Looking to build a trail rig early gen 4Runner and I've got the base of what I'm looking for, just looking for more.

Pre-85 advantages: (84-85)
-solid front axle
-85 has the EFI, 84 does not

Post-85 advantages: (86-89)
-EFI
-3" wider rear axle
-IFS steering box for crossover
-chance to get a V-6 (what about the head gasket problems?)

Any direction to such a thread, if it exists, and/or advice about the comparison would be greatly appreciated!



P.S. Thanks Flygt!

 

85 was the first year for 22re (EFI).

the 22re is actually preferred by most, its extremely reliable.

 

Sorry, I knew that and had left it off, just hard to get all that info split apart correctly. Thanks for the heads up Ryan!

 

I dunno how prevalent the v6 HG issues are BUT I keep hearing how the 22RE is bullet-proof (with proper maintenance) and the V6 really isn't that much of a power improvement. Besides there are a good number of suggestions out there on how to improve the 4 banger's output.

The HG issue would be hanging in the back of my mind anytime I felt anything wrong.

I think the peace of mind of a 4 cyl is worth it.

 

That is my reasoning too Peter. I don't think I would ever be able to get that sinking feeling out of my mind that the HG could go at any second, although I 've read on Pirate that if you replace the HG properly with the new ones there is no longer an issue. Regardless, I'm thinking I'll stick with the 22RE just because it is such a good engine. It seems with either way I go on the model of 4Runner there is lots of stuff to do, but I want to do it mostly myself, so I want to know just what I'm getting myself into!


I know of at least (2) 90 model 4Runners that blew the HG and trashed the engine...so I'm not really sure what years the HG problem entails, but I'd certainly like to know!

 

Hmm okay, I figured the first few years that they introduced the V6 would have been the years with the most problems. Maybe I misread somewhere...

 

No worries.

The story goes the 89 V-6's do not have head gasket issues, or IIRC, no recall was issued.

Another advantage, the newer ones are newer.

Lots of people have wood for solid axles, but lots of people don't think about what else you would have to do to get a stock solid axle rig up to speed.

 

I got a line on a real nice low mileage 85 that is loaded. It was owned by a Toyota mechanic. I guess that can be a good or bad thing depending on how good a mechanic he was/is. I'll know something for sure in the morning. Keep your toes crossed!

 

Hope it goes well for ya!

 

Im in the same boat. Im looking for a 22re it last forever!

 

Brian, are you back to looking for a trail rig again? I thought you'd given up...I'd stick with an 85- LC Engineering has all sorts of engine mods you could do to spice up that engine. To echo what Adrian said, I was told by Crash when having a similar debate that while the solid axle 4runners/pickups are nice, you could spend as much money in the long run strengthening the suspension components that you could have done a SAS in a 2nd or 3rd gen and ended up spending the same amount of money and ending up with a newer vehicle.

 

my 88's V6 went 205,000 miles before the HG blew. Then it was under recall so toyota paid 6000 for my new Jasper 6cly. so basiclly i got a brand new rig for free. I guess i'm just lucky but if you get the v6, find out that if the hg blows, will they pay for the replacement engine or repairs that have to be made.

 

brian, you should buy fpkelly's sas'd 85 with a 3.0 swaped in!

 

One reason to get a 3.0L V6 truck would be the ability to swap in a 3.4L V6 using the stock transmission, radiator, engine mounts, oil pan, etc. We're starting a new project vehicle just like this.

We picked up an '89 4Runner 3.0L/5spd with a blown head gasket for $900. Then bought a 3.4L and ordered an engine conversion kit from ORS. Admittedly, the drivetrain would be way more than a trail rig would need, but we should end up with a 1st Gen. 4Runner and a reliable, late model drivetrain for under $5000 (that's cheaper than a high-mileage standard cab 4WD Tacoma).

That's about the only reason I would consider buying any truck with that POS 3.0L...

 

Hey Sean,

I wanted to know how far along you were on your 3.4L swap into that 1989 4Runner. Reason is that I am starting that same swap project on my 1989 4Runner and wanted to keep in touch with anyone else who was doing it so I could get tips/advice. I have not ordered my ORS harness or swap kit yet. I got a 97 3.4L motor/trans/transfer case and all the stock harness/ecu.

Thanks,

Kobra

 

Kobra

Protrux has done the swap. www.protrux.net

Call em up, they might be able to help you.

 

wait a second, i know this is an old post, i am now the owner of fpkelly's 4runner. so was it not originally a v6? well it had a bad head gasket when i bought it, but he had new head gaskets with it, so i mad it run with those, no problems there. for decent lift and good performance, put chevy springs in the rear, and put the rears up front, thats how this one is set up. its gonna get a set of 35's as soon as i get around to regearing the diffs.

 

The V6 dodn't show up on Runners (or trucks if I remember) until 1988. So yours is definitely a swap. Also INsr5Runner said that it was sas'd. It isn't a Solid axle Swap when it comes with a solid axle. In otherwords the solid axle is stock, but you probably knew that. Cool truck. -Seth

 

no, this its definatly an 88, ive checked the VIN. i also know this, cause there is still a bit of the original IFS mounting bracketry on the frame. but either way it doesnt matter. cause the engine is coming out tomorrow anyways, because it is leaking water like crazy from the rear of the block

 

LOL...you are right runnerboy97 - it was/is an 88 and definitely NOT an 85. INsr5runner made a goof. It also came with the v6 - it was NOT swapped in. He sas'd it less than a year ago...I know - I saw it before and after

Put a 3.4L in it and call it a week Seriously, you can find one for under $1k nowadays. I got one 2 years ago with 50k on it for $1500. Good luck!