getabiggerhammer

i am looking to buy a 90s model truck, and am considering a toyota. i have found a few i like in my price range but i don't have much experience with these.

I need something that will do ok on the interstate because i have to drive 5 hours at 70-75mph two or three times a month.

I am only considering the v6 5 speed 4wd 4runners and pickups, i need to be able to haul my fourwheeler either in the bed or be able to pull a small trailer (if i buy a 4runner)

How many rpm do these things turn on average at interstate speeds? I will probably end up with 31-33" tires and I am not looking to win any races but i don't want the truck to be screaming 3-4000rpm for hours and drinking fuel on my trips.

any input is appreciated, i am open to other brands as long as they are 4x4 5sspeed and can haul or tow my fourwheeler. I don't care about manual or power locks and windows. I would like to spend in the 4,000 range and milage doesnt scare me too much.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

There is a wealth of information here .

You have to decide if you wanna go with the early or late model vehicles the big difference is the 3.0 or the 3.4.

Mileage (engine) and timing belts are something to think about

What suits your needs better the older style pick up or the Tacoma

A pick up or a 4 Runner only you know the answer to this.

As to the 5 hours at 70 to 75 I have no clue never drove that fast in any of my 4x4 Toyota`s

As to gas mileage my 2000 Tacoma gets between 10 and 15 mpg depending just how heavy I am loaded

From experience if $4000.00 is your budget you best look in the $3000.00 range.

I have yet to buy a used Toyota 4x4 that did not take at least a $1000.00 in parts. Some areas of maintenance are always neglected!!

Do most of your own work or pay to have it done ??

These vehicles have a regional market.

Good luck with your research !!

getabiggerhammer

thanks for the input

i do my own work, and 4,000 would be just for the truck. I know these things are very popular and often overpriced in my area (east tx, la, ms) but i see some listed for a reasonable price every now and then.

I believe my fourwheeler weighs about 850lb, it makes my f250 squat a little

MudHippy

31s + 4.10s + 5th gear(.838) + 75 mph = 2793 rpm

33s + 4.10s + 5th gear(.838) + 75 mph = 2624 rpm

31s + 4.30s + 5th gear(.838) + 75 mph = 2929 rpm

33s + 4.30s + 5th gear(.838) + 75 mph = 2752 rpm

33s + 4.56s + 5th gear(.838) + 75 mph = 2918 rpm

http://www.rocky-road.com/calculator.html

90-91 V6 4WD = 4.10s or 4.56s
92-95 V6 4WD = 4.30s or 4.56s or 4.88s

You don't want a weak ass plastic POS 96+. In fact if you want a real truck, you don't even want a 90s at all. Pre-89 ONLY. Especially if you want one with a real bed(repairable). Or if you have to get a 90s, you at least want one with a real frame(fully boxed) and a reliable suspension setup(not a faulty LBJ design deathtrap). Pre-96+ ONLY.

getabiggerhammer

thank you for posting that. I'm not sure a pre 89 truck has enough nuts for me. they were all 22r werent they? I dont know if i would want to daily drive something carbureted with ~100hp

MudHippy

22R: 81-90
22R-E: 84-95
3VZ-E: 88-95

I wasn't recommending a 4 banger. I almost take offense to that. But you're new here. And you don't know me too well. So I'll forgive it...this time.

BTW, the deal with the beds after 88 is they changed the design making them heavier and unrepairable(welded double wall construction). 89+ are somewhat "stronger", but the added strength is pointless(and actually makes them weaker). It's basically nothing but additional dead weight. But the major drawback is if you bang the 89+ sides out of shape they're scrap metal. You'll never get them straight again. Whereas the pre-89 sides can easily be pulled or hammered back into shape. They're still double walled, but aren't welded(they're screwed together instead). So they're lighter, yet still plenty strong enough, and aren't essentially disposable. They're also more flexible and less prone to cracking the welds in the corners than 89+. Hence the "stronger". "Stronger" where they don't need to be, making them weaker where they shouldn't be. And heavier for no good reason at all.