91 mini v. 85 efi solid axle

[notsomint65]

recently bought a 91 mini with lockers, gears, slight lift, blah blah (<170k mi)...runs like a dream, hasn't leaked a drop since i've had it (over 2 months now)
well, the guy who sold it to me showed up today and wants it back, willing to trade an 85 efi solid axle runner (lots of old man emu susp. parts, sunroof, inclinometer, etc) leaks from timing cover, and pipe is oilier than my 2stroke's....so...valves..? rings...? multiple problems...probably just needs a motor. (204k mi)

question: would you keep the ifs truck or trade across for the rarunner?
i've got an affinity for those first gen's, and i'm afraid that'll affect my judgement, as the runner is basically a $1200 bill, and the mini's paid for, runs great..

opinions? thoughts? comments? input appreciated

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I'd pass.... especially on a straight trade. The Runner sounds like it's worth about $1000, and the mini more like $3000 So tell him you'll trade plus $2000.....

 

[notsomint65]

that seems to be about the consensus answer...a friend ended up behind it yesterday afternoon, in his words "it looked like a plane writing words in the sky" lotta blue smoke.. darn shame really

 

[jynx]

I'd pass.... especially on a straight trade. The Runner sounds like it's worth about $1000, and the mini more like $3000 So tell him you'll trade plus $2000.....

Agreed. I also love the early 4runners and would love to find an 85, the thing is it sounds like you will end up with alot more in it just to get it into shape. If it were in excellent shape, then yeah in a heartbeat, otherwise I would pass, especially if it will be your DD, and if so, I am not even sure it'd be worth the trade plus boot. If he needs some fast cash, maybe you could buy it cheap and have a project. <-- mobile smiley

As far as the ifs vs. the SA, a well built ifs (and it sounds like yours is) is going to be very capable, and will likely out perform the one you mention, and you could eventually do an SAS if you wanted to.

I say keep the mini and try to get the runner for a fixer-upper but definitely no where near a straight trade. Just my $0.02

 

[notsomint65]

yup...thanks ...mini's just a trail rig, but not the best ifs setup, bj spacers, etc. but works (emphasis).. at the end of the day, i've got a 40 project for projects.., don't need another...thanks for the inputs mud'rs