Toyota hilux/4runner

Between 1984 and 1995 the toyota 4runner was the sister truck to the hi-lux pickup. Although the pickup was the older sister of the family of trucks, it provided plenty of design direction towards its later clone. As the 4runner survived the demise of the hi-lux, the design direction still remains a constant. Availability of either model is quite abundant, due to the truck's rapid rise to popularity after a quick cameo opposite Micheal J Fox in "Back to the Future". For those not paying attention, thats a 1985 SR5 solid axle 4x4 X-tra cab. Another boost to popularity came from one of the most unlikely sources, Ernest P. Worrell. Thats right, in several areas of the country Ernest (Jim Varney) was a spokesperson for local Toyota dealers. He had made several commercials selling the little truck.

After this brief description, you will have a general working knowledge on some of the resources for purchasing/rebuiling one of these trucks.

The toyota frame was one of the major design flaws of the small pickup. When purchasing one of the afore mentioned vehicles, chassis condition must be taken into consideration. Area's to make special note of include:

• valley in the rail above the rear spring perch
• inside structure of the frame rails
• condition of the crossmembers
• fatigue in spring mounts
• general stance of the vehicle

The above locations are the primary spots for chassis decay amongst the average toyota. Although there are several locations to research before settling on a project, take this in consideration. From 1984-1995 the 4runner offered the same wheelbase as its sister truck offered as a std. cab shortbed. Both trucks used the same assembly processes and measurements in the frame construction. And there may be several locations to bear in mind, but the 4runner was less prone to decay of the chassis due to the single piece body.

Performance modification is often overlooked. It is said that the parts "just aren't available". The small 2.4L engine (22R/ 22RE/ 22RTE) was often used in the toyota celica. The block in the celica was nearly identical. Some minor modification was required to shoehorn the large blocked 4 cyl. into the front wheel drive car. Many of the upgrades for the celica are fully functional on the truck/4runner. Often times the powerplant from the truck was used in towmotor applications. This presents availability of propane conversion parts, as well as high output alternators.

For those with the time to search extensively, there are several parts to not overlook. Granted, they are hard to find. They are as follows:

• 22RTE, thats right... the turbo 2.4 should not be overlooked
• any of the various 2.4L diesels (any configuration)
• 79-85 solid axles (virtually indestructable)
• 86 and later fuel injection
• R151 transmission
• the 4cyl transfer cases
• SR-5 wire harness (upgraded guage cluster, has tach)
• IFS steering box (for you solid axle guys, you need it for crossover steering)
• FJ80 master cylinder (once again, need it for rear disc brakes)
• 90-95 4runner chassis (will be explained in another review, this is quite extensive)

So just remember. Just because you may not see it, doesn't mean it's not there. Sometimes you have to dig a little to get a little. Meaning, look harder and there's no telling what you'll find. Your next upgrade may be in the junkyard next door, and you would have never thought to look.