Looking for a trail rig, not a DD this time. I have found two trucks that are within a half days drive and I could drive either one back or tow.

After stalling out on several steep climbs with the carb'd 4runner a few weeks ago, and not liking the rock kisses I got on the back, I want something I can beat on and not cry about.

That being said, which setup is better, or should I be concerned about one more than the other. If I get the 22r, its getting EFI or propane at some point. My main concern is if the Auto on a 22re will be a good idea.

thoughts?

 

EFI is supposed to be better on the inclines. There was an article in a recent issue of Toyota 4wheel drive owner's magazine about the Toyota automatic losing pressure when on a steep incline. It was a zebra striped 4runner. As soon as the truck was level again the transmission worked fine.

Personally I wouldn't mind finding an 22RE w/ an auto to throw in my '81...I am getting old and lazy I guess. No 22R/22RE/auto combination is gonna be a powerhouse. Now if I could shoe horn the 4.0 and auto out of my '05 in the '81...sorry getting towards the end of a long 12 hour night shift.

Post up what you end up with..BTW love that 4runner of yours...

 

I think you can't go wrong with the auto/EFI combo for the trails. You won't stall out from the carb or being in the wrong gear.

Edit: Plus the extra foot of storage space the Xtra cab gives you is priceless.

Rob

 

Yeah, I have too much history with that truck, and finding it on here and buying it back last year was such an experience that I just can't bring myself to put dents on it. I see you have a Trekker. Man, those things are sweet. If I were rich, I would have one in my fleet.

I have to go finish putting in the tranny cooler in my Taco so I can tow one of these toys home(if it needs to be towed)

Thanks for the replies. Anyone else?
Patrick

 

I would go with the EFI equipped truck. Its easy to find a 5speed 4x4 tranny on Craigslist and the clutch setup is easily found in a major scrap yard (supposing you wanted to ditch the automatic).

 

A friend of mine had an 85 pickup with the 22re and an automatic it was great on the trails but less than desireable on the highway. I'd go for it if its going to be a trail truck.

 

The EFI one sold so I decided to wait on the purchase. Of course another truck I was looking at came back on the market. Its an 85 EFI 4runner, but its not running. It may need a new engine, but for $500, I am going for it.

Thanks for the replies.

 

For $500 you can afford to drop a used engine into it. I bought a '94 22RE with 84k original miles a month ago for $700. It runs like new.

Rob