I Bought a Cheap 1985 Toyota 4Runner to Restore - Walk Around Intro

[@adventure-101]

You got a great deal. My first Toyota was an 85 4Runner with 22RE and auto over 30 years back now loved it. Building an 88 now and can’t wait to get it on the road and trails.

[@6thGearGarage]

I don't see many with an auto, but I think it will be a lot more fun as a manual :)

[@phxfunfly9083]

​@6thGearGarage 22RE are definitely better with a manual. I don't see many automatic '85 4runners. Only 5500 4runners were sold in the US in 85. I will never part with my 85 SR5. Cool that you found a DX with an optional inclinometer. I have extra replacement rockers. Get in touch with me if you want them.

[@6thGearGarage]

I actually bought some already... rust will be the first thing to tackle on this project.

[@evansanders71]

Awesome deal, a restoration the family can cruise in.

[@6thGearGarage]

Looking forward to driving it this summer with the top off!

[@hughmanetti1908]

Makes me feel lucky to have my ‘89 project which I bought for $700 in Western Colorado!

[@6thGearGarage]

How's the rust on your 89?

[@DIYAndrewFlockhart]

I donno about this being a great deal but it's going to be an awesome project! Once it's done, she's gonna be pretty!

[@SamOHalloran]

can't wait to watch this unfold. great buy!

[@TimmyCramer]

Awesome to see this old Toyota come back to life. Awesome channel!!

[@speargearreviews.7809]

Great buy! I’m looking forward to this series 🤟🏻

[@roger38888]

Me too.

[@davidstinson1458]

Great 4Runner my brother! I have owned a Toyota Truck & 4Runner since 86 all the way up to 2022 TRD OFF ROAD Premium Truck & 2024 TRD PRO 4Runner there are no better rigs on the road! Of course not counting the new generations. Great purchase

[@vizio32]

Nice solid truck, definitely a great deal

[@6thGearGarage]

Being only 30 minutes from my house, I had to buy it!

[@rigbino]

looks like a great project, it always feels good to make use of something you've stowed away for a long time!

[@michaelastrickland9326]

Awesome! I just picked up an 87 4Runner 22RE 5spd a few weeks ago and have been slowly working on fixing it up.

[@6thGearGarage]

Awesome! I hope yours is less rusty than mine!

[@michaelastrickland9326]

@@6thGearGarage it's got some body rust but the frame appears to be good.

[@6thGearGarage]

That's good... The solid frame was one of the reasons I bought this one. I've seen too many bad frames here in OH.

[@tedbastwock3810]

I would buy 10 of them in that condition at that price. Amazing.

[@davedelarosa319]

Somewhere around Y2k I picked up an '87 SR5 'Runner. Original Florida truck, belonged to the son of the local Toyota dealer. It was slightly rough, but roadworthy after replacing the master cylinder. Ended up giving it to my MIL who drove it in to the ground. It sat for a bit, but eventually ended up as the shell for another '87 that had moved to the area from NJ. I'd like to believe it's still rolling around central Florida to this day. Sorry for the old man ramble, just love these trucks.

[@6thGearGarage]

It's hard to imagine that 20 years ago these were $3000-$4000 suv's.

[@davedelarosa319]

@6thGearGarage $2750 off a buy here pay here lot 😅

[@cjackfly]

​@@6thGearGaragegot my 84 HiLux for $2000 in CA in 2002. Guy wouldn't sell it to me unless I helped him install chevy helper leaf springs all the way around. Strange deal for sure. Got the 1985 HiLux by driving around until I saw one in this guys yard just sitting. I posted a note on his door to call me if he wanted to sell. He called and told me he wouldn't sell it to me unless I took a set of four super swampers and two snow machines as oart of the deal. Everything for $400!!! Running and driving for years! All of'em. Ended up selling the swampers for $200 because they were pretty busyed up and one of the sleds for $200. So the truck was basically free! He said ut had a, "clank" when it went down the road. So I got under it and found the driveshaft was missing three bolts. 😂 Installed those, good as GOLD!

[@destroy43]

Looking forward to this build!

[@jasonxterra]

Watching your videos makes me miss my ‘88 regular cab long bed truck.

[@6thGearGarage]

My buddy has an 84 long bed... you don't see a lot of long beds from that generation. Great looking trucks!

[@jwrangler12]

This seems like a fun watch. New subscriber !

[@GN_JAPSCRAP]

Definitely seen worse for a lot more money around here now days…definitely something to work with there ….can’t wait to see the progress

[@cjackfly]

I almost pulled the trigger on one like this for $4k but passed on it due to what I ended up buying.

