Here's the situation (in brief):
I own 2 1985 EFI SFA 4Runners. I'm ready to turn one of them into a trail truck. I've already decided on doing the 63" chevy for rear and OEM rear springs to front. I have the IFS steering box and IFS rear axle.
I've already ordered 2 sets of 5.29's and lunchboxes (front and rear). High-priced-steer is also ordered. Since I'm physically weak and lacking in tools and shop, I've contracted a shop to do this work for me.
However, I haven't decided which 4runner to send to the shop.
Choices are:
The Auto. No air, less options. A few dents. 146K miles, no known mech problems. In fact, I've just replaced most of the braking system.
Manual, Probably too nice to trash on the trails. A couple dings in the tailgate. ~200k Miles. Electric windows, air, rear heat, cruise, good heat. Body in really good shape.
Both 4runners have good frames and (apparently) good engines and tranny's. I've been driving both on and off for months. No know mech problems aside from a few lube leaks. (I'm a noob tho, that's sorta why I'm asking here).
I bought the yellow 4runner first, with the intent of adding the parts I described above. Later, I bought the grey 4runner as a "couldn't pass it up" deal.
My wheeling habits consist entirely of mud and dirt.
EDIT:
Doh, I should mention that I'm not timid off road and body damage is nearly a certainty eventually. If you've seen my pup "new" and "today" pics, you'd get an idea. END EDIT.
I'd just as soon lift and lock the grey (manual tranny) 4runner if I thought I'd trash or hate the auto tranny in the yellow 4runner. My initial thoughts are to L&L the auto tranny truck since it's easier to drive off-road.
Is that what ya'll would do? I'm fixing to commit to more than a few grand of parts and labor and if there are any glaring errors or a no-brainer that I've missed, fill me in. I've really made most of these prelim decisions based on info found here (and on Rog's site) and my own limited experience.
Thanks in advance.
Video of my fav kinda muck... sloppy with a base.EDIT02:
Video above is one of those optical illusions where the little hill with ruts just disappears in the video, looks flat. I hate that.
