1986 4Runner

Toyotero

Explorer
DUDE!!! X 2

That 4R has a lot less rust than a typical CO 4R from where they salt the roads.. I've seen some seriously rusted out tailgates and yours looks perfect.

The Altimete/Inclinometer was a rare option... and it is a coveted one. They go for $100 plus on ebay.

You got a great deal for $2000... maybe even a steal considering the low mile engine and such. If in a week you don't want it, I'd bet that you could sell it for $3500 or more if you posted ads in the right places (marlin, all-pro, pirate4x4, yotatech, etc).

Thanks. Yeah I can't believe how comfortable the front seats are. Especially the drivers seat. It's way more comfortable than my 03 Tacoma seat.

Your interior is EXACTLY like my 88 4R SR5, even the color. I recently bought a 2003 Taco dbl cab SR5, and the very first thing that I noticed were that the seats were not as comfortable as the '88 4R's seats. Ha ha, being 15 yrs newer you'd think they'd be more comfortable eh?


Have fun, it's summer time so take the top off ASAP!

- Toyotero.




DUDE!!!

For $2,000 you got a SMOKIN' hot deal!!! Amazing find!!!

'87 22RET, digital dash, clinometer, auto, white with original paint and graphics, and the factory rear headrests as well.

For us 1st Gen afficionados, you, SWR, and the others here are the keepers of the flame for us ExPo 4Runner Fanatics!

AWESOME FIND!!! :victory:
 
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Bergger

Explorer
Okay so over the summer I sent the truck to Irbis and it runs like a champ. I need to improve the suspension. I have an OME on my Tacoma so I was thinking of going that route for the 4Runner. Does anyone have any experience with an OME set up on a 1st Gen 4Runner? Also I definitely have to replace the rear springs/shocks and I know I can do that myself. How tough is it replacing the front? I have no experience with torsion bar susp. How tough is it to replace torsion bars. Any help would be appreciated.
 

ntsqd

Heretic Car Camper
The t-bars have splines on both ends. One end fits into the socket bolted to the upper control arms. The other end fits in an anchor (sometimes called a "key") at a cross member under the truck at about the transmission cross member. Sitting on jack stands with the suspension fully drooped they will likely still be under some torsion. The safest way to R&R the t-bars will be the procedure spelled out in the FSM. (In case you don't already have one, call Toyota Corp. direct for it, dealers get it for the same price as you will. Don't bother with any of the aftermarket repair manuals. The FSM's cost more and they're worth much more than the difference!)

There typically is a special tool used to safely remove the torsion bolts and then slowly allow the t-bar to relax, though some folks simply unscrew the tension bolt. That's hard on the bolt and works in a pinch, but it is better and safer to buy or rent the tool.
 

Dave Bennett

Adventurist
Is it an '86 or an '87??? Your sig says '87, but the thread title says '86.

If you ever decide to sell this, please send me a PM. I would fly out and buy it on the spot. :drool:
 
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MoGas

Central Scrutinizer
That thing is great. I picked up a 22RTE truck a little while back, and it is a fun one!!!

Unlike the 3.0, where you get all the fuel mileage of a V8 with the power of a 4 cyl, You actually get a great combination of power and economy with the 22RTE.

The only drawback I personally have seen is the turbo lag. I'm going to put a new, slightly larger diameter exhaust on it in the next few weeks, so hopefully my lag will decrease.


I'm seeing ~ 17 mpg with purely city and dirt road miles. What are you getting?

Dave
 

Bergger

Explorer
Yeah there is a lag but I just keep telling myself it's a 4Runner not a sports car. I love it. I'm getting 19-20 city and 23 hwy with stock 30x9.5 tires. Once I put an OME suspension on it I will probably go with 31" tires. I just can't believe how well it does here in Colorado blowing up the mountains on I-70. Great little truck. I did notice today, with all the frost, that the rear defroster does not work. The light comes on and I hear the click of the relay but no melting ice! Maybe the wires are corroded or loose? Any ideas?

That thing is great. I picked up a 22RTE truck a little while back, and it is a fun one!!!

Unlike the 3.0, where you get all the fuel mileage of a V8 with the power of a 4 cyl, You actually get a great combination of power and economy with the 22RTE.

