1985 Toyota 4runner...Need ideas

[tanglefoot]

Congrats on finding an '85!

They 4-wheel really nicely just as they are. The things that I felt helped the most though were a rear locker and a lower low-range gearset.

I put in a Lockright because it was cheaper than the others and I could install it myself without having anyone re-set the gear contact pattern. It's been in there almost 10 years with no complaints.

For low-range gearing, I didn't want to run dual cases because I didn't want to have to shorten/lengthen drive shafts, mess with the cross-member or cut shifter holes in the floor, so I just switched out the gearset in the stock case to a 4:1 set from Advanced Adapters. Marlin Crawlers has a 4.7:1 set as well but it wasn't in stock when I did the swap. I'm really happy with the lower low-range gearing--it makes a huge difference with off-road control.

I did run a soft-top as well but I couldn't afford a Can-back, so I got a Specialty top instead. It's made of jeep-top material instead of sunbrella so it's a little more stubborn to snap closed when it's cold out, but it has nice windows and roll-up sides. It's been great. I don't use it anymore though because...

...for quite a while I was trying to find a better way to camp with it. I tried a home-made sleeping platform but it was too close to the ceiling (claustaphobic) and didn't have enough length to stretch out. I finally went with...

...a pop-up camper! The manual says not to, but I did it anyway. It does make it a bit clumsier to drive but it's hard to beat the camping comfort!

I did add a winch--it's the 8,000 pound from Harbor Freight. It's not as fast as the other ones, but it works and costs a chunk less--I'm really happy with it. I don't use it often, but it's incredibly helpful in slimy snow and mud conditions and for helping others out.

The OME (Old Man Emu, from ARB) springs also really change its manners. I have the light front springs from OME and they really help soak up bumps and articulate.

I've almost always run 31x10.50 tires and I can hardly feel the final drive ratio difference from 28" tires. I have the stock 4.10:1 axle gears.

Have fun with it. I can't imagine every letting mine go!

Eric

 

[rickashay]

If the Campbell River is in Canada then you need to hook up with this crowd... http://www.ct4wd.com/forum/index.php

Solid group of wheelers with a wealth of experience and skill. I'm planning a trip with them this summer on the Whipsaw Trail.

Enjoy your build and good luck.

As TangoBlue says, check out CT4WD if you like Toyota's and especially if your from Canada. AWESOME group.

Make it reliable and fix all the maintenance issues first if you plan on being out on the trail lots!! Then, I would say get some 31's, sliders, and some skids to protect the underside and wheel it.

Enjoy the Runner!!

 

[4runnin4life]

I like your paint scheme tanglefoot! First person I've seen with an aftermarket bumper that was painted to match.

Here's my Frankenyota:

My 4Runner on the left and the 89 "2WD to 4WD" on the right.
I think you'll find yours to be a great endurance 4x4. If you're at/under 6 foot, the back of the 4R with the rear seats folded down can be made comfortable with an air matress. Inexpensive mods like a 12V outlet, an additional rear window switch, and improved lighting make side-of-the-trail Runner camping fairly convenient.

And although my Runner is not built to 4Rescue's stance, it holds its own with stock springs and 33s. A mild lift that allows flexibility, 31s or larger, and a rear locker can really take you places. Have fun with it!

33s and 35s are a good compromise before daily driving becomes a headache. I would like to slim down to a 10.5" width again. The extra 2" dumbs down the steering radius and throws you all over the highway.

This is nice... haven't had to use it but its there in the event that I require such a tool:

And in this photo, I couldn't back as far up the hill. The Jeep had limited slip, the Burban had a 350 V8, and I... had neither:

 

[kyle]

Is this rig a bit slow? yes. You'll be doing 50-55 up big hills in 3rd gear. But so what? You'll be comfortable, and getting mid 20's as far as mpg's go while doing it.

Is this realistic? I've got a bone-stock '84 with a rebuilt (for reliability, not power) 22r and I consistently average 17.5 mpg. Maybe I have a lead foot or do too much city driving, but I find it difficult to get it up to 20 mpg.

 

[Ruined Adventures]

Is this realistic? I've got a bone-stock '84 with a rebuilt (for reliability, not power) 22r and I consistently average 17.5 mpg. Maybe I have a lead foot or do too much city driving, but I find it difficult to get it up to 20 mpg.

