1986 4Runner

[Bergger]

I am toying around at getting a first gen 4Runner. I've always wanted one but know nothing about them. It will remain stock and be used as a get around town and weekend fun truck. I do know I want a 4 cylinder and I have found 2 local trucks that appear to be in good condition and priced well. One has a 5sp 22re and the other an automatic with the 22rte turbo. Does anyone have any experience with these motors and is one better than the other? Are they both just as reliable? I do live in CO so I'm wondering if the turbo would do a better job on the hwy and up in the mountains? Any input would be appreciated.

[allochris]

if both $ are the same & you are not modding, i go for turbo for rarity!

[DaveInDenver]

The 22R-TE is a nice bump in power over the regular 22R-E, but the automatic pretty much equalizes it so that it's a wash. If it was a turbo + R151F, I would not pass go and buy it. Personally I would still go with the turbo, but seriously think about putting in a stick. The autos back then pretty much sucked IME. FWIW, the 22R blocks are the same, but the engines are not part-for-part interchangeable. The turbo had significantly lower compression, different pistons. There are a couple of websites out there about what you need to do to the 22R-TE to make it a little spitfire (like 200HP+), if you so desire. Thing about rarity is that it also means a lot less help figuring out issues. The great thing about the 22R-E is that there about 82,530,745 of them around still and parts and help are not difficult to find.

[sseaman]

If both engines are in good shape then I would go with the one with the smallest amount of rust. They all seem to have some rust, just depends on where they are from and how well they were taken care of.

I have told my wife the next toy I want is a Gen1 4runner.

[bjowett]

The turbo can be quite a bit more fun, but it will be more $$ to get it back in shape should it need anything. The automatic was the only trans offered with the 4-Runner Turbo, a 5 speed makes them allot more fun, or some 4.30 gears. The Turbo Runners were also loaded to the gills. I like the turbo enough that I am swapping one into an 85 4-Runner.

[kcowyo]

Here are my impressions during my brief fling last year with a pristine '87 Turbo 4Runner. There is a link in there to 22RTE-trucks.com, which is a great tech resource for that motor.

The turbo was a hoot to drive around. It definitely had a noticable pulling increase over the 22R and the 3.sl0 on long grades ( I don't recall ever owning anything with a 22RE.... weird). But it's nothing that will throw you back in the seat. Honestly, the reliablity of the turbo made me nervous, and combined with a raging case of Landcruiser fever at the time, that lead me to trading one for the other.

That said, if all things are equal between the two choices, I would take a chance on the turbo. The nice thing about being on the front range with a Toyota, is there is always some shop nearby with experience that can help sort out any issues. In hindsight, I wish I had spent more time with my TurboRunner. I think I would have enjoyed driving it.

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[Bergger]

Thanks for the input. I'm still thinking about the purchase. I got the green light from the wife but she may be waffling on that so I need to talk to her again. I'm leaning towards the turbo. It's got 168,000 miles and I was told the engine was replaced last year with another turbo that had 90k on it. It has power everything, A/C and it all works. Very minimal rust and the interior looks great from the photos. I'm going to go look at it this weekend.

[4Rescue]

There were Manual Turbo trucks out there so whoever said that there weren't is wrong. It had the ever impressive R151F 5Spd... But that's a moot point because the Turbo you're looking into has an Auto...

Personaly I would rather have the Turbo even with the Auto tranny because the 3.0 is a poor motor even with a manual transmission behind it. The RTE's are fun little motors adn definatly pull harder than my standard 22RE and the 3.0. Biggest issue was oiling issues with the turbo causing them to go bye bye fairly early in life(for a toyota) that and HG issues with the Turbo's too... BUT, the 3.0 had more issues and in the end is a less reliable, less powerfull motor. Thing about the turbo is, that while it may not be exactly like the 22RE, the block is the same and it's a good mtoor in general. Just don't get too crazty with it, keep an eye on the temp. etc and it should live a good life.

Good luck with whatever you choose, the 1st Gen 4 Runner is flat out one of the coolest Trucks Toyota ever made IMO and I really love mine. Be aware, they do have rust issues, so check the frame out very closely. If it is in good shape however, you're in luck, there's nothing in this size range that is buolt anywhere NEAR as tough as an early Mini-truck. The only thing I'd rather have... A Landcruiser... KC knows what I'm talking about

Cheers and happy hunting mate.

Dave

[Photog]

If they beat up their first Turbo engine in less than 160k miles (they recently replaced the engine with another used one), the rest of the truck probably was not cared for either. Be careful!

Also, test the back window with the dash-switch, and key. Try lowering the tailgate. All the mechanisms in the tailgate have a limited life span. Some are easy to fix, and some are not.

[Toyotero]

I am toying around at getting a first gen 4Runner. I've always wanted one but know nothing about them. It will remain stock and be used as a get around town and weekend fun truck. I do know I want a 4 cylinder and I have found 2 local trucks that appear to be in good condition and priced well. One has a 5sp 22re and the other an automatic with the 22rte turbo. Does anyone have any experience with these motors and is one better than the other? Are they both just as reliable? I do live in CO so I'm wondering if the turbo would do a better job on the hwy and up in the mountains? Any input would be appreciated.

If you want to build an expedition truck out of it, I say go with the nonturbo.. the NA engine and manual trans are hard to beat for reliability.

If you are just goign to drive it around town like you said, I'd go with the turbo.. more fun, and the auto will be easier for traffic for you and for the mrs.

I've owned a '88 4R since 1999.. the 3.0 finally bit the dust last year with a head gasket failure at only 235Kmiles... pretty weak for a Toyota, eh? So I bought an 86 NA with 150K that I hope to run to 300+K miles. They are great trucks!

If you live somewhere that they salt the roads in winter (I think CO does), do thoroughly check the frame and fenderwells. Watch out if they have the wheel well/fender trim and the stone guard on the rear fender front edge. Those pieces trap water/dirt/salt and rust out if they aren't cared for.

Toyotero.