thanks for the help in advance. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
I am thinking about buying a 1987 Toyota 4runner, 4cyl motor. Question is will it pull a little pop-up trailer. It will be potentially going over a few Idaho passes and hopefully some long distance trips to utah etc. The truck is totally stock and runs well as far as I can tell. It is 5spd. No oil leakage and no weird smells after running it for 1/2 hour at good speeds. The seller is asking for 2800 and I think she will take 2500. Any experience towing with these rigs and any thoughts on price. Body - good/Int - OK.

You'll be able to pull it. I pull an 18' outboard in the summer months.
We see 1st gen Yotas up here go for around $3K all the time.

Well from my experience traveling from tn. to utah with my pick up 22re with cam and header, basically fresh motor, I had some trouble with the hills out there and a head wind really killed me, I would recommend a size smaller tire than stock. I would say i had around 1500-1700 lbs. I was towing, i got the worst fuel milage I ever seen 12.7 at its worst 21 at best, maybe my set up wasn't that great or something. I really struggled on some of the hills 3rd gear pinned and 50 mph was top speed but we had close to 50-60 mph head wind. I dont seem to have those same problems around home though, and pulling close to same weight.
Maybe she would let you try pulling your trailer with it 1st before you buy to see if it is what you need.
Just my experience here, someone may have had better luck with different set ups.
I also had put on a size bigger than stock tire size just before trip and I am sure it contributed to my performance, or lack of.

It'll be slow, but it'll be fine.
my 89 3" lift 33" m/t's on stock gears, v6 5 spd, pulls a pop up no problem.... as long as youre gonna drive 55... you'll be fine.

You will get by pulling the small trailer, the passes will be a PITA but nothing you couldn't live with. Is it a tent trailer or a pop-up(solid trailer where the the top half lifts up)? The weight of the trailer when loaded with gear should also be considered.

The $2800 sounds about right depending on where you live and the condition it is in. If the body is straight, no rust, average mileage, and the interior is in good shape, $2500 is a good deal. You might offer $2000 and see if she goes for it. Check Craigslist.com for used Toys in your area/region and see what others are asking for them.

My 22RE pulls my Jumpingjack tent trailer, with 2 quads on top. Sportsman 500 and Hawkeye 300, with the 4Runner loaded with camp gear. The 6 mile 6% grade uphill north of Phoenix was tuff. I just tucked behind the big rigs and put my flashers on too. No issues, no oil or temp fluctuations. 4500 RPM, 2nd gear to maintain 35MPH. Flat roads are fine, but fuel mileage was really bad. Other than that, all I really need is better upgraded brakes pulling that thing.

i have the 87 4runner w/ 22re and 5 sp. stock gears and 32" bfg muds. i tow app. 2800 lbs. (6x12 single axle enclosed trailer, suzuki quadzilla and trx 450 quads + gas and gear) up and over the grade from sd to glamis ( 4400 foot pass w/ 6%-ish rise) every other weekend or so- no problem. the truck is rated at 3500 lbs. (2000 for the auto) towing capacity.
i usually hit it at about 55 mph in 3rd gear. it pulls fine in 4th on the flat.

forget about your mpg- if that is your concern then buy a 1/2 ton or something.... i get about 9-11 mpg with this setup.

oh and also- make sure your vehicle is in better than dd condition- i.e. cooling system, belts, hoses, brakes etc.... buy toyota parts- not kragen, auto zone pepboys junk- toyota parts!!