Ok this summer has made me yearn for a removable top. I'm seriously considering a first gen Runner with a 22RE in it...one thing that keeps me from doing it though is going to a smaller motor than the 3VZE. I like the sound of a bigger motor...Questions:

1) how do the 22res drive getting up to and maintaining highway speeds.
2) what is the max tow weight for a 22RE Runner
3) in comparison to the larger engines are you guys that drive the 22REs happy with your rides for everyday?

I know its a great motor for off road...I guess my real concern is everyday driving.

and 4) Would be, if you had a choice, would you do it all over again or would you go with an engine with more cylinders? I know I could get like an 89 if I could find one in good shape but...hmmmmmmmm.

Any thoughts?

 

I have a 30 minute commute to work every day, All highway speeds. (100+km/h) My 22re performs flawlessly. I'm not sure of the tow weight as I've never used mine for towing, (my dad has a 3vze and we use his) I think after having driven both engines a significant amount of time that I prefer the 22re over the 3vze

 

My PU has the 22RE and I love it. I get up to highwayspeeds fairly quick and can maintain the speed extremly well. If I had the choice, I would prolly get a bigger motor, but really for my needs I dont need it. I rarely haul anything.

 

I've had my 87 22 RE for 13 years. It is fine for everyday driving and off road, the only thing is that it does not have much power for towing. I pulled a commercial garden trailer with 8 33" tires in it for 8 hours last spring. That is the last time I will do that.
I was able to maintain speed on flat stretches but in the mountains, I was not going anyewhere fast. there are a lot of aftermarket parts for it and the motors will run forever if maintained ( I have 260,000 on the stock bottom end of mine)

 

Thanks for the answers guys. definitely food for thought. I know its one nice engine in the dirt and probby WAY easier to get to things in the engine compartment.

 

the 3.0 did come in '88-'89 4runners which were 1st gen...

 

yeah knew that Joe thanks. Really hard choice but all i know is with this summer weather it must be great to pop off the top!...

 

I definitely prefer the V6 to the 4 cyl. I've had a couple of 22RE trucks and they were dogs compared to the V6. Now the V6 is no speed demon, but the 4 cyl trucks were painfully slow and towing a boat was even worse. If you need to tow then I would go with the V6.