1988 SR5 Restomod

Hey guys this is my 5th Toyota build, and I figured I'd document it here. I had an 84 shortbed that my dad and I built when I was 13. For my highschool vehicle I daily drove a restored 1982 shortbed for about 4 years that my dad and I rebuilt when I was about 14. I did my first SAS on an 88 XtraCab after that. I then restored a 79 long bed with 80k original miles that I swapped to a short bed frame and swapped out the 20R with a fresh 22R.

I've always wanted a first 4Runner, but they're so incredibly hard to come by without rust down here in Louisiana. My uncle had a completely rotten 85 sitting up in his back yard for years and he finally gave it to me and that was enough to get me going.

I ended up looking for a couple of years for a good deal on a straight bodied Runner. I found one not even 30 minutes away from me that's been hiding for years. It is an 88 SR5 loaded with everything. It was a late 88 so it has the nicer more padded door panels and the more comfortable seats.

I'll be using my 85 frame, transmission, transfer, and axles for the drivetrain. I'll add my 88 body on top once I get my frame done.

I'm not big on off-roading a Toyota (I've got a Can-Am for that), so this won't be a very "built" 4Runner.
I am actually going to restore this into a late 80s / early 90s show truck.

My list of mods include:
-10 to 12 inches of suspension lift
-Dual chrome monotube shocks all around.
-2-4 chrome steering stabilizers on a crossover (not high steer) steering set up.
-Smoothed (weld slag and no rust pitting) frame with a high gloss paint job.
-Powdercoated steering linkages & other items.
-Custom interior.
-White body and top with factory vinyl decals
-Stock block 22RE with a small cam, ported and polished head, and higher flowing exhaust system.

I'm sure I forgot a lot, but y'all probably get the idea.

Here's a few pictures of some of my older builds:

 

I got the 85 out of the woods and I unbolted everything connecting the body and frame. The frames now out and ready for tear down.

 

Frames been pressure washed and stripped down.
I replaced the bent front crossmember with a straight one that I robbed from a parts truck I have.
Then I cleaned out my shop (sorta), and pushed the frame into the shop for the rest of the tear down.

 

That's what I've got done as of now. I've got to cut off my original front and rear shock mounts which I'll probably get done tonight. I'm waiting for a day off to bring the frame into sand blasting.

While it's at the shop getting blasted, I'll start tearing down my axles and doing a full rebuild of my knuckles to keep me busy.


Here's the 88 body I'll be using.
These pictures are from when I first went to look at it at the previous owners house. He had the front suspension cut out to do a SAS, so I caught hell getting it home, but I got it eventually.

 

Awesome work....

 

Awesome build! Also, your garage is both cool and scary.

 

Haha thank you, my friends in highschool really enjoyed spray paint. Things got a little out of hand.

 

Spent a little time today cleaning out the frame. This is the second time I devoted an afternoon to cleaning the inner frame out. This time I got smart with it and called a buddy over to pick the frame up and lean the top against a tree so all of the junk leftover from the first cleanse can come out.

The results were enough to make me happy and call it a win for the day.



Here's a little bit of the "junk" from inside. Must've had a nice family of something living inside at one point that really loved acorns.

 

Small update while my frame is at the sand blasters shop. I've had a lot of down time while waiting for it to be finished, and I haven't been able to do much. So I decided to pull the tarp off of my donor body and go through the wiring harness (PO said he had issues with all of the power windows). I hooked up a hot battery and pulled out the meter and opened the driver door panel to start. I opened it and found that the main control in the door for windows and locks had a loose wire coming from the control side plug. I spliced and reconnected. Next thing I know, both door windows and locks worked flawlessly (hallelujah).

Next was the rear glass.
The rear key switch didn't roll the window up (reason I had a tarp over it). I pulled the cover off and started from the back since I'm missing the switch in the console. The key switch on the tailgate wasn't working because someone had tried changing the window motor before, and had never plugged it back in.