The only drawback I personally have seen is the turbo lag. I'm going to put a new, slightly larger diameter exhaust on it in the next few weeks, so hopefully my lag will decrease.


I'm seeing ~ 17 mpg with purely city and dirt road miles. What are you getting?

Dave
 

austintaco

Explorer
Okay so over the summer I sent the truck to Irbis and it runs like a champ. I need to improve the suspension. I have an OME on my Tacoma so I was thinking of going that route for the 4Runner. Does anyone have any experience with an OME set up on a 1st Gen 4Runner? Also I definitely have to replace the rear springs/shocks and I know I can do that myself. How tough is it replacing the front? I have no experience with torsion bar susp. How tough is it to replace torsion bars. Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to the 1st gen club. I have bought 3 of them, but one of them I bought back after selling it...that's how much I like these vehicles. You have a gem and I can't wait to see what Irbis does to it. I regrettably sold my 89 SR5 and I miss all of the creature comforts it had. My 84 is loaded, for an 84, but that doesn't mean much. Power windows..yayyyyyy!

Welcome.
 

Bergger

Explorer
Welcome to the 1st gen club. I have bought 3 of them, but one of them I bought back after selling it...that's how much I like these vehicles. You have a gem and I can't wait to see what Irbis does to it. I regrettably sold my 89 SR5 and I miss all of the creature comforts it had. My 84 is loaded, for an 84, but that doesn't mean much. Power windows..yayyyyyy!

Welcome.

Thanks. Yeah this one is loaded with everything except the sun roof. Power windows, locks, a/c, driver seat adjusts in about every direction, digital dash. I don't plan on getting crazy with it. OME suspension, 31" tires, soft topper for the summer and I think FJC Voodoo Blue. That should look nice with the white top. The only little things I need to fix are the rear defrost, window won't go up with the key and the fuel gauge does not work. I just have to fill up before about 340 miles.
 

ntsqd

Heretic Car Camper
For all of the various window and tailgate issues find my friend Mike Carter's pages on those topics. He has sorted out some cures worth knowing about.
 

austintaco

Explorer
Thanks. Yeah this one is loaded with everything except the sun roof. Power windows, locks, a/c, driver seat adjusts in about every direction, digital dash. I don't plan on getting crazy with it. OME suspension, 31" tires, soft topper for the summer and I think FJC Voodoo Blue. That should look nice with the white top. The only little things I need to fix are the rear defrost, window won't go up with the key and the fuel gauge does not work. I just have to fill up before about 340 miles.

I wanted to paint my 89 that color, but I sold it before I had that chance. Keeping an actual toyota color would be cool, but keeping it stock looks great too. My other thought was to paint it Kawasaki green, but my girlfriend was driving it at that time and she said no.
My rear defrost never worked either. I think it was a break in one of the lines on the window grid.

If you start looking into the tailgate problem, adding a switch to roll down the window from the rear and the inside is a good mod. I haven't done that one yet, but I will in a few weeks.
 

Bergger

Explorer
Okay so I'm in a position now to have the OME suspension put on. I can't decide between the Heavy Duty rear or the Medium duty rear. Who has experience with either that can comment on the the ride of the two? I dont plan on carrying a lot of weight permanently in the rear. It'll be loaded up on occassion with a fridge along with all the other camping gear. But it'll be unloaded for daily driving. Should I go with the medium rear for a smoother daily drive and will that handle the weight of camping gear on occassion or should I go with the heavy duty and plan on carrying weight in it all the time to smooth out the daily driving?
 

RocKrawler

Supporting Sponsor
You could go the mediums and airbags if the loads are going to be substantial when equipped. Keeping the vehicle loaded to smooth the ride will likely result in worse fuel economy dragging the unnecessary extra weight around. I just bought an 86 4R today and plan on the mediums myself, and will have the older steel cased ARB fridge loaded along with other gear when out on trips. Give me a call to discuss it if you like during the week or PM me, I'll be happy to help out & get you the nest pricing on OME
 

Bergger

Explorer
Well I have a few more additions to the 4Runner. Got my hands on a brand new TJM bumper and had some sliders installed. Next year I'll add new tires. The truck is running great.

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