Hello all I'm a newbie to 1st gens and actually don't even own one yet. First for a little intro. I live on the Oregon coast and ive been in the coast guard for 9 years. I love to hunt elk/blacktail and go wheeling with my wife and kids. Ive owned many rigs from fullsize to samurais but never a 1st gen 4x4. I have good fab skills and built my last samurai from the frame up. But I want a 1st gen bad. Ive looked at a few and have read the FAQ but was looking for some advice on what year,engine,trans and anything else all you experts can share with me before I buy 1. I'm looking to buy a dd/wheeling rig. Thanks a lot and I hope to join the first gen club very soon.

 

Welcome to Yotatech!

Most on here will say the 1985 4Runner 22RE (fuel injected) with a 5 speed would be the best option and I have to agree!!

You get the best of both worlds, a solid front axle and fuel injection! Plus the 5 speed is uber reliable and it is a bit quicker than the auto which from my understanding is a dog.

Hopefully this helps!

 

Im assuming you are looking at a first gen PICK-UP?
considering you posted in pre 84


20r and 22r and both super good motors.

I had an 83 and i loved that thing so muuuuuch.
i would go for an 82-83 i like square head lights and i had
the 5 speed with a built to tits 22r.
I wish i could find that truck now...

 

Thanks that helps a lot. I should have said that I'm looking for a 79-83 pickup. But thanks for the info on the 5sp trans. Ill have to gather parts for a fuel injection swap after I get my hands on a pickup.

I found a truck on craigslist that I like. Its a 83 sr5 and it has a 21ru. I coulnnt find much info on this engine. All I know is its imported from Japan and some say under powered. Anyone have any experience?

 

I am looking for a pickup. I like both the round ans square headlights. Is the same tcase behind the 4sp and 5sp?

 

Funny you mention the 21RU. A buddy of mine down the road has one in his 83 pickup!

Apparently it was a cheaper option/factory replacement motor for these trucks. It was easier to pass emissions with the 21RU supposedly.

Wikipedia says,


Apparently they are slowwwwwww and gutless.

 

Personal preference I like the 81 with the round headlights & the 22R. (but I did swap in a L-52 from an 83). The T-case is the same on the 4 & 5 speed.

 

Thanks for the info. What about rust? Is there any major spots to look for on the frame or any otherspot that can cause major issues? Or any hidden spots on the body that are hard to spot?

 

yes rust is a huge issue on our trucks, check between the gas tank and frame on the passenger side, if there is any holes walk away, also right in front of the front leaf spring hanger under the doors, those like to rust too, a bed is easy to come by but it can say alot about our trucks so check the bed for rust then work your way down, also look underneath at the floorboards, i would say get an 82 or 83 with a 5 speed and a 22r

 

you forgot the 4 corners of the cab, especially the floor under the driverside where the windshield likes to leak..

try to stay away from a truck with an L-43 side shift 4 speed transmission. I have never seen one that was tight, you can't get replacement shift bushings like you can for a top shift equipped L50/L52 5 speed/

 

oh yeah 4 cab corner too, i just havent seen any cab corner down here that were bad hmmmmm, oh well, enough hijacking

 

Thanks for the info. After reading I think.ill look for a 82 83. I would like to find one that is stock and that isnt all hacked up. So it may take me a while.

 

Here in Wisconsin, I searched high and low for a first gen, and bought the only one I could find. It was beat to hell and rusty, but never quit on me, I'm beginning a frame-off very soon. If I were you I'd snatch one up ASAP, but then again I don't know what the overall condition of trucks in your area are. But here, I swear that the salt on the roads is formulated for maximum rust damage >

 

Read the title Swimmerboy,

A 1985 would not be a first gen...somebody needs to brush up on their Toyota genealogy.

I'd recommend any 22R with a 5-speed tranny and DEFINATELY not a side shift like DropZone said.

Rust will always be an issue, but being that you are in Oregon you are in the right spot to get ANYTHING you need. I live on the east coast where the trucks that did make it over here are piles of rust. Generally when I find a part I need online, its in Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah or BC. These are the states that my wife will not let me travel to....

When you do buy a truck, plan on setting aside at least $1,500 to get it 'right.' I bought my 83' for $2,000 in January and I've already dropped $2,500 in it to undo all the BS that the previous owner decided was cool to do to the truck. Think of it this way...First Gen pickups have about 30 years of fixes, mods, rigging, wear and general use that need to be reviewed when you get the truck.

 

I think he realized that kawazx. He probably just misread the title. but it would be a first gen 4RUNNER!
who needs to brush up on their Toyota genealogy now?!

 

this has got your name all over it my friend:

http://medford.craigslist.org/cto/2904607972.html

http://medford.craigslist.org/cto/2911540837.html

and a fixer if you want to go that route:

http://medford.craigslist.org/cto/2876334285.html

I know it's a bit of a drive, but they seem to be all over down here for sale! Good luck

 

Man thanks for all the great info. So far this site has been great and i hope to get a truck soon

 

thanks for the links. I saw those trucks last night. I think i found a all stock 83 sr5 in eugene im going to look at this weekend

 

there are some decent 1st Gen trucks in the PNW..some that are total crap though..check it thoroughly and good luck!