I've had quite a few toyota rigs through the past and I've always wanted to build a first gen 4Runner. My searching turned up a 1989 blue 4runner that looked to be in great shape. That's when I learned that you NEVER buy a 4runner that has rhino liner on the rear fenders! I started poking and found that both rear fenders and rocker area was GONE due to bad rust and was covered up with literal gobs and gobs of urethane caulk. After that disappointment I decided to find another non-rust 4runner, that's when I found a white 1986 22re 4runner. It had been a long term project this guy was selling on Craigslist so I picked it up. It has ZERO rust and was exactly what I was looking for minus the huge wide wheels/tires and 3" body lift. The engine and transmission were both in the back of the runner when I picked it up.

Mods when bought:
-4:88 gears front and rear
-front lock right locker
-all new weather stripping(Toyota)
-rebuilt short-block bored oversize with receipt from machine shop
-rebuilt w56 transmission with receipt
-all new front end parts and steering.

Day I picked it up:


At home:


I then removed the 3" body lift and installed polyurethane body mounts, then I sold the 33x12.50r15 wheels and tires. I also removed the rear bumper to make room for a marlin or trail-gear rear bumper:

 

Started building the engine

engine specs:
-bored 40 over
-engnbldr cylinder head w/ss valves
-engnbldr front cover, timing components, and gaskets
-RV camshaft
-EGR block off plates
-long-tube header
-Marlin Crawler 1600 clutch kit w/flywheel
-Marlin transmission mount




Cylinder head:





Found a set of 31x10.50r15 BFG a/t tires mounted on Tacoma steelies for super cheap which almost finishes the look I'm going for.


Re-man calipers nice and painted with silver caliper paint, I've never understood why they sell all of these re-man calipers with no finish but raw steel.

 

Looking good!! Clean score on 4rnr.

 

Finally got the engine almost finished up and installed

 

Got the marlin crawler clutch kit installed along with a new flywheel


I almost had the rebuilt W56 installed the same day as the clutch but I could only find one of the throw out bearing clips. So my progress came to a halt because of a $2 clip...

 

That is a great looking runner you have and the progress you are making. I gotten stalled for that same clip and it is not an eay part to find when you are needing it. Looking good.

 

That's a great looking 4Runner! I really like the "look" that you're going for. Glad you took that body lift off, too! I'm looking forward to seeing your progress, keep up the good work!