Just incase anyone here might be in a good mood and feel like helping out a guy and his wife.

We want an '85 4runner so bad it's killing us. Any that are good, are far away. Any that are near, are too much...

Some folks want a big house. Some want lots of money.

We just want the 4runner...that's all. Our wishes come true and everything is happy.


If you think back to those good ol days(when you first got into it all), that's where we're at right now.

Anyone got a friend or someone selling one? Anyone got any suggestions on how I can finally get one? I'd be planning on keeping it(and LOVING IT) forever. Forever.

Thanks.

McFisherman@comcast.net

which brings me to the question -- why limit yourself to an '85? newer runners can be had cheaper, and if you want to build it, it may even be easier and less costly to choose an IFS model(you already have the wide rear, bigger brakes, IFS box etc).

I agree, 85 4Runners suck. Less options, less cushy, same price to build. Go for an SR5 87. Better seats, electric mirrrors and windows, better overall interior, has the IFS box installed already, wider rear axle, better looking grill, all have 22RE, can get 22RTE turbo, and cheaper to boot!

if I were to pick my rig again I would have started with a '90 or later, not my '85pu(standard cab). I think I have cut off just as much stuff and welded new stuff on as an SAS. and 3rd gen pu's have more room inside............Karl

There was an 85 for sale in the 4X4 Wire sale section couple of days ago...

If I had to do it all over again, I too would start with an IFS rig.

can get 22RTE turbo

Turbo 4Runners had the auto trans with built in transfer case, so dual cases would not be an option, just FYI, limits/complicates your upgrade path.

Other than that, I agree with the others. To upgrade my 84 was probably more work than to SAS.

I agree, 85 4Runners suck. Less options, less cushy, same price to build. Go for an SR5 87. Better seats, electric mirrrors and windows, better overall interior, has the IFS box installed already, wider rear axle, better looking grill, all have 22RE, can get 22RTE turbo, and cheaper to boot!

Ahh they dont suck Guyeee..........Mine is a 85 SR5, PW, Sunroof, Tilt, CC, PW, AC...............Not to many of these options work on my truck anymore :D

Ahh they dont suck Guyeee..........Mine is a 85 SR5, PW, Sunroof, Tilt, CC, PW, AC...............Not to many of these options work on my truck anymore :D


Yeah, and not much of your truck is Toy either. :flipoff2:

As far as I've seen, the late 80's Runners can be had cheaper than an '85
and like others have said, they have better equipment. If you can weld, or
have a friend that can, it's cheaper to do an SAS to a late 80's Runner than
swap out the steering box and rear axle on an '85.

Just buy mine and the surplus of parts I have. I call it a package deal.

Ill sell ya mine, 10,000$ :flipoff2: and Ill deliver!
but really I see um every once in a while on autotrader.com. Also I know of a few 1st gen runners here in Billings.

Good choice either way,i went with an 88 and did a SAS on it,i wanted the extra features mentioned above,i got the plain deluxe model so i put in my own front seats out of an 88 mr2,and so on....its kinda funny i had to travel to another state about 400 miles away ,so i got up early packed a bag and took a grey hound bus down ,the owner came and got me,i bought it ,and drove it all the way home at 70 mph,so go the distance if you can i saved a ton over buying local.......good luck

^^ i did the same thing. saved a bundle on my '85 4runner. i was really hung up on getting the '85 because i plan on keeping it stock for a while, so i wanted something decent to wheel before the upgrades. but based on the research i've done, it's far more cost effective and practical to buy a good used 86-89 and SAS it.

how far will you go and how much will you pay? its all what the truck is worth to you. but don't get taken. most ppl selling know their shitboxes are in high demand.

try ebay. good luck.

How bad do you want that dream? You have to start somewhere.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7974275469&category=33615

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7973746946&category=6783

You guys are great, I appreciate the input. Are you not kidding when you say that in the long run - it would be cheaper to build up an IFS??? I'm thinking a SAS is big bucks...

What would the 85 need that the 86-89 comes with? Steering box, bigger rear, bigger brakes. Is that it? If it is - then consider this: I think I'm good with a 4" suspension lift(do you still recommend the IFS box?). And the axle and brakes - would I REALLY need them beefed up?

To put this all into a better perspective, let me put like this: My wife and I want this more than anything in life. No joke. Heaven or hell - screw a big house, we want our truck that takes us deep, deep into those mountains to God's country. THAT is our wish come true. I die a happy man any day after that day.

Now then, that said - we plan on keeping it FOREVER. Never selling it, and never letting it die. Pass it on to my kids, tell them the same, and tell them to tell theirs the same.

This is it. This is going to be THE truck. It has to be a 4runner, and up until now I had my mind set that it had to be 85. But hearing ya'll talk like that perks up my ears.

I'm listening, tell me more. Educate me you good folks, I really appreciate it.

:)

Thank you, and God bless.
CHEERS

Martin
McFisherman@comcast.net

It has all what you are looking for and the inside is just about perfect as can be. Has all the goods, ifs rear under 63" chevy springs, vented rotors up front, longer springs up front, v6 calipers, hysteer, IFS steering box, dual cases, OBA, power everything, and it all works, just no a/c as its been converted to the oba. Fresh paint, body armor, winch, CB stero, SR5 model.
On top of that it was a CA truck till last week..............no rust and very clean.

Whats it worth to you?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/richpblaze/4-runner.jpg 25000 pick it up now :flipoff2:

I'd buy it cuz it has a sick ass 80's chrome bumper....bling bling. I'm on my way to Utah! :flipoff2:

Martin, please don't take this as a flame... but some comments are in order.

You guys are great, I appreciate the input. Are you not kidding when you say that in the long run - it would be cheaper to build up an IFS??? I'm thinking a SAS is big bucks...
The advice you have rec'd here is based upon our personal experience. No we are not kidding.


What would the 85 need that the 86-89 comes with? Steering box, bigger rear, bigger brakes. Is that it? If it is - then consider this: I think I'm good with a 4" suspension lift(do you still recommend the IFS box?). And the axle and brakes - would I REALLY need them beefed up?
It is more than a steering box, it is the High Steer Crossover steering
that requires the IFS steering box. If you want the ultimate 4Runner, you DO NOT want the stock Push Pull type steering found on 85 and older. The bump steer is killer on a truck with tires 33" or larger and lift over 3".



AND a To put this all into a better perspective, let me put like this: My wife and I want this more than anything in life. No joke. Heaven or hell - screw a big house, we want our truck that takes us deep, deep into those mountains to God's country. THAT is our wish come true. I die a happy man any day after that day.
Now I have to ask if YOU are kidding? That is a silly statement. If you are serious, you need to rethink your priorities. There are more important things in life than a big house or an off road rig!



Now then, that said - we plan on keeping it FOREVER. Never selling it, and never letting it die. Pass it on to my kids, tell them the same, and tell them to tell theirs the same.
That statement is a tad dramatic... 4 generations with the same truck? Even a Toyota won't last that long!



This is it. This is going to be THE truck. It has to be a 4runner, and up until now I had my mind set that it had to be 85. But hearing ya'll talk like that perks up my ears.
We don't even know what kind of wheeling you want to do, or what your off roading experience is. This is a site devoted to Hard Core Rockcrawling... That is the kind of advice you are going to get and the direction the advice will lead you. Rockcrawling is VERY hard on a rig. I am not sure, based upon your statements above, that you want this rig to get trashed.

Find a clean First Generation 4Runner, preferably IFS (for the reasons stated above) take the family out into "God's country" and enjoy! An IFS rig will take you a lot of cool places. Learn how to wheel a stock rig and you will be a better driver in a built rig. When you know what kind of direction you want, then slowly build it. Spend the $ in the right places once you know what direction you want to go.



I'm listening, tell me more. Educate me you good folks, I really appreciate it.
Stop listening and start reading. It is not our job to educate you, it is your job to educate yourself. There is a wealth of information here on the PBB. Don't ask us to re-write what is already here. Ask questions, sure, but start searching, reading, and learning.

I would also highly recommend you find a good, family oriented club, preferably one with a good population of Toyota's.

Take care and God bless you as well...

Hi 5spd*, Did you join the military? this is Ben(I bought a 22re from you about two years back).

if 5spd wants to sell you his rig? i say go for it...

ive seen this truck in person and its one of the cleanest runners around...
i dont think i even saw a scratch or dent on it....
its been treated very well and would be a good truck for you in my opinion...


ohh and benny!!!
isnt it, Give A Man A Fish & He'll Eat 4 A Day, Teach A Man A Fish And he'll Eat 4 A liftime?

buy one, load it up with gear and go campin
a club is also a good idea

bob
www.extremewheelers4christ.org

Yeah this is all good advice,it just depends on what you are really going to be doing with it, and your ability's to fabricate it yourself or pay someone else to do it..
(me and my wife are buying this home,and she is not supportive of my hobby and does not like to rockcrawl /wheel,so thats what i have to work around ..etc.etc.
Ive learned everything about making my 4runner into a rockcrawler here,search ,read ,and i mean i spent many many hours, do your homework on each fab job before you go out to the garage and do it.im saving money by doing all my own work.. i am a good auto mechanic as is,and i built commercial aircraft for years, so i know how to fabricate metals..but i did not know how to weld,i didnt know how to use a torch,i didnt know how and why to fish plate the frame,etc.etc..etc...i learned it all here, and by just going out and doing it all,this added 6 months to my build but everything ive done is done right.go read the toyota "F.A.Q" ,your a lucky mofo to have a supportive wife by the way,now go buy a 4runner and get to work newb!!! peace !

Hi 5spd*, Did you join the military? this is Ben(I bought a 22re from you about two years back).



No......... :laughing: .Did my military time in the 70s. I just relocated with the post office here, since I was getting tired of Ca overall.

