Question on a potential 1st Gen 4 Runner purchase for a new guy!

[greene0230]

Hey all,

Just joined expo a couple days ago. Ive been finding amazing information and ideas for the future. Right now I'm looking for a 1st gen 4runner. Im currently in Rhode Island so its been hard finding one that isn't beat to hell and rusted everywhere. I found an 86 down in NJ for $1200 that has 260k on it. Body looks good, some surface rust near fenders. Great interior and a solid frame. The only thing is the engine. I want to rebuild at some point but wont be able to until the summer rolls around again. From the picture of the engine I cant tell if its worth it or not, it looks pretty rusted in some spots.

I wanted to ask you all your opinion before I decided wether to take a look at it in person. Does this look like an engine that could last until the summer?


I know its really hard to tell from this one picture but all input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

And sorry if this is the wrong place to post this. I wasnt sure where to put it.

 

[Revco]

Keep looking. You can spend $1200 now, then dump more $$$ into it fixing issues, or you can spend a little more now on a nicer one and spend less in the future on problems and have more to spend on modifications. Don't be afraid to look at vehicles in other states (CA, TX, NM, UT, CO) where rust isn't as common. If you get enough photos and information from the seller and are confident that you're getting the right rig, shipping across the country is probably less than you think. I got a quote in 2010 to ship a truck from Phoenix to Austin for $475, but I opted to fly out and drive it back because I was too anxious, wound up costing over twice as much as the shipping option. Good luck.

 

[surlydiesel]

Unless it's from South Jersey where they see less salt and snow than we see here in the northern end, I would assume the frame is hiding rust and will crumble in a few years or less. It is really hard to find a rust free 4runner here. I would look around Philly or South from there and obviously out west. I bought a truck from CO and had it shipped. Very easy and it was very rust free!!!

-jorge

 

[sparksgarrett45]

Keep Looking

As everyone else said, keep looking. There is a lot to replace in the engine bay alone by the looks of it. Rust is almost certainly in the frame already. I spent 1600 on mine, and the only thing wrong was a little rust in the fender wells. Keep looking brother, your diamond is out there!

 

[greene0230]

Thanks guys! All of this input was great. Its been in the back of my mind that the trucks around the northeast are just rust bombs waiting to go. I think Ive finally come to terms that Im going to have to find one down south or out west. No matter though, as long as can find an awesome 1st gen in the end! Wanted a Tacoma forever and then the 22re pickup. But when I saw the 4runner I knew there was no other option haha.

 

[tanglefoot]

I would wait 'till you're back in Boulder as well. A lot of the used examples are overly-modified for my liking but with some searching and patience, you're likely to find a relatively rust-free one around here. Good examples are hard to find though...nothing really stood out in the Craigslist search I just did.

Another option, if you're planning on going through the engine anyway, is to resurrect a salvage rig. We have some great Toyota yards here in the Denver Area (Jim's and the Yotayard) that have 1st gennys coming out of their ears. You could probably find a relatively straight one there, do an engine rebuild/swap and go through the other systems and end up with a really nice runner.

The 1st-gens are definitely versatile and fun--they do everything. I've had my '85 for 15 years and have no plans to replace it...nothing else interests me!

 

[greene0230]

Thanks tanglefoot, Im trying to get back to CO as quick as I can. There is no place like the mountains and the east coast is not cutting it for my anymore. I will definitely check out those yards though when I get a chance. Whatever Runner I get, I will definitely be making some changes too so a good toyota oriented yard will be essential!