I've been researching so hard to see all the possible issues I could have and it ended up being just two plugs that weren't plugged in. Now all of my power windows work and I'm that much closer to having a functional 4Runner lol.






*Update*

Got a call from a friend saying that he saw a 2wd RCLB for sale nearby for $800.
I loaded up and went down there.
87 with carbed 22r and auto trans.
I popped the hood and the engine was fairly clean.
Checked the oil and it was as milky as Browns Dairy.
The owner (possible drug abuser) told me he was having timing chain issues and "that's what causes the oil to get water in it"

So I cranked the truck and it started without hesitation (all praise the mighty 22r!!!)

I told the guy that the head gasket was blown and I'd give him $500.

He agreed.

Here's my new edition. Stopping by AutoZone on the way home to pick up a top end rebuild gasket kit and fresh oil and filter.

Here she is.


That's it for now. I'll update once I rear into this engine tomorrow morning.

 

On my way home with the engine doner!

 

I hope you keep posting. You have shown a lot of talent for rebuilding things.

 

Thanks for the kind words nervo19! Progress on the build is slow right now. In the middle of cleaning and reorganizing my entire shop. I've got so much stuff laying around that it actually causes unnecessary complications while trying to build this runner. Once I get everything cleaned and organized, I'll start back up.

 

Yeah. Tell me about things in the way. We finally got my '89 painted about two weeks ago. I'm putting stuff back on that has been off for six years. Parts take up a lot of space when they are not actually on the vehicle. You say you are slow but I have you beat!

This is mine just after paint. I have the grill back on and changed the corner and bumper lights to clear ones. Put the B pillar trim on today. I'm waiting for a new rear bumper. My youngest son, 17 will be driving it. He's really happy with it.

 

Oh wow! What a great ride for highschool! You two have quite the machine.

What rear bumper were you looking into? The search for the stock chrome no-step bumper is driving me insane.

About the parts being in the way.. Yeah. I can't move in my shop. I feel suffocated in there with all of the extra stuff I have laying around that "I can't sell or get rid of because I might need it one day!" (Toyota Hoarder).

I'll start posting as soon as I get done again. Maybe I'll even post some before and after of the shop.

I wish you and your son the best with the 89!

 

My son and I both want the old Runner as factory as possible. He does love his stickers but he knows not to put them on the paint or the Soft Topper. The OEM rear bumper is wonky. A google showed a couple of dealers still listed the rear bumper but when I tried to order they cancelled the orders. "Discontinued part." It was available when I started this project six years ago. I resisted buying one because I had too much stuff to work on and too little storage space. I posted a wanted for a chrome bumper on Yotatech and a member alerted me yesterday when one went up for sale in Arizona. It's on it's way. I made the first step and listed a few hoarded items on eBay last night. I haven't sold anything in 10 years. No one needs three consoles for a vehicle. Didn't list a console YET but I listed some lights and a Japanese inclinometer. I kept the best console and restored it. Gonna restore the one I sell and try to reimburse myself.

This is my restoration on another forum. I should start one here but I'm having a terrible time with Photobucket.
http://www.yotatech.com/f199/nervo19s-89-4runner-22re-slow-rehab-284200/

I also meant to tell you to save those mirrors on your donor vehicle. They go for about $60 on eBay. I love the old truck mirrors and those are probably OEM Toyota.

 

Okay you sound like a good guy to be in contact with. Sending PM.

 

I had to take quite the break dude to some of our recent Louisiana weather disasters...

BUT I'm back in the saddle.

Here's the update as of 4/4/17

My frame is still not sandblasted due to my sand blasters shop getting flooded out in Denham Springs flood. I'm waiting for his insurance to repair everything to allow him to be able to blast my frame so I can get moving on this build

I have been working on my engine from the donor 87 2wd pickup though, and I believe it's coming out nicely.


