Alright, before y'all blast me-

My Wife and I own 2 Toyotas (so far)
An 84 22RE manual trans 4Runner, and a 94 SR5 V6 Manual trans 4WD pickup.
The pickup has plenty of power and all, but the mileage is horrible (14MPG worst, 17MPG best).
Since we live in Eastern WA state, we get plenty of snow, and on top of that we live in the country, where they seldom plow the roads. I love my pickup, it is outstanding in the snow and on crappy roads, but keeping it fueled is EXPENSIVE!
We rarely do any serious off roading, mostly stuff around our land, and occasionally camping out in the woods, so having tons of power is not really an issue.
So-
I am seriously considering an engine swap, to either a mild SBC 350, or a 22RE, as I am quite sure that either one will get WAY better mileage than what I'm getting now.
I'm sure that someone has asked these questions before, and thats why I came to this forum- Ask those who know the facts, been there done that, and I'll get straight answers.
I am an expert fabricator, have built hot rods and race cars for a living, so the wrenchin' part is not beyond my Wife and I, and We aren't afraid to tackle big projects.
So, point Us in the right direction, and We'll do the homework, make a decision, and jump right in, and as as a bonus, if and when We do it, We'll chronicle the whole thing, put it in the appropriate forum, and share everything with all y'all.

In advance,

THANK YOU!

 

The time, cost and energy spent overall wouldnt be worth it to gain maybe 2-4 mpg at best. I mean a 22re truck will get at best 20-24mpg.

 

Hmmmmmmmmmmm...........

Our 4Runner gets almost 30 on the highway, and 25 to 27 around town.
Is the weight of the truck, and the gearing that much different than Our 4Runner?

Perhaps the small block is the path We should take, as more power + better mileage is a better way to go.

Feedback please?

 

30 mpg in a 22re 4Runner? I call BS. Unless you have legitimate proof that is taking place, its not possible. Even with gears, air intake, exhaust, small tires, 5 speed, a recent tune up and 2wd.

 

Agreed here, you are not getting 30 by any means, please lets not turn this into a MPG thread as hundreds exist.

 

Ok, lets just take MPG ratings on the Runner off the table. I drive 65 miles round trip to and from work 5 days a week, and drive pretty gently, and barely use 1 tank of gas, and it gets WAY better mileage than my pickup, so-


Small block or somethin' else?
I joined for solid, sound experienced advice on improving my pickup's mileage and use-ability.

What say you, folks?

 

It will cost you less to 3.4 it than it will to put a 22re in.

 

An engine swap isn't worth the money for a few mpg extra, more so if your current engine is working fine.

 

3rz yota or TDI VW if you want mpg.

 

Yea Im sorry but your not getting that sorta mpg out of a 4cyl 4runner even driving gently-its a brick on wheels. In reality your getting closer to max 22-25mpg highway.

Like I said: Cost wise, you can buy a heck of alot of gas for all the time and effort of the swap. If you really want mpg out of the pick up find a diesel engine.

 

The original sales receipt (came with truck along with FSM and owners manual) on my '89 4x4 22re says best I should get is 22mpg highway and that was when it was factory new under ideal conditions.

 

If you're getting that bad of fuel economy I'd suggest a re-gear on the truck

 

This is your answer.

 

theres guys swapping tdi vw diesels into yj jeeps i dont see why it couldnt go into a toyota truck or 4runner as im saying this someone is probaby already doin it lol

 

From what I have read I will be expecting 18-20 MPG on average. Withe the setup I have. I have never seen an SBC get anywhere near that. They are good on power and it keeps it Toyota. Not expensive to do either. What tire size are you running on the pickup?