84-85 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd gen pickups and 1st gen 4Runners with solid front axles

If you could start with a truck or 4 runner? whats best

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Old 10-07-2012, 03:34 PM
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If you could start with a truck or 4 runner? whats best

So as the title says I am looking to get a new to me play Toyota either a truck or a 4 runner I have found two similarly built rigs both in my price range. Both trucks have 37" MTR's, both have dual cases, 5.29's Cross over High steering, lockers front and rear, almost the same milage, both have custom bumpers and sliders, interior is roughly the same shape. So I want to build a truck for weekend fun on the trails here in Colorado. What do you all suggest a truck or 4runner?
Thanks for the help I am gonna purchase one or the other this week
Old 10-07-2012, 03:36 PM
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Forgot to add the truck is an 85' and the 4 runner is an 86' if that matters
Old 10-07-2012, 04:34 PM
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stock the 85 has a solid axle the 86 has ifs unless its been swapped.

other than that it depends if you need a pu or you want to haul four people.

1st gen runner might be worth more idk.

Last edited by donomite49; 10-07-2012 at 04:36 PM.
Old 10-07-2012, 04:59 PM
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the 86 runner is a solid axle truck also.
Old 10-07-2012, 05:11 PM
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Depends what you want to do with it. I real wants another x-cab truck to build, but came across an 85 4runner and decided to jump on it. And now I love it. I can haul my sons with me, load the back with just as much stuff that will fit in a truck bed, can sleep in the back if need be. And the biggest thing for me is that I can carry three adults with me if needed in a pinch, I could never do this with my old x-cab Yota.

But there's something to be said a out a pickup. You can tow/haul whatever you want, have tons of room behind the seat for chains, tow straps, fire extinguisher, etc...

I would jus write down your pros and cons of each and see which one suits you better.
Old 10-07-2012, 06:14 PM
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Like previous mentioned depends on your family situation. Its a pain hauling the family in my pickup and a pleasure in the runner. Both of the rigs sound similar as far as capability goes. Just gotta decide on style and function. Oh if you get the runner you'll have a first gen

Last edited by REDYOTA; 10-07-2012 at 06:15 PM.
Old 10-07-2012, 06:53 PM
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an the runners are drop tops!
dey look cool!
Old 10-07-2012, 07:25 PM
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I'd jump on a solid axle 4Runner before a solid axle pickup, but I've got a 4Runner so I know I'm a bit biased. You've already got a cover for the cargo area and four full size seats.

Mechanically, I don't see any reason to choose one over the other. The pickup has a bit less weight over the rear wheels if you're not running the cap, I'd guess.
Old 10-07-2012, 08:24 PM
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the one with the least rust and the most modifications leaning toward what you want done to the vehicle. If both are about equal I personally would go with the 4runner. Besides you can always remove the rear seats and basically make it into a pickup. it's really up to you though.
Old 10-07-2012, 08:28 PM
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yeah All is pretty equal except the truck has cromo shafts front and rear. So I just have to pick I guess.
Old 10-07-2012, 08:38 PM
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If you don't have a family that will be going with you, get the PU, if it has chromo shafts front and rear, that is a pretty spendy upgrade. Plus, with the PU everyone can't ride with you, at least that is a plus for me, but I am a bit of a loner I guess.
If it goes to a full on wheeler, it will most likely resemble a PU more than a 4runner in the end anyway. Also the fuel tanks are higher on the PU and they still drag, so I cant imagine in a 4runner.
Old 10-07-2012, 09:21 PM
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I got a Pickup because of the utility and I don't have to drag people everywhere with me, although I do live on a ranch/go hunting/haul firewood/have dogs...Thats why I also have a sedan for a daily driver though..
But if I had to choose one as a daily driver/family hauler..4runner hands down. I guess they are slightly more 'luxurious'..

Last edited by Vang530; 10-07-2012 at 09:22 PM.
Old 10-08-2012, 08:02 AM
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I think I am leaning towards the truck. I have kids but the older ones wont go anyway only the 9 year old, the wife only goes when I make her. It is not going to be driven except for trail running so I don't need the room. If they decide they want to go I will build a Cage in the rear and put a few seats with 5 point harnesses back there. That wont be a problem.
Old 10-08-2012, 11:01 AM
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If I wer to get the p/u I'd do up like the one on back to the future!
Old 10-08-2012, 11:19 AM
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I have an 86 4runner and i think it depends on whether or not you're gonna keep the bed on it or not. obviously if you dont need the bed then buy the pickup. but if you are planning on using the bed buy the runner take the seats out, buy this http://www.killertoytops.com/?q=node/13 , and enjoy! plus if you buy the runner you have a spare vehicle for hauling people around and for the snow. ( i also live in colorado and it just snowed 3 days ago( 10/5/12) it would be handy to have. just my .02
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