This is a post I put in another area but I figure it tells about all there is to know, at least for now till I get my ride on the road. Hope to learn alot here...

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...ofMVC-815F.jpg

and one of my RC TOYota

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...Picture028.jpg

OK, got a lot of questions, I’m new to this forum and kinda new to my 4Runner. I am 17 years old and have a stock 1985 4Runner that has been sitting for a couple of years. It is overall in above average shape but needs a lot of TLC and a few mods. Well it needs a lot of mods but I am limited on cash, I have about $2400 to spend on it. It does run and drive OK but the steering is loose. I want to keep a stock look, it still has the original paint, I’ll try to attach a pic. This is going to be a driver, not a crawler or big-time mudder, yet, maybe later when I have the $$$$$$ and another ride.
This is what I want to do but know there are a lot of aftermarket parts that might be better then stock but I am having a hard time deciding on which ones are most important and also trying to find good sources.
First is to replace the brakes with the vented cruiser brakes and new shocks and suspension bushings.
Second is to rebuild the front axle, only what has to be replaced, and steering parts, maybe overspring if it is not much more expensive and worth the extra.
Third is to tune up the engine that is in it, 250k but still runs, rebuild later I hope as well as transmission and transfer case, I thought about headers but the engine is well worn and I don’t know if it will help, would be cool though. I think it will need some exhaust work too, maybe a whole new system.
Fourth fix up the interior, new seats (really need advice on these) and carpet, I need new door panels (especially the back one and some inner door parts (like window crank and tailgate latch).
Fifth is to install a functional roll bar and a new rear bumper.

I really don’t think my $2400 budget will do it all but it will do a lot, my dad is going to spring for new tires and a system once I am done so that is a ‘FREEBIE’.

OK so if you read all that junk here are my questions, at least some of them, and any advice from anybody would be great, I’ll be taking notes.
First where are the best sources for quality replacement parts, like for the tune up, and the brake upgrade, and stuff.
Second what aftermarket upgrades are really worth it and will I not ‘waste’ money on. Like rebuilding the front axle and front brakes and are the aftermarket replacement engine parts worth the extra $$$$, like which shocks are good and what kind of plugs and wires and distributor cap and on and on.
Should I just go to Advanced and buy my parts or should I shop aftermarket for stuff.

So what ever you can tell me or suggest would be really great. I want to research before I spend my $ and will be starting in the spring, I hope. I plan on really tearing it down, cleaning, repainting, and putting a roll on bed liner in it, under the new carpet, as well as under part of the truck.

Thanks Rob

 

Welcome to 4RF!

Northwest Off Road is a Toyota p/u & 4Rnr specialty shop and is my favorite place for aftermarket parts.

Downey (Toyota only?) also sells a lot ofstuff, but right now I'm kinda pissed at them because I'm pretty sure they sent me the wrong grind for the camshaft I ordered.

For rear end stuff, Randy's Ring and Pinion is the best, methinks.

DOA Racing sells a lot of engine soup up stuff.

I recommend a rear LSD for your first mod, unless already equipped. Nothing more embarassing than driving a 4WD truck and being stuck on a soft shoulder because both your passenger side tires are in the muck and your driver side tires are on the asphalt but not turning at all..

 

Welcome, I'm also new to 4runners just like you. You might want to try over at ttora.com and yotatech they normally have some pretty good input just like this site. Again, welcome.