[@6thGearGarage]

I still kick myself for not buying that red v6 you sold a few years back, and then again for that clean shell you were selling for like 800. I just didn't have the $$ or space at the time... that's how it goes right?

[@tedbastwock3810]

With your skills and abilities I bet you can make a killing on BAT each year. Cant wait to watch this, looks so much like my white 88!!

[@6thGearGarage]

The thing is once I restore it, I'm sure I'll want to keep it :)

[@donaldcaissie]

Looks like a great Deal to me and plus you have tons of parts will help for sure!

[@ian0841]

Love love love 4Runner content!!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks.... going to be a lot of 4runner content over the next 6 months!

[@chesterossa]

I’m super excited about this build!

[@6thGearGarage]

Same! I'm hoping to have it on the road by summer 2025!

[@JeffAhlquist]

U got a hell of a deal I live in California I have a 86 4runner 5spd 4x4 but I have independent suspension out here that would have gone for a lot more

[@NoelDrach]

I'm jealous. Good find.

[@mikedonnarumma5337]

looking forward to the process and outcome 👍

[@yotakid]

I paid 4500 for my black 85 SR5 and I’m almost done restoring it with a new short block motor from 1992 bought in Toyota of Temecula. Wish you luck! Their fun trucks to work on.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! I really wanted an 87-89 SR5, but couldn't pass up this '85. It needed to be saved.

[@EcBuddy123]

Got a pretty rotted out 87 4runner I got for 650 back in dec 2019. Mine is weird though and I think it's an sr5 truck but not sure. Have the tach and electric windows, cruise and AC (though it's been deleted). Mine ran and drove when I got it but I could tell it needed timing chain and timing cover, and a lot of TLC from neglect. Still needs a lot of TLC, but it's been surviving off hand me down parts from my newer yotas. Back in like 2016 I got my hands on a super clean 87 4runner also from Cali, but I wasn't as mechanically inclined and had to sell it due to it needing a rebuild and being in college... It was really really clean, only needed a smoker window outside of the lightly knocking engine...

[@6thGearGarage]

All those sound like SR5 items. Does it have the nicer seats & SR5 badging?

[@tripleb5232]

Awesome build

[@TRyan-op2jo]

Well, i paid $3k for one a little worse off from Vermont because i had a spare 22re sitting in the garage. I’m upside down in it, but it’s a great driver and adventure truck. Considering your experience and parts horde, i’m sure you can improve it quickly!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! I hope to have it on the road in summer 2025!

[@vmoney9106]

Those trim pieces for the roof always go missing. I have some for my 85 but I found them cracked and I temporarily epoxied them together. Wicked find! Up in Canada for $2000 you would get something with a lot more Toyota jerky (rust).

[@6thGearGarage]

I'll have to look around to see if anyone is reproducing those covers. I do plan on removing the top though, so I'll probably just leave them off.

[@cjackfly]

Dude what the heck?! You basically have the exact trucks I had. Except my red HiLux was an 1984 and my white HiLux with the RE was an 85. Wow. What a trip to stumble on this video today! 😅

[@sxstexan1956]

Looks like a sweet deal to me! And good content

[@6thGearGarage]

Plenty of content potential (I buy them in rough shape for this reason.. and because I'm cheap lol)

[@theshopspot9053]

I think think you're a genius! Can't wait to see this come together knowing that this is something you've been wanting to do for a while now. Finally found something that is worth while and I can't wait to see the end result. If you need help with anything lemme know because I might know a guy........

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks mang! I'll be giving you a call... there's a lot more room to sleep in this one than in that 1980 cab

[@LimestonePicker]

Awesome man can’t wait for this series!

[@gandul1234]

I live in Texas. Folks in Central America are exporting these to their countries by the hundreds everyday. They use the Los Indios Port of entry in Texas. Its insane. In any condition. Toyota and Nissan pick up trucks mainly. So in a few years they are going to disappear.

[@6thGearGarage]

I think it depends a lot on the region. These are rare in OH because most rotted away. They're probably pretty common out west.

[@april7_]

I think it was a good deal, quite a bit of work ahead but I think as content wise just not too much so we are not bored to watch that all!

[@6thGearGarage]

Plenty of content... going to take care of the rust first!

[@BluuJourney]

Oooooo... what if your knocking turned out to be just the water pump. Nicely done... Enjoy!!!