Sounds about right if you've got a lead foot. In the city I get anywhere from 15-22mpg. If you're not in a hurry or on the highway enough, I've found the low 20's very achievable...Cruising 45-50mph thru Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons, I averaged 26.5 mpg on a tank of gas. (235/75R/15 tires, 2 passengers, loaded down with probably 500+lbs of junk)

 

[Owyhee H]

Ive found that in the summer(90+ deg) cruising on the highway, not freeway, at 55-65 I can get 23-24mpg. In the winter around town I can be as low as 16. If I drive 75 my mpg suffers tremendously(17mpg highway). Normally I'm 18-20mpg for mixed driving. I am frustrated that is is not more consistent but I think that quality of gas and how much of a hurry I'm in at any given time makes a big difference.

I towed my 14' raft on a trailer for a 500mile round trip last year and averaged a little over 18, I was happy with that. Its no powerhouse but it will get you there.

 

[PirateMcGee]

Is this realistic? I've got a bone-stock '84 with a rebuilt (for reliability, not power) 22r and I consistently average 17.5 mpg. Maybe I have a lead foot or do too much city driving, but I find it difficult to get it up to 20 mpg.

the 22r suffers a bit in mpg vs. the 22re

 

[4runnin4life]

Is this realistic? I've got a bone-stock '84 with a rebuilt (for reliability, not power) 22r and I consistently average 17.5 mpg. Maybe I have a lead foot or do too much city driving, but I find it difficult to get it up to 20 mpg.

Sounds realistic to me...

My 22R w/ 220k miles and a fair share of oil blow-by gets 15-16. Also you must remember that any tire larger than factory will throw off a speedometer and odometer. It may not seem like much, 230 miles later and you've actually gone closer to 260 miles.

 

[1stgenoverland]

Thanks for all the info and the links...Ive decided on a few things. BFG mud terrains 31", TJM front bumper, Small lift, rear tire carrier and a new rear bumper. Also a roof rack too with a roof top tent. warn 9000lbs. thats pretty much it

 

[BIGdaddy]

Thanks for all the info and the links...Ive decided on a few things. BFG mud terrains 31", TJM front bumper, Small lift, rear tire carrier and a new rear bumper. Also a roof rack too with a roof top tent. warn 9000lbs. thats pretty much it

Great choices. Very sensible kit, there.

Do you have a recovery kit? Mine is pieced together, rather than spending a chunk of change at any one vendor.

Okoffroad.com has some pretty good deals, though I find that a good tractor supply store often has a lot of the same gear we use, usually with detailed weight capacities/limits.

 

[CA-RJ]

Thanks for all the info and the links...Ive decided on a few things. BFG mud terrains 31", TJM front bumper, Small lift, rear tire carrier and a new rear bumper. Also a roof rack too with a roof top tent. warn 9000lbs. thats pretty much it

Where are you planing on getting the TJM bumper from? I thought they stop distributing to the US?

 

[BIGdaddy]

Where are you planing on getting the TJM bumper from? I thought they stop distributing to the US?

they did.

I thought about that, too. I figured since he mentioned it, he might have line on a local used example or maybe someone has NOS(new old stock) inventory.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I hear they are coming back.

 

[1stgenoverland]

Where are you planing on getting the TJM bumper from? I thought they stop distributing to the US?

Well Lucky for me Im from the Great White North (Canada) and I can pretty much get anything for my truck. Hardly any restrictions too. For recovery gear I have a tow strap currently and thats about it. I really like the rear tire carrier that was posted on this forum...Really nice...Sort of what Im thinking for my truck.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Well Lucky for me Im from the Great White North (Canada) and I can pretty much get anything for my truck. Hardly any restrictions too. For recovery gear I have a tow strap currently and thats about it. I really like the rear tire carrier that was posted on this forum...Really nice...Sort of what Im thinking for my truck.

ding, ding. there's your answer, Ryan. He hails from Cannuckistan.


Good start with the tow strap. Might want to add:
-some D-shackles,
-a pulley block(to double or re-direct your winch pull),
-a pair of gloves,
-and maybe a tree strap/guard to protect the trunk of a tree used as an anchor from getting cut/hurt by a winch cable.