 runner and pulled the engine and transmission and am currently having the engine rebuilt from the bottom end up.

I don't drive hard or have any desire to run the truck up to 5 grand before shifting so going back stock with the engine with the possibility in the future to maybe add a header and a intake when some more money become available.

Also planning on doing a zuk mod to lift the rear a little right now i only have about 2 inches between the bump stops.

Engine going back in this weekend so hopefully I labeled my vacuum hoses good enough. If anyone has any tips for re installing the engine or other things to do while it is out let me know. Right now it will be getting the block painted red, all new gaskets, new water and oil pump, and a new fuel filter.

Will add pictures as soon as i figure out how to get the size small enough to upload them.

 

Sounds like a nice find! In for pics

 

Since this picture was taken i have removed the running boards. The 31x 10.50 the PO installed were rubbing so they had to go. Also they would get in the way of the mild offroading I am planning for the 4runner as soon as I get it running.

After searching around I found a machine shop in Kannapolis, NC that has rebuilt 22r long blocks out the door for $600 with your core. After taking my block and crank shaft to another machine shop and finding out that the crank in it had already been turned 30 I decided to go with the engine for 600 rather than building mine. It was hard to let a engine go that only had 120000 on it but it also shouldn't have had a bad piston with broken ring lands at only 120000 so this was I'm starting new. The new engine also comes with a 12 month warranty so this may be a good option for others out there. Ill do my best to post how the engine is doing as I go through my build of this 4runner.

 

Your in the Heart of NASCAR county, should not be hard to find a good shop....nice looking runner good luck...Bill

 

I got some new pictures of the 4 runner.

Have the engine and transmission pulled going with new seals all around and giving everything a good cleaning.

Chefs yota was inspiration for how to do this rebuild I loved the great job he did on his engine rebuild. Luckily my dad has been able to clean the parts while I have been at college taking exams so this weekend when i get home plan on doing some more cleaning and painting and installing the engine. Will post pics of everything cleaned up.

Here is what i got so far though

http://s1068.photobucket.com/albums/u451/crbrinkl/

I couldnt find a good way to upload the photos here so i just made a photobucket account.

If anyone has any comments or thoughts on what i should do while the trans and engine is out let me know.

Thanks, Chad

 

That's cool your dad is helping out while you are away from the truck.

To post the pictures you just copy and paste the [ IMG ] link from photobucket.

 

Picture of what my the engine looks like after a good cleaning and paint. Really lucky to have my dad work on it while I was taking exams. Going to install new clutch and rest of accessories tomorrow and hopefully begin putting engine back in.



Picture of engine bay soon to be cleaned up

 

Great looking truck. Looks like you have gotten everything back together so dont have any suggestions that I can think of right off other then to use a Toyota exhaust gasket.

 

I know its been a while since my last update but I have been having lots of little problems that I ran into while putting this thing back together. Thought I finally had everything right on it until this weekend I was driving it around and im getting a bad noise coming from the top end but it doesnt start until about 4000 RPM. The motor runs smooth until then. Im thinking it might be that the timing chain needs tightened. Any thoughts.

 

If it is running great up to 4000 rpm I would say you probably got your timing chain on right as there isnt much room for error on that, but it culdnt hurt checking anyways. Could it be your valves? I would recheck all the top end bolts,valves,timing cover bolts. May try posting a video and someone might have experinced it at some time.

 

Or you can drive it without going over 4,000 rpm. I good friend of mind said, if you do not know what the problem is, drive until it breaks then you know...lol

Maybe a fuel problem, try changing the fuel filter, I had almost the same problem and the fuel tank had rust and the fuel filter would full up with rust pieces. Good luck...Bill

 

Thanks for the suggestions on what the problem may have been but it ended up being that the alternator belt wasn't tight enough and when the engine revved it would vibrate the alternator bracket. I have put about 500 miles on the new engine so far and everything seems to be running good. Looking at maybe doing a slight lift I was thinking 1.5 ball joint spacers up front and either some chevy springs or a zuk mod in the rear. I had seen on here somewhere where 98 4runner springs would slide over the bump stops in the rear without having to do any cutting any thoughts on that or what all is involved on switching to Chevy springs out back.

 

Ive got about 900 miles on the 4runner so far, took it for some mild trail riding with a Jeep the other day and was able to go where ever i wanted to so very pleased with that. The next step is getting the AC working since ive spent so much on a compressor, has anyone had luck with changing the expansion valve in these trucks.

 

Glad to hear you found your noise. I have never done the Chevy springs or expansion valves so cant help you there.