Searched couldn't find anything in depth. I was wanting to know what to look for when buying a mini truck. Kinda like a buyers guide. Basicly break it down by generation what are the weak points rust that type of thing. What PM should have been done. What are signs of impending failure?
22R/RE is a great engine. Seems more of the fuel injected versions have problems with blown head gaskets or warped/cracked heads. Beware of the 3.0 V-6 headgasket issue. All of the minis tend to rust like crazy, just like cruisers. The transmissions before '83 were weaker, I've heard.
OK, so you're looking for an '89-95. You can go for an extra cab or standard cab, 3.0 V-6 or 22RE, stick or auto. I don't know if the pickups had an option of auto hubs, but they're not my preference.
The 90-94 V-6 engines had the head gasket replacement covered by Toyota. The bodies tend to rust at the fenders. Check the left rear where the exhaust exits-this is one of the first places it starts. Also check for extensive frame rust. I think it's not worthwhile to run larger than stock tires with the 22RE. Good luck. They're great little work trucks.
Need room for the me the wife and the 60lb dog. Will the reg cab or ext. cab fit the bill or should I consider the 4runner? I like the looks of the 2 door 4runner better than the 4 door. Like the 22re and 5 speed combo. Like manual hubs also. Any 4runner specific thoughts?
With your dog I'd look for a 4Runner. Room for your dog to move and still room to expand or take a Friend or two with you. The 2 door is a great size while still being very capable on the trails.
I think the extra cab pickup would suffice, but I'm not a dog owner. If you have any need at all for hauling and don't already have a truck, don't abandon that possibility too quickly.
I owned a '85 Runner for 10 years and currently own a '90. Other than the one advantage of a solid front axle found in the 84 and 85 model years, the second generation 4runners seem more solid and comfortable, IMO. Both of these earlier body styles are much more attractive than future incarnations. If you don't plan on heavy wheeling, I'd go with the 2nd generation. Who knows when the extra two doors will come in handy? In either model the electric rear window can be problematic. Both are also rust prone, especially Gen one. The 4cyl and stick would be the choice for simplicity and reliability, but....the auto and v-6 make for a more pleasant driving experience. You can't go wrong, really, with any of the above provided you find one that's not rusty.
Edit: The steering system is superior on the 2nd gen, at least compared to the 84's and 85's. I'm not sure if the Gen 1 IFS trucks got the upgrade. Probably. See my thread "time for what it's worth".
