1st gen 4runner Planning phase, tell me where I am going wrong.

[BikerTrash]

Hello all, this is my first post here, been lurking for a while but I am about to get stated on my project and would like some input on my plans before I actually get in too deep and realize I have made a stupid mistake.

My truck is a 1984 4runner that has been my trail truck for several years, used to be a Daily driver, then got bumped to trailer queen, and now I am wanting to get it back on the road and able to get to events, and just plain go where ever I want while bringing all my camping gear with me.

My plans right now are like this:

1: Fix wiring to get truck street legal again. The wiring harness is in rough shape, I want to gut it and go back with a simplified electrical system. Have already installed a GM 3wire alternator, eliminated 90%of the underhood wiring that does not actually make the truck run, all I have left to do is to get the headlights to work (going to do a push/pull 70s style light switch) and turn signals.

2: Better tires. Right now I am running a set of 36" Super Swamper SX's I love the tires but they are absolutely awful on the road. I am leaning to a tire like a Toyo M/T, Remington Mud Brute,or a BFG A/T in a about a 35" but have not made my mind up yet.

3: A more complete set of spare parts and tools in the 4runner. Right now every time something breaks I have to run to the nearest auto parts and try to scrounge parts to get running again. I would like to get set up to the point where anything besides a rod hanging out the side of the block I would have the parts to fix on the trail or at least back in camp. Belts, hoses, brake lines, ignition parts, full set of filters and fluids, u-joints, axle shafts, and a spare center section I think would go a long way for trail repairs but I am hoping someone out there would add in what I am forgetting.

4: Build trailer. I am thinking that rather than try to cram everything in the 4runner I am going to build a trailer using the rear half of the frame from a 84-88 model Toyota truck with a fiberglass camper shell on it. plywood sublfoor over the fenders with storage for long items like a set of spare drive shafts, free standing awning, and my kitchen supplies underneath, and a sleeping area on top of the deck. The Camper shell I have is for a short bed so I will have to sleep catercorner otherwise I would build more storage above the deck. Once I get it past the planning phase and actually am seeing it in person I may be able to have some storage above the deck though. On the toung I am planning on mounting 2-3 fuel cans on the starboard side, and my 3kw generator on the port side. Swing away tire Carrier on the rear of the trailer for a full size spare for the trailer and the truck to share.

5: Engine swap. The 22r is kinda anemic, even with 5.29s it still wont pull 5th gear with the 36" SX's I am sure the trailer will just kill it. I have sourced a OM617 in a local boneyard complete with the Mercedes auto behind it for about 300 dollars for the pair. I was really leaning towards this but the more I think about it the 300TD that the swap would be coming from is only rated to tow 1250 KG. Between the size of the runner, and the trailer it might be too much for the auto to handle. My other thought is to go with a 4.3 Chevy with a TH700. I know it wont get the mileage of the diesel, but I would hope it would be better than the 22r since it would not be in as much of a bind all the time.

6: Anything I am forgetting. I am a complete noob to building this kind of rig. For the last 3 years all I have been doing is trailering the 4runner and I am used to being able to bring anything I want on the trips because I can load the 4runner to the gills and still load up the bed of the dodge after I cant cram any more in the runner.





Another option I have thought about some but am not sure I am willing to do is to just build up my 2006 dodge 2500 as my expedition rig and leave the 4runner as a trail *****.

 

[PirateMcGee]

I would re-evaluate how much stuff you are taking, do you really need all that stuff to go camping???????

 

[zidaro]

I would re-evaluate how much stuff you are taking, do you really need all that stuff to go camping???????

EXACTLY what i was thinking. Toyota 1gen runners are AWESOME and very capable and durable if you have taken care of it and added the strength to items that are known to be weak links. I have wheeled the hell out of a nicely built '85 (since '89) and a near-stock '87 for years, NEVER been left out on a trail. Not to say i have never broken, just not fatally.
If you overload your rig, you will find the weak links all that much faster. I do carry spares, but MINIMAL. Bolts/nuts/washers/wire/elect.connectors/plugs-n-coil wire/ujoint/hub lockout/front inners and birfs./alt./tire repair kit/welding rod/air source/grinder/fluids. Enough tools to rebuild anything Toyota. For the longest trails i carry up to 15gallons of gas in cans but usually only 5gal.- but i challenge you to find a trail that does not cross a station in 300miles at some point. I used to carry a HEAVY spare everywhere- never used it- now i just carry a huge supply of plugs and air to get me out of nowhere. Some other stuff too based on where im headed.

