Hi,

I'm looking at buying a 1st gen. 4Runner for off-roading and taking the family camping - it's a PITA to take a 2 year old backpacking and I HATE to see and hear other people when I'm camping. So I need a vehicle to take me WAY back in the woods. Plus I just like to go "wheelin'". If I didn't have the family and dogs to take along, I'd go for an old Willys or Landcruiser.

My question is, for serious 4-wheelin' which would you choose, solid front axle or V-6? If I could get both I would but I'd rather stay away from some hybrid since it's gonna be an old truck to start out with! I'm leaning towards V6 but this truck isn't going to see many, if any, long trips and once you get off-road you can put it in low range and power isn't that big of an issue anyway.

Thanks for your opinion,

Chris

 

IMHO

Solid axle and 22RE- over anything w/ a IFS and V6 3.0L or 3.4L, if your really gonna wheel it.
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But, it's getting tough to find a clean '84 or '85 4'runna anymore. They are commanding a pretty penny down here, and it's pretty close to break even on SAS'n a later model. Last '85 I saw here that I would have considered with low mileage (68,000) and in good condition both interior and exterior was priced at $8500.00. For that kinda coil, you can build a pretty nice SAS'd rig.

Later

 

They seem to be a lot cheaper here - but haven't seen any with that low of miles.

Is it just the solid axle you like, or do you prefer the motor as well? Would you get the V6 w/ solid axle if you had the option? Or go with the I-4 anyway?

Thanks,

Chris

edit: SAS = Solid Axle Swap, right?

 

V6 wasn't available with the solid axle (as far as I know), and you are right on SAS

 

Yeah, Crawler kinda implied that he prefered the 4-cylinder. I was interested in why (if that is the case).

Chris

 

I think sticking with the IFS would be okay for msot of what you want to do. I have done some pretty good 'wheelin with my IFS, pput my money into a locker and trutrac instead...awesome 'wheeling and a lot cheaper than SAS. I say go with the V-6 and lockers.

Honestly, my IFS has served my pretty well.

 

go with an early s.f.a. you will not be dissapointed, i promise.

 

The V6 4Runners are a little roomier and plenty capable. As Scott said, put a locker in the rear and an LSD in the front and you'll do anything you want. It's only the severe use that requires a solid front axle. I saw a 93 4Runner in pretty darn good shape for $3995 on a lot the other day...

Go with the standard if you get the 3.0l as the engine's a little wimpy with an auto.

You can wheel most of places like Evan's Creek, certainly all the forest service type roads with IFS. If you're really worried about getting where you need to go, get a winch too!

 

LOL, I thought this might happen....pretty much an even split.

Well, I guess it's a moot point now. The Mrs. and I went out looking at a couple trucks this A.M and she's decided we MUST have 2nd gen. Comfort, style, refinement.....alll that chick stuff. She tried to use the "for the baby" thing, but I shot that down. That kid is ALL boy and would probably prefer a real rough-n-ready MAN's truck - he certainly prefers my rattling bumpy old lowered CRX to my new Subaru WRX.....but anyway, then she said "well I want it and I have to ride in it and I make as much $ as you do...and I....and I........" and she's as stubborn as a mule so 2nd gen it is!

Maybe a SAS in the future....for sure diffs. Limited-slip front and a locker rear....ARB probably? Anyway, I'll put those Q's in other threads with meaningful topic titles.

Thanks a bunch for your input. Y'all seem like a great bunch of guys. Not all car forums are so friendly. I had to switch Subaru forums 'cause the one I participated at first (www.nasioc.com) got way to cantankerous. You'll be seeing plenty of me here. I'm addicted to my Subaru forum (ClubWRX.net) and I'll probably be an addict here as well.

Thanks,

Chris