[@6thGearGarage]

That would be the deal of a lifetime! It's down on power as well. I haven't looked into it, but it sure sounds ready to spit a rod through the block! I'll do a biopsy for sure once I get the old engine out.

[@tonoalvarado1436]

Tengo una de estas camionetas, 100% japonés... ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡LA ADORO!!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@rv3789]

Those engines are so easy to work on

[@6thGearGarage]

That's my favorite thing about them!

[@phillippearce9680]

Cool project 👍

[@retro_88yota]

Also I cant remember when Colorado did this, but Colorado follows California emissions requirements and if you bought a new car in Colorado, they were California emissions compliant. More than likely thats a native Colorado 4Runner.

[@6thGearGarage]

That is awesome info... explains a lot about this truck. I was wondering why the dealer sticker from Denver if it was a CA truck... Thanks!

[@drewfleming7065]

Great deal...the inclinometer if cover has no cracks is worth $500+ and the rear roof $2500+ so your already $500+ ahead

[@cjackfly]

The front axles go for $1500 or more in CA.

[@6thGearGarage]

Good to hear!

[@louv409]

Just found you I’m already hooked.

[@endall6783]

I went thru some of the comments and damn I could not get over the amount of people saying " great deal".

[@audisportcarrasco]

I got 2 4Runners 1Gen But I Love My FJ80 better more comfortable bigger triple locked

[@6thGearGarage]

@@audisportcarrasco I love my 80 but damn she’s thirsty!

[@HarrisonJamesSmith]

Fine deal these daze!

[@eliswalley6088]

Throw a 3 inch flowmaster exhaust, cut on cat off,give it a tune up, a sony bluetooth headunit and kicker speakers

[@aaronscott2278]

Very nice im working on a 85 rubber and it’s a got never seen one that year in a auto lol its rusty also but I’ve found new panels for not that expensive really looking forward to this build and hopping to get the one in after also never mind yours is a auto also lol

[@6thGearGarage]

it'a an auto.... for now ;)

[@aaronscott2278]

⁠that’s how mine will be if I get it lol a old timer owns it and it’s all stock I’ve owned over 15 Toyotas even a factory triple locked fzj80 this be my first first gen runner and haven’t been this excited in a very long time lol

[@carlosgutierrez3319]

great deal 😊

[@cordcd7]

Best I ever got in my 80 was 14 MPG, it's usually good for 8-10.

[@6thGearGarage]

I think once I got 15 on the highway.

[@mromatic17]

2:11 its a super rare diesel 22re

[@6thGearGarage]

Lmao

[@ThisOldYota]

A diamond in the rough ❤

[@truthserum5310]

Mint 86 SR5 4Runner owner here. It's rough, but for 2K not a bad deal. BTW, those rear tailgate hinge clips are still available from Toyota. I recently changed a few of mine out.

[@6thGearGarage]

I was looking for 87-89 SR5, but couldn't pass up an 85 30 mins from my house. Awesome on the clips... now if I could just find a clean tailgate!

[@cjackfly]

​@@6thGearGarage good luck on that. To find on with a working window was already super lucky. Those things break in all sorts of ways.

[@chrishunt6533]

Do you have a part number for the tail clips? And where did you find them? I checked with YodaShop and they said they are on Nation wide back order?

[@dadgarage7966]

I replaced them on my '94 Pickup. Those clips were used for many years.

[@established_1803]

I’m in northeast Ohio. The salt eats cars alive up here I gotta 24 4Runner offroad. Gonna apply fluid film religiously every year

[@6thGearGarage]

Fluid film is the way to go!

[@Toyota-ci3nj]

Got the same hoard at home a 85 truck and 2 88 runners

[@6thGearGarage]

You can't have too many Yotas!

[@MiniLuv-1984]

For me, the only thing that makes the 4runner worthwhile is the content potential and maybe some resale value?

[@6thGearGarage]

Plenty of content potential (I buy them in rough shape for this reason.. and because I'm cheap lol) but I have a feeling I'll love driving it and keep it for a while!

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@6thGearGarage That is what really matters!

[@ismaeltorres3975]

Sounds like a machine gunner 's nest in that engine bay.😂😂

[@barthanes1]

It's fair for 2 grand. A bit more rust than is wanted. I would have wanted to pay more like $1k, especially considering that wicked knock, but they are getting harder to come by.

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah the knock is definitely nasty. I'm scared to even start it in the garage because it sounds ready to spit out a rod.

[@staplegun3703]

Ever though of 3d printing parts out of stock?

