The Timeless Classic: 1984 Toyota 4Runner SR5
Meet the 1984 Toyota 4Runner SR5, a vehicle that’s done its fair share of road trips from California to Georgia before landing a spotlight moment on Bring a Trailer in March 2014. Fast forward a few years, and this trusty steed got a fiery red makeover, complete with brown vinyl upholstery, and a shiny new 2.4-liter 22R inline-four engine, snapped up by the current owner in 2020. This beast sends power to either the back wheels or all of them, courtesy of a five-speed manual gearbox paired with a dual-range transfer case.
Key Features
- White-finished removable hardtop
- Trail-Gear rear bumper
- Manually locking front hubs
- Snazzy bronze-finished 16″ Method 701 wheels
- Sleek powder-coated roll bar
- Sony touchscreen stereo for your road trip tunes
This classic 4Runner boasts 220k miles on the clock and arrives with a spare wheelset, a Carfax report, and a squeaky clean Louisiana title.
A Fresh Coat and New Additions
The red paint job wasn’t the only touch-up. The former owner installed a powder-coated Trail-Gear rear bumper and fresh decals, while the front bumper got the powder-coat treatment too. This ride also sports a handy-power rear window, mud flaps, and a removable hardtop painted white to contrast the vibrant red body.
Fun Fact: The Carfax report vaguely reads like a crime thriller—a heist gone wrong in March ’90 led to a recovery mission come April. And oh, a few fender benders are documented from 1998 and 2000.
Robust and Ready: Suspension and Wheels
Here’s what’s happened under the hood, or rather, under the body. The suspension got a lift from an aftermarket shackle kit back in April 2021. Also, around July the same year, it got fitted with bronze-finished 16” Method 701 wheels riding on sturdy 32×11.50” Interco Super Swamper Radial TSL tires. Power steering? Check. Aisin manually locking hubs? Check. Power-assisted front disc brakes matched with rear drum brakes? Triple check!
Interior: Functional and Funky
Inside, it’s all about comfort meeting rugged charm. Think brown vinyl bucket seats with a stylish beige piping, color-matched trim throughout, and a black powder-coated roll bar thrown in for good measure. There’s a dash pad that’s been replaced for that fresh look, not to mention a digital clock and good old crank windows. In May 2020, the air conditioning system got a full service, keeping things cool and chill.
Dashboard Delights
The dashboard is like a mini mission control center—sports a two-spoke steering wheel, an 85 mph speedometer, tachometer, and a quartet of auxiliary gauges. Also, perched on top is a gauge pod detailing pitch and roll, perfect for off-road escapades.
It’s seen 220k miles on its odometer, with a cool 4k added by its current owner.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
At the heart of this icon lies a replacement 2.4-liter 22R inline-four, meshed with a five-speed manual transmission, both reportedly revised under prior stewardship. Outfitted with a Weber carburetor and LCE exhaust header, it sends power either to the rear or across all four wheels via a dual-range transfer case.
Curious Comparison: If you’re curious about other rides in the same vintage vein, think about how it might stack up against a Hyundai ix35 or even the dependable VW Polo. The 4Runner’s blend of classic aesthetics and gutsy performance makes it a noteworthy contender.
Additional Perks
- A set of factory wheels with center caps and mounted tires comes with the sale
- A collection of invoices and documentation is included to ensure transparency and a peek into its storied past
Lastly, the Carfax relays the tale of its temporary disappearance in March 1990 and subsequent recovery in April, peppered with accident entries from November 1998 and March 2000.
To wrap it all up, this trail-ready Toyota 4Runner combines the perfect sprinkle of nostalgia, robustness, and an eagerness for adventure. If its walls could talk, they’d speak of epic road trips, off-road escapades, and a rich history that’s still unfolding with every mile.