As a recap: The previous owner mentioned changing the water pump and timing chain cover and not knowing why the oil was still getting water in it. I was able to drive the truck onto the trailer and to be honest, the truck ran great except for a few vacuum leaks.

Here is what came out of the engine when I drained it. Niceeeeee.



So then I got to work to try and clean this thing.




I went through a can of Gunk to loosen everything up and then used light pressure from the water hose to knock all of the Gunk and old dirt, sand, and grease off of it.




Then I started with mineral spirits and a firm toothbrush to get the small stuff and stains out that were left behind.




At that point, I decided I'd finish cleaning once I got everything tore apart.



The head gasket had blown, but everything else was perfectly fine! This engine is tight! No slack in rod bearings, the cam had no play, and the pistons were in great shape with cylinder sleeves that looked brand new.

So thankfully I did not have to spend any extra money replacing any of that! (I know most will say I should've done it all anyway, but I'm not one for fixing something that isn't broken).

I sent the head to get resurfaced while I spent time cleaning the valves, springs, rocker assembly, cam, etc.

Also, while waiting for the head to come in, I was able to paint my block and get it looking nice again.



While waiting for the head to get back, I was able to clean up my intake manifold and begin installing some of the block off plates from LCE to get rid of the old EGR system that I've never been a fan of. I believe it came out very nicely.




Once the head was back, I was able to install the valves and valve springs along with more of the EGR block off plates from LCE.

Then it was time to slap that bad boy on top of the new head gasket and get this thing looking like an engine again!



Then I installed a new timing chain although the one that was in it was new and in good condition.

I then cleaned up the timing chain cover and installed it with a new water pump and new oil pump. (Along with little things like fuel pump, etc.)



My valve cover is not installed since I'm currently fighting with myself to put the time into polishing it. I'd rather just get it chromed, but there's nowhere local to get it done, and I know if I just put time into it, I could get it polished within a days time.

With that being said, does anyone know someone selling a polished or chrome valve cover? I'd love to be able to just buy one.

That's it for now though folks, once the frame gets blasted, this build can start moving a little faster.

 

Jeez, wish I had your kind of talent! Nice work man.

 

You have no idea how nice it is to hear that. Thanks a lot! My friends come over to check on my progress sometimes and just bash me for it not being a big block or something. They don't care about the work I've been putting into it.

But as with anything, it's not hard work. You just have to tear into the damn thing!

This is my first partial engine rebuild by myself without help. Without the Haynes manuals, I'd be lost.

 

Excellent job!

 

Hope I told you guys that it'd be a slow build... I start so many side projects that it's not funny, but they ultimately help fund the 4Runner.

My frame should be back from sandblasting and paint this week (hopefully). So I have started working on my transmission and transfer case. I originally planned on just cleaning the transmission up really well and just keeping the original bare aluminum finish, but it was covered in ancient red clay and old grease. Pressure washing, degreaser, and mineral spirits weren't even tickling the crud on there. I resorted to using wire wheels on my drill and dremel to take the transmission back down to a clean surface.





If you guys haven't caught on to my OCD yet, then I'll let you know that I would never be happy with the brushed finish. So yesterday after work I tested some Rustoleum self etching primer on the bell-housing to see if it would fill in the scratches from the wire wheel. What people say about self etching primer is true, this stuff is great!





I'll do a light wet sanding this evening and try to get my base layer of metallic silver down and then possibly clear tomorrow evening if work allows. This should come out nicely.


Other than paint, I have replaced the rubber ring for the transmission shifter, input shaft seal, the two output shaft seals on the transfer case, and I have cleaned and prepped the dust shields and flanges for the driveshafts to paint them with a gloss black. I also drained the gear oil from both the transmission and transfer case to make less of a mess while trying to clean it (made the mistake of forgetting to drain that while changing the input seal). The oils were really clean(the transmission and transfer have about 80k miles on them)!

I've also began to polish my valve cover. It's a pain in the ass but it's going to look very nice. Before you guys say anything, yes I know I will have to resend to get the pitting out. This was just a test before sanding it down.



