1987 4Runner New Paint and Walkaround

Here she finally is. I did all the bodywork over the winter of 2015/2016 and had her painted in the spring of 2016. The paint is about 3 or 4 months old when this was filmed. Hoping to apply some reproduction decals sometime soon and eventually SAS this truck. Anyway, here's a walkaround of the old girl. Enjoy!

[@chooch1995]

Classic styling! This is what a 4Runner looks like!! Great job!

[@pablocruise678]

VERR NIICE!!!! Good job ALEX!!! Love your informative vids too!!! My '87 runner just turned 268,xxx..... Nothing like a Toyota, you're correct sir!!!

[@raulmillan5010]

Finally!! Hopefully my 86 4Runner will look just as good as yours one day!! Keep posting videos man! Definitely a big fan and your videos have helped me with my build!

[@wakavevo4557]

Awesome rig, it's kind of funny that I started watching your channel for the z50 and mower videos, and then I got a 86 4runner when I turned 16, and now I'm watching 4runner videos. Btw I have a 84 z50 with a bbr race head and 88 kit

[@markwalsh4870]

Love the 4Runner, would love to get one some day. Till then I've got an 82 Toyota sr5 hilux. Nice work

[@slurmitshighlyaddictive5641]

I wish america would import more hiluxes

[@rdmccun]

looks beautiful! especially the hood

[@greym6436]

Sick truck Bro. LOve It! My plan is to purchase the Canopy truck Top for my 02' Tundra.

[@gprz843]

What a beautiful 4Runner, reminds me of my high school rig 😢

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Thanks for the compliments. Everyone I talk to that used to have one wishes they still did.

[@TheCushman100]

Good looking rig Alex!

[@Stormtrooper_98Trd]

looks very well done great job!!

[@hty7167]

Thanks ms. Miller

[@rectangleboy]

I miss those old 80's paint streaks on the front.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Me too. That's why I plan to buy a set of reproduction SR5 graphics.

[@rectangleboy]

raaaaaaaad

[@seansmile]

It looks great man !

[@datto240z]

Iam not into Broyotas...but your truck is very well put together! Its perfectly purposed.

[@seansmile]

FINALLY!!!! man I miss the z50 vids :(

[@seansmile]

+H Ty haha yeah im retarted ,

[@MrFireline55]

Wicked rig man.

[@Timmypimmy]

Very nice looking! =)

[@austinwtoler]

Looks great, thanks for the update! I've also enjoyed following your build on Yotatech. My username is ToyoToler over there. I have an '86 Pickup that I've been in the process of restoring for the last few years now. I've used several of your repair tutorials, so I really appreciate the effort and the information.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Glad to help out. I pretty much scroll through all the build threads on YotaTech. Your truck is pretty awesome too. I have a soft spot for red Pickups. My first truck was a red 88 Pickup standard cab.

[@ovega798]

Can you show off your 4runner more? I love it! You have the best 4runner on youtube.

[@matthewbonaminio9649]

Really great truck. Love all your videos about the 4runner. What is the process for going from power to manual windows? Thanks!

[@cferguson76]

Very nice

[@iferro89]

i heard you talk about lowering your trans due to the angle of your DS after lifting the rear end. i think i have some binding at high speeds after doing a ZUK mod. can you post the link for the kit you used?

[@edglauner7898]

nice truck

[@803_l5p]

Also nice black socks and slides I rock em all the time👌😂

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I'm not trying to impress anyone.

[@MrStevoovets]

Nice 4runner! I recently got a 89 pickup and have been trying to restore back to better health. I hope i can find one of those center arm rest. Also looking for the very hard to find clinometer. Would hate to buy one off eBay.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

The 89 is a later body style and there are a lot more center consoles like that in junkyards. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding one out of a 90-95 4Runner. As for the inclinometer, they are hard to come by. People want a lot for them so unless you want to dish out $300 you just have to find one in a junkyard. I don't know if an inclinometer will fit in your later year truck.

