1994 Pajero 2.8 Diesel 4 door vs 1985 4Runner

[Leftcoast]

Hey all!

I've been reading the forums for ages but I haven't posted much of anything myself...

I'm looking for some input from the Mitsubishi crowd. I have been driving a 1994 Diesel Delica L400 for a few years, so I'm familiar with the Mitsubishi platform to a certain degree. I got interested in diesels for their economy and because I was tired of Toyota rust.

I have too much metal in my driveway and it's time to make some decisions...

My first 4WD was a 1984 Longbed 22r Toyota Pickup. It was a tractor and awesome. The frame rusted and partially broke. I still have it, but it's parked.

I panicked and found a 1985 4Runner and have also had that for years. The idea was to take some parts off the '84 and build the '85 into my "dream truck". I drove it for a bit, but as I was struggling fixing the rear window issue and a few other things I realized that the frame was also going on the left rear... It has not been built or really driven that much because the frame needs fixing before I put too much money in. The body also needs some repair and there are other issues to address.

I have absolute respect for all the fabricators in these forums but I haven't learned to weld yet myself and don't have a mentor. My dream would be to do a frame off, learn the skills etc.. but realistically time is an issue and the more I've examined it the more I realize the resources it will take.

Bought a Delica, but never found the heart to sell the Toyotas, because the Delica didn't have the ground clearance or 4wd ability in my mind. I love the look of the 85 4Runner, the fact that it's solid axle manual transmission and so basic.

The Delica is also showing chassis rust and I need to thin the heard. I am thinking of selling it or parting it out. I might get another one again one day cuz they are so versatile.

Plan is to replace everything with a '94 Pajero 2.8 diesel. That truck has no rust, is relatively decent mechanically, but is more complex and may have an electrical gremlin which I will create a separate post for.

I have seen what the AZ crew seems to be wheeling with IFS. So realistically if this is a family adventure truck that will graduate to harder wheeling is it a good choice? Will I miss the unicorn 4Runner forever or realistically is the Pajero/Montero going to make a better platform anyway?

I've been having a hard time letting go of the dream..

Any opinions? Thx.

 

[Toyaddict]

I was in a similar position and decided the runner was just too much money and work to really be right. The body rust alone is pretty hard to control on them without going full resto. The Mitsubishi being rust free would really have me leaning that direction.

I also found myself never truly happy with the power on my 22r or re trucks as well. The numbers on the Mitsubishi 2.8 seem pretty good, being diesel I assume it can be tweaked relatively easily.

 

[Leftcoast]

I realize that was a bit of a rambling intro.. Thanks for the comment Toyaddict.

I should have titled it "Which Has Stronger Running Gear"?

I think I'm mostly just stuck on the idea of the solid axle and old school feel of the '85 4Runner. Parts seem easier to get locally, and the trucks are simple and have that old Hilux reputation.

From what I've read the Montero/Paj has super strong running gear (BUT - no idea how it compares to the old Toyota solid axle drivetrain in terms of strength and reliability)

The 2.8 diesel is relatively slow but seems to do ok with a load. I like potential for better fuel economy and ability to run WVO. Diesels in the cold are a hassle though.

Rear mounted spare, barn door + 4 door is probably way more practical as a daily for a family wagon too!! Dare I say, maybe even IFS makes more sense..

cheers-

 

[Toasty]

The transmissions are stout, the auto is the same found in a lot of Yotas. The rear axle is stronger than the Yota axle and the Mitsu IFS is stronger than Yota IFS. Stronger balljoints, tie rod ends and CV's HOWEVER compared to the Yota 8" front it's only stronger in stock form. Those 8" Yota axles have a heap of aftermarket and can be built to handle a lot of abuse.

I've owned and wheeled both but I'm biased, i love Monteros. They have a nice balanced feel offroad, if you're end goal is hardcore rock crawling build the Yota. I'm just wrapping up an SAS on my Montero and i had to build most of the parts myself. Lots of way easier vehicles to modify than a Montero, requires some real dedication to take a Montero over the top. If the Rubicon is the hardest trail you'll ever run though i say Montero hands down.