This truck is a 1990 4wd 4Runner with a manual transmission. It originally came with a V6 engine. I bought the truck with a bad engine and started this conversion project from there.
After the conversion was complete, I drove the truck as my daily driver for 11,000+ miles. There were no major issues at all, just some small tweaks and adjustments as you'd expect with such a major project. It gets roughly 28mpg on the highway, but I suspect it could do even better with a bit more tuning.
MODS: The conversion entailed a Volkswagen ALH 1.9 TDI engine, custom wiring harness, Malone tune, custom fuel system, custom 3" mandrel-bent exhaust, custom intake system with STI intercooler and mandrel-bent piping, custom intake manifold, hand-built custom exhaust manifold. GTB1756vk turbo, new front suspension parts (ball joints, tie rods, axles, brakes, etc, etc), custom gauges, new carpet, new front seats (now showing some wear), custom-made seat brackets, Spartan locker, twin-stick transfer case shifter conversion, Warn manual front hubs, 33x10.50 AT tires, and more!
For the full list of mods, see this spreadsheet on Google Drive. Most prices I paid are listed, but not all. I have receipts for most things I bought for this project. The spreadsheet does not include labor for this project, which I did not track.
WORK NEEDED: This truck has been sitting for 2 years due to no garage to work in and life changes. It does need some minor work to be roadworthy again. There is a small fuel leak from somewhere in the fuel tank area. There is a small amp draw, so if it sits more than 8-10 days you'll have to charge the battery. I have an idea of where to find the amp draw, but no time to investigate right now. Other minor concerns are getting the windshield washers working, new wiper blades, fixing reverse lights, etc. The truck still has a gasoline title, so it will not pass NC inspection for that. This is not a big deal - just get a DMV officer to inspect and change the title. Some states and/or counties don't even require an inspection. Let's be honest here, the truck is not pretty. The clear coat is all but gone, there a few rust spots, and the bumpers are in poor condition. I've probably missed a few points, but these are the main ones.
TERMS: This truck is for sale AS-IS WHERE-IS and is located near Charlotte, NC. The NC title is in hand. I offer no warranties of any kind. If you are unable to pick up, we can discuss delivery or shipping options, at your expense. The truck will not leave my property until paid in full and funds have cleared the bank. Cash is preferred.
PRICE: Review the build log on this blog and make a reasonable offer. What is it worth to you? Let's talk. Email me.
Quick about me: I have been a hands-on person all my life. My automotive and metal fabrication journey started in college. My roommate and I built a 4cyl turbo Mustang and experimented with various turbos, exhausts, head porting, tunes, etc. That project ended when I have a giant Turbonetics turbo that was too much for the engine. :) After college, I attended NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC. I learned so much about all aspects of vehicles plus a deep dive into metal fabrication. After NTI, I was an automotive technician at a Memphis Volkswagen dealership and then an independent shop. Shortly after I moved back to NC, I started the 4Runner project. I now own and operate a bicycle retail store in NC. Bicycles have been a part of my life since childhood and now I earn a living doing that. :)
