1st Gen 4runners???

[Westy]

Some real cleanly built 4runners...

I am another big fan of the early 4runner/mini trucks, especially the efi and solid axle trucks. I've got a solid axle mini truck, but the 4runners are great, and so versatile. This is a photo of my good friends '85 -

High steer makes a night and day difference, with the biggest benefit being strength. The stock j-arm's are bad news with oversized tires...always, always carry a spare. As mentioned, on the '85 and earlier Toyotas, you can run high steer with less lift due to the higher arch in the frame.

Also, if you have oversized tires and you do high steer, before you install the IFS box, plate and sleeve the frame.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I had an 88 4Runner SR5 4WD with all the options and the 22RE. That thing would climb a tree, overall my favorite model of Runner and a tie with my current Tacoma for best 4WD I have ever owned.

 

[grillmasterp]

I think (correct me if I'm worng) that I may be one of the few Gen1 Runner guy's here on the Expo.
Cheers

Dave

Looking forward to starting up a build up thread on my project 86 4runner.

Great forum guys

-GrillmasterP

 

[ntsqd]

Something that should be noted. Cross-over steering and hi-steer are not the same thing.

Cross-over only refers to changing from a push-pull drag link (parallel to the frame rail) to one that crosses under the engine, but above the leaf springs, to the right side steering knuckle.

Hi-Steer does that and moves the tie rod above the springs.

At first the only option was to build a cross-over right steering arm. Then came aftermarket x-over arms, followed by hi-steer arms. I'm not sure if you can still get the cross-over only arms or not.

I currently feel no need to move the tie rod as I've only hit it once, lightly.

 

[toyota_jon]

Something that should be noted. Cross-over steering and hi-steer are not the same thing.

Cross-over only refers to changing from a push-pull drag link (parallel to the frame rail) to one that crosses under the engine, but above the leaf springs, to the right side steering knuckle.

Hi-Steer does that and moves the tie rod above the springs.

At first the only option was to build a cross-over right steering arm. Then came aftermarket x-over arms, followed by hi-steer arms. I'm not sure if you can still get the cross-over only arms or not.

I currently feel no need to move the tie rod as I've only hit it once, lightly.

i did not know that. do you have any pics showing the differences between the two, i'm pretty sure i get what you're talking about but, pics always help.

 

[ntsqd]

Hi-Steer on Marlin's own truck:

And lest anyone think I'm playing favorites, another hi-steer from All Pro:

As I suspected, the old cross-over arms would appear to be NLA. This is an old pic of the one I built.

 

[TigerPaw]

I own a 1st Gen 89 4Runner with the 22RE and I love it! It's pretty much stock, except for the 31's. I still have the 4.10 gears. I just replaced the shocks with OME's and would really like to get the OME spring set-up at some point as the rear is really sagging. Like everyone else has said, the 22RE isn't powerful, but it sure is dependable. Mine has 215,000 miles on it and I drive the crap out of it. I used to drive to SC every other weekend and I still drive it to Wisconsin and back once a year for a hunting trip. It has absolutely no problems keeping up with the other bigger 4wds up there and I'm usually the only one who doesn't get stuck. Those guys just laugh and shake their heads. I can go just about anywhere with it.

When I bought it in April of 2004, it had 118,000 miles on it so I've put a ton of miles on it since I've had it. I do agree that it does get a little cramped when going on trips, but that gave me a good reason to buy my Bantam T3-C. Best little truck I ever owned! I had the top off once to replace the gasket and after watching 3 grown men wrestle it back on, I decided I would never take it off myself. I can live with just having the windows down. I found mine on Ebay and the guy selling it was just around the corner from where I worked so I bought it off of him for $1500. I still feel like I stole it from him for that price, but he wasn't looking to make a ton of money off of it.

If I do decide to move up to something bigger it will be an older Landcruiser, like the FJ60 series. My daughter will get the 4Runner. If you find one, whether you have to fix it up or not, you won't go wrong. It will really surprise you. Just keep up the maintenance on it and it won't let you down. Check out www.yotatech.com and you'll find alot of good info there, too.

 

[4Rescue]

I'm with you TigerPaw... If and when I ever replace this truck, it'll be with an older Cruiser (55 or 60 or a 70 if I hit the lottery) that I do some huge build/diesel swap on.

As it stands, I love my rig. I would definately suggest you get the OME rear springs. Hopefully, I'll be ordering my T-bars to match here soon. The rear spring are quite nice though, and really have brought the truck back to life.

Cheers

Dave

 

[DaveInDenver]

TigerPaw and 4Rescue, I got an email from 4x4 Connection yesterday. They are having a sale on OME parts. The deals are not super, but looks like they are knocking about 5~10% off. Just FYI.

http://www.4by4connection.com/4runpicallle.html

 

[lionsbreath]

I get 19/20 in the city 23/24 hwy

 

[4Rescue]

Thanks for the heads up Dave. I realy need to go thrgouh the motor, but with as much as I love my MOE springs, I'm looking froward to getting the T-bars. Just might have to order up a pair now...

Cheers

Dave in Portland