Most places that sell toppers can also modify them to make them longer or shorter.

 

I am also wondering about diffs? Are the "4 cyl" and "6 cyl" banjo housings the same? by that i mean if i had a 4 cyl truck can i upgrade the diff just by bolting in a 6 cyl third member?
how many different transfer cases are there for the IFS trucks? I know that there are the chain and the gear type cases. are they all the same? are there certain years that are stronger than others? Transmissions?

Or are these trucks pretty much all the same power train wise.... Just pick the body and interior you like and buy it?

 

I own both a 22re pickup and a 3.0 4runner, the p.u. is a 5 speed 4x4 and the 4runner is my wife's is an auto 2wd. The 4runner has over a 100,000 miles less than the pickup but breaks down 3 times as much. Personally I like the looks of the 89 and up p.u. with a straight axle, to me it is just a sexy looking truck, of course they have the forward shift transfer case. The third member is different from 4 cyl to 6 cyl, you can put a 6 in a 4 but not the other way around. Every generation has one thing another does not, but vendors sell everything to make your truck the way you want it. It comes down to what body style you like best, x cab, longbed, IFS, Straight axle, EFI. I have an 88 and I wish I would have gotten a straight axle truck, the carb thing wouldnt bother me, I would just put a propane conversion on it.

 

Uuuummm
Well, after a certain year, they switched the transfer cases to a forward shift chain driven transfercase
It's not that they're weak, the chains just inevitably stretch and can jump teeth.

About the differentials, not sure on the later models, but in the 86-95 versions, the 4cyl only has two pinions, whereas the 6cyl has 4 pinions. Makes the whole thing a little bit stronger, but once you swap in a locker into both they're the same thing lol.

Not sure on the number of xfer cases, they changed pretty frequantly throughout the years.

From 79-85 (solid front axle trucks) to 86-95 (IFS rigs). The 4cyl engine is practically the same thing..
The main changes in the later models were the addition of the V6, which isn't THAT bad. It's just prone to headgasket failure due to a poorly designed exhaust system that allows the back of the heads to get hotter than the front.

 

I have a 94 so thats my favorite year. Just out of curiosity anyone know where i can download a repair manual for a 94 pickup? Need to see what to torque the nut to that holds my rotor/stud onto the spindle.

 

Check the sticky for FAQ's

 

i would say do a 1979-85 toyot pickup. i have an 85 with solid axle and a 22r motor. just put a weber 34 dgec carb/conversion on and increased torque and hp. i bouth this kit from weber for $250 with shipping. i can now do 45 out of second. i have 31s on it and have no tire rub or anything. i recently went up to 8000 ft and all i had to do was ajust the air fuel. he said hes going to do moderater wheeling and hunting and camping. if you find a 22re great if not a 22r will be fine. if ur not going to put this at a gnarley angles, efi ist necessary. but you will have to adjust the carb at different elevation. one downside but its only 2 screws and ur done.

 

get a chiltons or haynes.

 

I have a fleet of 22rec engines in Celicas 4Runners and pick ups. and even 2 turbo versions .

I will say I love the Ifs vehicles because I am not in to hard core off roading. The 22rec is great for around home. I loved the 87 Trucks they felt more solid and more truck like compared to the 2000

The 2000 is growing on me great for the longer road trips The only down side is the ADD system that I am starting to accept.

The 2000 Tacoma 3.4 5 speed by far stock is all the engine I need in that truck pull a tow behind Miller Big 50 and a Miller trailblazer in the bed you don`t know it is there.

Like anything else you still need to watch your stopping distance.

Of course you can`t compare it to a full size 3/4 ton or bigger of your favorite maker.