[@stevejeong6904]

Very nice rig Alex!!! Great job! I"m in the middle of restoring my 88 as well. Question though. What is that carpet you used for the trunk? Also I currently have 31"x10.5 wheels but planning on going to 33"x10.5. Do your 33" tires rub? Did you re gear the diffs?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Thanks! The carpet is Uline stuff that the Cintas trucks come by and replace for stores and stuff. I'm talking about the mats you see when you first walk into a store. I just cut it to size. My 33's rub a bit when turning and fully stuffed. This is with a stock front end. The rear doesn't rub at all. I didn't re-gear but I live in a fairly flat area and it's tolerable. I do plan to re-gear when I SAS the truck. If you live in a hilly area it's probably a good idea.

[@Keewee2foot]

hey Alex, always good to see this truck. you mentioned you used your hi lift jack but ruined your front lip. how did you jack it up? what did you lift it off? I ask because I want to use my hi lift on my 88 runner. I don't have a front bar, or sliders. I'm thinking I might fab up some subtle brackets off the frame rails that clear the stock bumpers front and rear.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Truck was stuck pretty good with the front suspension packed in some really soft dirt. I could only back out and the front suspension was just digging in. Ended up lifting the front of the truck up and putting some logs under the tires to get it out. Just put the tongue of the Hi-Lift under the front most part of the frame.

[@803_l5p]

Looks great. Im sooo jealous you're ac works lol just today it was 107 here in SC. What all did you do to go about fixing it all in detail. I actually did some looking around and found oe quality components for 500 bucks to re do my entire ac system

[@TheAlexManVideos]

It's amazing to have. It's not super hard to fix it all. My compressor and condenser were leaking so I replaced those along with the filter drier. I flushed all the lines and evaporator. Replace the oil with R134a oil. Vacuum it down and charge it back up.When using R134a use 80% of the recommended charge for R12.

[@JedETaleon]

Can I ask what CB Antenna mount is that on your hood?? thanks!

[@TheAlexManVideos]

It's a Firestik SS-274.

[@petertruman3197]

Your videos have been very helpful over the years. Thanks for taking the time to post them. I am considering removing the rain gutters on my '87 for the same reason you did. Any issues with rain entering around the door seal?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I've had no issues with water. Still have the truck.

[@lknowyourrootsl]

When you straight axle it, what springs are you going to use. What ride height are you looking for? Im attempting to lower my 86 I straight axled to better fit my 33s.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I'm going to run a RUF pack, or Rears Up Front. Hoping to keep the front at about 2-3 inches above stock to match with my OME rear springs. I'm running 33's now with no lift in the front. No rubbing unless I'm stuffed and turning.

[@MC-jf6ic]

Hey man, what kinda side mirrors do u have? R those from the Bronco's?

[@jackmagallon2935]

I'm having a hard time setting the timing on my 88 toyota truck 22re. Alex help plz!!

[@shineperishingrepublic]

pretty cool that you could jump in it and live out of it for a few days or more. do you have a cast iron skillet in the toolbox? that and a fishing pole and you're buggin out! I like the paint.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Thanks, man! It's fairly ready to just head out but I don't keep everything in there all the time. I have another couple boxes that store stuff for cooking/eating. No cast iron, just random bits and pieces from the thrift store.

[@rudedawg5087]

