WANTED: 1st GEN 4Runner parts and gear!

[sparksgarrett45]

I am currently in the build process of my 86' 4Runner for my trip through Yellowstone and Glacier NP's next year! If you have anything that could be useful, let me know! This is likely where I will post my build thread. There is not much to pick from as far as parts and accessories go in my area, so I'm reaching out to this amazing community :wavey:

Here is the candidate!

 

[tanglefoot]

Looks great! Does it really need anything? You may want to be more specific with how you want to equip it. I would just make sure it's reasonably well up on the maintenance, toss in a spare belt and a coolant hose you can cut to size, a quart or two of oil, some tools, build a sleeping platform if you want to sleep inside and then ship out! Don't bog it down with a bunch of junk you don't need.

Have fun!

 

[sparksgarrett45]

I need to go through the suspension and front steering components. The steering is easy enough, i can get those at autozone or the dealer if need be. I would like to put at least like new suspension in though. My wife will be going with me, and she's not much on the rough ride. I need to go through the bearings, mostly preventative stuff. Know of anybody with an abundance of parts?

 

[tanglefoot]

I wouldn't use anyone's leftover bearings or steering parts. Any auto parts store worth its salt should be able to dig some up fairly inexpensively. It's not worth doing all that dis/re-assembling to put in used parts. What do you mean by a new suspension? I would just try some different front shocks with some softer valving. OME "light" shocks might do the trick. I don't think it's worth doing anything with the torsion bars. If you crank them down, you lose your ride height. Crank them up and your ride gets worse.

 

[sparksgarrett45]

Obviously I'm not going to use someone elses used bearings or main steering components, as that would be stupid ( minus being broken in a 3rd world country). The latter thought was geared toward bumpers, maybe used OME style springs, anything that is robust and still has many miles still left in it. The total build of the 4Runner does not have to be "complete" for this trip by any means. My 4Runner will eventually evolve from DD to dedicated Expo truck. Short of buying new, there is a lack of aftermarket anything for vehicles of this style in my area. This is the sole reason for my shout out to the community!:truck:

 

[AxleIke]

Too bad you didn't post up about a year ago, I had custom steel front and rear bumpers I was trying to get rid of. Ended up at the scrap yard. Along with numerous other parts (CV's, steering, tcase bits, etc...) that would have made good spares.

 

[sparksgarrett45]

Seems to be about my luck. It will all come together though. Plan on sleeping in the vehicle itself, so I'm going to build a sleeping platform with storage underneath. Probably take out the roll bar and who knows what else. Already have an inverter, just need to find a dual battery setup. My wife has a pretty sweet hookup with GoalZero solar also......

 

[DaveInDenver]

Honestly, I'd stick with the stock torsion bars in the front unless you have a reason to switch. They ride best with good shocks (I also like OME but have also been pleased with KYB). When you want lift or stick a bumper on there, upgrade then.

If you're looking for a source for replacement parts, particularly steering and front end, I'd stick with factory parts. My experience is that they fit best and last longest. But if you can find 555 at NAPA or Carquest, those are good too. I've had bad luck with Moog ball joints for one. The taper was wrong and they did not seat right. If you don't have a good Toyota dealer who will work with you, you can find decent pricing on the Interwebs.

http://www.toyotapartsmall.com
http://www.1sttoyotaparts.com
http://www.toyotapartszone.com

Get bearings from NAPA, order Koyo just using the number on your old ones. Pretty much exactly what comes in a Toyota box just cost less.

I ran stock leafs on my truck for years with a full length add-a-leaf. Ride is sorta harsh but compensated for the extra weight and rode fine loaded. When leafs started breaking, then I got new packs. I figure no reason to replace stuff that isn't broken.

Nice looking truck, you must be in western Kansas. Get some bumper end caps on there to make it look better and just go!

 

[okcsmith]

I live in Stillwater OK and I am parting out an 87. If your interested in anything else specific I can send picks.

 

[EXP-T100]

let me know if you need something more specific i have a lot of parts most came off my 85 eif 4runner.

 

[dorton]

If you let us know what you're looking for, more than likely we've already replaced it, and can point you in the right direction.

 

[sparksgarrett45]

I'll be in need of a head pretty soon. It's tickin' pretty hard at the moment. Not blowing any smoke, but I fear that the particular valve/rocker is about to give. It's easier for me to just swap in a fresh head. I really want to do a five speed swap, and am looking to do it pretty soon. Aside from MPG, I plan to do a diesel swap eventually, so that would just speed up the process (need all parts). Also looking for newer model seats, especially 60/40 split for the rear. I would love new OME springs for the rear, but thats a lotta moola.Lol. A soft top will be in the works, especially if I can find a good used one :drool: (not likely). I know its a lot, but anything helps! Still my daily driver!! :bike_rider:

 

[EXP-T100]

i got most of that, rebuilt head, trans tcase, pedal assembly. depending on tire size of tire u want to run leave your 4.30 gears (you have an auto right?) and a five speed with 31 or 32 you can cruse on the highway at 75 80 all day and get 28mpg at least i could in my runner when i swapped the tranny. best part you come get it its yours although i am in CO.

Josh

 

[sparksgarrett45]

Hey Josh, I have a friend who is headed to Colorado next weak. Can you PM me so we can work out the details?:coffeedrink:

 

[sparksgarrett45]

Update!

Haven't had the time to be on here in a while. I want to shout out to EXP-T100. He supplied me with almost all the parts I've been looking for. When me and the better half move through the area, we're going to have to take you for dinner and a drink. Lol. Thanks for all the replies everyone! Now it's almost time for a build thread! Have to get all my pictures together, which is a pain because all of them are to large to upload here and the image url posting doesn't seem to work for me. It shouldn't be an issue with flickr, right? :coffeedrink: