i'm about to go look at an 87 4runner. It's a 5-speed and has about 220,000 miles on it. The guy wants $1200 i think. i'm buying a car just to use for 2 months over the summer and then sell in august...it won't be off the pavement. What should i look for? I'm a Ford guy and not all that familiar with the Toys.

Thanks,
Steve

Ask when he last changed the Timing chain. It sounds like you just need it to run. Look for the usual. Major Oil leaks - wierd sounds. Engine/drivetrain wise, toys are pretty reliable. It probably has a 22re which, if cared for will run forever.

Take the top off and find some dirt, it's not too late to convert:D

Regards

Dave

i was gonna say rust
but you guys don't have to worry
about that to much i guess

:D

I remember the days (Jersey) when rust was a problem. Now I can't remember the last time it rained.

Buy it, drive it on pavement for the summer and then
send the rust free body to me :)

alright i just checked it out. the body and paint i'd say are a 5/10, the rear window is missing. The engine sounds pretty good, i didn't know it was EFI. The tranny felt really "soft" for lack of a better word...i could shift it with my tongue and had a hard time feeling the clutch, i guess that could just be that i'm used to driving a powerstroke diesel. The tcase shifted fine. Tires weren't great. So, given this description, is it worth $1200? Will i have a tough time selling it in 2 months?

Thanks,
Steve

P.S. how hard is it to take the top off?

Trans probably needs a $5 shifter bushing.
1 bannana job and 5 min to do.

Rear glass is probably $$$ if ya wanna replace it. Or just send the rear door shell (assuming no rust) to me :D

Top off is pretty easy - there are sites out there (and at LEAST one thread here) that discuss it.

Should be able to sell it no problem for $1000.

But more likely you will turn it into a "project" truck :D

Top off.. 16 bolts and a buddy. Yes, you can do it yourself, if you are a fairly strong guy, but it is a heavy mofo.
1. roll window down.
2. remove the "pretty pieces"
3. disconnect power cords and washer fluid line in driver side rear corner.
4. remove bolts
5. lift off of truck.
6. note: there are 2 alignment bolts. leave them installed.


Ask if he has replaced the timing chain and/or the tensioner. 22RE's are notorious for this problem. especially at 220k miles. if not.. is the engine "clanking" or "ticking" to correspond with the RPM's? if so, there is a problem. if not.. then count yourself lucky.

Originally posted by Chister

6. note: there are 2 alignment bolts. leave them installed.


They look like acorn nuts at the back top of the body, about a foot in from the tailgate.

after driving a standerd powerstroke,the toy clutch will fill like it's not there:D