I know that there is roughly a 10 to 16hp different depending on the year of the 22re... But I've come across a very nice 84 runner with a 22R... Go with it or find a 22re?

 

if you can get a hold of any 84-85 4runner, get it. They are getting hard to come by.

 

The horse power shouldn't be the deciding factor on your purchase of a 84 4runner. Many things you can do to overcome that scenario. Now the whole solid front axle would be the best bang for the buck in my opinion. Unless you find an eighty five with the 22re fuel injected the 84 is the next best thing. All depends on the condition of the rig. The best overall packages are the 84/85 4runner due to it being the last years of the solid axles. But that's just my 2 cents.

 

10 or 15 hp won't make a huge difference, just keep the truck geared properly and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

my 22r puts out plenty of power.
never had a problem actually, even loaded with two bikes, a buttload of camping gear and another guy and dog.

 

The strongest running Toyota trucks that I have owned ,have all been carbureted.