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88 4Runner project

Discussion in '1st Gen Builds (1984-1989)' started by Austineill, Mar 2, 2018.

  1. Mar 2, 2018 at 4:46 PM
    #1
    Austineill

    Austineill [OP] New Member

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    hey everybody,
    I just purchased a 88 4Runner that was pretty much beat up and not taken care of but it runs! My goal is to make it my everyday driver and adventure rig. The inner tierods are bad, and I have a leak in the powersteering. Although my main concern is getting the radiator replaced, doing the timing chain, and making sure it passes smog. The guy I bought it from said the catalytic converter is new, I believe em. It just runs a little rough now. Any suggestions I what else I should make a priority first. I have very little experience working on vehicles.

    It's got some super large wheels on it which killed the inner tierods and a 3 inch body lift that is pretty silly to me. I'd like to take it down to stock and eventually get some decent on/off road tires. Any suggestions?

    Thanks for reading
     
    BestGen and Backslider like this.
  2. Mar 3, 2018 at 6:12 PM
    #2
    Austineill

    Austineill [OP] New Member

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    check it out! Figure I'm going to do a radiator, water pump, timing chain and power steering pump replacement first. Looking into getting a V6 radiator instead of a 4 cylinder.

    image.jpg
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    BestGen likes this.
  3. Sep 30, 2018 at 7:31 PM
    #3
    akjff

    akjff New Member

    Joined:
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    #7332
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    AK
    Vehicle:
    86 4runner, 91 4runner
    Fr & Rear Detroit TrueTracs, 4.56:1 R&P, ARB leafs, Poly bushings, Headers, 8500lb winch, Rooftop cargo and awning.
    hello. i would recommend getting some yakima widebody raingutters or similar to get that crossbar off of the fiberglass rain gutter. i have 4 of them which allowed a crossbar just behind the sliding windows and another set towards the back of the topper as well. around $40 for a set and easy install.
     
  4. Oct 3, 2018 at 8:16 AM
    #4
    BestGen

    BestGen Member #57

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    First Name:
    Paul
    Haunted Turnbull Canyon, CA
    Vehicle:
    1988 4Runner XTE 22RE/W56, '93 G144 4.88s, Spartan Locker, AllPro Sliders, OEM 15x6" rims, BFG KM2 33/10.5s, 4Crawler 1.5" BJS, OME 2" Dakar springs, TG rear bumper.
    33"KM2s, 4.88s, Spartan Locker, TG rear bumper, AllPro Kickout sliders, 4Crawler 1.5" BJS, OME 2" Dakar springs.
    Welcome to the forum. If it's running rough the first thing I'd do is plugs, wires, cap n rotor, check the timing and adjust the valves. Then run some Lucas fuel system cleaner thru it. The V6 radiator is an easy upgrade. For rims, I'd go back to oem wheels. For tires, you can't go wrong with some 31" BFGs. IMG_2119.jpg
     
  5. Oct 4, 2018 at 11:12 PM
    #5
    akjff

    akjff New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2018
    Member:
    #7332
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    AK
    Vehicle:
    86 4runner, 91 4runner
    Fr & Rear Detroit TrueTracs, 4.56:1 R&P, ARB leafs, Poly bushings, Headers, 8500lb winch, Rooftop cargo and awning.
    I agree with BestGen. 31" tires work well for most circumstances. Just look at what can be done with a dmax on 31s at 4wd Action.
    I would add that lowering the gear ratio one step past stock for the tire diameter helps bring that 4 cylinder to life when going uphill. Also helps with engine braking down hills and crawl. (4.88:1 for 31" tires) Wish i would have done that. I would also suggest a toyota factory service manual off ebay or the like. If that doesnt work there is an illustrated parts catalog of sorts here https://parts.toyota.com These 1st generation 4runners are a great vehicle to learn to work on.
     
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    #5

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