Build it strong and keep it simple.

Upgrading the wiring is a great idea if you are doing it right, safe, and simple.

An engine swap can be the best thing for your runner. I'd prefer a more powerful Toyota engine such as the 3rz or 5vz. Both are proven and well trodden conversions into your rig and will give tons more power, toyota reliability and a bit more MPG without the extra weight or complications.

Maybe smaller tires if your not doing the Rubicon or Hammers will do you good. 33"-35" max unless you are rockcrawling hard trails on a regular basis.

In the end, you will have to make a decision on what direction you are going, and start. along the way you will undoubtedly change directions. Its all part of the fun of building and wheeling.:victory:

Lets see some pics of your toy!!

 

[STAGE 2]

As someone who used to own a 300td, run don't walk away from that. You only get a very moderate increase in torque at the cost of a much much heavier engine, so its a total wash. That and even the turbo versions were dogs. And most importantly, the biggest reason for going to a diesel isn't there. I get 24mpg with 50/50 city highway in my 22re. From my own experience and others the 300td only gets 25-26 on the highway. Granted the 22r is a little thirstier, but its not going to be that big of a difference.

 

[Brigitta]

We swapped a chevy 4.3 with a turbo 350 in our '84 and loved the extra power. We did have to upgrade the radiator, add an electric fan and hood scoop, and HD transmission cooler as the chevy's like to run warmer.

 

[BikerTrash]

I would re-evaluate how much stuff you are taking, do you really need all that stuff to go camping???????

EXACTLY what i was thinking. If you overload your rig, you will find the weak links all that much faster.


my reasoning for the ton of spares is one of my goals for the project is to be able to go and trailride the length of the baja 1000 course. Ever since I was a kid I thought that was pretty much the coolest race ever, and after watching Dust to Glory for the first time it has been just slowly eating at me. I dont want to build a pre-runner, I would rather just do it with the equipment I have. In all honesty though if the type 11's can make it I could probably make it with the 4runner alone with just simple spares. Just I would hate to get stranded in mexico for the lack of a _____ because I tried to pack lighter.

Build it strong and keep it simple.


Upgrading the wiring is a great idea if you are doing it right, safe, and simple.

An engine swap can be the best thing for your runner. I'd prefer a more powerful Toyota engine such as the 3rz or 5vz. Both are proven and well trodden conversions into your rig and will give tons more power, toyota reliability and a bit more MPG without the extra weight or complications.

I am not too sure I want to swap in a 5vz I had one in a 97 2wd 4runner and it always did what I asked it too but nothing more I imagine with deeper gears and a stick it would have been better but one of the guys in my club just finished a 3.4 swap and he says he loves it, but is only getting about 14 mpg with it.

My reasoning for the 4.3 was leaning more towards the "keep it simple" idea. A carbed 4.3 with the HEI distributor I could have every electrcal part that could fail that would keep the engine from running in the glovebox of the 4runner, and have an engine bay with only about half a dozen wires to run everything minus the wires for guages

Maybe smaller tires if your not doing the Rubicon or Hammers will do you good. 33"-35" max unless you are rockcrawling hard trails on a regular basis.

I dont know if I am going to go much smaller than 35s, but I definately want to find a lighter/narrower tire.

In the end, you will have to make a decision on what direction you are going, and start. along the way you will undoubtedly change directions. Its all part of the fun of building and wheeling.:victory:

Lets see some pics of your toy!!

Ask and yee shal receive!

the picture with it black is the day I bought it in 2006 so no I did not actually spend money on Thornbirds.

The other pictures where taken at Goldenmountain park last year at GSMTR. The picture on the rocks was actually taken while I was competeing in a rock crawling competition that I was able to take first in. One guy would have beat me soundly but broke his synthetic winch line trying to winch across the finish line.


EDIT: I just realised each of those pictures are almost from the same angle. Did not pick them out intentionally like that.

 

[BikerTrash]

As someone who used to own a 300td, run don't walk away from that. You only get a very moderate increase in torque at the cost of a much much heavier engine, so its a total wash. That and even the turbo versions were dogs. And most importantly, the biggest reason for going to a diesel isn't there. I get 24mpg with 50/50 city highway in my 22re. From my own experience and others the 300td only gets 25-26 on the highway. Granted the 22r is a little thirstier, but its not going to be that big of a difference.

