1987 4Runner- Expedition Build Up.

Locks only keep honest people honest . . . what are you gonna do about the windows? Doesn't take much to break one . . .

Well, if you look in that picture, on the tailgate, there is a lock there. I'm thinking of putting anything valuable in the drawer system, if the tailgate is locked, you wont be able to open the drawers. Thats what I'm thinking, doing the front doors would just be silly!:sombrero:
 
So, I got a new fuel filter and new brake pads and shoes on one side... ran out of light and started raining.... Going to finish it tomorrow.
I also got a set of belts, for free, from a buddy at a parts store. Also, I got all the premium brake pads/shoes for $46.

Going to replace belts tomorrow, and of course, keep the others for spares.

So far, this is what I've done:

Parts REPLACED:
PCV valve-replaced
Vacuum hoses- replaced
Fuel filter- replaced
Brake pads/shoes- replaced
Oil/Filter- replaced
Air filter- replaced
Exhaust manifold gasket, flange gasket, exhaust donut behind cat- fixed

FIXED:
Leaky rear third member seal- fixed
Exhaust leaks. Manifold and flanges- fixed
Compression test- results: 161-155-155-151

ADDED:

Safari Snorkel
Cobra CB Radio
Cargo divider/pet divider

Bought/Built, not added:

One rock slider
4crawler Ball Joint Spacers
 
Last edited:

corax

Explorer
Well, if you look in that picture, on the tailgate, there is a lock there. I'm thinking of putting anything valuable in the drawer system, if the tailgate is locked, you wont be able to open the drawers. Thats what I'm thinking, doing the front doors would just be silly!:sombrero:

OK, I get it now. If it helps to put your mind at ease in the mean time, remember the tailgate can only be unlocked by rolling the window down all the way which would require the key in the ignition or tailgate (unless you put a window switch in the rear of the truck that works without the key being on like I did)

FWIW, might be easier and cheaper to buy the Master Lock hasp and trim off the ears on either side - just drill a hole and use a bolt that'll be covered by the lock like in the pics you posted (also, put some reinforcing sheet metal or a large fender washer on the inside to prevent the hasp bolts just being pulled through the factory sheet metal by a prybar)
 

4Rescue

Expedition Leader
Well, if you look in that picture, on the tailgate, there is a lock there. I'm thinking of putting anything valuable in the drawer system, if the tailgate is locked, you wont be able to open the drawers. Thats what I'm thinking, doing the front doors would just be silly!:sombrero:
Use the "built in lock" on your 4Runner... If the top is off, put the window up like a 1/2 inch(or less, just enought to trigger the 'lock mechanisim' in the tail gate.). Now you can't open the rear gate. I'm planning on a drawer system so that if the top is off the you can roll up the window and pull the top bolt that complete's the circuit (I belive one of the ones on the rail behind the Driver's seat. Also I have jumped my window terminals so you can use the window switch w/o the leys in the ingn. so you could jump in and lower the window and get in the gate), put your stuff in the drawers (that can't open because of the tailgate not working ;) ) and you're good to go. What I REALLY want for these trucks is a metal, replacement LOCKABLE glove box... I keep looking at the box an thin king I could make one a little different shape and have a cut-out to accomodate a CB or Lap-top mount. Make it out of metal (for security) and mut in a nice Tuffy-style lock. Secure storage i9s one of the things that has led me to not really use the fun "top-off" feature of these amazing little trucks. Sucks too because I really want to take it off and takr a trip to the beach for a weekend. Sleep in the back, under the stars... But I need to be able to lock up at least SOME of my gear eh... I also think that metal or maybe even plywood and automotive carpet to re-make the interior rear panels would be a good idea too. then the rear compartments could be used for some real lockable storage as well. There's alot of potential for these trucks too because like all old vehicles they can be taken apart, modified and put back together in a reasonable fashion without things not fitting or looking wrong with the swoopy lines and complex design of todays modern SUV's

Love the Snorkle too bro, this truck is taking shape at lightning pace... YOU'RE MAKING ME JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D I gotta ask too since we have near identical trucks, how does the Snorkle work in respects to visability??? Does it bloick much of your view??? Part of what I really like about these little trucks is they've got pretty good visability and with my small lifty I really sit up above the rain spray and splashes. The Snorkle on the 70 Series Cruisers I ran in Australia were on the oposite side of the truck so it's not the same. I'm really thinking about geting the snorkle soon as I've already hafd a few run-ins with water where I was quite nervous. I've got some other ideas about further water-proofing the truck beyond that but the intake is an imprtant part obviously. Plus the dust protection in the summer is invaluable IMO. I think I may run the "cyclonic" pre-filter when I pull the trigger too. anyway, I'm rambling. Nice truck.

