1st gen 4rnr as a DD?

Bobthebuilder · 08-18-2008, 06:23 PM

Hello, Im considering ditching my 94 4rnr (3.0 5spd) and looking for an 85 4rnr. Just wanted to hear some input from people who drive them everyday. I don't drive too far to work < 30 min, but would like something that my wife and 2 dogs can hop into and take off for the weekend in ( long roadtrip etc...) Previously owned an 83 LC w/ a 3" lift and 33's 70mph top speed and 11 mpg got kinda old.... mostly the mpgs. Im not expecting a race truck out of a 22re (im used to a tired 3.0) but don't want a total pig either. If anyone could shed some light that would be awesome. Thanks! --ROB

phildelfino · 08-18-2008, 06:25 PM

Just find a manual trans for the best MPG.

Hayes · 08-18-2008, 06:29 PM

as long as you don't modify the suspension...it will be smooth.

algranger · 08-18-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phildelfino

Just find a manual trans for the best MPG.

shouldnt be too hard

i would definitely recomend it my dd is an 84 pickup. i wheel it, drive it sometimes 45 mins to work (depends on site location) usually about a half hour 6 days a week. its never had a problem, its really comfortable, and i love the sfa. i wouldnt have it any other way

edit: and it gets 20-25 mpg depending on how aggresively i drive

HELIFUN · 08-18-2008, 07:12 PM

I've been driving mine 87 22RE 5 Speed daily for about a year.

Great MPG for an SUV, I'm getting 24

Bobthebuilder · 08-18-2008, 07:37 PM

Thanks for the fast responses... all I gotta do is sell my 94 and find a solid 1st gen

ocdropzone · 08-18-2008, 07:55 PM

Best of luck finding a good '85 4Runner w/ EFI that is not totally rusted out in PA...might have to go a ways to find one....one thing I hated about living in Western NY, the salt killed trucks quick if you didn't take care of them...

OT: i used to build bugs, my '67 bug and '67 Karmann Ghia were some of my favorite cars I had over the years....sounds like you have some cool toys

misto · 08-18-2008, 09:36 PM

I have an 85 efi and love it as a dd the mileage is ok with 20-23 in the city and 17-19 on highway( i drive 80 on the highway, anything over 70 and it drops pretty bad). Anyway i drove it from the space coast in florida to charleston south cacalaci every other weekend to see my daughter for 3 months, drove it to key west, and just drove it to douglas geogia all being 4-7 hour drives and had no problems other than its a little bumpy on the highway but i have all urethane bushings in the leafs and swaybars and add-a-leafs in the back. All and all i would def. go for it. But make sure its a 5spd like stated above and you and your family will love it.

michalik_piotr · 08-18-2008, 10:47 PM

sorry, i have to disagree. i had an 85 runner and got tired of both, driving a 5spd in the city and getting beat up by the sfa. And, the slow speed over mountain passes. And the lack of 4 doors. Its loud, its rough...its a good 2nd vehicle. Got a 3rd gen and never been happier.

***waskillywabbit*** · 08-19-2008, 05:55 AM

It depends on the condition of the 1st gen 4Runner, engine, tires, lift, etc. I daily drove my 85 on 37s and it was fine for my 20 min commute which included in town and interstate.

I daily drive my Tundra now but I am working on putting a new 22RE in the 87 I bought so I can dd it. Nothing like tooling around town with the hard top off.

algranger · 08-19-2008, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michalik_piotr

sorry, i have to disagree. i had an 85 runner and got tired of both, driving a 5spd in the city and getting beat up by the sfa. And, the slow speed over mountain passes. And the lack of 4 doors. Its loud, its rough...its a good 2nd vehicle. Got a 3rd gen and never been happier.