Great video. I'm the original owner of a 1987 4Runner DLX w/136000 actual miles on it as noted on another you tube video. I was wondering if you had to do any interior work particularly on the a/c & heater controls. The a/c & heater hot to cold air slide lever is really messed on mine and was wondering if you had ever removed the climate control to perform any repairs and possibly have a video on it. I had the heater valve against the firewall in the engine bay replaced but the issue must have been the cable and some bozo tried to slide the lever with a froze up cable so now the lever is really messed up. Thanks in advance.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Some bozo? Original owner? Just teasing. The cables do tend to get sticky and hard to move after a while. Forcing them can bend the solid cable at the little hooks on the end or break the pivots on the HVAC control cluster. I've never been successful in straightening a bent cable. They are weak after being bent and will bend again. I have replaced the cable, usually the blue one is the messed up one if the HVAC control cluster didn't break. Unfortunately I don't have a video showing the process. To get the HVAC control cluster out you need to loosen the whole plastic lower dash to pull it forward a bit. This involves removing the instrument cluster, dashpad, and glovebox. The hardest part is getting to the dashpad screw located behind the far passenger dash vent. New cables are available and cheap from Toyota. Non cracked HVAC control clusters can only be found used.

[@hondaminibikes9315]

Hey Alex can you please make a video of your z50r supermoto!

[@markanthonyarochobeauchamp9682]

you got and old soft top you could sell? im interested

[@jignroanoke]

I have the same truck and wanna run either 33x10.50 or 315.75.16. I don't wheel city only I know you had ball joint spacers on front at one time and removed them. How quick was the wear? My truck is a daily driver but only for commuting around town. would you recommend them? I only want a small lift for slightly better stance and tire clearance.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

The wear was noticeable within a year on the tires. Even with an alignment, it changes the way the suspension moves so as you go over bumps and around turns the tire leans funny and the tires wear quickly. The lower balljoints also wear out within a year. Not worth it if you ask me. I have the same size tire you're looking for and they fit without any suspension modifications.

[@jignroanoke]

did you have to lift the rear to get the tires to fit?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Nope. I do have a lift in the rear but a friend of mine had the same size tires and same truck with no lift with no issues.

[@jignroanoke]

+TheAlexManVideos what about the 4.5 inch rough country or super lift with new control arms? are they a safe bet? I really like the stance of these things lifted just a little.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I wouldn't consider 4.5 inches "just a little" lift, but to each his own. I think 33's would look funny with that much lift. I don't have any personal experience with that lift or any other bracket lift, but they are quite popular. I have heard they don't hold up well to abuse but for a street only truck I'm sure they'd be alright.

[@Spetsnaz--21]

Hey, did you have them paint it with the top off or on? Also did any paint get into the interior? Thinking of taking my 4Runner to maaco

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I had it painted with the top off, otherwise there would be an obvious tape line when the top was removed. The entire interior was stripped so there was no risk of overspray. I took it there with just a bare shell and driver's seat. This way there was no tape needed. Taping around lights, molding, and trim will always look half-assed when it's done. As far as Maaco quality goes, it's hit and miss. My dad had his Civic painted at Maaco. They did a great job. His paint is nice and flat, shiny, and smooth. Mine has some decent orange peel and you can see sanding marks through the paint like they didn't go up to a high enough grit. Both my dad and I opted for the two stage base coat clear coat paint and paid pretty decently for it, but we ended up with different results. We also went to different Maaco locations, so quality may differ based on which location you go to. Like I said, hit and miss even when you pay for the expensive option. I wouldn't go back, personally.

[@rcbronco7830]

Is the rear quarter panel original or is it fiberglass? I have a 88 but rear is really rusty.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Um, neither. New metal welded in. Just the wheel arches and a few spots down lower behind the rear wheels.

[@rcbronco7830]

Where did get your body parts?

[@JIMMJR]

Alex, got an 86 Toyota pickup, I have had rust issues along the drip rail, and had it repaired several times, you showed in your video you removed yours, that may solve the rust issue But where does the Rain water then run off to ? I'm afraid if I do that it may go inside the Cab, did you have this problem, or did the rain simply run off the side of your 4runner?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I only removed the front portion of the drip rail. I've had no issues with water intrusion either parked or driving.

[@JIMMJR]

Thank you Alex, in the not too distant future when I get those rust issues address in the same manner (partial removal of drip rails) I'll have to let you know how it went, say how is your door Jams holding out rust wise after a little over 2 years with the partial removal of the Drip rails?

