Which 89 p/u is recommended?

[Reuben K]

Howdy all! Just sold a 83 Bronco and am looking to join the Toyota club. Looking at 2 options.
buddy of mine has a 89 single cab with a 93 22r engine in it.
another guy has an 89 all original with a 22r.
Both motors have about the same mileage (150k and 145k respectively).
The one with newer motor is $4000 and the other is $3500
Both are in good shape, I would be happy withDee either, but am curious of any thoughts on the two.

 

[Reuben K]

To clarify, both have the 22re motor

 

[Reuben K]

To clarify, both have the 22re motor

 

[pappy]

Seriously,

In this case, the two are rather close and you will need to purchase the one you want. There really isn't enough information in your description for any of us to offer an opinion.

 

[D21FJ60]

Which ever has less rust

 

[Reuben K]

I guess in short, as someone who isn’t a car buff, I hear “new motor” and assume it’s a better motor. Curious if anyone has experience with similar year swapped motors/issues to research/ etc. I’ve heard they can have electrical problems? New here, just wanted some thoughts on it.

 

[pappy]

"New motor" is relative. It's relative to who built it. Reputation of the shop. Rebuilt by the PO in their garage. Rebuilt by a reputable 22RE shop (22RE Performance, LC Engineering, etc). Rebuilt by bubba for a case of beer. Rebuilt using Chinese crap, Felpro junk, or OEM Toyota.

You get the point. ​

"Rebuilt" doesn't mean squat without knowing the history of the build. Receipts help.

Are you suggesting these engines are transplants? 22RE for 22R. If so, I would give the wiring a good once-over. I've seen more than my share of hacked transplants. Even if they came with 22RE engines I would still give the space under the hood a good look over. For some reason people love to hack harnesses. How original does it look? People do goofy things with these trucks.

As already said. How rusty? What about the rest of the truck? Interior? Tranny? Wheels? Tires? Lift? Stock? Wrinkled?

 

[jgranthevagrant]

With the information given, you should buy both, to be on the safe side.

 

[pappy]

With the information given, you should buy both, to be on the safe side.

Dang, why didn't I think of that? Then he could pick the one he likes best, or make the best using the two … and sell the one he doesn't like.

 

[liveoak]

I like the all original option

 

[joseywales]

Welcome to ‘Mud. Do you trust your buddy? How long has he owned the truck? Is he always working on it? Given what info you’ve offered, I’d pick the one that is in the best overall shape. Interior parts are not super easy to find, so if one is torn up, and otherwise they are similar, that could be the decider. $500 won’t get you very far, so based on that, they sound about the same. Can you post a pic or three of each?