Thanks Yota83! :cool2:

I know how you feel guy. mine was a dream also.
wish you an easy find with few head aches

I bough mine a coupl yrs ago

1985 4 runnr
Clean 98% straight body
Bad rear end
Cracked head
bad brake master
trashed interior
heater core leaks
rear window no worky
etc etc.
had to go to Truckee to get it

but people are right , figure out what you need on it, what wheeling your going to do, fireroad or hard rock crawlin

yes the IFS years are usually easier to find therefor cheaper, better condition

2yrs still working on mine

I was getting tired of Ca overall.

Thanks Yota83! :cool2:

GoodMove! :)

I'd buy it cuz it has a sick ass 80's chrome bumper....bling bling. I'm on my way to Utah! :flipoff2:

I've had it it since the 80's You can have it once I make my new one. :barf: :barf: :flipoff2:

5spd - you really selling that thing? These pictures you guys throw up - you're killing me.

And no, I am not kidding in the least bit. (Of course I'm not nuts and I understand priorities in life, roof, food, etc) - but the WHOLE point of life is not simply existing, nor working. We work to go wheeling - we exist in between. Period.

Can you blame us? And YES - the wife loves every bit of it, too. Lucky, indeed. Currently, we've been taking out my IFS rig(86 with 3" body and 32s). But so many times, we get so deep into a trail - and the IFS holds up back. That - plus it's an extracab, not a 4runner. 4runner....so awesome.

Reading. So much reading. Wife is yelling right this moment for me to hurry up and get off the PC. I spend hours and hours reading and reading. Trust me I do. I would not disrespect your time by simply wanting it all served up to me like that.

I posted for the specific reason and hopes of the "85 4runner dream". To get specific feedback to the mission at hand. And perhaps even to see if any good folks here may want to part with theirs. Maybe even trade for my rig with 144K on it. (2nd owner) I don't know. Prices are nuts for those really nice rigs, don't know if I could afford one right now. Would LOVE to.

It's almost torture looking at those pics above. I want those 4runners so bad. 5spd - send me an email with a price, please.

And a final question about the perspective on an 85 vs an IFS - do you guys agree that with an 85 - I could get wheeling sooner? Whereas an IFS may end up better after more money spent, but it would take longer before I get to see the Ruby?

McFisherman@comcast.net

ohh and benny!!!
isnt it, Give A Man A Fish & He'll Eat 4 A Day, Teach A Man A Fish And he'll Eat 4 A liftime?


I thought it was : give a man a fish....teach a man to fish and he'll sit in a boat and drink beer all day

That statement is a tad dramatic... 4 generations with the same truck? Even a Toyota won't last that long!

Actually, my '55 Bel Air is on its third generation. I am 33 and my boy is 5 so in about 20-25 years he will make the fourth generation to own it. My grandfather bought it new in July of '55. Dad took his drivers test in it in '56. My Dad got it in '89 and we restored it together and he gave it to me in 2001.
I plan to pass my 4Runner down as well, but it will constantly be changing as there is no value to leaving it stock. (whereas the Chevy is all original)

Actually, my '55 Bel Air is on its third generation. I am 33 and my boy is 5 so in about 20-25 years he will make the fourth generation to own it. My grandfather bought it new in July of '55. Dad took his drivers test in it in '56. My Dad got it in '89 and we restored it together and he gave it to me in 2001.
I plan to pass my 4Runner down as well, but it will constantly be changing as there is no value to leaving it stock. (whereas the Chevy is all original)

That is great! I am happy for you and your family.

I remember that my grandfather gave my parents a mid 50's Pontiac... it was loaded and in excellent shape. It would have been cool if they would have saved that car for me (I was about 14 at the time, in the late 60's), but they sold it...

Will you be driving the '55 a lot and putting a strain on it that is similar to wheeling? Probably not.

I will pass my rigs on to my grandchildren (3rd generation), if they are not destroyed by then, but when they are through with them, I don't expect much to be left... if the rigs are rebuilt and restored I suppose they could still be wheeling (if gasoline is even available then, in say 2049 or later)... perhaps my greatgrandson will convert the Runner to a wiz bang new power plant that runs on potato peels, with 10th generation Longfields and anti-gravity MTR's... it won't be the same rig.

My point is that Grizzled is being unrealistic in his statements. To expect a rig to be wheeled hard for 4 generations is not realistic... To make the other statements he has made, ie: "more important than anything in life", etc, is silly when compared to the other priorities and responsibilities we all face.

Respectfully,

It has all what you are looking for and the inside is just about perfect as can be. Has all the goods, ifs rear under 63" chevy springs, vented rotors up front, longer springs up front, v6 calipers, hysteer, IFS steering box, dual cases, OBA, power everything, and it all works, just no a/c as its been converted to the oba. Fresh paint, body armor, winch, CB stero, SR5 model.
On top of that it was a CA truck till last week..............no rust and very clean.

Whats it worth to you?
What is it worth to you? Seriously, you trying to sell it?

I am seriously thinking about it at this time. I do not have it up for sale to the outside public just yet though and have yet to settle on an asking price. I will do that after I get all my #s totaled and then knowing what I wont get for it, think about what I may get for it in the end. I also have about 8-10 tubs of spare stuff from a front housing to spindles and 3rds to a complete spare w56/tcase drive line.