my 2 cents:

I have a 95 4runner with the v6 with an auto - 112k miles

I also have an 85 with a 22re with a stick. - 248k miles

I'll take the 22re over my v6 any day of the week

 

I put 240k miles on a 22re. (and more on other 22res)
I now have a 3.0
All 5 speeds.
I would never go back. Never. The 3.0 is much more engine, drives better and works harder.

22REs got 18-20 mpg. 33s with 4.88s. All stock they get 18-20, maaaybe 22 on a trip mpg.
3.0 gets 17-18 mpg. 35s with 5.29s. All stock they get 17-18 mpg.



Note: with either engine - with anything short of a real V8 - if you run big tires and don't change your gears you have no right to bitch about engine power or mileage. Word.

 

yea there is no way in hell that i would not change the gearing. i have heard alot more stories about the 3.0s in 4runners from 93-95. not so much in 88 or 89. and im going to get a stick no way will i want a auto either way. but if the 5 speed v6 has noticible power over the 4cl 5 speed then that sounds good. ive done alot of research and i know a good 4runner when i see one. so i dont think i will be getting one that i will have to put a whole lot of money into the engine right away. i hope not. and im in no hurry(just ancy)