i actually prefer the older ones i cant stand auto. or not being able to hear anything outside it bugs me bad. i would never have anything but a manual older yota even if it is gutless. if its lifted i agree, the ride sucks, stock its pretty good though.. to each his own im sure most would take your side on that

edit: nice rims btw

kampgnar · 08-19-2008, 07:28 AM

I sold off a Mazda 3s after owning only 3 months new off the lot, so I could drive my '86 4runner everday. The Mazda was a blast to drive, but couldn't keep my bike in it or get it dirty like the runner, and was pissed at myself for selling my '94 hilux to get the Mazda.
I picked up a loaded Sr5 model from the original owner in stock condition. It has the most comfortable seats I've ever had in a vehicle. Plenty of creature comforts with air, cruise control, rear heat so it's plenty comfortable for the 30 mile daily commute.
Also installed a head unit with an ipod connection that I ran into the glovebox.
The downside was that I basically had to rebuild it from the front to the back.
All of the basic fluids and wearables, new radiator and hoses, topend, front and rear 3rds, transmission, clutch, tires and a ton of nickle an dime parts.
I took the truck knowing that there were some issues, but fixing one thing uncovered another. One example...I knew the transmission was noisy, but I had to drive without a radio for a couple of days when I was waiting on a single din component and realized that the roaring was also coming from the rear end.
This wasn't a project truck, it's my only transportation besides the family mini van. Planned my weekends and work schedule around fixing everything. I'd definitely have a solid DD if I had to do it all over again, but now I essentially have a brand new truck!

4runner Freak · 08-19-2008, 09:14 AM

I DD my '85 4runner. I have chevys in the back RUF, 32" MTRs. Other than the lack of rear shocks(have to put those in soon), it is a great DD.
My daily commute is less then 20 miles, but I do drive to vendors businesses(up to 60 miles) pretty often.

83 · 08-19-2008, 09:21 AM

Yeah, it's a matter of what you want. I like old vehicles and will take a bumpy loud ride in a cool old Toyota truck with character over a nice smooth quiet brand new vehicle (almost) any day. I had an '86 pickup for 5 years (lost it just about 3 years ago), took it to NY and back twice from Utah. I'm used to 3rd gear & 45mph over mountian passes. Just smile at the people as they go by. There are days I wish I had a new vehicle. Only a couple times a year though. So if you're the type of person that will take character and all that over comfort and speed, it's for you. If not...probably not a good dd. I can definitely relate to both viewpoints.

I'm about to have an '83 pickup as a dd and road trip vehicle. I'm very excited.

grovedogg · 08-19-2008, 09:33 AM

my 84 is a dd, love it compared to my 69 chevy V8, but any truck with a SFA will be a rough rider. I have stock suspension and it's not much better ride than my buddies Heep, upgrading to chevys in the rear and RUF, then it'll ride like a caddy...

BigO · 08-20-2008, 06:29 PM

My 85' pick-up is a daily driver. THe only thing is that the ride is a little stiff compared to regular commuter vehicles, but it sure is fun. And I am getting about 22 mpg too.

Volcom · 08-20-2008, 10:26 PM

I'd totally DD a 1st gen 4Runner if I had one that I could leave stock

My 96 Honda Accord does pretty well (fuel wise mostly, not so much for style points) as my DD. Driving a cheap DD makes having my 84 4Runner on 40's as a 3rd vehicle in my family possible.

Zombie · 08-21-2008, 05:55 AM

I dd my '87 about 100 miles a day, sucks back the gas though. I am slightly lifted with 33's so there is no power to speak of but I love every minute of it. Nowhere near as mind numbing as it was driving my civic. There is the advantage of being stuck in a huge traffic jam and driving off the road, up and over the embankment, through some mud and onto another road. Did it once and laughed at the Miata that tried to follow me. Downside is that the boss knows how capable my 4Runner is and I can never get away with saying that the snow is too bad and I can't make it in.

08-18-2008, 06:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bobthebuilder Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: topton pa Posts: 56	1st gen 4rnr as a DD? Hello, Im considering ditching my 94 4rnr (3.0 5spd) and looking for an 85 4rnr. Just wanted to hear some input from people who drive them everyday. I don't drive too far to work < 30 min, but would like something that my wife and 2 dogs can hop into and take off for the weekend in ( long roadtrip etc...) Previously owned an 83 LC w/ a 3" lift and 33's 70mph top speed and 11 mpg got kinda old.... mostly the mpgs. Im not expecting a race truck out of a 22re (im used to a tired 3.0) but don't want a total pig either. If anyone could shed some light that would be awesome. Thanks! --ROB __________________ 94 t4r 3.0 5spd...many fun things to come 87 bmw 325is (for stress relief :-) 67 bug flat black and low 72 & 74 honda cb450's (stock & cafe racer)

