So I have the itch to get a 1st gen 4runner to keep my Cruiser company. Are there any years that are better, issues, stuff to keep in mind?
want a 4runner
- Thread starter Kazuma Cruiser
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
The '85 with a solid axle and 22RE would be my first choice. Unfortunately it's very hard to find one of these in decent, unmolested shape. Body and frame rust are the major issues. Any year, clean and unmodified, would be nice. The 4cyl is preferred by most for ease of service, a little better gas mileage and dependablity. The six, of course, has more power.
You don't show your location, but around here it would come down to finding one that is still in decent condition, not all rusted out or beat to hell. The SA vs IFS debate is moot, both have issues.
I've been driving an FJ40 since 1995, and just joined the 4runner club with an 86 a few weeks ago. It had a blown head gasket which I guess is common and how I got it cheap, but pretty easy tofix! It's easy and fun to work on even with the EFI.
It's the 22RE (4-cyl) but IFS and Auto, two strikes against it IMHO but after some minor wheeling and a lot of highway miles I am very pleased and changing my mind. I get about 21MPG and can go 75 MPH and the Auto is smooth and doesn't seem to slow it down much. The auto allows shift into low range on the fly which is very convenient. The truck is suprisingly quiet. The IFS is very stiff, hard to keep all the wheels on the ground while on terrain and more jarring on rocks, but much more ruggedly built than I would have expected.
Compared the "hammer and crescent wrench", excess steel world of the 40, the 4runner seems far less field serviceable and feels more delicate, and I would trust it less in the boonies without a fitsful of spare parts. I am raiding the junkyards for cheap spares regularly now. Parts do not seem to be a problem on these.
It's the 22RE (4-cyl) but IFS and Auto, two strikes against it IMHO but after some minor wheeling and a lot of highway miles I am very pleased and changing my mind. I get about 21MPG and can go 75 MPH and the Auto is smooth and doesn't seem to slow it down much. The auto allows shift into low range on the fly which is very convenient. The truck is suprisingly quiet. The IFS is very stiff, hard to keep all the wheels on the ground while on terrain and more jarring on rocks, but much more ruggedly built than I would have expected.
Compared the "hammer and crescent wrench", excess steel world of the 40, the 4runner seems far less field serviceable and feels more delicate, and I would trust it less in the boonies without a fitsful of spare parts. I am raiding the junkyards for cheap spares regularly now. Parts do not seem to be a problem on these.
84............but I like carbed with a weber.
