What's the most durable stock setup (Year, engine, tranny) from Toyota? What are the top 3? Any 'worst'? I never figured toyota made anything weak on their 4WD's but I could be wrong. Include everything but LandCruiser..

Looking for a 4WD SUV (or pickup) and have been burned by transmission/driveline issues before and do not want to be so again...

I have to ask - for what purpose and preferences? Daily driving? hardcore wheeling? higher onroad speeds or comfort touring? carrying loads / work truck?

It does matter, since the suspensions over the years are (obviously) quite different and perform differently.

Understood. I'm more concerned about the drivetrain than anything else. Longevity (into the 300K range) a plus. Suspension's always nice to have bulletproof but honestly I've never been one to haul heavy loads with the vehicle.

Concerns would be off-roading (I'm the slow, methodical type who'll sit for a minute figuring out an obstacle rather than blasting through it), trailering (3000lbs or less) and general reliability.

Well except for the head gasket problem, I can't image a much stonger stock set-up than the V6, 3rd gen pick-ups (89-94.5 I think). The newer tacos have the weaker rack and pinion steering and the frame is not fully boxed. The older 4 cyl trucks have a little weaker differental and gears but they did have a solid axle up front for a big plus there.

If you were to allow us a non-stock option I'd take the newer 98-2000+ 3.4L engine, the 3rd gen truck with an SAS. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I do not know if this the "best" that Toyota has ever built but it sounds like exactly what you need. I have towed 3000+ # at highway speeds (75mph) for 2+ hours at 4,000 RPM and the truck has not missed a beat. Short of the standard Toyota driveline issues (rear axle seals leaking, carrier bearing wearing out, burt exhaust valves) I would say that this set-up is bullet-proof.

Current candidate is a 1994 5-sp 4-cyl. I guess this would have been the 22RE at the time...

I'm looking for the fewest hassles down the road and the lowest repair costs should they be needed. I'd also like to add the twin-stick setup from Marlin at some point but that's later down the road - if ever.

I have always liked a V6 for power but I'm not sure it's necessary for what I'm looking to do. I haven't towed a trailer in years and wouldn't do it frequently but I -would- like to have the capability to do it. Nothing more than a smallish boat or small h-hell trailer.

22R-E equipped rig with a 5speed transmission is calling your name. Okay, so maybe not calling it clearly...but I swear thats what Im hearing. The 22R-E can be modified relatively on the cheap, fixed without breaking the bank and can pull a trailer holding an 18' Alumaweld no problem. While it wont win any races while towing, it will get you there without looking like an idiot doing 25mph in 50 mph zone. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I do it from time to time around here...lots of hills.

Problem is finding a 5 speed 4Runner from that generation. Autocrackaddict transmissions coupled to 22R-Es leave alot to be desired.

~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

The 22re will be alot easier and cheaper to work on if you happen to have any problems. Even a basic tune-up will be much easier and cheaper on the 4cyl. On top of that you'll be getting better gas mileage (20 - 25mpg). You wont have any problems hauling a small trailer either.

Downsides to buying here:
Everything's auto.
Mostly V6 (not bad, just not a lot of choice).
SUV's = way overpriced.
Everything has a bizillion friggin miles.

Upsides:
Almost none of these rigs have seen anything other than pavement.
Very little modifications to the 4WD's. Aftermarket mods are fine in some cases, but most of the time citified-mods just blow hunks.
Good washing/exterior care.
Rust? Not here.
Mostly they're not used for towing rigs. Most of the urbanites here have big american SUV's if they tow anything bigger than a bike rack.

Anyhow... yeah, I've always been a 22r fan but I'm certainly willing to listen to any other recommendations.