Cheers

Dave
 
Last edited:
One of the main reasons I got the snorkel setup was for when I travel down to Mexico. Many places along a couple of the routes I've been on before (and planning to do again soon) look like this.
P1010509.jpg

This is just from one motorcycle going through the area! Imagine 2-3 trucks!


Visibility issues? None.

IMG_1256.jpg

IMG_1257.jpg


In fact, the only thing I have noticed with the snorkel being there is a slight increase in HP during cold weather. And, the only thing that pisses me off about the snorkel is that my window swivel vent thingy is pretty much non functional. Yes you can open it just fine, but no wind is directed in! Grrr. I really like to use those!

I'm getting a table saw for Christmas--- hand me down from my cabinet-making-brother..... so I'm probably going to make some new interior panels like you mentioned. I'll probably make cut outs every where I can for additional storage. Those things will probably be done pretty soon, sort of cheap to do, and I have all of the tools.


I really like these folk's setup.
3480929165_770f59e643.jpg

3257588179_49c7e9429f.jpg

4180821549_620be987f5.jpg

I really love their truck.... so much so that its got me thinking about doing the 4" lift. They have 4" suspension and 2" body running 35s
LOVE IT!

HERE IS A VIDEO TOUR OF THE ABOVE TRUCK
 
Last edited:
OK, I get it now. If it helps to put your mind at ease in the mean time, remember the tailgate can only be unlocked by rolling the window down all the way which would require the key in the ignition or tailgate (unless you put a window switch in the rear of the truck that works without the key being on like I did)

FWIW, might be easier and cheaper to buy the Master Lock hasp and trim off the ears on either side - just drill a hole and use a bolt that'll be covered by the lock like in the pics you posted (also, put some reinforcing sheet metal or a large fender washer on the inside to prevent the hasp bolts just being pulled through the factory sheet metal by a prybar)

Actually, the factory switches on the truck do not work...... only from a home grown switch at the front.... Kind of annoying I dont like only being able to roll the window down from the front. I'd like to roll it down from the key switch in the back.
 

Wonderland

Explorer
I really love their truck.... so much so that its got me thinking about doing the 4" lift. They have 4" suspension and 2" body running 35s

I dunno, seems like that kind of setup would cause more problems than fix them. Seems like bunch of band aid "fixes" just to clear 35's. A little sketchy.

Is he running a drop bracket to get 4" suspension lift?

If you want to run 35's either SAS it, or keep the IFS, and throw a Total Chaos Caddy Kit on it.

http://www.chaosfab.com/95200.html

These only look like 33's tho'.

header_95200.jpg


Maybe it is just me, but I like simple.

73617d1239879722-pic-request-3-lift-31-tires-4runner-front-corner-small-4.jpg
 
Last edited:
For the minds that know......... I have a few questions..........

My power steering gear box is leaking pretty bad..... I went to a u-pull it junk yard today and found one 93 4runner and a couple 2wd 80s pickups (88-89 IIRC) I'm wondering if the power steering gear boxes from any of these will work??? Ifens I beeze readsin this rait, theyens shuwd werk, doncha reckin? http://web.archive.org/web/20050322011020/http://128.83.80.200/taco/box.html

I'm also wondering if the 93's calipers are bigger, better, and use able?

I'm also wondering if the 93's (or the PUs) 3rd member will work and hopefully have the right gear ratio. Its V-6 2wd, but if its got the right axle/gearing i'll have half the swap there. I'm printing this list off and going back on Saturday. http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

I'm also wondering if I can jerry rig the windshield washing fluid reservoir/pump from the 93 into the truck.... the other 2 trucks lacked the res/pump.

Sheesh I had 4 or 5 other things I wanted to ask, but of course that was before a Christmas eve lunch and dinner........ and the stinch of high octane cigarettes have my head spinning.
 
Last edited:

corax

Explorer
For the minds that know......... I have a few questions..........

