1986 4Runner

[Bergger]

1987 4Runner

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.

.

 

[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.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

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

They did Not make the 3.0V6 in 1986.....

See thread Title Please.

Can we please stop Slamming the almighty Toyota 3.0 V6 please>? Have you ever owned a 3.0 V6....?


The main issue with the 3.0 was the headgaskets. I have elected to put Downey Headers on mine. I also added a larger exhaust pipe to the back including a high flow Magnaflow and High Flow Cat. I have a wonderful power increase. And the headers will take all the heat off the back of the heads at the firewall, which was the problem in the first place. The factory exhaust was a poor design. My truck runs perfectly cool and I have a wonderful power increase, which I would estimate at +20%. See Link below.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/reviews/downeyheaders/


And Welcome to ExPo.... Toyotero!

I think you got awesome mileage out of your 3.0 . Pure proof positive, that it can be done.

.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I had an 88 4Runner SR5 with the 22RE, 5 spd, and Toyota automatic hubs, no lift, and 31" BFG AT's.

That thing would just about climb a tree and went everywhere I wanted to go in rain, snow, ice, and mud. Ran great and got decent MPG too.

Awesome machine and one of the reasons I swear by Toyotas to this day.

I sold it in 2001 for $3,000... DOH!!! In hindsight, that was a big mistake :smilies27

 

[daverami]

I had an 88 4Runner SR5 with the 22RE, 5 spd, and Toyota automatic hubs, no lift, and 31" BFG AT's.

That thing would just about climb a tree and went everywhere I wanted to go in rain, snow, ice, and mud. Ran great and got decent MPG too.

Awesome machine and one of the reasons I swear by Toyotas to this day.

I sold it in 2001 for $3,000... DOH!!! In hindsight, that was a big mistake :smilies27

I had the same vehicle. I loved that 4Runner. I wish I had it now. I sold mine for $2000 in 2001. It needed some body work and I blew out the rear glass while transporting a lawn mower (had to hit the brakes and it wasn't secure, DOH!).

 

[4Rescue]

They did Not make the 3.0V6 in 1986.....

See thread Title Please.

Can we please stop Slamming the almighty Toyota 3.0 V6 please>? Have you ever owned a 3.0 V6....?


The main issue with the 3.0 was the headgaskets. I have elected to put Downey Headers on mine. I also added a larger exhaust pipe to the back including a high flow Magnaflow and High Flow Cat. I have a wonderful power increase. And the headers will take all the heat off the back of the heads at the firewall, which was the problem in the first place. The factory exhaust was a poor design. My truck runs perfectly cool and I have a wonderful power increase, which I would estimate at +20%. See Link below.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/reviews/downeyheaders/


And Welcome to ExPo.... Toyotero!

I think you got awesome mileage out of your 3.0 . Pure proof positive, that it can be done.

.

:???: wha... I was refering to them making maunal tranny 22RET's, if I mispoke about a certain year I'm sorry, I thought I read that one was manual 3.0 and the other was Auto 22RET... That's what happens when you have multiple forums open and get threads confused. Sorry, I wasn't really bashing the 3.0 I just don't like it in relation the the options that are out there. no never owned one personaly, wheel with plenty of them and have wrenched on the same rtucks enough to technicaly own them to some degree THere are other issues besides the HG, but hey they're hardly worth skipping over a truck because it has one. Again the point is moot because I was wrong and the question pertains to a 5spd 22RE or 22RET...

In that case, the RET sounds like a fun truck to have, but then I already have a 1ST Gen 22RE 4Runner so It'd be a 2nd truck to me. One thing to think of is that you really can't tow much behind the 22RE trucks. Gears go a long way to helping the motor as does the Manual Tranny. A plus side is that 4cyl trucks and 4Runners have the tougher gear-driven T-case instead of the Chain driven unit in V6's (not sure wich unit the Turbo's had off the top of my head). Turbo's run the 4 spider carrier in the rear instead of the 2 spider (am I using the right term spiders/Carrier??? I feel I'm not...) in the 4cyl diff.

Like I said, Look out for rust and let that be your real tie breaker. Honestly I find the 22RE to be a great little motor that's certainly not a drag-race winner but it does great around town, it's really good in the dirtr (except maybe desert racing app's) and can hold it's own with the manual tranny out on the highway provided you knwo how to "drive a 4 Banger" as I call it. meaning you need to down shift before you get to the hill and get the motor into it's power band because a 4 cylinder (unless were talking about a 4BT or the Turbo 4) doesn't have all that deep power like biger motors. I do however fund that the 22RE is plenty willing to wind out, more-so then I'm willing to try, and it keep's pulling right on up to 75 in third up long grades. Now that my new motor has been re-tuned since it's finaly broken in, it's pulling alot stronger and getting me around 17 in the city, and up to 24 out on strictly highway trips. One really nice thing is that since they love to lug down and chug along they get pretty good milage off-road too. You can always bet the 4 banger guy's won't have to fill up to get home on alot of our local runs out to the coast-forest area. By comparission alot of the guy's with the big motor's end up having to either fill up on the way out or sometimes have to hit the Jerry can out on the trail. Myu little 4 Banger just sips fuel and chug's along. now I can't tear through the mud pits etc. like they can, but I'm not really into that.

Sorry for the rambling post...

And sorry to Senic if it felt like I was bagging on your truck... Come on mate, I've got one too, didn't mean to bash on it, I LOVE our trucks no matter what motor is in them. That is awesome to hear that a mod actualy does what it's intend to do. Wold you say the headers have helped cool the motor down/ or was it trouble free before the mod. Either way, glad to hear you trucks running good. Mine is too and it's so smooth and sweet to drive I find myself taking the long way just to drive it a little more and taking the hilly way to wind it in and out of the gears Yeah I'm a geek like that HAHAHAHAHA THe motor plus the OME suspension have really made this into a "like new" truck. I mean these things were put together so well that really with those major overhauls the body and interior are in such good shape that it's like a new truck. I love that about these things. If they haven't fallen prey to terminal rust or someone just scraps them, they really are one fo teh toughest little trucks ever made... If I had it my way I'd have a 1KZ-Te Diesel with an R151 5spd .


Cheers

Dave

 

[Bergger]

Well I did it! I've never bought a used vehicle from a private party let alone a 1987 so I was a bit nervous. The truck ended up being an 87 not an 86 with 167k miles. I feel pretty good about the purchase though. I really know nothing about these trucks but I looked it over the best I could. It's a 87 turbo SR5 and is loaded with everything but a sun roof. A/C, cruise, power everything and I found nothing that does not work on it. I got it from a soccer mom who used is as a daily driver for the past 11 months. With her baby and the baby seat the truck is not easy for her to use. Her father ownes an automotive shop. He put in the lower mileage engine, 90k, last year and went through the truck doing some ther work prior to giving it to her. It just had a fresh oil change and new front struts a couple of weeks ago. The interior is in really good shape with the only blemish being the center consol cover is competley worn out, easy fix though. The passenger side power mirror works fine but the housing is cracked and loose. Hopefully I can replace that as well. It does have some body rust in the usual places, rear fender area, but it's not too bad. Actually the front fender area is a bit worse than the rear but I hear the front is easier to fix with replacement fenders. It even has the original owners manual and I think I was the first person to open the tool kit. I was really surprised at how the 22RTE did on the highway. It's a fun little motor. Now I just need to start learning about it and making some minor fixes then on to the body work next year or so. I got it for 2k even. Do you think that's a good deal? Looking at what others were going for it seemed decent to me.

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