1986 22RE 4Runner build, daily driver/expedition rig

[Casebite]

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:

 

[Casebite]

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.

 

[Casebite]

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...

 

[uscg2008]

MAn this is a sweet build I have always wanted a first gen with a 22re too. Sub'd for this

 

[OSV]

that thing is clean!! nice

looks like you didn't have the rear driveshaft in there for the tow home(?), but for anyone reading this who doesn't know better, never flat-tow one of these early 4runners; either lift the rear, or remove the rear driveshaft.

 

[bkg]

that thing is clean!! nice

looks like you didn't have the rear driveshaft in there for the tow home(?), but for anyone reading this who doesn't know better, never flat-tow one of these early 4runners; either lift the rear, or remove the rear driveshaft.

My first thought as well

 

[Casebite]

"The engine and transmission were both in the back of the runner when I picked it up."

 

[bkg]

"The engine and transmission were both in the back of the runner when I picked it up."

Reading comprehension fail on my part....

 

[tanglefoot]

Wow, really nice. That's gotta be about the best looking 22RE rebuild I've seen. We didn't pay any attention to cosmetics when we did ours, but that sure is purty.

Be really careful with the Lockright up front. That can really put a lot of stress on things, especially when the front tires are turned. You might also find that it steers better with one front hub unlocked. I never wanted an auto locker up front, but I'm pretty happy with a Lock Right in back. I like the front diff open, myself.

 

[Jeep]

Very nice and clean, I'm in the market for the same vehicle! Best thing you did was remove the body lift, they are in my opinion the worst 4x4 mod on the market.

 

[Casebite]

Yeah I've been reading about how the lock right can engage/disengage quite harshly. I plan on getting a twin stick shifter for the t-case in hopes of easing the steering if I get into a tight spot, only locking one hub is a good idea as well. Eventually I'd like to get arb air lockers front and rear but that gets very expensive fast.

 

[Casebite]

Thanks for all of the complements!

Hopefully I can get the 4runner finished before July 4th weekend so my wife, daughter and I can head up to Colorado with my off-road camper.:safari-rig::camping:

The camper:

 

[ca18_sean]

Nice looking truck and camper!

 

[climber-420]

beautiful runner. congrats on the find.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Nice job on all of it!