Heck, all I wanted was a little info on the 4runner. I have a chevy pickup to pull the boat, my girlfriend wants the Raider since she wrecked her car, and I don't want to abuse the 95 Montero on the trail, yet, so I am shopping for a vehicle I can drive around in the brush,mud, and beach and perhaps put it up against the Raider. I've always wanted a runner but its very difficult to find a pre 1990 V6 runner. I guess I will have to settle for a 4 cylinder

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by jsanch:
<strong>Hi, I usually post over at the Mitsu section but I have a question concerning a 89 4runner. I'm trying to decide whether to buy a 89 Mitsu Montero or a 89 4runner. What are some problems one may run into with a 22re with manual tranny with about 190,000 miles? Is $3000 a fair price. Body is OK, Interior is OK, I have not looked at the engine. Are there any specific things I should look out for?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Sounds like you were comparing the Mitsu to the Toy to me, which is is perfectly fine.

I think you'll like the runner for that stuff. It's very "at home" off the pavement and will take on the Raider quite well to boot.

It's good to have a second rig for the trail, no point is thrashing the nice stuff if you don't have to.

Frank.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by jsanch:
<strong>I guess I will have to settle for a 4 cylinder</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">I don't really think that the 4 cylinder is "settling". The 22RE produces 112 hp @ 4600 rpm and 142 ft. lbs. of torque @ 3400 rpm. The 3.0L produces 150 hp @ 4800 rpm and 180 ft. lbs. @ 3400 rpm. That is a decent (but not huge) increase in power, but it comes with more weight, less room in the engine bay, and a less desireable transfer case setup. The V6 models do come with a slightly stronger rear third member, but this can be swapped right in to a 4 cylinder axle housing for a LOT less than swapping tranfer cases in a V6 truck.

Frank's point about aftermarket support is valid here too, there are a lot more products from places like DOA Racing, LC Engineering, and Engnbldr than there are for the 3VZE.

<small>[ May 16, 2003, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: DirtyHarry ]</small>

For aftermarket stuff and a community to support you the Toyota wins for sure. But the Montero is a great truck as it is. It aint no monocoque grocery getter. It's probably less expensive, and you can find parts in the boneyard more easily. (Toyota trucks in my area seem to go directly to TAP recycling, and not the local junkyard where there are lots of other truck brands to pick over) As far as seeing them on the trail, I think that has alot to do with sales figures and popularity quite often more than capability. As you can see by my sig I have a Toyota, and I like it very much. I've also been able to learn alot about it in this and other communities, probably more than I would ever have been able to learn about the Mitsu. But the Montero is worth serious consideration.

Jay

I guess I used the word "settle" loosely <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> but I figure you know what I mean. I'll be trying out the Toy this weekend if I have some spare time. I want to ask you guys a question before test driving.. WHich 4runners have limited slip differentials and if they do, how can you tell?

Sorry to go off on a rant. Most guys prefer the 4 cylinder models actually (Frank excluded <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> ).

As for the limited slip, assuming that it is stock you will be able to tell by the axle code on the plaque under the hood. On the bottom row of the plaque it will be labeled C/TR/A/TM for the color code, trim code, axle code, and transmission. The third group of numbers is the axle code and you can use the chart below to determine if it has a limited slip or not.

<img src="http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/vin/vin4.jpg" alt=" - " />

I'm odd man out, what can I say. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> Hey, I can set the cruise and climb all the hills around here on the freeway with the AC on and bunch of people in the truck with a stock motor, can you!

On the LSD note, if you poke around this very informative website, you'll find a write up I did on installing a Toyota Supra Limited slip into your 4runner. They are cheap, it's easy, you can shim up the springs with a washer for more limiting, and they respond very well to the e-brake-lock-up technique. In otherwords, if you don't find one with the LSD, don't sweat it you can put one in.

Frank.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by elripster:
<strong>
On the LSD note, if you poke around this very informative website, you'll find a write up I did on installing a Toyota Supra Limited slip into your 4runner. They are cheap, it's easy, you can shim up the springs with a washer for more limiting, and they respond very well to the e-brake-lock-up technique. In otherwords, if you don't find one with the LSD, don't sweat it you can put one in. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Here is the link Frank was referring to. He forgot to mention that you will need to get a V6 third member to perform this modification. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Thanks a bunch. You guys have been very helpful. I realize Monty's do not compare to 4runners in after market accessories but they are very capable as stock vehicles. Since I have two Mitsu's I think I'll go for the 4runner and do a comparison between the 4-bangers later. I am just afraid I'll pay more mind to the Toy since there are more mods available. You all know how addictive the bug is. I'll keep you posted