That's all for right now. I am looking for a header if anyone knows someone with one!

 

Wow this is a lot of work looking forward to watching the whole process. Kudos to you for taking this on.

 

Although we have had a good bit of rain in Louisiana this week, I was able to get the heater on in the shop to dry the air enough to get my transmission primed, painted, and cleared.

Since this is the first transmission and transfer I've painted. I've had to do some extensive research on some of the hot rod forums about ways to paint transmissions. They didn't mention much about manuals, but when it came to automatics, some recommended high temp and some recommended good prep and regular base/clear automotive paint. The one thing they all seemed to agree on was self etching primer being the best start.

SO. A little recap on what I had done until this point: Wire wheeled the complete surface with the drill and my Dremel to get a semi-smooth and clean surface.

I then taped up the input shaft, and all other things that didn't need to be painted. I installed the rear driveshaft flange to allow me to hook a ratchet strap (I know I should've used something else but that's all I could do at the time. We have all been there) which I used to suspend the transmission in the air for me to paint.



Then I wiped the surface with Duplicolor Wax and Grease Remover and lint free towels to clean and prep for primer.

Then I got to spraying. I used Rustoleum Etching Primer. This stuff worked extremely well to fill in the scratches from using the wire wheel.

It works extremely well and lays down very thick and smooth. If anyone tries using it, make sure to follow the instructions on the can, and it should come out great.




Once the primer sat to dry for a couple of hours, I prepped the surface again to get ready for paint and clear.

For paint I used Rustoleum Metallic Silver. I've fallen in love with this paint since I painted my steering linkages and shock towers on my 2012 Ram 2500. It comes out very metallic and looks great in low light or sunlight.

Once I did my first, second, and third coat of silver, I allowed everything to dry properly (according to Rustoleum instructions).

Then I began on clear coat. For clear I used Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel. I use this clear coat for everything that I paint with aerosol cans. It lays down exceptionally smooth and it is very forgiving when it comes to runs and I ever overlapping.










Let me know what you guys think! I think it's going to look great once I replace with new drain and fill bolts, gloss black driveshaft flanges, new shifter boots, etc. I've gotten a lot of heat from local friends and family who are mostly Chevy/Ford people because I spent so much time and effort on a "little Toyota transmission that no one is going to look twice at". So hopefully some of my fellow Toyota enthusiasts will let me know what they think.

I received my new transmission mount in the mail last Friday from Toyota which set me back $130 (not knocking the fancy Marlin Crawler mounts, the oem is just better for my application than to use the off-road style polyurethane mounts that would make my shifters shake all over my cab lol). So my next side project will be stripping my crossmember down and getting it ready for paint. I'll be going with etching primer, gloss black paint, clear coat, and new shiny grade 8 hardware to match my frame (which is supposed to be back in my possession this weekend).




I'll keep you guys updated!

 

Looks great!

 

Thanks a lot! Much appreciated.

 

Very impressive. Keep it going.

 

Looking great man, I'm originally from around 50 miles North of Lake Charles little town call Rosepine, lived my first 18 years there and joined the military, I miss it often but not a ton of money to be made there unless your in Oil or paper mills

I may go back to retire there, my mom and dad split not long ago, and my dad has 255 acres, it's willed to me right now as my sister doesn't want it, and that's enough for me to go back The runner looks awesome so far man, can't wait to see some progress!

 

I'm sitting here wondering how many sports games I've watched on TV while you've done all this tinkering. I am exhausted looking at all the work you've done. I need a break. (I'm jealous of your talent, my friend, nice work).

 

You're a bad ass dude!

 

That's awesome. Good to see a Louisianan on here. I have actually been to Rosepine before when I misread directions on my way to a Craigslist deal in DeRidder a few months ago lol. Small town but looked like a very nice place to retire one day.

Thanks for the compliment on the runner though!