I've been looking at first gen 4runners for a while now and decided to sell my 97 powerstroke and get something a little smaller and more capable offroad so I can start doing trail runs and backroad exploring on my own.. I found a 1986 4runner, all stock, with a rebuilt motor 2k miles ago, New A/T tires, looks a little oily underneath but everything was in good condition.. I talked the owner down from $3600 to $2200 after I was done destroyed the plug wires from testing the compression.. Oops!

I had the biggest freakin smile on my face on the way home! The whole way!! Until I got rear ended one light away from my house..



Insurance decided to total it but I wanted to keep it anyways.. I'm pretty sure the frame isn't bent, the majority of the impact was absorbed thru the pass rear tire.. It did push one side forward so the thing drives like it has a floorjack under it and the a$$ swings out a foot past the front but I deemed it repairable.. The tailgate is mashed but from what I can tell the floor inside is untouched.. I have a plan for the rear quarter damage as well that includes a bumper build..







Now that insurance is payed out, im in this thing for nothing, literally.. I've located a rear axle and tailgate, but I'm hesitant to buy. What if there is an upgrade I should be looking into instead of a stock axle change out back.

I want to put 53" springs on, I've been told that's a good option, but I don't want to lift the front anytime soon... How unlevel will that make the truck? I just want to get some opinions. In case there is something I'm not thinking of.. I'm not new to trucks, just Toyota's

I will be posting a lot of progress pics and info as I go. I plan on this being the most badass trailready/daily driver build my wallet can handle... I hope those aren't to big of goals haha

-Tyler

 

I'm looking forward to keeping up with your build. Keep the posts coming!

 

Great looking runner you got. Some bum luck on it on the first day with it. Will be looking forward to your build. Hope the rear axle is not a major fix for you. Not sure how bad that could be on it. Welcome to Yotatech.

 

Nice truck and what a pain on the rear end accident on your drive home, now i think the first thing you should do is get a front and rear bumpers for protection, i see a lot of trucks without rear bumpers all the time.

 

Did you buy this thing in the Sacramento area? I think I saw it on CL not too long ago. Bummer about the accident

 

Very nice Runner. Sorry about the Bad luck on the drive home.

Regarding the rear axle. I would buy it and try to get a set of stock springs so you can throw it together in the meantime.

Collect the parts you need for the 63" swap and wait until you have everything to change it over.

I would double, triple check that the frame is not bent in any way before I would start.

Worst case, you have to replace it out. Then there are even more options for you to do so.

Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. Feel free to PM my anytime.

Oh yeah.....welcome to YT.

 

Good looking runner. I have its,twin in my driveway.
I agree with the previous post, get another stock rear axle, stock Springs until you get the rest of your lift, or SFA conversion. I have the IFS system, with 4.5" bracket lift. I love it, lots of folks wanna SFA these models, but I have had both and I prefer the IFS set up.
You then will need to put lift Springs on the rear and possibly shackles.