In an effort to keep the runaround miles off my truck, I recently purchased a new DD. I have been in the hunt for a Landcruiser for several years now but the right one never came my way. With the itch to buy something and no LC prospects in sight (ie, my price range) I found a little 4Runner that fit within my desire to own as many oddball Toyota's as possible. My preference is any late 80's Toyota 4x4. This one fit -

1987 Toyota 4Runner -



What made it so unique...



The 4 cylinder turbo (22-RTE) first gen 4Runner had a very short run. They were produced from the second half of '86 through the end of '87. In 1988 the 22-RTE was dropped in favor of the then new 3.sl0 V6. I found a link from the DMV that said there were less than 700 turbo 4Runners licensed and registered in the US. I liked that.

Other than the black, which I didn't care for, it was super clean, bone stock, only had 124K miles and it featured the factory digital dash and altimeter/inclinometer. It was a ballsy little runner compared to the '85 pickup with a 22R that I once owned.

80's techie gadgetry -



However the gas mileage wasn't great at 15ish, and the more I read about the 22-RTE, the more concerned I became with the reliability of the turbo unit. Additionally, I have 2 young kids to put in the back, so a 2 door is kind of a PITA. So while it was clean, peppy and unique, it wasn't really going to fill the niche I needed.

About the time I realized I had kind of made an impulse buy with the 4Runner, I spotted a for sale ad featuring my dream Toyota Landcruiser. I actually have about 3 versions of my dream 'Cruiser, but this was certainly my dream FJ60. The paint, lift, custom bumpers and locker were exactly what I liked.

1985 FJ60 Landcruiser -


Even though I had spent my DD funds just 3 weeks before on the 4Runner, I called the seller to learn more about the Cruiser. It sounded really nice and hadn't been abused. When I asked what he intended to replace it with he said, "Oh, I like those early 4Runners with the removable top. A 4 banger would serve me better as a commuter I think."

Hmmmmmm........ <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

So I mention to him that I have a really clean, low mileage turbo first gen 4Runner that I'm going to be selling. He's interested and suggests maybe a trade is possible. I swear, I'm not making this up.



We decided to meet up on a snowy Sunday in the sleepy little Wyoming town of Medicine Bow, population 276. It was usually an easy hour and half drive, but the conditions made it pretty brutal. I saw several accidents on the way and we both arrived in vehicles caked with ice & snow.

Following a couple of test drives, we hammered out a deal over coffee and cheeseburgers. I think we both felt like we came out ahead. We didn't even have any paper with us, so we had to borrow some from the waitress to write each other a bill of sale. We shook hands, traded keys and headed back out into the snow to play with our new Toys. It was business the old fashioned way, with a handshake and your word. Good enough for me.

2.5" SL, 1" BL, 33 BFG's, Aussie Locker -


The deal went down a few weeks ago, around the beginning of April. Since then I have had ample time to check it over and drive it on the trail, around town and on the highway. The power steering pump leaks, which I knew from the PO. The rear brakes need some TLC, which he also mentioned. There is enough dog hair under the rear seat to make a small Collie. It's loud and big and I love it. My kids love it. Even my ladyfriend loves it. It's definitely a keeper.

I'm not going to go crazy with mods. A locked and lifted Landcruiser doesn't need too many mods. I'm thinking of putting in SAT radio, adding some tint on the windows and throwing my Engel fridge in the back. Done. For now I'm just going to enjoy owning it and finding some forgotten tracks in Wyoming's back country.

~ Keep the Dream Alive ~

Great looking Crusier. Very jealous always liked that body style, clean to. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Heck yeah man. You're truck looks great. Lovin the color too. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Nice cruiser! How about some interior shots? I'd like to build one of those someday. They are a lot easier to find than FJ40's.