Kevin, I had 2 40's, a 60, an 85 xtra cab mini, a 90 4Runner and now an 80. Couple of good friends have the 1st gen 4Runner too (85 & 86) that I get to drive a bit. I also went through the process of being a single guy that wheeled the crap out of stuff till it broke to a semi-responsible husband and father that has to use his vehicle for groceries, vactations, work, school bus, etc. So from experience, here's my impressions:
1) the first gen 4Runners look really cool. The removable top is a very cool feature and the can-back tops are awesome at least in the southwest. The ride of both the solid axle and ifs are very truck like, especially if you update/upgrade the suspension. Both of the ones I am familiar with had the saggy but problem and got mild 2-3 inch spring lifts and new shocks. It made them look 100% better but made the a bit hoppy unless really loaded down. The biggest complaint I hear about them is the two doors. It gets old reaching through to get to the back seat, etc. Also, the lack of sophistication gets to my friends a bit - no airbags, no creature comforts, etc. But they are light weight, have a great 5-spd tranny with the 22 RE 4-cylinder and can really go while still getting nearly 20 mpg typically. Parts and mods are really available too.
2) I had a second gen 4Runner that I evenually built up to the point of running 33 mt's and really liked it. The rear coil suspension is great. Nice ride, nice articulation. Mine had the 3.0 motor. My mother had a 1991 with the 3.0 at the same time. Both our headgaskets went out like clock work around 100K miles even with very good maintenance and no overheating. Both were replaced under Toyota's warranty program and by 140K miles both started showing signs of the headgasket going again. It's too bad as these are nice trucks and I do like the styling better than the 3rd gen ones. Personally I'd try and find one that is a candidate for the newer (95.5 & up) 3.4 v-6 swap. I've seen these and they are very cool. The 1990 & 1991 had the option for the oem tire carrier and the 1990 one I had was outfitted with no elec door/windows, etc crap to break. Adding the 3.4 motor and a sas on that and it would be hard to beat.
3) Can't say anything about the 3rd or 4th gen 4Runners but the newest ones with the v8 are fast and look very comfortable.
4) The 60/62 is, in my opinion, the best looking SUV out there except for maybe a D-110. They are so solid and dependable. I had a 60 and un-wisely started modifying the motor - MAF hi-po 2F, Weber 38/38 carb, DUI ignition, headers, all emissions stuff pulled, etc. When it ran right it would make you grin but keeping a carb dialed in while living in CO was too much for me to take. As for the 62, the 3FE is like the 2F - a great motor but on todays highways just underpowered. I'd personally look for a 60/62 that has a nice tbi 350 in it. I've ridden in one in Co Spgs and it was a hoot. That mated to a 5-spd (151F or NV4500) is great.
5) Best for last I suppose. I ended up getting a 1997 80-series after living in CO and seeing several nice ones mildly built on trail runs. From 1995-97 you get a pretty updated, sophisticated vehicle with front drivers and pass airbags, obd-II ecu, and all the other crap you can read about on the FAQ on the 80's section. These are not that cheap to operate - they do not get great gas mileage and are all wheel drive all the time. Parts can be expensive. But if you go test drive one, or better yet go drive one that is mildly modified with a OME lift, you will not be dissappointed. I have driven mine from Philly to LA pulling 3-4 hour stretches at 80+ mph fully loaded, stopping in WV, the San Juans, Moab and DV on the way and able to do pretty much whatever my tires would allow me.
Hope this helps as I am familiar with the difficulties of trying to find just the right mix of characteristics in a vehicle to meet your needs/wants.
Good luck.
1) the first gen 4Runners look really cool. The removable top is a very cool feature and the can-back tops are awesome at least in the southwest. The ride of both the solid axle and ifs are very truck like, especially if you update/upgrade the suspension. Both of the ones I am familiar with had the saggy but problem and got mild 2-3 inch spring lifts and new shocks. It made them look 100% better but made the a bit hoppy unless really loaded down. The biggest complaint I hear about them is the two doors. It gets old reaching through to get to the back seat, etc. Also, the lack of sophistication gets to my friends a bit - no airbags, no creature comforts, etc. But they are light weight, have a great 5-spd tranny with the 22 RE 4-cylinder and can really go while still getting nearly 20 mpg typically. Parts and mods are really available too.
2) I had a second gen 4Runner that I evenually built up to the point of running 33 mt's and really liked it. The rear coil suspension is great. Nice ride, nice articulation. Mine had the 3.0 motor. My mother had a 1991 with the 3.0 at the same time. Both our headgaskets went out like clock work around 100K miles even with very good maintenance and no overheating. Both were replaced under Toyota's warranty program and by 140K miles both started showing signs of the headgasket going again. It's too bad as these are nice trucks and I do like the styling better than the 3rd gen ones. Personally I'd try and find one that is a candidate for the newer (95.5 & up) 3.4 v-6 swap. I've seen these and they are very cool. The 1990 & 1991 had the option for the oem tire carrier and the 1990 one I had was outfitted with no elec door/windows, etc crap to break. Adding the 3.4 motor and a sas on that and it would be hard to beat.
3) Can't say anything about the 3rd or 4th gen 4Runners but the newest ones with the v8 are fast and look very comfortable.
4) The 60/62 is, in my opinion, the best looking SUV out there except for maybe a D-110. They are so solid and dependable. I had a 60 and un-wisely started modifying the motor - MAF hi-po 2F, Weber 38/38 carb, DUI ignition, headers, all emissions stuff pulled, etc. When it ran right it would make you grin but keeping a carb dialed in while living in CO was too much for me to take. As for the 62, the 3FE is like the 2F - a great motor but on todays highways just underpowered. I'd personally look for a 60/62 that has a nice tbi 350 in it. I've ridden in one in Co Spgs and it was a hoot. That mated to a 5-spd (151F or NV4500) is great.
5) Best for last I suppose. I ended up getting a 1997 80-series after living in CO and seeing several nice ones mildly built on trail runs. From 1995-97 you get a pretty updated, sophisticated vehicle with front drivers and pass airbags, obd-II ecu, and all the other crap you can read about on the FAQ on the 80's section. These are not that cheap to operate - they do not get great gas mileage and are all wheel drive all the time. Parts can be expensive. But if you go test drive one, or better yet go drive one that is mildly modified with a OME lift, you will not be dissappointed. I have driven mine from Philly to LA pulling 3-4 hour stretches at 80+ mph fully loaded, stopping in WV, the San Juans, Moab and DV on the way and able to do pretty much whatever my tires would allow me.
Hope this helps as I am familiar with the difficulties of trying to find just the right mix of characteristics in a vehicle to meet your needs/wants.
Good luck.
