Im considering a First Gen 4Runner! Am I nuts?

[Keaster]

Puuuulllll that trigger!

Alright so I have had my first gen for just over two years and am the seconed owner. I swear it was the best two grand I ever spent. I go everywhere in it, and it even took it on 3786 mi. road trip to Montana and all parts in between in a week. Its like everyone else has already stated easy to work on and learn. As for the size I find it perfect, narrow trac width and a
103" wheel base makes for smoother ride and yet its not to long to be a problem. Oh and I have the 3vze 6 cyl. and I still love it! The further west you look the better shape they tend to be in. If your still not sure post your specific concerns and I bet people will jump to tell you what to look for and look out for. Not to mention they love helping newbs fix, repair, and improve they're rigs. Best of luck with the hunt!

 

[Root Moose]

If you really like the eighties retro look and can deal with Toyota ergonomics of the time then go for it absolutely. I only say it in that context because I remember you have been looking at newer vehicles.

Warning: RUST, RUST, RUST!

The frames on these things at the leaf spring hangers like to fatigue rust and get soft. It results in cracked/broken frames in these areas. If you don't know what to look for in this regard make certain you take the truck to someone that does.

The bodies can be rusty as well. The rear tailgate is bad for this and the electric lift for the window is prone to issues (i.e. most don't work any more).

Drivetrain is fine - if it is fresh enough.

Buying a vehicle of this vintage is either expensive or cheap and ends up being a restoration project (i.e. expensive). Depends on what your expectation levels are of course.

There's a couple of these trucks in our club. It took a wheelbarrow full of money to get them into good spec. That said, we are in the rust belt.

Make sure you find the correct truck. If there is _anything_ suspect about a truck you are looking at then move on to the next one. I'm a big believer in buying old trucks from areas where they don't rust as much. You pay for it up front in shipping and/or travel costs but in the long term they end up being better trucks. I guess it depends on if you are the type to keep a truck "forever" even if you don't end up using it as your preferred mode of transport.

If you settle on this platform make sure you drive one for a good distance before committing. I know that I don't fit. I'm 6' tall and more long in the leg than the body. I hate the legs straight out in front seating position and my head almost brushes the headliner so I feel like I have to have my head cocked to one side all the time.

Make sure you fit and don't get caught up in the excitement of a new vehicle purchase.

$0.02

 

[Toyotero]

Warning: RUST, RUST, RUST!

Ditto on the rust warning. I don't think that old Toyotas are any more prone to rusting than any other vehicle, they just last longer to show the damage.

Here in Central TX, we don't have a problem with vehicles rusting, so I never think about it much. If you live somewhere where they salt the roads in the winter, you definitely need to check out the frame and a few key sheet metal spots as Root Moose described.

Best of luck,

Toyotero.

 

[slus]

I know that I don't fit. I'm 6' tall and more long in the leg than the body. I hate the legs straight out in front seating position and my head almost brushes the headliner so I feel like I have to have my head cocked to one side all the time.

Amazing. I'm a touch over 6'4", my seat is one click forward and there is at least 2-3" between my hair and the roof. Different seat combo perhaps? I have WAY more headroom in my 84 4runner than in both my tacomas or any 3 of my later model 4runners.

 

[austintaco]

I love them so much, I bought mine back and drove it to TX from Minniapolis. It was the best decision I ever made:

http://www.yotatech.com/f115/anyone-buy-back-truck-you-sold-10-years-ago-119933/

We did break down on the way back, but it was related to the locker set up. Being broke down did suck, but it was all part of the adventure.

I am currently having the head rebuilt with some other goodies.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I had an '88 4Runner SR5 with the 22RE - awesome truck and I wish I never sold it.

1st Gens Rule IMO, with the new 4th Gen being a distant second. YMMV.

 

[RobD]

I have a 2nd gen and love it, but my next project will be a 1st gen with a 3.4 swap.

Good looking truck, especially with the fiberglass top off and a bikini top on. The truck, I mean. Not me.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

I'm definitely doing the 7MGE motor swap!