That's right, after almost about 2 years actively looking on and off that I've finally found the truck I've been looking for.
First off a check list of my wants...
**These were the must haves:
- Had to be a first generation 4Runner (85-89)
- Had to be rust free
- Had to have AC (or else Arlene would never ride in it on hot summer days)
- Had to have clean interior
- Had to have full documented maintenance records
- Oh yeah, couldn't smell like a horses you-know-what on the inside
**These were the not so critical must haves:
- Wanted the 22RE motor
- Wanted to have the center gauge cluster with Altimeter and Inclinometer
- Wanted decent size tires
- Wanted power windows and locks
- Wanted a darker color (Just not black again)
- Wanted a solid front axle
Everything else extra that it came with was just gravy in my eyes.
Well I finally found one that was originally from Florida. Literally no rust on this truck. These trucks are very very hard to find in this type of condition. It was owned by some guy in the military who's stationed down at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He resides in Florida, which is where it was titled.
Arlene and I flew down there last Saturday and drove her all the way back home from Fayetteville North Carolina. 13 1/2 hours later it's sitting in my driveway. Enough talk, let's see some pictures...
That's right, it's a 1988 4Runner! 20 years old and it looks better than most cars and trucks on the road today...at least in my opinion.
It's got a great stance to it with Mickey Thompson 31X10.5-15's!
Clean interior...
Yup, that's a Safariland Snorkel...on days I feel like driving through a lake. :-)
I just installed the diamond plating on the doors...kinda cool huh. Gives it that industrial feel.
Last but not least, one of my angels in the back window. My girls love the new truck and can't wait to take the top off and go offroad in it!
Without boring you with all the details, this truck had tons of extras done to it by the previous owner. He had put a lot of work and money into it but finally decided to go a different route with something else (oh lucky me). There's still a ton of plans I have for it and it's a great platform to start with. I think this new addition to the family will be with us for a long time. Can't wait to get it stuck in the mud for the first time! LOL.
