4Runners had solid axles in 1984 and 1985. 84 had a carb and 85 had EFI, both 4cy, v6 wasn't available until 1988.

Read up on the history of 4Runners here


http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist.html


If you want a V6, you can do like I did and buy a 88 4Runner with a V6 and convert to a solid axle

www.toyotaoffroad.net/afertig/88/sas

Not a whole lot of differences over the years besides the obvious front suspension changes. 86 and up got a 3" wider rear axle, V6 trucks got bigger brake master cylinders and slightly stronger rear differentials, and I think 87 on up had body mounted bumpers as opposed to frame mounted ones. Those are the MAIN differences, besides some minor cosmetic changes. Oh and there was a turbo 22re model from 86 and 87, but they all came with auto trannys which kills any power gains.

We're talking 1st gen 4Runers here, 1984-1989. Lots of differences in the newer ones.