08-18-2008, 06:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
phildelfino Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 316	Just find a manual trans for the best MPG. __________________ 1988 4 Runner w/225,XXX miles, 3.slow V6. A/T. 4.10s?-(G292 code) and power everything else that still works, except someone broke off my electric antenna. 1.25" BL. Used Marlin Crawler Rear Bumper, 33 x 12.50 x 15 on Steel Chromies w 3.5" BS. Has new shocks, leafs. Soon; Trail Gear Sliders, ZUK brackets & coils, rear shock brackets & flip kit, Wish List; Rear lockrite, 529's, sliders (got them for $100.oo, new in box), 5 speed swap http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3171939

08-18-2008, 06:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
Hayes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,445	as long as you don't modify the suspension...it will be smooth. __________________ -Hayes

08-18-2008, 07:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
HELIFUN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 34	I've been driving mine 87 22RE 5 Speed daily for about a year. Great MPG for an SUV, I'm getting 24 __________________ http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...e/4runner1.jpg

08-18-2008, 07:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Bobthebuilder Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: topton pa Posts: 56	Thanks for the fast responses... all I gotta do is sell my 94 and find a solid 1st gen __________________ 94 t4r 3.0 5spd...many fun things to come 87 bmw 325is (for stress relief :-) 67 bug flat black and low 72 & 74 honda cb450's (stock & cafe racer)

08-18-2008, 07:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
ocdropzone Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PDX Posts: 2,819	Best of luck finding a good '85 4Runner w/ EFI that is not totally rusted out in PA...might have to go a ways to find one....one thing I hated about living in Western NY, the salt killed trucks quick if you didn't take care of them... OT: i used to build bugs, my '67 bug and '67 Karmann Ghia were some of my favorite cars I had over the years....sounds like you have some cool toys __________________ ~Robb '81 Trekker SR5 B4Runner Build '89 Tercel Project POS Gas Saver TREKKER Forum LINK TO ONLINE FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS All Toyota Website Search Engine Wheel Responsibly, Don't screw it up for others...

08-18-2008, 09:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
misto Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Space Coast, FL Posts: 40	I have an 85 efi and love it as a dd the mileage is ok with 20-23 in the city and 17-19 on highway( i drive 80 on the highway, anything over 70 and it drops pretty bad). Anyway i drove it from the space coast in florida to charleston south cacalaci every other weekend to see my daughter for 3 months, drove it to key west, and just drove it to douglas geogia all being 4-7 hour drives and had no problems other than its a little bumpy on the highway but i have all urethane bushings in the leafs and swaybars and add-a-leafs in the back. All and all i would def. go for it. But make sure its a 5spd like stated above and you and your family will love it. __________________ '85 Runner

08-18-2008, 10:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
michalik_piotr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 451	sorry, i have to disagree. i had an 85 runner and got tired of both, driving a 5spd in the city and getting beat up by the sfa. And, the slow speed over mountain passes. And the lack of 4 doors. Its loud, its rough...its a good 2nd vehicle. Got a 3rd gen and never been happier. __________________ 1985 4runner sr5 - 5spd, 22re..........sold 2000 4runner Limited - rear locker, TJM, Alpine, Hella, Optilux, Yakima, 265/75 Revos, tint by Skyline. 2000 Ducati M900, Ohlins, Acerbis, Vortex, Yoyodyne, Michelin, NGK, RR, CRG, RK, ARC Fab, Brembo, Odyssey, Afam, HID. Last edited by michalik_piotr : 08-18-2008 at 10:51 PM.