My power steering gear box is leaking pretty bad..... I went to a u-pull it junk yard today and found one 93 4runner and a couple 2wd 80s pickups (88-89 IIRC) I'm wondering if the power steering gear boxes from any of these will work??? Ifens I beeze readsin this rait, theyens shuwd werk, doncha reckin? http://web.archive.org/web/20050322011020/http://128.83.80.200/taco/box.html

All Toyota 4wd IFS from '86 - '95 is the same, so the power steering box should work. I have heard, but haven't confirmed, that a V6 PS box is somehow stronger

I'm also wondering if the 93's calipers are bigger, better, and use able?

they will physically fit - to see if it's an upgrade, look at the casting marks. Everything you need to know is here


I'm also wondering if the 93's (or the PUs) 3rd member will work and hopefully have the right gear ratio. Its V-6 2wd, but if its got the right axle/gearing i'll have half the swap there. I'm printing this list off and going back on Saturday. http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

3rd member will work - just check the VIN plate on the firewall for the axle diff code, any axle code that starts with "G" will work in the rear / "F" for the front (but the "F" axle code won't be on the VIN plate, all IFS with a "G" rear has a "F" front)
 

BLKNBLU

Explorer
The '88 and newer boxes are bigger. They still bolt up to your frame exactly the same but are longer along the steering shaft portion. You will need to shorten your steering shaft. The '93 should be fine but it would be nice to see if you could determine the mileage on it. One out of a '93-'95 would be the most likely candidate for low miles and the most likely to have led a cush life of grocery getting and soccer duty.

A couple links they may be of interest

http://128.83.80.200/TACO/box.html

http://www.yotatech.com/f116/88-up-ifs-steering-box-seal-replacement-194025/
 

keezer36

Adventurer
Actually, the factory switches on the truck do not work...... only from a home grown switch at the front.... Kind of annoying I dont like only being able to roll the window down from the front. I'd like to roll it down from the key switch in the back.

Is it possible to secure the tailgate at the top - inside of the tailgate? I don't know if you have metal available there but this is what I did with my tailgate. It would draw less attention to your truck. Seems to me in the mind of a thief the size of the lock would be directly proportional to the value of the items inside.

This may not be secure enough for your needs, I just wanted to point out an alternate location.
DSC00258.jpg

DSC00257.jpg
 
But will the box work from a 93 2WD 4runner is the big thing? It looked to be a pretty similar setup.

All Toyota 4wd IFS from '86 - '95 is the same, so the power steering box should work. I have heard, but haven't confirmed, that a V6 PS box is somehow stronger


they will physically fit - to see if it's an upgrade, look at the casting marks. Everything you need to know is here


3rd member will work - just check the VIN plate on the firewall for the axle diff code, any axle code that starts with "G" will work in the rear / "F" for the front (but the "F" axle code won't be on the VIN plate, all IFS with a "G" rear has a "F" front)


Again, wondering if the 93 2WD 4Runner parts will work. Thanks for the links.

The '88 and newer boxes are bigger. They still bolt up to your frame exactly the same but are longer along the steering shaft portion. You will need to shorten your steering shaft. The '93 should be fine but it would be nice to see if you could determine the mileage on it. One out of a '93-'95 would be the most likely candidate for low miles and the most likely to have led a cush life of grocery getting and soccer duty.

A couple links they may be of interest

http://128.83.80.200/TACO/box.html

http://www.yotatech.com/f116/88-up-ifs-steering-box-seal-replacement-194025/

Is it possible to secure the tailgate at the top - inside of the tailgate? I don't know if you have metal available there but this is what I did with my tailgate. It would draw less attention to your truck. Seems to me in the mind of a thief the size of the lock would be directly proportional to the value of the items inside.

This may not be secure enough for your needs, I just wanted to point out an alternate location.
DSC00258.jpg

DSC00257.jpg

Interesting setup there. I like it.





Merry Christmas you guys!
 

austintaco

Explorer
On the gear box issue:
I had to replace the one on my 89 4runner and I bought one that was supposed to be for an 89, but it was the newer style and hence the input shaft is longer and for it to work you would have to shorten the steering linkage. I don't know if all boxes from 1st gen 4runner IFS trucks are the same or if they started using the newer style box in mid year for 89's, but the earlier boxes are the safer bet for fit, but will have more miles.

I am doing the brake upgrade now on my 84. It's been slow. Corax helped me out with a few hiccups. I am using the s13wb brakes with a MC and BB from a 95 4runner.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
189,802
Messages
2,921,075
Members
232,931
Latest member
Northandfree
Top