Here is my dilemna: I have an 86 4-Runner with a rebuilt R-22, decent rebuild at best. The two things I don't like about this truck, and I have had it for 8 years now. Weak engine, uncomfortable seats. Engine has about 12-15K after rebuild. Are there any modifications that I can do to a R-22 to increase h.p. a bit, that are reasonably priced?
Do I spend $2k for modications on an engine, then have the seats redone, then paint? Or just sell truck and buy Landcruiser?
I would rather modify the 4-Runner, but don't want to put lots of money into it at this point. If I purchased a Cruiser it would be at least a 1997 or up.
Let's hear your opinions.

Steve
slsmith22@comcast.net

 

Sounds like 2 very different option - one, spend $5k on the runner, or spend $20k on a landcruiser. They are also very different vehicles - does one suit your needs better than the other?

Consider your needs, consider your budget - it shouldn't be hard to decide from there. Unless of course, you already know what you SHOULD do, but you're hoping some of us will tell you want you WANT to do to help you justify it.

 

You can get a 93-97 FZJ80 LC for $8k to $18k, 98 or up UZJ100 LC for $20k plus (prices around here. You would very likely be happy with a FZJ80 which is available with front/rear elockers, mine had 200k when I sold it recently and I had done nothing but routine maintenance on it, including birfield service. The birf service is the only "expensive" maintenance item and should be done every 60-90k since it is a full time 4wd system, but at least there is no timing belt to change. I like my 4runner, but it was a huge step down for me in every way, I just needed to downsize my finances, otherwise I would have never done it.

 

What Jackson said. It depends on your needs and how many cubic dollars you want to drop. If you've got the bucks, then go for the Cruiser, you probably won't regret it. But for a lot less money you may be able to make the Runner suit your needs.

 

is the 4Runner stock?

 

The 4-Runner is stock, body in pretty good shape.

 

Is this going to be a daily driver or offroad only vehicle?

 

This will be for personal truck. I always take at least 4 long distance trips a year. 2,000 miles at least on each trip. Probably another 3-5K miles for around town etc. Total 10k miles a year or so. I do not offroad as a hobby. But I am an outdoorsman and take a small boat out for Trout Fishing and I also Upland Hunt and get into some pretty nasty roads or wantabee roads some. But I need 4x4 because of remote locations for Bird Hunting.

 

ttttt

 

The Landcruiser will be much nicer. It drinks gas. If you don't really need the lockers, then you can find FZJ80's (94-97) with a 100k to 150k miles for $10k to $15k, with lockers it will cost a little more. Or you could get 4Runner from '97 to '00 with lower miles for about $10k to $12k

 

These trucks are worlds apart. On the one hand the 4runner is good on gas, requires little maintenance, probably doesn't owe you a dime and has a world of aftermarket accessories available. However it’s pretty slow, maybe not so comfortable and probably would look out of place at an expensive restaurant. Remember it’s these trucks that have truly established Toyota as a 4wd force in the US.

The Land Cruiser on the other hand is ultra luxurious, powerful and plenty capable for off-road camping/hunting trips. It’s a gas hog though, parts are more expensive and it costs a healthy chunk of change to acquire.

I just went through this dilemma, and I ended up deciding on a clean low mile '89 4runner with the 22re, 5sp. Its no frills but I could have a pretty nice/rugged rig by just putting a fraction of the LC's price into it. Then again I'm looking to do some tougher 4x4 excursions and don't want to worry about getting it muddy or scratched.

If you're looking for a nice vehicle that you can take off-road occasionally to go fishing or hunting but don't plan on really building it too much the LC might be the way to go. I'd get a 93+ in nice shape with low miles, with the factory locker option. It will go more places than you'll probably want to take it, and it will still be nice enough to go into town with. Don't rule out 4runners either, you can get a lot for your money especially in the 93-96 range; they're powerful, comfortable and plenty capable too.

Again, the durability, price and aftermarket options were right for me with the 89 but it isn't the prettiest or fastest rig. As far as 22re power upgrades, maybe headers, exhaust, intake, and rebuilt injectors? A lot available for these but haven't done anything to mine yet. Good Luck!

 

The thing I like about used Land Cruisers is that a lot of people buy them for status symbols - complete with lockers - but don't take them offroad at all. So it's possible to find a nice used LC that's fully offroad capable and hasn't had the tar beaten out of it.

 

Yeah, where I live there are tons of LC's. Around here they've replaced the soccer mom minivan's. In a few years I think there will be a glut of clean 80 and especially 100 series LC's which have never even been off pavement selling on the 2nd hand market. I'm trying to **convince** the wife to trade in her soccer mom mini van for one, but that Odyssey is so damn practical its hard to mount a legitimate arguement against it. She ain't no dummy, she knows what I'm up to!

 

Well I think I have made the decision. Just keep the 4-Runner and restore it slowly and inexpensively myself, and buy a Cruiser. Then we will have 4 trucks, car, but looks like most here do too.

SS

 

I've looked at a few FZJ-80's recently. Looked at a '97 40th Anniversary Edition on Sat. Up here in MN, I can get 96 or 97's for around 9-10K. That's LESS than Limited 4Runners of the same year. Cruisers typically have about 10% more miles on them, but that's nothing for the 4.5. Would have purchased the 97 yesterday if it was in better shape. I love 4Runners, but the price point makes the '80 a great move.

 

Update.

I bought a 96' Cruiser back in June 2005, and love it. It is the beast. Still have my 4-Runner and I'm happy. Cruisers rock.

SS

 

Get the Land Cruiser and be done with it. Do you really want to keep that anemic 4 cylinder to go wheeling with big tires? Been there, done that.

James