hi guys im new to toyotas ive found 2 4runners that I like. and was wantin some advice on them. the first is a 86 with 22re auto and ifs,130000 miles in good shape. hes asking 2500.00.. the second is a 96 with 3.4 auto has 103000.but does have rust on rockers. hes asking 4500.00. im torn between the 2 I love the looks of the 86 but have read the 3.4 is the better engine. all opinions greatly appreciated thanks

 

Well the 3.4 may be better from a power standpoint, but you really can't compare the two otherwise. Get the 86, unless its been flogged, take the money you save, and start hunting parts for a 3.4 swap. Then you get the best of it all, removable top, classy looks, and a 3.4.

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I agree, the '86 is by far the better of the 2 choices.

 

depends what you want to do with it. id choose the 96 theyre a lot nicer.taking the top off gets old. being comfortable doesnt. and have 4 doors and power is a plus

 

post up some pics.
I just like the versatility of the 1st gens, the option to change it's looks in one afternoon, from an SUV to the looks of a pickup.

 

yeah depends on what you want... hard core wheeler that can take her top off and be a party wagon = 1st gen.

more advanced technology, comfortable ride, 4 door, air bag equipped family wheeler = 3rd gen.

I'm looking for a 4 runner right now myself... I'm torn cuz the kid in me wants a 1st gen....
but the responsible adult tells me I need a 3rd gen.

So, what will I get? what the wife wants of course.... 3rd gen... maybe someday I'll have my own 1st gen 4runner for a toy truck

 

People are right, depends what you need it for or what you do most of. If its your 2nd car or you don't commute far get the 1st gen but if its your daily and you commute...no question 3rd gen all the way!!!! I had an 85 runner while I had a 5 series bmw and life was good. Then i decided to cut down to one car and decided it made more sense (camping, dogs, etc) to keep the runner...well, as soon as i started driving it more and to work...ugh, i missed power, leather, better wipers, lights, etc..... plus, rolling the rear window down every time i needed to open the tailgate got old fast!

 

go with the 86.

you'll thank me later.

 

actually, jk. Listen to this guy

I know exactly what he means.

I was raised in the farms, so getting the snot beaten out of me by driving a rattley-ole hootnin and hollerin truck that smells terrible and nothing works and it leaks in your face everytime it rains doesn't bother me, but if I could commute in a nice car everyday I would.

i'm just a cheapskate, I figure I bought my truck for $250 and it gets me from point A to B just like any other car no matter what the price is.

I just get thrown all around the cab, and have non functioning windows, and have no power steering, and it shimmies and shakes going down the road, and it pulls alittle bit, and its slow and stinky, and its rusty and it has no radio, or working heat or air, but that never bothers me. As long is it gets me where I need to go, I don't care

Just another way of saying it all depends on what YOU like.

I like my truck, but some people don't. Just the same way I don't like some other peoples cars, but they do.

Anyway, rant over

 

I personally am a sucker for 4-doors. My buddy has a 1st gen and I honestly just feel uncomfortable in it. One thing I absolutely hate about his is the center console is so short, useless as an arm rest compared to my 2nd gen. He also doesn't have a rear defroster which is a huge thing to me, maybe not you. If the 86 is an SR5 model, different story.

I personally prefer comfort but it all depends on what YOU desire.

 

thanks for the opinions guys im really torn. and the vehicle will be my hunting and bad weather rig. but i may also commute with it 50 miles a day. i just talked to the guy with the 86 and he said the engine has been rebuilt 25000 miles ago. is this a big red flag stay away or will it be ok.and as far as comfort goes my dd now is a 1990 jeep comanche no power and it doesnt bother me at all.

 

This is true !

 

Burn the H**p, get the '86, swap in a 3RZ (2.7L 4-cyl Tacoma/Runner engine). The 3.4 swap will be a little more headache, whereas the 3RZ is almost completely bolt in.

Anyway, like everyone has stated, depends on what you want and need. Both have their pluses and minuses. Personally I like the 2nd gen pick-ups/1st gen Runner body style and simplicity. It's a truck, it's not supposed to ride like a car...

 

IMO, and this is just my opinion, hunting and bad weather = some nasty sandy gunk and just plain wet conditions. Again, just my opinion, I feel like (and have experienced oh so well) newer vehicles don't mix well with these conditions as far as the electronics and sensors go. I'd keep a new vehicle away or you'll run into problems.

That's not always true, they do stand up to wet conditions well, but in the rare case something gets wet, sensors aren't cheap, and they can keep you stranded.

Now I havnt ever owned a newer Toyota, but I've seen some newer fords throw sensors left and right, and let me tell you its not cheap, and quite aggravating to know it all could've been avoided.

as far as power, my 22r isn't any spring chicken, and I don't like to drive it far, but since my fords been down I've had no choice, and it aint all that bad. Its just not quick and you have to get used to what you can and can not do.

keep in mind though, they aren't that great for long distance driving in my opinion, as there aren't too many comfort options. but again, it can be done depending on what you do and do not like.

bassicly, sounds like you want a beater. For a beater I'd just pick the cheapest one since it'll get beat, pretty much the lower priority when it comes to maintenance. so if something happens you wont be out that much

 

It depends on you. Age could play a big role.

Are you the type who just lives to work on your vehicle and has more money in tools then what you could buy 3 or 4 Toyota`s 4 wheel drives for.

If you have no skills no tools buy the 3.4

Myself I still love the first Generation 4Runners but the newer ones are nice.

Build a off road vehicle first gen for sure daily driver something newer.

 

is it bad that the motor has been rebuilt already only has 140000. would that stop any of you from purchasing the truck. thanks

 

Depends on why it was rebuilt and who did it.

Could have been owned by someone clueless run the oil dry or ran it hot enough to seize the engine.

Then again some people have no clue what rebuilt means to some a timing belt change is rebuilding.

Find out just what was done let us know.

FYI rebuilt at the minimum is new main and rod bearings new rings all new gaskets .

from there it can get more involved Head work, pistons under size bearings and the machine work to go with it.

 

The newer runner would be an awesome hunting rig more room more power for extra gear and people I've never had a problem with my parents 2000 4runner and I may have taken it in the mud a few times does the 99 have an elocker?

As far as the motor being rebuilt so soon is most likely a problem for lack of maintaince but it doesn't matter it's who rebuilt it, my brother bought an 87 with 10k on a tubular 22re that motor only lasted 50k before the head gasket blew and warped the head guess who rebuilt it ? The previous owner I had a 85 with 240k on the oringal motor zero problems expect burned a bit of oil I'd stay away from rebuilt motors

 

well I bought the 86 I drove it and loved it. he had all ppaperwork on the rebuild. he had it done when he was having the timinggear replaced. it was done by reputable shop 20000 miles ago. the bill was 2073.00. I will post pix tomorrow thanks for all the help im sure il need more in the future. theres only 2 minor issues the brakes suck and the fuel gauge dont work.

 

Woo! Congrats, man. Now that you have the disease, time to start saving for add-ins and mods. Better hurry on the pics.

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