85 solid axle w/ EFI will get alot of votes. Simple, capable, reliable. 2000 "Highlander" models w/ 3.4/5spd and electric locker would get my vote. Others had the locker but that was the last year for manual trannies

Judging from the way you worded your post I think you are looking for an 85 4runner. It was the first year of Fuel injection and the last year of solid axle, so by many(including myself) it is considered the best year. It is getting a little old and hard to find now though. I have a 85 4runner with a 3.0 V6 swapped into it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Is the 89 still a decent year to get??

He said its definatly a DD, and we are gonna go check it out Sunday. Anything specific I should look for?

Your all wrong....the '93 with the hard-to-find 3.4L V6 option, is the best year.

1986, least amount of emissions which means less crap and hoses under the hood <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />.

Like I said, is 89 still a decent year???

What are some specific Problem Spots I should look for?

If you didn't understand what they were saying, the best 4Runner is the one you OWN. So you need to buy it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yes, 89's are good. Just look out for rust on the body and especially rust on the frame (usually starts near the spring mounts...).

hupptoy

So the 89 was a POS. Really realllly bad rust on the rear half, to the point of showing THROUGH the body!

Ran nice, but not a DD like I need...

Checked the Iwanna again, found one (88) close to me. Went to check it out. Its the SR5 Package, V6, 132k miles, looks like the rear seats have never been used, front seats are good, something IS missing on the front consel (can anyone get me a picture of the 88, where the Stereo mounts? thanks!)

very marginal rust, nothing major, I couldnt get it running, the guy who owns it wasnt there and he has the keys, but I'll be going back tomorrow. He wants 3700 for it, and I guess that includes alot of spare parts. I'll try to talk him down lower. Does 3700 sound high?

Sounds high to me. $2200 seems more reasonable for the mid-Atlantic area, maybe less since it's not running.
Again, check the frame closely for rust. Tap on it with a small hammer. The frame rusts from the inside out, so by the time you can see it, it's bad. Most common places are by the front mount for the rear springs, above the wheels, and cab mounts. Also where the fuel tank sits beside the frame.

Get the VIN and see if the head gasket recall has been done on it.
When was the last time the timing belt was replaced, they're only good for 60k or so. (If not recently, another point for getting price down.)

Oh it runs, but I didnt have the keys to start it.

Drives quite well, no major rust.

http://community.webshots.com/album/548350781XrSqCE pics can be found there.

Head Gaskets HAVE NOT been done yet, but will be the first thing I get done. He wants somewhere around 3500 for it. Ive got the VIN, but need to get Carfax again.