cdbridges1

Hey everyone. Still looking for an 80's model 4runner. I am kind of looking at two right now, and want to know what you all think. One is an 84 with weber carb, power windows and is in good shape, the other is an 88 3.0 and automatic and has the sunroof and all power acc. Of course the 88 is more expensive, maybe almost double what the 84 is. Would it be worth getting the 84 because of the straight axle and simplicity over the 88? I know it will depend on what my intentions are. If I had the 88 I would drive it with the 31's and pretty much leave it alone. If I had the 84 I would definitely want to put at least 33's on it. I am not in to serious rock crawling or anything just some light duty trails and mud here. Thanks for your responses.

Bill

I'd go with the 84. If only for the SFA.

Only issue in my mind would be the motor. Personally, I like the R series motors, easy to work on (especially when carbed). But they arn't the ballsiest motors out there, so with bigger tires, regearing would be a must.

If you're not going to be towing, or carrying a ton of seriously heavy gear, the 22R should do everything you need. Just don't expect to be winning any races.

86Original

Where do you live? If you live in Colorado/NM/N. AZ/WY/E. UT, you'll want the EFI. No vapor locking. No re-jetting & carb adjustment for altitude. But I agree with Bill, the 22R/E are great engines.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

IMO, I wouldn't take a 3.0 anything, they suck.

You can put EFI on the 84 and lose the carb. I'd pick the 84 hands down regardless.

gohawks

I would buy them both. Mod the 84 and keep the 88 a DD/street queen like me

cdbridges1

That's a great idea and would be sweet, but sadly can't afford that. I live in East TN and am really looking for something to serve as a fun trail rider/garbage hauler/home depot hauler type vehicle. I would like for it to be able to tow a trailer on occasion. What kind of weight will the 4cyl pull? I feel like the 3.0 would tow what I would need to, but don't know about the 4cyl.

The one thing that bothers me about the 88 is that it is an auto. If it were a 5spd I wouldn't be to concerned because it is easier to swap in a 3.4 if needed later on. I know with the 4cy there are other options like the 7mg and diesel, if needed at some point.

Thanks for your responses.

gohawks

I drive an 88 3.0 w/automatic. I really don't think I would pull much of anything to be honest.

Don't get me wrong I love her to death, but I don't know if she's up to pulling too much for too long.

If I were home I could get the tow ratings for all these engines/transmissions, its in the owner's manual. Hopefully someone will beat me to it though because I'm not taking my computer home with me tonight.

Octane

Id go with the '84 because its got solid front axle. The 22R is a good motor, even though it isnt all that fast its going to be a dependable setup.
I had an '85 4Runner with a 22R-E and it was downright unbreakable. It had 245,000 miles on it other than rust it had no major issues. The engine ran like a top, the tranny shifter just fine, all the power windows worked, all the gauges worked. I honestly wish I still had it and am considering looking at buying another 1st Gen 4Runner.

regularguy412

I have 92 3.0 and I like it fine (except for the recent rough idle that I'm still chasing). You're prolly better off with the 84 with the 22r. The 3.0 in the 88 could turn into a pain. I know. I've put plenny of $$ in mine since I bought it about 2 1/2 yrs ago.

But I will say, it's never left me stranded.

Mike in AR

curly_c

the auto sucks. you probably wouldnt even feel a difference between the two engines since the 3.0 is an auto. like waskilly said get the 84 and put fuel injection on it. i dont think i would ever buy a 3.0 auto. luckly mine is a 5speed. and she still strugles.