1984 4x4 Sunrader (4Runner)

Hi folks,
Joining to share and receive wisdom from other first generation 4Runner owners.
I've had this truck since September 2019, where it lived out west its whole life. Stored winters here in NY. 22R, 5 speed, 128K miles. Love it. Hasn't give me too many problems, other than having to bleed the clutch annually and upgrade the alternator. Currently dealing with a probable exhaust manifold leak.

 

Welcome to the forum, more pics please.

 

Now that’s cool!!! Yes, definitely more photos, inside and out. Welcome to the forum from San Diego.

 

Welcome

 

This isn't the OP's truck, but for those that don't know what the SunRader is (or how rare), here's a video of a restored one:

 

Welcome! Very cool Truck. Don't believe I've ever seen one before.

 

Welcome to the forum!

+1 for more pictures, please!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! +2 for more pics... some specs. also... if you would please. Like gearing, weight etc. This is a very cool ride!

 

welcome

 

That thing is beyond cool! Never seen one before. Huge congrats on it. I'd save my chips and take it to the guy in that video for any necessary restoration and/or repair.

 

Welcome from Arizona!
Bring that puppy down here in the winter and let's go cruising.

 

Very cool video! Had not seen that before.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone! Forgive me for bumbling around trying to figure out how to post/post pics. I will have to take some recent interior pix, as the few I seem to have on my phone were from right after I finished redoing most of the camper interior, and there have been some changes since. I did put them in my profile media section, I think.

Here's some miscellaneous specs and background. As the video posted stated, very few of these were made back in the 80s. Gardner-Pacific made the camper shells in various configurations and mounted them on various trucks. I was told only 25-30 were put on 4runners. Interesting the video states there are only 17 left. This one has been heavily modified, obviously, by the PO, but the 4x4 bones are original. So many upgrades I would be hard pressed to list them all.

Solid front axle with HD leaf springs. OME steering stabilizer, custom front bumper, winch, wheels are 16x8, 6 lug front, 8 lug rear. The original Sunraders had duelies; PO didn't like them as rocks would get in between the tires and shred them, so replaced the rear axle with a Dana 60. Gears were replaced with 4:88s to offset the larger tires (285/75R16). larger disc brakes all around and larger master cylinder and lines added, HD radiator, shocks, etc. Most lighting except for headlights changed to LEDs.

Cool stuff it came with: 265 watt solar panel mounted on roof, 2000 watt inverter, 2 AGM batteries for camper (since replaced/upgraded), 4 burner propane range, 2 propane tanks, propanr heater, propane hot water heater, marine fridge (runs off of AGM batteries which are charged via solar or alternator), air conditioner, microwave (both require shore power), inside sink (disconnected when I rebuilt the interior; would never need it) indoor toilet and shower, outside shower, full size bed over the cab, wrap around seating in rear of camper with table that converts to a second bed, lots of storage, canopy, custom roof racks (3, but I don't use them, as the truck is about 11' high, and kayaks or a canoe would like be destroyed by bridges. Plus, no fun getting them up there!)

Probably a lot more that I am forgetting. PO called in "La Tortuga" (The Turtle) because it is slow and carries it's house on it's back. I still call it that. Get's on average 12.5 miles per gallon. Hates hills. Has no problem cruising at 65 if necessary, but the slightest incline will make drop down into 4th...third...second. I use the emergency flashers often! 22R is strong and able. Rides surprisingly nice given the stiff suspension. Pretty loud in the cab. AC gave out on the way back from AZ and have not tried to fix it, as the Tortuga records show 2 shops tried and apparently failed to get it working/keep it working. I put a backup camera in it and a voltmeter; plan on putting in full gauges.