08-19-2008, 05:55 AM	#10 (permalink)
*waskillywabbit* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 11,508	It depends on the condition of the 1st gen 4Runner, engine, tires, lift, etc. I daily drove my 85 on 37s and it was fine for my 20 min commute which included in town and interstate. I daily drive my Tundra now but I am working on putting a new 22RE in the 87 I bought so I can dd it. Nothing like tooling around town with the hard top off. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC www.myspace.com/wabfab 6th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, May 22-25, 2009 WabFab Off-Road Salvation Army Online Kettle

08-19-2008, 07:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
kampgnar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 32	I sold off a Mazda 3s after owning only 3 months new off the lot, so I could drive my '86 4runner everday. The Mazda was a blast to drive, but couldn't keep my bike in it or get it dirty like the runner, and was pissed at myself for selling my '94 hilux to get the Mazda. I picked up a loaded Sr5 model from the original owner in stock condition. It has the most comfortable seats I've ever had in a vehicle. Plenty of creature comforts with air, cruise control, rear heat so it's plenty comfortable for the 30 mile daily commute. Also installed a head unit with an ipod connection that I ran into the glovebox. The downside was that I basically had to rebuild it from the front to the back. All of the basic fluids and wearables, new radiator and hoses, topend, front and rear 3rds, transmission, clutch, tires and a ton of nickle an dime parts. I took the truck knowing that there were some issues, but fixing one thing uncovered another. One example...I knew the transmission was noisy, but I had to drive without a radio for a couple of days when I was waiting on a single din component and realized that the roaring was also coming from the rear end. This wasn't a project truck, it's my only transportation besides the family mini van. Planned my weekends and work schedule around fixing everything. I'd definitely have a solid DD if I had to do it all over again, but now I essentially have a brand new truck! Last edited by kampgnar : 08-19-2008 at 07:29 AM.

08-19-2008, 09:14 AM	#13 (permalink)
4runner Freak Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northglenn, CO Posts: 82	I DD my '85 4runner. I have chevys in the back RUF, 32" MTRs. Other than the lack of rear shocks(have to put those in soon), it is a great DD. My daily commute is less then 20 miles, but I do drive to vendors businesses(up to 60 miles) pretty often. __________________ '85 4runner, finally lifted. Done milling my steering arms! http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=548270 Working on DUAL-TRANNYS

08-19-2008, 09:21 AM	#14 (permalink)
83 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 478	Yeah, it's a matter of what you want. I like old vehicles and will take a bumpy loud ride in a cool old Toyota truck with character over a nice smooth quiet brand new vehicle (almost) any day. I had an '86 pickup for 5 years (lost it just about 3 years ago), took it to NY and back twice from Utah. I'm used to 3rd gear & 45mph over mountian passes. Just smile at the people as they go by. There are days I wish I had a new vehicle. Only a couple times a year though. So if you're the type of person that will take character and all that over comfort and speed, it's for you. If not...probably not a good dd. I can definitely relate to both viewpoints. I'm about to have an '83 pickup as a dd and road trip vehicle. I'm very excited. __________________ Zach '83 Shortbed

08-20-2008, 06:29 PM	#16 (permalink)
BigO Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 40	My 85' pick-up is a daily driver. THe only thing is that the ride is a little stiff compared to regular commuter vehicles, but it sure is fun. And I am getting about 22 mpg too. __________________ 1985 4x4 Extended Cab, 22RE

08-20-2008, 10:26 PM	#17 (permalink)
Volcom Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Posts: 572	I'd totally DD a 1st gen 4Runner if I had one that I could leave stock My 96 Honda Accord does pretty well (fuel wise mostly, not so much for style points) as my DD. Driving a cheap DD makes having my 84 4Runner on 40's as a 3rd vehicle in my family possible. __________________ 1984 Toyota 4Runner EFI swap TG 4" springs Marlin Crawler Dual Ultimate Crawler 39.5" Iroks My 4 wheel drive club http://www.rockfrogs.org

08-21-2008, 05:55 AM	#18 (permalink)
Zombie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada Posts: 47	I dd my '87 about 100 miles a day, sucks back the gas though. I am slightly lifted with 33's so there is no power to speak of but I love every minute of it. Nowhere near as mind numbing as it was driving my civic. There is the advantage of being stuck in a huge traffic jam and driving off the road, up and over the embankment, through some mud and onto another road. Did it once and laughed at the Miata that tried to follow me. Downside is that the boss knows how capable my 4Runner is and I can never get away with saying that the snow is too bad and I can't make it in. __________________ "87 rust free Texas 4Runner, 2" body lift, 33" tires, extra springs in the rear, 4:10 gears, 22re and no gas mileage.

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