I thought I had seen the answer to this on this forum, but can't find it. Can someone tell me the latest year 22R engine that will drop into the 87 P/U? Thanks.

 

The last year for the 22R (carburated) in 4x4s was '87, they may have come in 2wds for a while after that. The fuel injected verson of the same motor is the 22RE and will fit in your '87 and bolt right to your transmittion. Lots of '87s came with the 22RE.

If you get a RE from a junkyard or somewhere yiu have to be sure you get all of the fuel management system, sensors, intake plenum, ECU, fuel pump or the whole tank and all wiring associated with the EFI system. On the carb motors the fuel pump is on the motor under the carb and sucks the fuel out of the tank. On fuel injected the pump is inside the tank and pressurizes it to around 35 PSI so may probably have to plumb all new fuel lines to.

All things considered i'd say get a carbed motor, they make slightly less power but require a lot less attention. All those sensors and computers and stuff is just more stuff to diagnose if it starts running badly.

 

Here is a picture that may be of some assistance

 

The newer 22r blocks started in mid 84(split year) and went to 94.
Even if its an efi motor, the motors are identical except for the camshaft..