[@6thGearGarage]

I have! I'm still editing video on a 11 yr old computer, so I need to upgrade that before getting a 3d printer.

[@dadgarage7966]

Gotta wonder people's reasoning that using a solid, west coast first-gen. 4Runner for a rust belt winter beater is a wise idea.

[@6thGearGarage]

I believe it was their only vehicle/daily driver. I'm glad I got it before it got any worse.

[@dadgarage7966]

@@6thGearGarage The previous owner never saw fit to splurge for a few cans of Krown or Fluid Film. It might've added a few more dollars to the selling price.

[@6thGearGarage]

💯

[@nickcrill7718]

I daily a 86 4Runner. It needs alot but I’m broke and trying to move 400 miles away to get my dream job painting cars instead of boats

[@6thGearGarage]

Pretty rad daily driver... 22RE will get you anywhere!

[@nickcrill7718]

@ I have that and a 2017 rav4. lol

[@retro_88yota]

All the 4runners came stahdard eith the nicer steering wheel, only the bast trim trivks had the hard plastic steering wheel with the horn buttons.

[@6thGearGarage]

Ah good to know... thanks!

[@retro_88yota]

@@6thGearGarage if you have literally any questions about the intricate details of a 1st gen 4Runner don't be afraid to ask. I am pretty knowledgeable about all the differences of truck vs 4Runner.

[@6thGearGarage]

You're the Toyota encyclopedia... I learn so much from your posts!

[@jpicard81]

Since u mentioned the clock. The one in mine stopped working. If I can fix for cheap I'd like to. Any ideas? 90 pickup v6

[@6thGearGarage]

I haven't ever taken one apart. I wonder if it is something as simple as a cracked solder joint?

[@markamd1]

$2k for a 1985 shitbox? Oh the times we live in 😂🤣🤣🤣

[@Cookingwithfire99]

The abuse that 22re must have gone through to develop a knock like that.

[@6thGearGarage]

right! I've never had one knocking, just the usual ticking from the valves.

[@postelmanshugues5133]

👍👍👍

[@tarocasinday8850]

If you can find a 22 RE engine with a turbocharger or a rare diesel engine that would be a nice engine swap

[@6thGearGarage]

It would, but I already have that 22RE collecting dust in the garage. Finally found it a home!

[@tarocasinday8850]

@6thGearGarage I know it will cost alot of money and labor time how about a 4.7 V 8 swap from a Toyota Tundra some people install a small block chevy v8 and call it a chevyota

[@6thGearGarage]

That would be sweet, but the "alot of money" part makes it difficult for me to pull off ;)

[@warderjack]

If only these older trucks were better rust proofed from the factory, about the only achilles heel from them

[@6thGearGarage]

100% they just don't last in road salt.

[@DonavonWolfeStJames]

Sir. It kinda sounds like the tourk converter bolts are loose.......

[@6thGearGarage]

I wish that was the sound, but It barely has enough power to drive. I'm thinking spun bearing(s).

[@AaronMartinCOOLVIDEO]

you did good.

[@pontuswendt2486]

AMAZINGNES!!!

[@michaelburbank2276]

Clean all things considered

[@6thGearGarage]

It ain't no AZ 4runner right?

[@Toyotajunkie]

In my opinion, you payed a little too much. People don't take into consideration all of the aspects involved in the decision to buy, and therefore pay too much and make it harder for others to make a reasonable purchase. I'm not knocking people in general just asking that they think about how one decision spreads across all of the market. In this case (as with most of my purchases) you have a lot of the parts you need to make this a great truck. So you spending $2k is not the same as someone who has to purchase EVERYTHING at current market prices, and match that $2k price. I really hope the facts are coming through... I think you got a Runner that is in frickin awesome condition considering, but I think with everything wrong (especially the engine) you paid a lot more than it should have been. I look forward to the posts on this "build"!

[@Toyotajunkie]

Some of it has to do with experience and knowledge too... Young and old alike do not think about everything involved when agreeing to a price or barter amount. But that's how society is drifting fast as we have seen since about 15 years ago or so. No haggle pricing doesn't mean it's a fair price, for example. It just means the dealer can charge what they want and not worry about spending time in the sales process.

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah, if I didnt have all of the parts, I would have let this one pass.

[@alfredobrown]

Lucky!!

[@raymond_sycamore]

at least the insane "it's a fur runner bro I know what I got" market is done.... I still think $2,000 was WAY too much for that....

