86 4runner/22re

[toyotaconvert86]

I'm looking at buying this 86 4runner off craigslist. 1986 toyota 4runner 4x4 Looks like its well maintained, replaced 22re with under 100k. I've been torn between the 95+ tacomas with the 2.7 or an older 4runner. I've been saving up for a later 90's taco but just cant find a decent one for under 6000. I know theres a large following the early 4runners and it looks just like what i need, decent mpg's, cargo space, and enough to tackle occasional offroading.

I'm not a tech junkie, but i know basic vehicle maintaince. Any of you have any advice about these older 4runners, the 22re's vrs. the newer 4cyl. Also, that 4runner is listed for 3,000, seems like a fair price but Would it be worth saving up to get a newer taco or are these 22re's really as reliable as everyone says. I just don't want to be sinking a lot of money in this truck, electrical or mechanical.

any advice helps, thanks

 

[arcteryx]

The biggest issue is the body. If you can find a clean one, grab it. Mechanicals are easier to do than body work.

Some questions to ask the seller: Who rebuilt the engine? Was it a head replaced or a full rebuild? Was it repainted and if so when?

Seems like a decent deal so long as everything checks out. Personally, I would pass since I dont like the brown interior, but that's me.

 

[Hilux]

You couldn't give me a Tacoma...

Off the top of my head I'd say get ready for gears...

5:29's for 33's.

And 5:71's for 35's.

And if I could swap out all of my A340H's for A340f's, which is what that 22RE has, I'd do it. I hate that "H" design with a passion.

 

[KLF]

It's 24 years old. Any vehicle that is that old is gonna be a gamble, and it will be a money pit.

 

[Devil's Slide Doug]

The biggest problem is that it is an auto trans model. I would only consider the 5 speed version.

 

[circlethedragon]

I dissagre. They are very reliable. Had a few toy pickups with 22re. Never had not one issue with any of them. They are bullet proof as long as you do maint. which you can do yourself on those. But the newer you get with these engines the less user friendly they are...and the more you have to take them to the stealership for work. And 3k sounds good. Jump on it.