Ive been looking for 3rd gen, singlecab,short box 4x4 for a long time, found a few.. high km or too expensive(like $6500). Heres my idea: 2wd's are way more common to find with a 22RE, 5spd and the single cab/short box configuration. Now another common thing to find is a 2nd gen 4runner with a blown motor for cheap.. They share the same wheel base and similar body mounts... got me thinking. I could find a cheap($1000) 3rd gen 2wd , and a cheap($500-$1200) 4runner, scrap/partout the 4runner body and put the box and cab from the 2wd on the 4runner frame.

That would mean id have a 3rd gen 4x4 pickup with a coiled rear! No need to SAS it because I have a first gen for wheeling but ive needed a good practical 4x4 for work and I think ive found the best way to do it and save a few grand, I really dont mind doing the work.

 

Interesting thought and project. I look forward to seeing how this goes. If you are willing to do the work i see no reason it couldnt work. Good luck!

 

I like where you're heads at...having a coiled rear would really smooth out those bumpy pickup rides.