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="" /> [/quote]


my friend has one... original owner bought it new in 94, sr5 5spd 4cyl runner...

talked to her not too long ago and she said she has 75,000 miles on it and its starting to get rusty... i'm just waiting.

Where're you located? I know of an '87 4Runner going up
for sale soon. Owned by a mechanic at my work for about
the last year...

Regards,
Indy

I would seriously consider a 96+ Tacoma or 4R, if you can swing it. The 2.7L 4-cyl Taco generates as much power as the 3.0l V6 and that engine will be as legendary as the 22R-series for longevity and reliability while blowing it away in power (150hp, 177 ft lbs). Same basic transmissions as the older trucks - W59 behind the 4-cyl, R150 behind the 3.4 V6's. Only real downside is r&p steering, but that is an issue depending on use.

I had the same basic uses as you in mind when I bought the '04 Taco.

I have a 94 22re 5sp extra cab. I have to agree that It would be hard to improve upon its reliability and quality. I have just about 150k on it now. I've only had very minor gremlins - a few electrical issues and I had to replace the timing chain and guides (DOA).

MPG is very good - about 20mpg at 70 with 33x10.50s and 4.88s. If you don't mind going a bit slow, it is hard to beat. I'm even thinking of throwing $5-6k into for a double cab swap instead of buying a newer Tacoma.

Ignoring any body style preference, I would go with an 86-89 4runner or a 86-95 truck.
Im gonna get a lot of crap for this, but for moderate wheeling and use as a mainly pavement pounder the IFS walks all over a solid axle.
There are the obvious, well gone over benefits of each (IFS has better ride, better high speed; solid axle has more articulation), but the often overlooked weak link in the solid axle that is stock is the steering arm on the drivers side. I know that people have wheeled pretty hard with em, and I did with my old 85, but I also broke it in a 1 ft ditch with the tire straight ahead. Looked like the arm had been cracked for a while before breaking.
The IFS has the idler arm, which still can break, but usually the bushings wear out, which is noticeable and wont leave you stranded. Just a personal opinion on that for a mainly DD, easy wheeler.

22RE cant be beat for reliability, 5 spd transmissions are strong out of any toyota. Transfer cases are not a problem. Rear axles on 86-later are wider and have better brakes. IFS is not that weak as most say.

V6 would be slightly better for towing, but will get 50-65% the mpg of the 22RE. Gearing it right helps.

Passenger room is a plus in 4runner. Cargo room in a truck.

If you want a lift at all in the future though, be prepared for a PITA on the IFS.

I dont know that much about Tacomas, but every car I have ever owned that had rack and pinion had a problem eventually, and it was always a pain and $$ to fix. That was on cars, I cant imagine the wear and stress placed on the steering of Tacomas compared to cars... bad idea to me.
Look good though, and the motors are killer.

1998 Tacoma Standard Cab 2.7L 5 Speed.

300k no sweat, good power, and it will tow as fast you should tow.

Decent off road. Add a rear locker and you're set.

My vote goes for the 1989-1995 pickups and 1990-1995 4Runners. Take your pick which motor you want, both are very durable.

I too would go for the 1989 - 1995 Pickup.
Very dependable and sturdy so far.
I love my Toyota.
RoadKill

Well, the one I looked at today -seemed- nice enough. I was only really concerned about 2 things (and they may be major, dunno).

Big hesitation, bump-bump then go. Only happened once. Happened at full operating temp.

Clatter and tap from engine.

Walked away. Maybe it's no big deal, maybe it is. For what they wanted the truck needed to be perfect and it wasn't.

It probably just needs a tune-up. Chances are that the plugs/wires.. etc. have never been replaced. Ontop of that a simple valve adjustment will clear up most of the chatter (22r's are noisy regardless).