This is an excellent example of a first-generation, 1986 Toyota 4Runner DLX with 2.4+ liter 22R-E electronically fuel-injected engine and manual five-speed overdrive transmission. Engine typically starts with a one to two revolution crank, transmission shifts smoothly and precisely, and 4WD is barely used and ready to go. This was first year for the torsion-bar IFS (Independent Front Suspension) design, whichvastly improved highway ride over the previoussolid front axle design with little sacrifice of rugged off-road capability. Front free-wheel/locking hubs are classic Aisin manual select.
Factory options include air conditioning, AM/FM cassette radio, front vent windows and tinted glass, variable assist power steering (power brakes standard), tilt wheel and adjustable interval wipers. Dealer installed options included the rear bench seat/seat belts (not standard on the DLX), and running boards, which have since been replaced bySmittyBilt3” step bars. This truck was stationed in the desert southwest (El Paso, TX) from 1988 to 2009, and is consequently 99.9% rust free. It has never been driven off-road, and to preserve water tightness, the removable back cover has never been removed. The original Toyota tool kit, jack, and owner’s manual are included with the vehicle, as well as the owner’s well-used Toyota Truck and 4Runner Service Manual.
This vehicle served as daily transportation, and in it's early years, provided the additional utility of negotiating week-end hunting lease roads impassable to other vehicles. It was set up for towing with aValleyClass III 2” X 2” receiver hitch (ball mount and ball not included), and a Kelsey electric trailer brake controller which is mounted under the dash. A proper, permanently installed, towing harness serves a seven-wire weatherproof connector mounted below the rear bumper. Maximum recommended trailer weight for this vehicle is 3500 pounds with sway control equipment.
This truck is in great shape mechanically, with doors that still close with that solid Toyota sound of quality. Original owner had Ziebart rust treatment done to the truck when it was purchased. This process consisted ofundercoating the chassis andspraying liquid rust proofing material into inner body spaces, doors, door jambs and rocker panels through holes drilled and plugged with plastic plugs.
This vehicle has been well-maintained for 30 years by a career mechanical engineer. Oil/filter changes and lubrication of chassis and driveline components were done at manufacturer recommended intervals using premium 10W40 motor oil, Toyota filters, and moly-disulfide lithium based grease. Manual locking hubs and front wheel bearings were serviced at regular intervals using Toyota parts. An unfortunate timing chain failure required the engine to be fully rebuilt by a certified Toyota technician using all new Toyota parts at 116,420 miles (purchase receipts available). Engine was bored 0.020” oversize (2.4+ L), and new pistons and new valves were installed. A complete new clutch, new water pump, new hoses, new belts, and new throttle sensor were installed at that time. In preparation for sale, the clutch master cylinder has been replaced to make this truck fully 100 percent mechanically. Steering wheel/steering linkage has factory specified free-play of about 1.2” travel on steering wheel circumference. Truck has been fully serviced in preparation for sale with fresh oil and filter change, and a new air filter installed. Brake and clutch hydraulic systems have been purged, fluid replaced and systems bled. All suspension and drive train grease fittings have been lubricated.
Those familiar with first generation Toyota 4Runners will observe that this truck does not have the standard factory paint scheme. In 2005, after 17 years in the desert sun, the truck was repainted in the original Toyota Red (Code 3D7/PPG 72574), using premium PPG acrylic urethane products. The original factory paint was sanded off, and one coat DP74LF epoxy primer and four coats ofPrimaK36 acrylic urethane sanding primer were applied. After block sanding the primer coats, three top coats ofConceptDCC acrylic urethane were applied, the final coat being mixed 50/50 withConceptDCU premium clear. Unlike original factory paint, the paint on the entire fiberglass back cover is now the same high gloss as the rest of the truck.All original black DLX parts such front grille, door handles, door mirrors, B pillars, sliding window frames, and rear gate lock bar were refinished in body color acrylic urethane to prevent future UV deterioration. Bumper caps, side moldings, and stone guards were refinished usingConceptacrylic urethane in“Strong Black”, either satin or gloss. At the time of repaint, most weatherstrips, rubber bumpers, and plastic clips on doors, rear gate, and under the hood were replaced, along with badges on the front grille and rear gate. After twelve years, the repaint still has outstanding gloss retention (See photos), but has developed a few minor, easily repairable surface defects. A full history of the truck, including the repaint, is available through purchase receipts.
As should be expected for a 31 year old vehicle,this truck has a few minor issues. Like all 4Runners of this age, interior plastic parts are showing UV deterioration and some interior trim items are missing: the forward console trim(shifter surround)is missing, there are a couple of repairable cracks in the side window trims, and a couple of items have been previously repaired using fiberglass. The original dash cover has been covered with an aftermarket cap. There is a very superficial rust area on the exterior passenger side "A" pillar that was discovered in preparation for sale (See photos). The original vinyl floor coverings are excellent overall, but have some wear and tear including a small worn area in the driver side foot well that is covered by new rubber floor mats (See photo). The driver side seat upholstery (not original) needs minor wear repair (See photo). Headliner is in good shape except for some small punctures and a small, repaired tear. The power rear window functions only with the interior console switch. The factory AC does not cool, but the system is fully functional. Blower motor runs quietly at all speeds, and AC compressor engages/disengages and runs freely; buyer should anticipate at least leak-testing and recharging the refrigerant.
The tires do need replacement. The tread is still generous, but advanced age checking was discovered in preparation for sale. Since buyer preference strongly influences tire and wheel choice for this type vehicle, replacement prior to sale was not considered. The wheels mounted on the truck are eighties vintage 15" X 7"“Hurricane”or turbine-style wheels installed by the original owner in 1986, and are mounting up-sized LT235/75 R15 tires. The wheelsare in excellent condition,have been cleaned thoroughly and spoke pockets repainted gloss black. In used condition, these wheels currently sell on eBay for $320 to $600 per set of four.
If the buyer plans to drive the vehicle to its destination, SELLER STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT NEW TIRES OR TIRES/WHEELS OF BUYER'SCHOICE BE PURCHASED AND INSTALLEDbefore driving this vehicle any distance. SELLER ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY FOR BUYER'S REFUSAL TO HEED THIS ADVICE.Once buyer is confident the vehicle has been honestly represented and intends to conclude the purchase, the buyer can coordinate the purchase, delivery and installation of tires and or tires/wheels through TireRack.com and/or local tire stores.
TERMS OF SALE:A non-refundable $500 deposit is due and payable within 24 hours after auction close. The balance of full auction price shall to be paid by wire transfer to the seller’s account within seven days after auction close. Vehicle will not be released until the wire transfer deposited to seller's account is shown as a posted transaction; for a business day, this is typically overnight.Seller has represented and described this vehicle honestly and accurately to the best of his knowledge, and shall not be responsible for possible missed items or description discrepancies, and makes no warranty in connection therewith.Any and all descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type.Vehicle is sold with NO WARRANTIES, written, expressed or implied, and is sold “as-is” and “where-is”.Shipping is the buyer's responsibility, but seller will agree to deliver the vehicle to a mutually acceptable local loading point within ten miles of the seller's address.Seller lives about an hour from Austin, Texas, and will coordinate with serious parties to view the vehicle in person.It is the responsibility of interested parties to arrange for and pay to have this vehicle thoroughly inspected to their satisfaction within 24 hours prior to end of auction.Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs or liability.