Yeah that's what I'm working on now I need to realign the cams again in the morning and then ill time it with the light again hopefully to get somewhere on this runner than it's being sold hahahah

 

I guess I can throw in my $.02 real quick. My '93 3.0 auto was a turd. I think that's the going consensus for the autos. I've always driven V8 trucks which is probably part of the reason I feel that way. Hills took finesse with the throttle and cruise control was a joke. I averaged 15 mpg. It towed a trailer once or twice but it wasn't anything heavy. I think it could have been easier to work on. I wish I had known about the supra afm mod as that looks awesome. I seriously think a 5 speed would have made a huge difference in my impression. At the time, the engines were quite pricey to replace. So I decided to unload it. I may get another as a toy but it would definitely be a 5 speed if I don't go for a 3rd gen.

 

im just doing research on this as I have a 22re and a 3.0 laying around. this is not a near future project but I like to think ahead. It would be going in an 85 4runner. Seems like I could equal the power output of the 3.0 with mods to the 22re. i would rebuild either one entirely as to make them as reliable as possible.

the idea of being reliable is nice though. Specially since it will eventually be a trail only rig. Space is also a thought process and weight. Less weight for offroading is a good thing and more space in engine bay is nice as well.

So far i would say im leaning towards 22re for my eventual rebuild just cause it is supposed to be much easier to work on. Cheaper lighter and smaller.

 

I wish everyone could drive my 3.0 before they trash any other 3.0. I love it.

 

With ya on that one. My 89 v6 Standard cab Manual trans with 4.88's and 33's felt like a torque monster compared to my buddys 22re with a similar setup.

And I wheel the crap out of mine still

 

bone collector is your truck a standard?

seems like the standard on 3.0 makes much more lovable!

 

Yes its a 5 speed with a marlin crawler 1200 pound clutch kit, my 3.0 has been treated to the following improvements: 8mm wires, egr delete, 7mge coil, 7mge AFM, 2 n half inch isr, and the timing set to 17..,.... its a screamer,..... loves rpms in the 2500 to 5000 range.... and still gets 18 to the gallon

 

7mge equals a supra straight 6 in case you didn't know

 

I've never gotten the 3.0 vs 22r debate, nobody buys these trucks to go fast, or to get good gas mileage(relatively speaking).. If you wanted either of those you should have bought a sports car or a prius. These things were made to be RELIABLE, like most toyotas. Regardless of what problems each motor has, it ultimately falls on preventative maintenance and how the car is driven. I had to fix a boat load of stuff when i got my 3vze because the P.O. didn't take care of the truck… Does that make the 3vze a bad motor? Hell no. I'm sure the 22r has its strong points as well, but i would never put one in a Runner, as heavy as it is it needs torque to move.

/rant

 

All good points. Especially the 4runner part, I can't even imagine a 4cyl automatic 4runner.

 

.....

 

My gf's 95 is a 3.0 and auto…. It blows. Even pegged to the floor it doesn't go anywhere.

 

Hi- nubile here. Resurrecting an ancient thread- because of all of them I've read in the last weeks, this one is best! I previously had a min-eighties Toyota 22re 5 speed manual 2wd regular cab pickup. I actually loved it, and drove it for several years until the frame almost broke in half from rust. It was a fun truck to drive, and it was decent on gas, but if I had to haul anything at all, it just did not want to move. Even empty with just my 150 lb ass in it, it could *just* get out of it's own way! It was funny, because around town it almost felt peppy and light on it's feet, until I would get more to highway speeds. Then it was all I could do to keep up with traffic. (note, I am not a lead-foot, i drive for economy). and this was in the flat-lands of Indiana. The little thing was fun though, and loved to rev. I really found the engine chatter quite endearing, but I will say I was always having to work on it and it used and leaked oil. I ran about 18.5 mpg average (which I found disappointing). I was always trying to get better mpg, and I think on the highway going like 50 mph I once got close to 23.

My current truck is a 1989 4Runner 3.0 4x4 5 speed manual. 205k. I just bought it about six months ago, I have to say I LOVE the power. This thing really has a good bit of grunt- I can haul things with ease- the torque is always on tap. It doesn't love to rev like the 22re, but I don't need to rev it. I live on the Big Island of Hawaii, and my house is about 4000 feet elevation. The last 1000 feet happens within 3 miles! Yes, I have to downshift to 4th to keep speed, but most of the cars in front and behind me struggle with that kind of grade as well. I am getting almost 21 mpg (and I'm almost always hauling a surfboard, paddle board, or kayak on top), and it's been very reliable so far. I had to put a clutch in it, and while I was in there we replaced the rear main. I've tuned it up, all fluids and filters, and it seems bulletproof. I love the fact it's a non-interference engine. Timing belt last done at 177k, so I figure I'll do it and the water pump at 250k. But if I go over, it is not deadly if it goes. This drivetrain is quiet and smooth and very awesome to drive. Add to that I have cruise (must have), power windows and locks, sun/moon roof, A/C (which I never use, again, mpg's), power everything. SO NICE to have all of the modern conveniences, which I likely would not have in a 4cyl truck.

Given the choice, I'd MUCH prefer the 3vze. I liked the 22re, but it receives a bit too much praise. It was anemic, not great on gas. I'm getting the same gas mileage, more power, and so far just as reliable.

 

This a very good read fellows.. Thank You..

 

word! Love mine! Got a 93 p/u 5sp with 370k kms on it and it's a work horse. Heaping loads of fire wood , 20% grades with 2 feet of snow ( I live in quebec) and it eats it up. I burn 1 litre of oil per 5000km. At times it's a bear to work on but it's what I got stuck with and I'm quite happy it's not an s10 or ranger LOL parts are cheap online !

 

also ive seen seen at least 4 mpg difference if feul mileage after taking my cat out! And the old one wasn't plugged lol it was aftermarket cheap stuff though . Keep in mind , spend money on good parts!