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How does the undercarriage look and what kind of work am I looking at?

Discussion in '1st Gen 4Runners (1984-1989)' started by Epoub, Jul 6, 2022.

  1. Jul 6, 2022 at 3:26 PM
    #1
    Epoub

    Epoub [OP] New Member

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    Hello everyone,
    I’ve been looking at a 1985 4Runner on FB marketplace, I’ve never bought a used car myself before so I don’t know exactly what to look for in terms of problems. My main questions about this are, how does the undercarriage look and what kind of work am I looking at in terms of money and are there any red flags? Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
    E47DE5FF-5B3C-4F62-8494-D829E103F11A.jpg
    E040ADD3-8AC4-448F-8C02-091BAEF53064.jpg A2BAA781-BFD1-4DF5-A8A6-0FCD78A74C4D.jpg
    71FA9728-5B80-4A72-B301-C1349FEFE061.jpg
    AD82A532-BB00-4F27-AB5C-BB4CC0B323EF.jpg
    0AA823E5-910D-48EE-B7CA-2B40A131A301.jpg
     
  2. Jul 13, 2022 at 2:47 PM
    #2
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

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    Bondo or FG on the rear wheels is a red flag. Looks like the undercarriage was sprayed which would be another red flag. I would definitely get it inspected before buying.
     
  3. Jul 13, 2022 at 2:53 PM
    #3
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Wow, that’s like the “holy grail” of first gens?
     
  4. Jul 26, 2022 at 8:20 AM
    #4
    M192

    M192 New Member

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    3.Slow for now, Sas'd, F&R Elocked, 5.29 Gears, Dual Cased, R151F Transmission
    Just curious...Why do you say that?
     
  5. Jul 26, 2022 at 8:45 AM
    #5
    2ndGen22re

    2ndGen22re Goldie, my 1st love & my new kid…

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    One-at-this-price stripper. Bought new 34 yrs ago, a $13K leftover. Added Detroit TruTrac, 1”rear spring spacer and “pinstripes”… Factory AC kit and roof rack bought at dealer cost at time of purchase, still blows ice cold 32yrs later. 2022 AG ORP all stock.
    First year of EFI, last year of the straight front axle.
    Looks a bit rusty though.
     
  6. Jul 26, 2022 at 9:02 AM
    #6
    M192

    M192 New Member

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    3.Slow for now, Sas'd, F&R Elocked, 5.29 Gears, Dual Cased, R151F Transmission
    Oh, OK. Yeah...in my neck of the woods that thing is Mint....Everything in PA is pretty much Rusted to nothing. My 85 I bought it rusted out....Basically for the Front axle...But it did have a R151F Transmission..... Now that all sits under my 88.
     
  7. Jul 26, 2022 at 10:55 AM
    #7
    Bikeric

    Bikeric New Member

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    The front axle has been gusseted already. Need to have a better look at the rear of the frame where the leaf spring shackles go through. My guess is the reason there is no rear bumper is because the rear section of the frame is flakey. That can be fixed later by an experienced welder. It's MUCH cheaper to go with a Trail Gear rear tube bumper than a Factory OEM bumper because last time I checked they were $$$$. Probably want to replace those rear leaf's and remove the spacer blocks. How easy do the front hub locks rotate? What's the engine look like?
     
  8. Jul 27, 2022 at 9:05 AM
    #8
    2ndGen22re

    2ndGen22re Goldie, my 1st love & my new kid…

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    1990 22RE & 22 AG ORP KDSS
    One-at-this-price stripper. Bought new 34 yrs ago, a $13K leftover. Added Detroit TruTrac, 1”rear spring spacer and “pinstripes”… Factory AC kit and roof rack bought at dealer cost at time of purchase, still blows ice cold 32yrs later. 2022 AG ORP all stock.
    Here is a decent one, just went on Reno CL yesterday. I would buy it myself but momma would divorce me if I bought a 3rd 4Runner.
    https://reno.craigslist.org/cto/d/sparks-runner/7513369845.html
     
  9. Jul 27, 2022 at 9:45 AM
    #9
    Daddykool

    Daddykool Photography enthusiast

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    I think the ‘bondo’ on the right rear wheel is just a rusty OEM wheel (maybe the spare) that was originally painted white.
     
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