Hi All,

First post here.
Looking to buy a 1st generation 4runner. I've owned a 2nd gen in the past, and I absolutely LOVED everything about it, except for the 3.0 of course. I've wanted another one ever since!

My questions to you all about the 1st gen, how much weight can I load in the vehicle? My plan is to make this an adventure rig, and I'm not sure that it can haul what I need. I'd like to be able to use a Tepui Kukenam rooftop tent (130 lbs) on top, a KTM 450 MXC dirtbike carried on a hitch mounted rack (not a trailer), plus my girlfriend and I with our camping gear. I should also mention that I live in the SF Bay Area and this rig would be making regular trips over the sierra mountain passes.

What do ya'll think? Am I being too ambitious with the 22RE? Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

The ID plate on my '87 22reRunner says 5080 GVW The ID plate on my '95 3.0 Runner says 5400 GVW.

Since I'm sure that the '95 is somewhat heavier than the '87, I conclude that their load carrying ability is similar.

The 22re is tough enough if sound and operated properly. A few suspension upgrades might be in order to bring one up to snuff.

The question really is whether or not you are constitutionally suited to the realities of a 30 odd year old 110 horsepower machine.

It'll run all day at 4000 revs in 3rd gear. This'll get you up just about any paved highway at 50 mph.

 

Get a turbo version and upgrade to ct26 Turbo
with an 82 Supra AFM... absolutely love mine

 

Would be easier, cheaper, and probably make the same power as the 22ret, to do a 3rz swap

What kind if terrain is the truck mainly going to see? Dirt, sand, rocks, snow, mud?
if your going to be hanging a bike and rack off the back end and be loaded down with gear, I would definitely recommend better springs for the rear. With that much weight hanging off the back, it will probably sag quite a bit.

 

The 4runner fiberglass top is not rated for any sort of meaningful load. There is a scanned copy of the owners manual available here (its in German, but Google will translate that easy enough). 75lb comes to mind..

 

kind of sounds like you want the look of a 1st gen and the capabilities of a 100 series.. most of us here are fanatics but we know where these trucks come up short. the fiberglass tops are not meant to be lived on. hauling a dirtbike wouldn't be bad, provided you had the right suspension. there aren't any cupholders, so your overlanding capabilities are limited. plenty of bigger platforms out in commiefornia to fit those needs better, im always amazed at the variety of rigs for sale on your local craigslist. looked into cruisers at all? as mentioned above, peoples first choice for driving into no man's land generally isn't a 30 year old truck.

 

I broke a thule crossbar off one of mine just resting it against a wall. cracked the fiberglass right off. there are some ambitious souls that have created a pseudo exo cage for the back for carrying loads.

 

It looks like I am asking a bit too much out of the 1st Gen, for a few reasons.. I guess I just really like the simplicity of the platform, bone stock wheeling capabilities, the removable top, etc. and wanted to make it work for my purpose.

I found a decent deal on a 3rd Gen in my area, which may better suit my needs and stay within my price range. Going to check it out today!

I appreciate the advice, thanks everyone! Hopefully I'll be a Yota owner again very soon!

 

I love 3rd gens and I agree it sounds more like what you need. the 3.4 is an amazing engine, you have the option of a manual if you want, and some have factory lockers on a linked rear axle. good luck with your search.