trailbasher

id recomend the 84 4runner, last year with sas, no fuel injection, and no silly computers

trailbasher

no way? did 85have sas too?

toyota4x4907

No, '85 didnt have an "SAS". They have factory Solid Front Axles (SFA).

SCToy

I would say your best bet is a 86-95 pickup, year is less important than miles and maintenance. I would stick with a 22re, they're not actually that slow. The problem is people put them on 31s without gearing them properly and then expect them to do 70 uphill. Yes it is 4 cyl, but it's pretty torquey for a 4 cyl. Stick with the proper tire size or regear and you'll do fine pulling small trailer. Make sure your cooling system is in order, replace fluids and thermostat and enjoy Also, our trucks have really terrible aerodynamics, so they feel really under powered at highway speeds because of that.
Do not get an automatic no matter what you do.

I would steer clear of the solid axle toyotas unless you plan to put some money into the truck. I haven't driven a stock power steering truck, but my 81 had really scary steering and brakes when I got it. It was white knuckles down every hill. Took a bit of time and money to make it nice to drive, it was totally worth it, I love first gens. It wasn't instant out of the box fun though. And it still rides like a tank.

In my opinion the extra power isn't worth the headache. Not saying that all 3.0s will die the second you look at them the wrong way, they can be great, but I am willing to bet that a 3zve that is abused will have a far shorter life span than the 22re that is abused in the same manner.