CA18_Sean's 1st Gen 4Runner expedition build

[ca18_sean]

As much as I love this truck, I recently imported a 70 series Troopy from Australia and the wife says I can't keep both... So I created a for sale post in the Classifieds section. Check it out if you're interested. I wasn't sure how to price it, not that many comps to see what they're going for. I started out at $8kOBO.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/145982-1986-4Runner-in-Tampa-FL

If you're interested in the troopy I started a build thread here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...8_Sean-s-HJ75-Troopy-Build-amp-Restore-Thread

 

[ca18_sean]

Ended up getting a great deal on some new BF Goodrich mud terrains in 255/85R16 in a Labor Day sale, unfortunately they're on back order. Also unfortunately I dismounted my old tires before I knew this. Lol. So the 4Runner is stuck in my garage effectively putting the sale on hold.

Decided it would help if I installed the 4.88 gears, since it was already on jack stands in the garage...

The 4.88 front diff was an ADD housing. I used my non-ADD tube. Swapped over nicely and the ADD diff has roller bearings on the side, so that's cool. Just had to add an additional side seal. Went ahead and replaced both seals while I was in there.

Decided I didn't like the CV angles with the ball joint spacers so I made a diff drop bracket. Basically cut and sectioned the stock bracket and added some thick metal to the bottom. Seems solid and dropped the diff a good inch. CVs spin way more smoothly. Also made some round spacers for the 2 rear diff mounts, forgot to take a pic of those. Simple spacers.

Before/after pic

Factory skid plate fits perfectly still.

 

[austintaco]

Those are some great mods. I have always liked this build

 

[ca18_sean]

After disassembly the front axle I noticed the brake caliper seals were very rough looking. And the rotors were thinner than minimum specs. So off to NAPA to order a set of remans and some new rotors. Also got new hub seals and wheel bearings. The only special order part were the hub seal that attaches to the brake with 6 bolts. It looks like it's just a dust seal so it probably isn't even required but I never put anything back together with broken or worn out components... Just as a general rule. So I decided to move to the rear axle while I waited for the front axle parts to get here.

Pulled rear axles out. Simple, 4 nuts and a brake line. I did rear axle bearings a couple years ago and they still felt and looked new so I decided to leave them. I've probably only put 5k miles on the truck in 2 years. Lol.

I'm always amazed at how clean the 30 year old metal can be on the inside of components. Still looks new in there. Again, decided to replace the axle seals and ordered some upgraded seals from marlin crawler, so I'm playing the waiting game again.

Rear third member dropped out without any serious problems. Broke one stud, but that's easy to fix. Ordered all new ones from Marlin Crawler too.

More pics later. Got some of the seals in the mail this morning but I'm going out of town this weekend so I probably won't get to finish until next week.

Last pic, decided to paint my wheels gray like my Land Cruiser wheels

 

[Carolina82]

Looks good, just regeared mine to 4.88's w/33's. Makes a world of difference.

 

[ca18_sean]

Just a few updates. Got my front axle rear dust seal in. Fits perfectly. It didn't show up on the 86 4Runner parts diagram so this is for a 94. But it works fine. Not really sure what it seals exactly because the hub itself has its own seal, but I suppose you can never have too many seals! And the old ones were shot. Lol.

Also got the hub repacked and installed with fresh bearings and seals. I forgot my hub socket at work so I'll have to torque them down tomorrow.

Still waiting on the rear axle stuff from Marlin crawler and two of my new tires. More updates soon!

 

[River19]

Read through this whole thread last night, fantastic build......love it.

You also have some pretty damn fine skills to pull all that off.

 

[ca18_sean]

Read through this whole thread last night, fantastic build......love it.

You also have some pretty damn fine skills to pull all that off.

Thanks man! Glad to hear someone is enjoying it I'm having fun building, it's been a great learning project. I've always been into lowered cars or big heavy duty trucks (at work) so this is a nice change of pace.

 

[ca18_sean]

Got the front axle and brakes wrapped up.

Decided to run a Detroit locker instead of the spool in the rear. Should be here early next week. Got the new inner axle seals installed... What a pain. Do yourself a favor and buy an extra one. You're bound to bend one of them trying to install it. I even have a fancy bearing and seal installing kit. But it's a tight fit!

Also got my vinyl installed. It's not a perfect match to OEM, we scaled it off pics on the Internet, but I love the finished look.

More updates once my rear diff arrives. Still waiting on 2 of my 5 new tires too. Going on the 5th week of back order. Ugh.

 

[TwoTrack]

I've loved this build too, where do you wheel at?

 

[River19]

Looks great, one fine 1 gen 4R.......how do you feel the power is in that rig? adequate with gearing?

 

[ca18_sean]

There's a spot near my shop in Temple Terrace that I've done some wheeling at, but they recently dropped a bunch of concrete barriers at the entrance. I live out in Odessa and there's a few trails around my house, nothing crazy. Been meaning to make it up to Ocala. Are you local? Any suggestions?

 

[ca18_sean]

Looks great, one fine 1 gen 4R.......how do you feel the power is in that rig? adequate with gearing?

Thanks man! It's a little sluggish with the stock gears, I really never use 5th gear. It's not undriveable though. I'm excited about how it will drive with the 4.88s. I'll report back!

 

[River19]

I bet those 4.88s really bring things back to a more usable power range, not life changing but you will probably be loving it compared to the stockers.

Also can't wait to see what you do with that Aussie import.....cool looking rig.

 

[TwoTrack]

There's a spot near my shop in Temple Terrace that I've done some wheeling at, but they recently dropped a bunch of concrete barriers at the entrance. I live out in Odessa and there's a few trails around my house, nothing crazy. Been meaning to make it up to Ocala. Are you local? Any suggestions?

I'm in Brandon, not a whole lot local. Cirtus and Croom, then of coarse Ocala and Hardrock.