1987 Toyota 4Runner Questions - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

chazlink · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2006, 01:08 PM

Hello all,

I am looking into buying a '87 4Runner as it is the truck that I have always wanted. I have found a decent one for sale and I had two questions that I wanted to ask.

Does anyone know what size tires will fit on the stock body? I want to upgrade the tires a bit, but from what I understand, lifting these is a real pain. The wheel wells look pretty big, but on leaf springs I don't know how safe larger tires will be.

Also, it currently has 220K miles on it, but it is the 22re. With regular maintenance, how much longer could I really expect this thing to last? It is a 5Speed and I have no problem changing the clutch myself (I have done it many times on other cars) and I don't mind springing for a new motor if I have to, I was just wondering if anyone had an idea.

Sorry if these are newbie questions, and try to flame as little as possible.

RobXS · #2 (**permalink**) 09-20-2006, 10:56 AM

As long as it isn't rusted out, you have found a something special. There are people that are getting 500k + out of that motor. Of course a lot has to do with the way it was treated. Even if you had to have it rebuilt, you still would have something of value.

I think 31s would fit on the stock suspension. I assume when you say leaf springs, you are talking about the rear. The 85s had a solid front axle, after that they were IFS. A body lift would probably be the easiest route it you wanted to go bigger.

chazlink · #3 (**permalink**) 09-21-2006, 02:21 PM

RobXs,

Thank you so much for the info. It is GREATLY appreciated. Yeah I was referring to the leaf springs that are on the back that tend to sag in these models.

One more question....does anyone know how the automatic transmissions on these are? I can't really even find out who makes them. I had heard that some had AW4 trannys in them (the same ones Jeep XJs use - and other toyotas) but I wanted to verify.

I am always wary of automatics in early years but I know some were pretty bulletproof.

If someone could shed some light on this tough question I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!!

hstrength · #4 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 09:37 PM

I have a 1987 toyota 4runner completely stock. I did upgrade the tires to 31x10.50 R15 without any problems at all. Hope you enjoy the runner!

larsdennert · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 07:06 PM

I'd find a manual tranny over the automatic. The motor is weak enough already. Lifts are easy. I'd say balljoint spacers up front and springs or shackles in the rear. 4crawler sells BJ spacers.

Triple BB · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 12:51 AM

If I was going that old, I'd go with an 85 and a straight axle. An 85 4Runner was my first Toy. The thing was a great wheeler. I wheeled it hard and only got 125k miles out of it before I put a rebuilt short block in it. I put a new clutch in it at the same time. Still wish I had that truck. I put a 2.5" lift on it with 4.56's and 32's and it ran great.