Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I found an 1986 4runner SR5 that im thinking of buying, as this is my first 4x4 i thought i better see what they are like and a mate directed me here.

The only problem that ive been told it has is it needs new bushes, now im not to sure how much that will cost.

But i just want to no what people think of the truck, how do they go off road and is there anything i will have to look 4 b4 i buy.

Ohh and any mods u recommend if i do buy it

I for got to say its $2000, but it will have about $1500 worth of repairs to do to get it on the rd

what repairs are you talking about? bushes are about $50 to buy and a bit of time with a spanner or 2 to fit.

Not 2 sure thats just what he said the mechanic told him, so if i did it myself i could probs do some a bit cheaper

They are a great truck if in good condition. Great for summer because you can take the roof off and make it a convertible. Depending on condition, paying around $3,000 for it wouldn't be too silly.

The biggest thing I would look out for is RUST in both the body and the chassis and if there's a heap of it, don't buy it. Tops of doors, windscreen pillars, pull the carpet up and have a look. Look for any showing thru the paint on the roof. See or ask if the removable rook leaks. Also, the tailgate power window not working is a common problem, so check that it operates up and down ok. If it doesn't work too well, at least check that the window motor works ok and that it's just a relay or wiring problem, as this is easier and cheaper to fix than a new or replacement motor.

What engine is in it, diesel or petrol? Either one is loyal and reliable if it's been serviced regularly. But neither is a powerhouse so don't expect great performance. The diesel option will be the "2L" 2.4 ltr I think, which is generally easy to service. But check that the injector fuel pump is not leaking as this can be expensive to re-seal.

For that year, I think it would be leaf sprung all round (better than independent front, known as IFS), but if it is IFS then you'll still get by, just not as desirable for off - road work.

As far as mods go, you can do as much to it as your wallet and time will allow and it doesn't take much to make it a top - rate off road performer. All depends on what you want to do with it.

First mod would be front and rear diff locks if you want serious off - road performance. 31x10.5x15 tyres should also bolt on easily and give good clearance to start with. Look at the suspension, plenty of lift kits available, from mild 2" lift to wild 3" and above (trail gear classic thru locktup4x4.com.au for example). Then crawler gears for the transfer case. I think it should have a gear driven case (check the outer cover on the transfer) but if not, you can find one and swap it in relatively easily.

They are great car to cut your teeth on, but definatly go for the leaf sprung front model if you can find one, i had the same model you are looking at for a first car and its only limit was the IFS, and basically stopped me pouring more money into it over time.

That said i easily spent what i paid for it over the 5 years after doing the suspension, clutch, injectors/pump and a few other little things.

Mine was in pretty good nick, no rust and low KM and got $5k when i sold it with RWC as an indication.

I would go suspension, diff gears and 33's, you wont necessarily need a turbo if you go diff gears, mine easily cruised along at 100 - 110 on trips and got 10/100 or better but that was on 31's.

The IFS models have chain driven t/c so no transfer gears there, and i would go the "2L" 2.4lt diesel over the petrol model.

If you have any more questions pipe up, i can probably answer most of them or steer you in the right direction

1986 is generally IFS.

1985 is all leaf

If it's IFS, I'd pass to tell you the truth. The solid axle (leaf all round) car is the better bet. Stronger, more reliable, better articulation, easier and cheaper to work on and maintain.

Steve.

yer ive decided to give it a miss for now, as i need a car that i can drive straight away and i made the mistake last time of buying a cheap car to work on, ended up costing more money then it was worth.

Ive found a patrol that looks in good nick and comes with a RWC just need see if the auto in those are anygood

thanks for your help