You get 24 mpg with the 22re? Dayum.

Back when my truck had 32s and 4.10s I used to get 14 with the stock messed up carb, about 17 after I put the Weber, and the one tank I ran on the road with the36's and 5.29s I was back to about 15.

 

[zidaro]

Nice Toy! You know what your doin. Just take that sick rig and make it purr like a kitten and drive on the road smoothly and itll go anywhere. Just add what you need to be comfortable.
Toyota's and their parts are EVERYWHERE in BC. - all flavors

I hear ya on the pack lighter=regret. Theres just a happy medium between prepared for ANYTHING and prepared. Some things are avoidable and some unavoidable, I try to address the avoidable.
I really like my tires at 35x12.5 with 5.29 gearing and around a 4" lift. I feel thats a great compromise between clearance and tread or "too much tire". I'd run a strong radial for Baja. One that likes sand and silt

Toyota trannys (w56 and up) are burly if taken care of and lots of durable parts are avail. aftermarket (Marlin and Bobbylongfield) as well as every swappable toyota engine will mate up to your tranny- bonus.
Get an ARB Fridge if you dont have one yet for BC.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

 

[STAGE 2]

You get 24 mpg with the 22re? Dayum.

Back when my truck had 32s and 4.10s I used to get 14 with the stock messed up carb, about 17 after I put the Weber, and the one tank I ran on the road with the36's and 5.29s I was back to about 15.

Yup, and as I said thats 50/50 driving, so highway is probably 3-4mpg better. My truck is really light. No sunroof, no power windows, no power locks, and no ac. The only thing in it besides anything that came from the factory is the camper shell which actually helps mpgs at fwy speed. So with a svelt truck, 235s and not waiting till 5k to shift I get fantastic mileage out of a 200k, 27 year old truck.

 

[4Rescue]

Nice 1st Gen 4Runner... One of the BEST 4wd's ever offered on these shores (or anywhere for that mater)

Stick with a Toyota Motor.... With 5.29's and a Manual Trans, the 3rz should make for a great swap (Mariln runs one, and Fred Williams of Petersens Fame ran "Clampy" with one for the UA a few years back... sure didn't give him any trouble and he had nearly twice the range of the V8'd trucks on the run) ... the 3.4 (5VZ) will be downright fantastic. I doubt you're gonna get better milage with some Shivvy motor running a Carb. Keep it Toyota and you're truck will love you for it (and stay on the road/trail)

AS for Tires, if you want something Simmilar to what you have, the SSR (Swamper TSL tread) comes in a super :drool: worthy 35x10.50, and I BELIVE the LTB comes in a 35x10.50 as well (I know it comes in a 34 that is bigger tehn most 35's out there)

Cheers

Dave

 

[mr_crazy]

ome617 ..... i watched one in and ifs pickup drag a cummins powered 94 gmc 3500 s.a.s qaud cab up a hill and had plenty of go i think the gmc is in the 8000lbs range its big

94 cummins powered quad cab

ome 617 pickup

proof its rammed in there

 

[blakeape]

I have a Toyota on 1 tons and 42's that started out more expo friendly and slowly progressed into a street legal-ish rock crawler that get trailered anywhere more than an hour or 2 away. I am keeping it, but building a 1988 4runner on 33x10.50's with a low SAS, e-locker diffs, 4.88's and a 1998 Tacoma 3.4 engine. I also have a pickup bed trailer I made from a 1979 long-bed Toyota that was rolled. If you are planning to do a trip like the Road of Bones in Russia I would maybe consider all the spares you mention, but for most normal camping trips I think you will need much less. A winch, a friend and a tool kit with a few spare parts goes a real long way. I would recommend very thorough maintenance during your rebuild, check u-joints, belts, etc. and plan on carrying a little less and probably not even need the trailer or leave it at camp and explore with out it.

 

[Grim Reaper]

My 86 22RE with the Mild enginbldr cam ballanced, 4.88 with e-locker, 33 x 12.5 NO LIFT (leveled with the Neapco TJ spring trick). 24-25mpg hwy no problem.

Doesn't have enough motor to break much but it will run 70mph in 5th.

The less rotational mass the better. I'm running stock size and offset ALLOY rims, yes 6.5's with 12.5 tires. 10 psi on the trail no problem. Only 6lb more per wheel then the stock steels with 235's. :ylsmoke: