Best Pre-1995 Truck

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762fmj

762fmj

Joined
Jan 8, 2006
Threads
23
Messages
219
Location
Buffalo, Wyoming
Guys,
I am gonna sell my '80 FJ40 and am wanting to buy an older Toyota truck/pickup/Tacoma(whatever the correct name is??) I dont want a show truck.

Questions are, and I know the rule about opinions:

1. What year would be the best truck to look for?
a. I kinda like the extended cab and a long bed.
b. I want a daily driver 4x4 also for hunting and going up into the mountains (11,000ft) but no rock crawling.

2. What engine?

3. Any additional info would be great!

I know the FJ40 inside and out and don't know squat about the trucks. thus I am trying to educate myself. :bang:

Thanks, Erik
 
If I was looking for a truck..... :D I'd look at 89- early 95 extra cab Not the Tacoma... (The extra cab only came with a short bed in the 4x4 versions I believe (I have seen a 2wd one..)) With the mighty 22RE 4 banger and a 5 speed. Bullet proof, and proven design. If you keep it stockish you can expect 20-25 mpg less if you hotdog it... :D Check the FAQ here, there are some links on truck/4Runner history that you might find helpful.
 
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762fmj said:
1. What year would be the best truck to look for?
a. I kinda like the extended cab and a long bed.
Click to expand...

That combination is made only in the 2wd model. I've never seen a longbed x-cab that wasn't custom.

2. What engine?
Click to expand...

Personal preference. Dozens of people will come on here and say how bad the V6 is, but I tend to disagree based on my experience with over 30 toyota trucks. I prefer the 5-speed.

If it were me buying, I'd go for an 89-95 xtracab v6 SR5 with all of the options except the auto. They are hard to find, especially unmolested.
 
That is the kind of info I need:clap:

Cancel the long bed!

What, from experience, is the difference between the 4 Cyl engine and the V6?

Oh, and I am reading through the FAQ's so dont dog me about that:D
 
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An 85 it would have been badass for a start but I don't have the world on strings. There's just a few less things to deal with if you were gona play in the rocks a bunch (straight front axle & EFI). :D The best thing about having a truck to me is hauling crap around leisurely, so I would have gotten the xtracab in hindsight.

My 3.0 runs fine for me at 7000 feet, I just wish I had more space.
 
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762fmj said:
That is the kind of info I need:clap:

Cancel the long bed!

What, from experience, is the difference between the 4 Cyl engine and the V6?

Oh, and I am reding through the FAQ's so dont dog me about that:D
Click to expand...

I currently own two 3.0's, so I might be biased.

I much prefer working on the 22re... MUCH prefer.
22re will get better mileage, but I've done 20-22 in the xcab I mentioned (owned a 93 w/ 4" lift and 33's... got 16-22mpg).
3.0 has better torque curve
22re is easier to work on
3.0 has better tranny and rear diff
22re is easier to work on
both love to rev
22re is easier to work on
both eat head gaskets
22re is easier to work on


:D
 
What is the MPG difference? Why is the 22re easier to work on?

So many variables and decisions:crybaby:

Did the extended cab come with both types?
 
I would have to say that an 85 sr5 xtra cab would probably be the best one to get. It was the first year the efi was available as an option and the last year for the solid axle. Unfortunately, if you live anywhere that rust is a factor then usually the beds and in some cases the frames are rusty. The 89-95 models were less likely to have rust issues.
 
Stock V6 3VZE with 5speed 17-20

Stock 22RE with 5 speed 20-25

Yes, both engines came in the extra cabs....

Lots more room in the 4 banger engine bay, the V6 fills it up real good...

See..... :D

0322_1.JPG


9665_3.JPG
 
762fmj said:
Isn't this a longbed?
Click to expand...

If it gets you through the night, then sure.... :D No, that's a shorty, about 6 feet long. Long beds are about 7 feet long, and the difference is between the rear wheel and the cab, like this 2wd, that someone put 4wd fenders on.....

5-3.jpg
 
i would look for a 85 as mentioned above for obvious reasons. straight axle, efi, etc. since it is straight axle that saves a lot of money of having to SAS a newer one. i would just shoot for 85.
 
I am in the one banger a week group:grinpimp:


What are the maintenance issues with the IFS. I figure the solid axles are pretty similar to my 40's?
 
The 86-95 IFS is one of the toughest out there... 300k+ on mine, I haven't had any issues. SOme people get a sqeale from the front diff brass bushing, and you need to watch for ripped cv boots, but it's stout for sure. Yes the mini truck solid axle is almost the same as your 40, different diffs, but the knuckle rebuild kits are the same parts.
 
The only thing I ever had to replace on my IFS trucks was the pitman arm. I had to replace two of them.

Everything else was fine - at least until I lifted it and put 35" tires on it. The IFS axles just won't handle big tires on a lifted truck. :bang:
 
762fmj said:
I am in the one banger a week group:grinpimp:


What are the maintenance issues with the IFS. I figure the solid axles are pretty similar to my 40's?
Click to expand...



The bad thing about IFS is that WHEN the time comes, being it has so many moving parts (ball joints), that should be replaced accordingly with the HIGHEST quality parts available, they all add up and it gets a bit pricey.........that said (and you can quote me on this)
IT IS THE BEST MASS PRODUCED IFS 4X4 SUSPENSION OUT THERE.



BTW, the two best in the world, IMO are H1 and 86-95 Toyota


look here
 
the 85 has a solid axle and was the last year of it, but was the first year of the best engine ever made to date, 22RE. the solid axle is easier to lift, has more ground clearnce. and people claim it is more stout than IFS.

I have yet to experince a problem with my IFS. And i am very hard on it.
the IFS is much more comfortable on the road and trail. For a non rock crawling application, IFS with big tires is a good thing. cause you need ground clearance.

forget about body lifts. they add only unnessicary roll to your truck. and forget about lift blocks. they can and will shatter. unless you make them your self out of cold rolled steel.

my favorite truck is my 1980. it has a 20R head with a 22R block. but it really wants a 22RE. when i go on expiditions in remote locations, i rely on that one. my 86 4runner and 89 truck stay home.
 
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