There's nothing quite like the feeling of driving with the 1st gen 4runner top off on a warm afternoon. If you own one of these legendary rigs, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's that transition from a rugged, enclosed SUV to a wide-open, beach-cruising machine that makes the 1984-1989 Toyota 4Runner one of the coolest vehicles ever built. While modern SUVs feel like hermetically sealed bubbles, the first-gen Runner is all about being part of the environment.
But, as any owner will tell you, getting that fiberglass shell off isn't always a "five-minute job," especially if it's been sitting for a few years. It's a bit of a ritual, a rite of passage for every new owner, and honestly, it's one of the best ways to bond with your truck.
Getting ready for the big lift
Before you go running out to the driveway with a wrench, you need a plan. The first time I tried to take mine off, I thought I could just muscle it. Bad idea. That top is made of heavy-duty fiberglass, and while it isn't impossible for one person to move, it's awkwardly shaped and heavy enough to tweak your back if you aren't careful.
You're going to need a 12mm socket. That's the magic number for almost everything on an old Toyota, isn't it? You'll also want a flathead screwdriver to gently pry up some of the plastic trim pieces covering the bolts. Most importantly, you need a friend. Or a hoist. But friends are usually easier to find and they work for the price of a cold drink.
The most important step: The rear window
This is the part where everyone messes up their first time. You cannot—I repeat, cannot—take the top off without dealing with the rear window first. The 1st gen 4Runner has a power rear window that slides up into the top itself. If you try to lift the top while the window is up, you're going to have a very expensive pile of shattered glass on your hands.
Roll that window all the way down into the tailgate. Once it's tucked away safely, you're good to go. Also, keep in mind that there's a safety switch involved. Toyota was clever back in the 80s; they installed a small bolt/switch mechanism that tells the truck the top is on. If the top is off, the rear window won't power up. This is a safety feature so you don't accidentally shatter the window against nothing, but it's something to remember when you're trying to test things later.
Cracking the seal
Once you've popped off the plastic interior trim, you'll see the row of 12mm bolts. There are usually about 14 of them holding that shell down. I like to start from the front and work my way back. Don't lose these bolts! They have a specific shoulder on them, and while you can replace them with hardware store Grade 8s in a pinch, keeping the originals is always better for that factory fit.
After the bolts are out, the top might still feel like it's glued to the truck. That's because, over thirty-plus years, the rubber seals have basically become one with the paint. Give the top a firm but gentle nudge from the inside. You'll hear a satisfying pop as the seal finally lets go. Just be careful not to tear the rubber—replacing those seals is getting harder and more expensive every year.
The storage dilemma
So, you and your buddy have lifted the top off. Now what? You can't just leave it in the middle of the lawn. If you leave a 1st gen 4runner top off in the grass, you're inviting spiders, moisture, and potential warping.
If you have a garage, the best move is to build a simple wooden dolly or a hanging hoist system. If you're stuck outside, find some 4x4 pieces of wood to keep it off the ground and cover it with a heavy-duty tarp. Whatever you do, don't store it on its side. These tops are sturdy when bolted down, but they can flex and crack if they're left sitting at weird angles for months at a time.
The open air experience
Driving with the 1st gen 4runner top off changes the whole personality of the truck. Suddenly, that 22RE engine drone doesn't seem so loud because it's competing with the wind. You'll notice people waving at you more. There's something about a "convertible truck" that just makes people smile.
One thing you'll realize quickly, though, is that the back seat becomes a bit of a wind tunnel. If you have passengers back there, they're going to get a face full of air. But for a solo drive down a backroad or a trip to the coast, it's pure bliss. Just remember that without the top, you've lost a bit of structural rigidity. You might notice a little more "body jiggle" over bumps, but that's just part of the 80s Toyota charm.
Watch out for the dust
If you're taking your Runner off-road with the top off, be prepared to get dirty. The aerodynamics of the 4Runner tend to suck dust from the rear tires right into the cabin. By the time you get home, everything—and I mean everything—will be covered in a fine layer of silt. It's worth it for the view, but you might want to keep a microfiber towel in the glovebox to wipe down the dash every now and then.
Security and the elements
Living with the top off means you have to become a bit of a weather forecaster. I've spent many nights frantically running outside at 2 AM because I heard a stray raindrop hit the roof. If you're planning on keeping the top off for the whole summer, invest in a "bikini top" or a soft top. There are a few companies still making them, and they are lifesavers. They won't keep you 100% dry in a downpour, but they'll keep the sun off your head and the interior mostly protected from a light drizzle.
Putting it all back together
Eventually, the leaves start to turn, or the rainy season rolls in, and it's time to put the shell back on. This is actually harder than taking it off because you have to align everything perfectly.
Before you drop the top back on, take a minute to clean the mounting surfaces. Wipe down the rubber seals with some silicone protectant to keep them supple. When you lower the top, try to get it as square as possible. I usually start by hand-threading all the bolts just a little bit before tightening any of them down. This ensures the top is centered. If you tighten one side all the way first, the other side might not line up with the holes.
Once it's bolted down, don't forget the "window trick." There is a specific bolt hole (usually the one on the driver's side, second from the rear) that houses the safety switch. If that bolt isn't tight or the bracket is slightly bent, your power window won't work. It's the most common "broken window" fix in the 4Runner world—just tightening a bolt.
Why we do it
You might ask if all this heavy lifting and bolt-turning is really worth it. After all, modern Jeeps have tops that come off much faster, and new SUVs have panoramic sunroofs. But they don't have the soul of a first-gen.
Running with the 1st gen 4runner top off is about more than just fresh air. It's about preserving a specific era of automotive history. Back when trucks were simple, boxes were square, and Toyota built things to last forever. Every time you take that top off, you're enjoying the truck exactly how the designers intended—as a go-anywhere, do-anything adventure machine. So, find a friend, grab your 12mm socket, and get that top off. You won't regret it.