1985 4Runner

This is my first 4Runner and I was able to score a totally stock, all original truck with original paint. It has 260k miles but just had a fresh rebuild on the motor. It is an automatic although I would have preferred a 5 speed but it seems to run really good. The back glass doesn’t let down, the blower fan is loud and needs replaced and the fuel gauge doesn’t work. Other than those few issues, it is in excellent condition. Hopefully I can get the back glass working so I can access the back. One other thing I forgot is the seat adjustment cables are broken. Does anyone have any advice to address these issues? I look forward to getting this truck back in tip top shape.

 

Nice score!

 

Very nice, welcome to the forum.

 

I had a '86 automatic. For the longest time my back glass would not go down. I sold it to a co-worker at the time who really needed a vehicle. Told him about the back glass. It IS an issue when you only have two doors. Stupid me!!! He told me after the sale that the back glass worked. I had forgotten that there is a on/off switch for it, low on the dash...duh. he switched it and that's all it was. You probably already know this though?
Congrats on the '85. It has the solid front axel. Just don't ever let it overheat with that 22R aluminum head! I found out the hard way how easily they can crack. I loved that Runner though.
Oh, also, the loud blower may just be a dirty squirrel cage....easy fix. Been there,done that.
Welcome to the forum!!

 

Nice! Congratulations! Are those wheels original? I bought a 1988 new with white wheels, and today you hardly ever see those in the forums. They’re sweet, though.

 

Congrats! That is really cool looking truck.

 

Where is the OP?
Could be an interesting thread...

 

Did you ever get your back glass working?

 

i’m now the owner of this truck. i brought it to california from alabama. the back glass actually works fine. it’s something in the electrical that’s not working.

the main thing is the 22re has rod knock, im in the beginning stages of a rebuild. otherwise it’s a very solid truck. no rust, interior is very clean, excited to get this thing going.

 

Hey, i’m the new owner of the truck.

I brought it to California from Alabama. It’s a great truck. 1985 DLX 22re automatic, the motor has rod knock so i’m rebuilding that. One of the previous owners early on had the entire frame rust-proofed. The frame is in immaculate shape under the coating. I was able to pressure wash off a chunk of it to reveal a perfect untouched frame. it’s cleaner than my 1995 pickup with 100k miles.

The rear fender arches have been repaired. the rest of the body is rust free.

Transmission works great, overdrive works great, 4wd works, AC electrics work but there’s something wrong with the cabling behind the dash.

since i’ve had the truck i’ve cleaned out the interior completely, got rid of all the crap under the seats etc etc, i’ve created a temporary rear window switch so i can roll that down until i decide to fix it permanently, i repainted the roll bar, i got all new hardware for the topper, i got a modern head unit with bluetooth, added fire extinguisher…..KN air filter….oh and i replaced some of the vacuum lines but none of that matters because of the rebuild.

future includes:

- 22re rebuild with all OEM parts
- 3” lift new leaf pack all the way around, with new struts.
- 33” BFG KO2
- 4.88 gears (will that help with the 33’s?)
- probably some wheels with some backspacing
- carpet kit for cargo area
- add full sound system
- rear locker
- fix AC
- new bumpers front/rear

other than that i’m very happy with it.

 

Damn, thats a cool 4runner!

 

The rear wiper falling off its' seat and not perfectly horizontal could be a culprit for the back glass not going down.
With 3" of lift you might want to consider a 3" relocation bracket for the rear drum brake load sense proportioning valve (LSPV).
You may also need a custom drag link for your front steering. Mine is Z-shaped similar to this:

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/1985-...FFRnNh8bf_rS_7xLii81gJXKMm8dS7g0aAklmEALw_wcB

 

Thanks for the tip, i already tried the wiper trick, that’s not the issue—it’s a wiring problem. Thanks for the tip about LSPV and drag link. I’ll keep that in mind!

Motor is currently at the machine shop, looking forward to getting that back at the moment.

 

Thanks very much man, glad you like it!

 

I’ve kinda done the same thing. I’m using a Milwaukee 12V battery and some wires to currently control the window LOL. It’s terribly ghetto, once i get my truck back from the shop getting the engine rebuilt, i’m going to properly fix the switch.

 

The last 6 weeks the truck has been in the shop getting its original 22RE rebuilt. I went for a full OEM rebuild. The shop I took it to (The Truck Shop in San Diego) was meticulous about making sure everything was OEM. Along the way they found my brake system was basically complete junk as well. So, along with a full rebuild, i also got a full new (refurbished) OEM brake system that includes a new master cylinder and brake booster. It was not cheap but now i have peace of mind and the truck has a 1 year warranty from the shop.

It also passed california smog after the rebuild so i’m extremely fired up about that. I’ve put about 40 miles on it so far and everything is running great at the moment. Really looking forward to getting this thing broken in and start taking it on some real drives and trails.

 

In May (or possibly June) of 1984 I bought a 1984 1/2 4Runner that looked exactly like this. Fuel injection (EFI) was an option but increased the horsepower from 98 to 114 I think. Mine had the carburetor which was fine with the 5 speed manual. I think the 1985 model year began production in August or September of 1984. Let us know the date of manufacture! Nice truck!

 

This used to be mine in GA. Originally a black top which is at a friends house.

 

My middle school science teacher had 1988 T4R in this exact color combo!

 

Good to see you’re getting it road worthy, i have been going to the Truck Shop for all my work for quite a few years now.