As others mentioned, I'd start with gearing. Consider what you are working with and how much money you want to throw at it. I personally feel that any cost-effective power gains you get out of a 22re are not going to be significant enough to make a difference. Also, you will get used to whatever power you end up with very quickly, and it will still be gutless. So in my mind, it isn't worth throwing money at it in the form of a cams or other types of head work.

Gearing and good exhaust is the best bang for the buck. As others have mentioned, going too large on the exhaust can hurt you. 2.25" is generally accepted as a good exhaust size. I'd consider doing 2" to the cat myself. I wouldn't bother with the intake. Run it w/o the air filter for a bit and see if you can tell a difference. I didn't.

Sorry, but that lift shoudl go. It is going to hurt you on the highway and it is not necessary to rock crawl. I run 33's with zero lift and have taken my rig through many trails in Moab, including the more hardcore ones such as Pritchett Canyon. You only need a lift for tire clearance. 31's don't need lift. Also, you will be less tippy without a lift.

Make a set of rock sliders, a stout rear bumper, and get a low-profile transmission cross member. Then you don't need a lift as you can simply slide over tall obstacles.

Dual t-cases are great, but I feel that they may rob a little power in high-range. My rig seemed to lose a few hampsters on the street after I put my dual cases in. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade it for anything, but if you are trying to wring every last pony out of your rig, it may be something worth researching. If it is true that they do rob some power, then maybe you should just get lower t-case gears.

If you really want extra power that you will notice day after day, an engine swap is your best option.


Mike Carter
85 & 86 4Runners

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