Hey Ladies and Gents
New member here, located in Middle TN. I'm also in the beginning stages of getting into Overlanding. My wife and I love to vacation in Wyoming/Montana, and we just got back from our latest trip out there. After hiking in Medicine Box National Forest, I knew what direction I wanted to go with the 4Runner. This trip reminded me of my high school years, and backpacking the Appalachian Trail every chance I could get. It's time to get back to that. SO.. here's a quick history on this truck:
I've always been a 80's Toyota nut. I already had an 88 Pickup, but decided I needed a 1st Gen Runner. So after months of searching, I found this gem. I know Overlanding isn't about what you drive, but I have had quite the relationship with this truck.
Looking at the production date, it was built the month I was born (May 1985), so I HAD to buy it. Blown motor, roached fenders, screwed up title, nasty interior and hackjob of a shackle lift... but the price was right.
Like the fool that I am, I went ahead and started work as soon as she got home. I gutted the interior and yanked the tired motor. After a 3 month build, the 22R went back in. I slowly began to make interior door panels, and paint the nasty brown plastic panels to black.
Little did I know, the simple "title issue" wouldn't be nearly as simple as I thought- and I had already spent well over $2500 rebuilding the motor. But, after months of back and forth with our local county clerk.. I had the title in my name.
After the title victory, I jumped right in. Replacing seats, bumpers, windshield, carpet and most of the steering components. Then the axles needed to be addressed. I rebuilt the rear axle with a lightly used 3rd member, still 4:10 gears.. all new bearings and seals. On to the front.. All new bearings and seals, trunion bearings.. the whole 9 yards.
The body work began after that. I cut the cancerous fenders out, treated and fiberglassed back to the original shape (as close as I could get it). I wanted the Runner to look presentable, but I knew it would never be a show truck. So I pulled what large dents I could, and decided to Raptor Line it. After about 3 weeks of bodywork and sanding, it was ready to shoot... and this stuff is awesome. Tough as can be, and I think it looks pretty good.
So here we are in the present tense.. Now I know what direction I want to move in, and there is still a long way to go before I can get her in the woods. I still have some minor things to finish like painting the top, gathering all the missing interior trim pieces, and finishing all the trim after the paint job. Here are some of the future upgrades:
OME Heavy Spring Kit (Shocks, Shackle, Bushings, etc..)
Steel Wheels and new tires
Crossover Steering (maybe?)
Fab rear bumper with tire carrier and Jerry can holders
Possible front bumper and winch
Completely re-do AC.. possibly.
Roof rack, and probably an RRT.
My main goal here is to bring this old girl back from the dead. She had been beaten and thrown through the mud.. but hopefully I can get her back to her original reliability. I would love to be able to load her up, and take off down the highway. At least if there are any issues.. I'll know her well enough to be able to fix it on the trail.
Any opinions on some of the remaining projects would be appreciated, as I am starting to get into stuff I have never done before.. and it is a little daunting.
Oh yeah, one more thing! I'm going to save this one for last.. but I do believe the new OB badge will cap off the build. Thanks Guys.
John Herrington OB 12414
New member here, located in Middle TN. I'm also in the beginning stages of getting into Overlanding. My wife and I love to vacation in Wyoming/Montana, and we just got back from our latest trip out there. After hiking in Medicine Box National Forest, I knew what direction I wanted to go with the 4Runner. This trip reminded me of my high school years, and backpacking the Appalachian Trail every chance I could get. It's time to get back to that. SO.. here's a quick history on this truck:
I've always been a 80's Toyota nut. I already had an 88 Pickup, but decided I needed a 1st Gen Runner. So after months of searching, I found this gem. I know Overlanding isn't about what you drive, but I have had quite the relationship with this truck.
Looking at the production date, it was built the month I was born (May 1985), so I HAD to buy it. Blown motor, roached fenders, screwed up title, nasty interior and hackjob of a shackle lift... but the price was right.
Like the fool that I am, I went ahead and started work as soon as she got home. I gutted the interior and yanked the tired motor. After a 3 month build, the 22R went back in. I slowly began to make interior door panels, and paint the nasty brown plastic panels to black.
Little did I know, the simple "title issue" wouldn't be nearly as simple as I thought- and I had already spent well over $2500 rebuilding the motor. But, after months of back and forth with our local county clerk.. I had the title in my name.
After the title victory, I jumped right in. Replacing seats, bumpers, windshield, carpet and most of the steering components. Then the axles needed to be addressed. I rebuilt the rear axle with a lightly used 3rd member, still 4:10 gears.. all new bearings and seals. On to the front.. All new bearings and seals, trunion bearings.. the whole 9 yards.
The body work began after that. I cut the cancerous fenders out, treated and fiberglassed back to the original shape (as close as I could get it). I wanted the Runner to look presentable, but I knew it would never be a show truck. So I pulled what large dents I could, and decided to Raptor Line it. After about 3 weeks of bodywork and sanding, it was ready to shoot... and this stuff is awesome. Tough as can be, and I think it looks pretty good.
So here we are in the present tense.. Now I know what direction I want to move in, and there is still a long way to go before I can get her in the woods. I still have some minor things to finish like painting the top, gathering all the missing interior trim pieces, and finishing all the trim after the paint job. Here are some of the future upgrades:
OME Heavy Spring Kit (Shocks, Shackle, Bushings, etc..)
Steel Wheels and new tires
Crossover Steering (maybe?)
Fab rear bumper with tire carrier and Jerry can holders
Possible front bumper and winch
Completely re-do AC.. possibly.
Roof rack, and probably an RRT.
My main goal here is to bring this old girl back from the dead. She had been beaten and thrown through the mud.. but hopefully I can get her back to her original reliability. I would love to be able to load her up, and take off down the highway. At least if there are any issues.. I'll know her well enough to be able to fix it on the trail.
Any opinions on some of the remaining projects would be appreciated, as I am starting to get into stuff I have never done before.. and it is a little daunting.
Oh yeah, one more thing! I'm going to save this one for last.. but I do believe the new OB badge will cap off the build. Thanks Guys.
John Herrington OB 12414
