Not 80's tech but I wanted to hear from the 80's guys. Would I be dumb to trade my clean SC'd , ARB locked 1993 Cruiser for a 150K all original very clean 4runner. My Cruiser for 4Runner + cash.. Would I miss the 80 too much. It is my car but not our families 1st car......I would like something with a removable top.
Thanks for any input.
Yeah they re dinky, and yeah the 80 is better offroad STOCK. but you can build a 4runner way more for at a fraction of the price. but unless all you do is crazy tight trails i think youd regret it. they re substantially smaller and less comfortable to drive.... im in the same boat. i want to take my roof off! buuuuut im not sure if that ll happen. i wouldnt do it. plus your 80 is (from the sounds of it) way to nice to trade for a first gen runner.
I own both as well, my 4-runners a 2nd gen, and I can take the top off. Its a great truck, but the 80 is so much nicer, and larger with so much more storage space. I would keep the cruiser, but if someone offered you a 91/92 for your 93, I would give you different advice
My buddy has a 2nd gen 4runner and it was hell to sleep in it Not enough room. Don't get me wrong it was not a bad SUV, but the 80 hands down is better in all respect, except the HG! My .02 cents!
I have owned both, the 80 IMO is way nicer. 4runner just wasnt right for me. With that said, the wife wants one (4r) and I would glady welcome one in the home.
I too have owned both. A nice '88 Runner, pristine when I bought it. Loved cruising around with the top off, got lot's of looks. I sold it to a friend when I bought the LX and don't regret it one bit. Stick with the Cruiser!
I drove my 85 for six years in my early 20s, off roading It was great, weak and lifeless on hi way though.
While they are an amazing all purpose light truck the 4 Runner was IMO half of what the 80 is. I could have bought my much loved Toy back cheaply, yet I had realized after years with 80s there is no comparison. You can’t really go wrong with either one.
As a investment maybe? If your situation dictates your reasoning...
Not a 4runner, but I do miss my '84 mini truck. The thing was pretty unstoppable offroad. With 31's, a rear locker and well-sorted supsension (junk yard leafs, lol), it would do pretty much anything the 80 can do with 35's and two lockers.
The hardest thing about 1g 4runner or mini-truck ownership is the 22r/re. The thing just does not go on the highway. A strong headwind will slow you to a crawl. Also, if you happen to get a carbureted 22r or 20r, they stall out when you point them up a steep incline, so you will become a master of the three-pedal dance (i.e. using all three pedals at once). It gets a little old.
That said, if I had the space and the budget, I would definitely consider a solid axle 4r or mini, swap in a 3rz 2.7, put a turbo on that, then get dual cases. Great gas mileage and ample power.
It is funny looking in the engine bay compared to an 80, everything is tiny!
:edit: Mine was a long-bed pickup, so I don't know about this space thing you guys are talking about--had a lot of cargo and sleeping space
The 4Runner will be the better dedicated wheeler if you build it. The 80 will be the better "do everything" truck than not only the 4Runner, but everything else currently available on the market.
A very good argument could be made that the 80 is the pinnacle of 4wd, the most versatile and "best" 4wd vehicle ever produced. Many of us making this argument would be insanely biased obviously, but I challenge you to find something that does "everything" better than the 80 that is equally as comfortable and reliable - it doesn't exist.
IMO what is little talked about in discussions like this is which one sings to you more? I know it sounds kind of cheesy, but pick the one that deep down you know you want more - otherwise you'll always wish you had it. Both of these trucks are niche/enthusiast vehicles at this point so think about how you'll use it, but also think about which one just does it for you. For me it's the 80 and for that reason I will always own (at least) one.
I have both, a '94 FZJ80 and an 88 4R. The 4R has been fully restored while the 80 is more of "add whatever I need when I realize I need it". I would sell my 4R way before I ever sell my 80. My interest in both could not be more different. I love the 4R for what it is, a classic, rare specimen which represents Toyota bringing a rugged vehicle to the masses, the first of one of the most successful platforms ever. I love the 80 for what it can and is known to do, last forever, takes well to repairs, takes me everywhere and can fit the whole family. If I see a modified first gen 4R, I think "sacrilege!". If I see an 80 modified and see something I like, I think, "I just might do that". From a cost perspective, the 4R is way cheaper to restore than an 80. Period correct engines are plentiful in the US market (22R, 22RE, 3VZE) so you can find engines and parts everywhere. Additionally, the first gen came from a time when SUVs were faithfully based on their pickup brethren and the 4R's pickup base is arguably one of the most popular trucks ever sold, again, parts are plenty. The 80 however, only ran for 7 years in the US however, there were 3 iterations, 91-91, 93-94 and 95-97. We all (80s nerds/lovers) know how careful you have to be when purchasing engine, transmission, driveline and interior parts. Something as simple as sourcing an intake plenum is not straight forward. Full, faithful restoration on an 80 would be insanely expensive. The 80 simply kicks A$$.
FWIW, I'm very into brand heritage. When I think Rolex, I go with a steel Submariner. In Porscheland, it's the 911. Toyota : Land Cruiser.
The 4Runner, while I've enjoyed owning two of them with one being the GX variant both with the awesome 2UZ-FE, was inspired by some random car dealer owner in middle America to sell to the recreational fam masses. Super success to this day. Sales are through the roof.
But we all know the LC story. I'll never buy another 4Runner.
My .02 cents!