[@JIMMJR]

Alex here is a Follow up: I spent a day removing and repairing the front portion of the 2 drip rails from both my doors on my 1986 Toyota Pickup, what a mess it was under neath them alot of rust one small section was rotted through I had had these post work on and replaced several times, thinking it was coming from the inside, Thanks to your Explanation of why it rust hopefully the problem is solved, with sanding and some body fill it didn't turn out too bad,

[@ernestogallardo6720]

Hi Alex did you get the rear bumper or you built it 😁. Im wondering??

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I bought it. It's made by Trail Gear.

[@signs80]

Do you shave your arm hair?

[@alandinhio10]

Is the center console and back seat also from a 4runner SR5 89?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Consoles and back seats are interchangeable from 1984 through 1989. There were different versions depending on other options.

[@alandinhio10]

@@TheAlexManVideos thank you.

[@jsc948]

where did you get the rear bumper from?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

It's a Trail Gear bumper but I bought it through 4WheelParts' eBay store to get a cheaper price and free shipping.

[@edgarestrada7534]

Does anybody know where I can find a vinyl dash cover like that??? I have a 1987 4Runner SR5 as well, it has an old cracked nasty dash that looks awful.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Google or search eBay for 1987 Toyota 4Runner dashcap.

[@rdmccun]

is the front suspension stock?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

For now...

[@benroberts5756]

what size lift is on it?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

2 inch in the back by OME, front is stock but will be cut off to be SAS'ed sometime in the future.

[@AzianRogue]

Hey @TheAlexManVideos. If you are willing to make the drive, I have an ealry 80s solid front axle and an r150 transmission. I am willing to donate them to you since i am scrapping my truck. You would have more use for it than I do. I live in Ohio.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Depends what part of Ohio you're in and how long you'd be willing to hold on to them. I'm driving from Virginia to Cleveland in late September.

[@AzianRogue]

My house is in Cleveland. I will hold the parts for you. They arent going anywhere. Even if you have no use for the parts now, you might use them later. I dont know the shape of the transmission. All i know is that it was pulled at a wreckers yard from a truck with 100k miles. The SFA has the knuckles disassembled. You will probably need extra parts but the housing and gears should be good. I hope you find these parts usefull.

[@WILLIStheCAT95]

What kind of center console is that?!

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Factory center console with armrest from a 4Runner with no rear heat. The ones with rear heat had a much smaller lower storage section.

[@saxshoot]

I got one 88 4runner with rear heat, and one 88 4runner witout, boht have too low centerconsole. 🤔 Still looking for some sweet upgrade i center..

[@gokartbuyer]

What paint color did you use?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Same color as it was originally, just gray.

[@gokartbuyer]

+TheAlexManVideos paint code/name?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

+gokartbuyer Toyota paint code is 138. It's called Gray Metallic.

[@gokartbuyer]

+TheAlexManVideos Thanks so much. I'm thinking of painting my car and I want to go to a slightly darker gray. Mine is mazda's dark titanium metallic.

[@andrewthornberry3192]

What size lift & wheel / tire size?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

As I said in the video, 33x10.5R15, no lift in the front, rear has a 2 inch lift.

[@andrewthornberry3192]

TheAlexManVideos No need to get smart

[@93_yota_pickup32]

22R-E’s are the fuckin best. The worst motors Toyota has ever made was the 3VZE

[@thegage1984]

What ever happened to big bouncy

[@TKDPWR]

Not interested in a LS1 conversion?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Nope. Not interested in any swaps.

[@BraddaMarlon]

What happen to this truck

[@splavin90]

put some 44s on there and take it to the mud boggin show

[@jakestech28]

Why? People build these for Crawling and trail riding.

[@splavin90]

+Jake Tow I don't give a fuck what you think Jake

[@jakestech28]

Okay baby :*

[@rafaelrodriguez7684]

Why da fuck did you remove the power windows and power mirrors are you out of your damn mind?