$8500 budget

Hi y'all. I'm new to the forum, but I've been lurking and researching for about 6 months now. I started out interested in a beater truck that I could have a little fun in, and now I've convinced the wife we should get more than a beater. I got $8500 to spend (plus shipping, etc).

I was planning on finding a 4R in AZ or SOCAL (no rust issues). I want something clean with no rust.

I found an '88 with the 3.4 v6 swap, manual... but it's IFS. Details in post below. I was hoping I could get opinions on if it's worth $8600. I really dig the 3.4 swap, but the IFS kind of bothers me.

I'm not going to really go rock crawling, but I say that now... I guess I could always pay the extra money down the line for a SAS swap if I really wanted to.

OR.... should I just find a clean stock 4R and do the mods I want? I'll probably spend a lot more than $8600 though I would think, but less wear and tear from previous off road use?

Thoughts?

 

4Runner Details:

Receipts and warranties on all work done. It is a 3.4L motor swap from a 1998 4Runner and a 5 speed manual transmission. Only 52,000 miles on the drive train!
Specs listed
4 wheel drive
Rebuilt Aisin lockers in front
33 inch tires
5 speed annual trans
3.4L V6 motor
New rebuilt transfer case
New axles with seals
Roof rack
A/C upgraded to R134 coolant
Brand new compressor
Auto locks and windows
Tube rear bumper
4 inch old man emu suspension lift
Full ECU from 1998 4runner concerted to fit
All electricals still work
Viper alarm system ready to go with
High lift Jack included
Have two sets of front fenders to go with
Stock set of wheels and tires as well if wanted
Spare shackles
Receipts and warranties to go with, clean title.

 

...and pics...

 

That's an awesome 4Runner. $8700 seems high to me but its hard to value old Toyotas since they go for crazy prices all the time, and it's sort of a what its worth to you kind of thing. I wouldn't be too concerned about the IFS. A SAS is easy enough and could be done down the line. Not to mention you don't want bubba's "hold my beer" SAS. It will ride like shit on the road and your wife will be pissed.

How many miles on the truck? It looks pretty clean, but make sure there is no frame rust or damage from a previous collision. A clean title doesn't mean a whole lot on a vehicle of that age. I have owned rigs that were rebuilt in a garage but still carried a clean title. If this is what you want I say go for it. If you want a 3.4L you will have to go with a 3rd gen or an engine swap. It's not too hard to find a nice stock 3rd gen for $8500. However, consider what you would want to add and what your budget allows. Are you capable of modding stuff yourself, or would you have to pay a shop to do it? And as a word of caution, you mentioned paying shipping, I would never buy a used vehicle without checking it out, listening to it and driving it in person.

 

Found this in about 2 minutes. Not sure where you are located or where you want to go but this would leave a nice chunk in the budget for upgrades. Craigslist is your friend.
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/1987-toyota-4runner-sr5-4x4-5/6550852995.html

or this already built

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/d/1997-toyota-4runner-4x4/6550277389.html

 

That one is really sweet. The 3.4 is a really nice motor, my friend had a 96 with that drivetrain and it's awesome. Price does seem a little steep. I wouldn't want to pay over 7500 for it, but hey everyone is different and locations seem to have different prices.

Those older ones are very easy to SAS if that is what you want... That being said I would leave it as-is until you really make up your mind either way.

 

Thanks for all the replies!