seanmearse's 1984 4Runner Build-Up/Restoration Thread
04-19-2010, 06:18 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
seanmearse's 1984 4Runner Build-Up/Restoration Thread
So, I used to have my 94 4Runner, Then my 84 Pickup, and now my 84 4Runner.
When I picked her up it kind of a debatable situation. The guy I was buying her from didn't know a thing about it. I was in a hurry as we drove to Riverside from ridgecrest, got lost when we got down there due to my gps giving wrong directions. When we arrived at his house, it was after 8 pm, I was tired and wanted to get home, so I didnt test drive her. Well, i make out of the driveway, put it in first, and BAM!, pops out of first with a vengeance! Whatever, at this point I had already dropped him 700 bucks lower than what he wanted. I drove her home to the tune of a 1/4 tank of gas used, it was beautiful.
So, time to start sourcing a transmission. Got the first new one, and lucky John out at FU2 is honest, hooked it up with a second. Bam, no good. At this point me, Moze, and Jonny are transmission removal experts. We get the final transmission, and just for good measure install a new Sachs clutch, pilot bearing, release bearing, clutch master and clutch slave cylinders. Got her all back together, shifts like a dream.
There had been some strange noise coming from the front of the engine, I knew that sound, timing chain issue. Ordered a timing chain and component set, one that I researched and found to have good quality components at an affordable price. The set I used is from Dynagear, the components had clean cuts, no burrs or anything. Got everything installed following 4Crawlers write-up, went smoother than anything. Actually changed the way the truck runs for the better. Before you say it was just a timing chain replacement. let me tell you what I found. The tensioner had litterally fell apart, the guides were in the oil pan, along with the tensioner internal spring, no tension on the timing chain to be exact, so yeah, its a whole new truck.
Another thing completed was a Trail gear axle service kit that I traded the front third for. Now, I know what your thinking, why would he get rid of the front third? Well, to put it short, the last owner was an idiot. The guy who owned it before him had the right idea, 5.29's, locked an all. Well, it was given to the guy I bought it from with 32's on it, he didn't like the driveability, so he put a v6 4.10 rear axle in it, without changing the front, and gave the old third to the junk yard he bought the axle from. So I trade Jonny for his front 4.10 third and trail gear service kit, as I was in no way able to afford a re-gear or the kit, and the front axle was leaking from everywhere.
Well, I will keep this thread updated as I go. The next thing that desperately needs to be done is the hi-steer and front shocks, as the steering sucks and the front springs are louder than you now what. Creaky and squeeky, lol.
When I picked her up it kind of a debatable situation. The guy I was buying her from didn't know a thing about it. I was in a hurry as we drove to Riverside from ridgecrest, got lost when we got down there due to my gps giving wrong directions. When we arrived at his house, it was after 8 pm, I was tired and wanted to get home, so I didnt test drive her. Well, i make out of the driveway, put it in first, and BAM!, pops out of first with a vengeance! Whatever, at this point I had already dropped him 700 bucks lower than what he wanted. I drove her home to the tune of a 1/4 tank of gas used, it was beautiful.
So, time to start sourcing a transmission. Got the first new one, and lucky John out at FU2 is honest, hooked it up with a second. Bam, no good. At this point me, Moze, and Jonny are transmission removal experts. We get the final transmission, and just for good measure install a new Sachs clutch, pilot bearing, release bearing, clutch master and clutch slave cylinders. Got her all back together, shifts like a dream.
There had been some strange noise coming from the front of the engine, I knew that sound, timing chain issue. Ordered a timing chain and component set, one that I researched and found to have good quality components at an affordable price. The set I used is from Dynagear, the components had clean cuts, no burrs or anything. Got everything installed following 4Crawlers write-up, went smoother than anything. Actually changed the way the truck runs for the better. Before you say it was just a timing chain replacement. let me tell you what I found. The tensioner had litterally fell apart, the guides were in the oil pan, along with the tensioner internal spring, no tension on the timing chain to be exact, so yeah, its a whole new truck.
Another thing completed was a Trail gear axle service kit that I traded the front third for. Now, I know what your thinking, why would he get rid of the front third? Well, to put it short, the last owner was an idiot. The guy who owned it before him had the right idea, 5.29's, locked an all. Well, it was given to the guy I bought it from with 32's on it, he didn't like the driveability, so he put a v6 4.10 rear axle in it, without changing the front, and gave the old third to the junk yard he bought the axle from. So I trade Jonny for his front 4.10 third and trail gear service kit, as I was in no way able to afford a re-gear or the kit, and the front axle was leaking from everywhere.
Well, I will keep this thread updated as I go. The next thing that desperately needs to be done is the hi-steer and front shocks, as the steering sucks and the front springs are louder than you now what. Creaky and squeeky, lol.
04-19-2010, 06:27 PM
#2
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Thread Starter
And here is how she sits now, with the new transmission, clutch, hydralics and timing chain. Also, liked the cut top look, so I did it, lol. It actually works pretty good, with rear window down and full top, exhaust would flood cab, windows up or down, with the cut top, nothing but fresh air. Plus, when i have the money, I'll be buying Mozes full top.
And some more pics of the timing tensioner damage.
Back to the truck pics, lol.
And this pic is just awesome.
And some more pics of the timing tensioner damage.
Back to the truck pics, lol.
And this pic is just awesome.
04-20-2010, 07:49 PM
#5
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That happens when you own a toyota. . . That and I've recently started actually working on my truck rather than just waiting for something to completely break. Lol
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to sean's build, not your post! 
05-14-2010, 05:38 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
Well, took the plunge, she is on 35's now.
looking great!!!
Next to Moze's 87 runner. TAKE A DRINK!!! lol.
looking great!!!
Next to Moze's 87 runner. TAKE A DRINK!!! lol.
Last edited by seanmearse; 05-14-2010 at 05:41 PM.
05-14-2010, 11:47 PM
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
so, i was just looking at my pics, in the last one, does it look like the front passenger tire is bigger? maybe im just tired, but it looks bigger than the drivers...
05-18-2010, 06:46 AM
#16
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Thread Starter
BTW Jonny, the all hold air just fine, it was the bent rims. But, I am running 22 psi in them, when they are properly inflated, the lack of a shock on the front (blown out) made it un-bearable.
05-22-2010, 04:38 PM
#17
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Thread Starter
Well, got some new fenders from Rob out at FU2, he put fiberglass ones on his SAS'd, coil-over, bobbed bed and top 88 4Runner. Also some pics of Johns crawler Yota/Zuki, plus some pics on a 20 degree ramp, cant remember my score, but need softer rear springs. Well, enjoy.
The new fenders
Whats left of the old fenders
Next five pics are John's crawler
Robs 4Runner in the back ground
Here's the 4Runner going up the ramp
The new fenders
Whats left of the old fenders
Next five pics are John's crawler
Robs 4Runner in the back ground
Here's the 4Runner going up the ramp
