22RE in a 4-Runner

[Combat Chuck]

I'm looking into a rig as a daily driver/beater to wean myself off insipid automatic transmissions into the wide world of manual, something to wheel in the interim until the day FJ40's on the road. Nothing I've found is certain as of yet, but I'd like to ask around before really committing.

One truck I'm planning on looking at is an 87 4runner 22RE. It looks like it's got 4 wheel drive, (I have yet to see it in person) but the pictures show what looks like a front driveshaft. I'll look it over in person, Monday, but my question is:
For those who have experience here, how well does the 22RE hold up to being in a 4WD 4runner? Does the little motor handle the weight well, and handle highway speeds?

I'm very familiar with the 22RE in 2WD trucks, and it rocks, but I worry that I'd be overworking it in a 4X4.

 

[Pluton]

Can't speak to 22RE in 4R, but I've got a 22RE in a reg cab 4WD, which with shell weighs about 3100 pounds. It's definitely not zippy the way the 2WD trucks w/22RE are. Add about another 500(?) pounds or more for it being a 4R, and I'd say don't expect to go racing. BTW, mine has 4.56 gears with 31" tires.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

The 87 4Runner will be 4wd, there was no 2wd 4Runner option as far as I know till 90 when the body changed. As long as it is properly geared for the tires it has, it will be fine. I love mine, but it's no speed demon going up hills. Of course it's on 33's with 4.56 gears which is not quite what it should be...

 

[selk78]

my 87 4runner with its 22re did great! i had stock gearing with 31" bfg tires and a 5 speed...hills were never a issue, loaded down it was fine depending on were your travling, for me travling up to big bear i always get stuck behind slower traffic but it never seemed like it was never a strugle with the 22re...

 

[Assassin]

i have a 85 4runner (last year straight axle / 1st year Fuel injected), had it since 1985 , plenty of power and good gas mileage............22 RE is a great engine