[@6thGearGarage]

A couple others said it was worth $500. Wondering if you guys are out west where the deals are? Old Yotas always cost more in Ohio because there's so few left. We pay more for rust lol.

[@raymond_sycamore]

@@6thGearGarage Nope, I live in Miami County Ohio. I'm just a cheap S0B

[@6thGearGarage]

Well, that makes two of us in OH who are cheap!

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

great deal. sucks its a automatic tho but for 2k cant complain

[@6thGearGarage]

A 5-speed swap will be in the works ;)

[@tacohamster1]

i dont want to say that car was engine f-cked, but the sub-titles couldn't decide whether the engine noises were applause, or music. sweet 4-runner though

[@jaredm450]

Am I the only one who thinks that's going to be a lot of work for $2000? Cool machine though - and I'm sure you can handle it.

[@6thGearGarage]

Definitely a lot of work... already finding more rust than I expected. That's the story of this channel though lol.

[@jwalster9412]

2K for a rusted knocking truck? Someone on this platform already bought something similar, without rust and a good engine for 500$.

[@6thGearGarage]

A couple others said it was worth $500 as well. Wondering if you guys are out west? Old Yotas always cost more in Ohio because there's so few left. The knocking doesn't bug me because I already had a spare engine, but the rust is what I dislike the most.

[@countrymankdx200]

Would you want to sell one of them radios?

[@6thGearGarage]

Most of them need repaired.

[@countrymankdx200]

@ i need the one you had on the top of the stack. Mine tried to steal my conway twitty cd and i broke it getting it out

[@6thGearGarage]

That double din is a cassette, and it stole my tape and never gave it back lol

[@countrymankdx200]

@@6thGearGarage lol 😂 i meet to say cassette but yeah i need that one would you sell it

[@6thGearGarage]

That one is a keeper, hopefully I’ll have a repair video for it one day.

[@rv3789]

I used to have one good on gas ⛽

[@6thGearGarage]

I'll be looking forward to that!

[@BraddaMarlon]

If your looking for a nice rear flat bar bumper i have one

[@6thGearGarage]

I'm hoping I can find an OEM one. I'd really like to bend this one back into shape if I can.

[@BraddaMarlon]

@6thGearGarage the one I have is oem of a 87 4runner but it's the flat bar not the step.

[@6thGearGarage]

Oh the chrome one with the plastic end caps?

[@BraddaMarlon]

@6thGearGarage it's actually raptor lined black but yes that one. It took me forever to find the chrome one it's like finding gold . Even the black one hard to come by. Your eand caps will work on it

[@6thGearGarage]

My bumper doesn't even have matching caps lol. The left one is incorrect and doesn't even fit properly. Do you happen to be in Ohio?

[@salembeeman370]

Why? the $350 Acura was amazing but this is too rough. Who knows maybe it will be worth a lot restored. I don't see it.

[@6thGearGarage]

I picked this because I already had many of the parts I need to replace, a lot of rust repair, body & paint content for the channel, and I enjoy a challenge :)

[@MattFotheringham]

If you knew you had all those parts and only needed the shell you should’ve considered trailering an example from a non corrosive environment. Meh deal but two thousand isn’t really much these days…

[@6thGearGarage]

Now I'm finding a lot more rust than I thought, and this would have been the way to go!

[@nicolahinton2738]

Make it a original like it came off the show room floor

[@6thGearGarage]

This is my exact plan! I'll keep it as original as I can but upgrade a few things, while trying to keep it period correct.

[@00019g]

should have been $200 but you were probably too excited to buy it

[@6thGearGarage]

200 would have been a steal! Hell, 1000 would have been a steal. Prices are a lot higher in Ohio because there aren't many left in this region.

[@TheFuzz216]

2k for a 85 is not cheap

[@noahingram8052]

1st like

[@aaronscott2278]

@@noahingram8052 we are all very proud of you 🙏

[@noahingram8052]

@aaronscott2278 thanks dad

[@shanevonharten3100]

Lol, only $1500 too much

[@6thGearGarage]

A couple others said it was worth $500 as well. Wondering if you guys are out west? Old Yotas always cost more in Ohio because there's so few left.

[@BraddaMarlon]

@6thGearGarage definitely 2k or more in CA sadly.

[@roger38888]

Ohio! Where all Toyotas come to die. 😂

[@6thGearGarage]

Yup!

[@theracerguy754]

Sounds like shit. The lower might be gone

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah, she definitely spun a bearing. Barely has any power as well.

[@laserlars345]

Bad deal.

[@chuckclark9464]

👍👍👍👍👍