I was considering picking up an 86 manual trans van, with rebuilt trans, new clutch and brakes. The engine runs solid, with 186k. Is this engine a 22r or not? If so, does the engine in these vans have the same track record as the 22s? Thanks

 

No its the 4YEC (2.2L) engine. Only trucks, 4Runners, and Celicas ever came with the 22R engine. Some would argue that the 4YC far excedes the reliability of the 22R, given the lack of plastic guides. I regularly see these vans with well over 200K miles.

 

4YE is a forklift engine

 

I sooo want one of those with the 4wd. I saw some in hong kong back in the day with ground effect skirts, airdams, and bull bars. they were sick!
I'd turn it in to a "love machine" if you know what I mean...

 

Its not just a forklift engine, it was put into the Toyota vans. 84-85 Vans used the 2.0L 3Y-EC engine, and 86-90 vans used the 4Y-EC.

 

I have seen a couple in my town, a friend of mine even owned one and they all had over 200K, my friends was around the 280K mark if I remember correctly.. Also I wondered just to myself how hard would it be to swap a 22R in anyways?

 

I think the 22R series might be a little too tall going from my memory of the under seat engine bay on the van.

 

I remember looking at on of these vans while I was shopping for my first car. It wasn't the 4 wheel drive version though. Those vans are so funky looking, I can't help but laugh everytime I see one. I didn't need a van, but for only 600 bucks I couldn't resist taking a look at it. If I remember correctly, the engine was in between the front seats. Not like a "doghouse" that is sorta in the dash, but it was almost like the center console.

 

That's right fo fo it was under the driver's seat

 

I know. I'm just saying, it started out as a forklift engine. I think it still being used in forklifts too!

 

As far as I am concerned, they are extremely reliable. It is a whole different world than the 22R. The only funky thing is that they are pushrod engines that use a GM style pushrod and lifter. The 4Y has about the same hp as the 22RE. They are good engines. I dig em!

 

how reliable is the 3y-e?

 

HAHAHAHAHAHA! My mom had one of these, Drove it up to 280,000 miles, and then sold it for $1300, you couldn't kill that damn thing, and she has been known to kill reliable cars (2 accords and a civic), its probably the only motor made at that time that can really take a beating like the 20r and the 22r motors. BTW, ran great, I told the guy he would get another 100,000 miles outa the thing, he didn't believe me, but I bet that thing is still on the road today.

 

Just a little info those rear shocks on the vans are a longer version of the front shocks on SFA equipped 4X4 trucks and 4Runners. Not as beefy as aftermarket but a good candidate for doubling up.

 

will the 3y-e and 5 speed bolt into a pickup?

 

FWIW this van was sold to the rest of the world as the "TownAce" there was a funky high roof version available in some markets. In asian markets there was a nifty set of wrap around bull bars available also.

 

3ye was also found in overseas hilux trucks and surfs.

 

love these revive a threads!

These vans are incredible. The motors go and go and go. We picked up our 88 4x4 LE version with 110K miles and it was just getting broken in. We sold it at maybe 150K and it is now a courtesy shuttle for a car shop. I believe it now has over 400K on it.

It was not a bad off roader with the 14" tires and front "overhang" being the real limitations. It led me to the Yotas I drive today. Had the swivel captains chairs in the middle position. So different than the other mini vans of the day. Classy and comfortable except you could not recline the drivers seat itself.

 

easy fix Ron... just bolt in a different seat...
I still want one of the 4x4 ones... only van you can get with a 5spd and 4wd... very rare now though...
I like the fold flat rear seat too... handy to have cruising with your partner...

 

avi -there was a bulkhead behind the drivers seat-kind of part of the entire engine framing and heater outlet assembly surrounding the driver's postion-the seat itself sits kind of recessed into the well-we'll find you one for yourself and I'll show you what I mean. Built in seat warmer for the winter.

you could actually recline the drivers seat-but only during under hood maintenance when the entire seat and frame lift upward and secure to a plastic strap! hanging from the B pillar underneath the seat belt attachment. Those wacky Toyota engineers- they come up with the strangest ideas that just work....

I can't believe how I let that little gem go....oh yes it was to move into true 4x4s....