1986 Toyota P-Up or 1996 T-100

[sacto_patrol]

Trying to decide which route I want to take. I have a chance at a very clean stock 1986 yota extra cab with 22RE engine or a 1996 T-100. I like the '86 due to excellent gas mileage and off-road capability. But I like the size of the t-100, I do not like the T-Bar suspension however. I really don't need the extra size of the T-100, since it is just my wife and I. However the t-100 with the extra wheel base seems like a better vehicle for long distance adventure.

So all of you Toyota guru's help a Jeep guy out.
Thanks,

 

[datrupr]

Man, I wish I could help you out. I would be stuck on that one too. You know the 22re is a great motor and will last you forever and you will get better gas mileage. On the other hand, the 22re will seem highly whimpy, especially when you compare it to the T-100. But if room is not a factor, I would go with the 86. Lots of aftermarket, and very capable right out of the box, and an engine you know will last forever. Of course that last statement does apply to the T-100 motor as well. I would prefer the T-100 based on size, and uniqueness as there are not a whole lot of them out there, but aftermarket seems a bit slim. You can however get the way cool TRD supercharger for it. I dunno, it would be tough for me to decide also. I feel for ya man.



I know, get them both

 

[UncleChris]

Trying to decide which route I want to take. I have a chance at a very clean stock 1986 yota extra cab with 22RE engine or a 1996 T-100. I like the '86 due to excellent gas mileage and off-road capability. But I like the size of the t-100, I do not like the T-Bar suspension however. I really don't need the extra size of the T-100, since it is just my wife and I. However the t-100 with the extra wheel base seems like a better vehicle for long distance adventure.

So all of you Toyota guru's help a Jeep guy out.
Thanks,
Jon

Jon,

What do you want to use it for? There are a lot of advantages\disadvantages to a long wheelbase vehicle. For long range use you will like the longer wheelbase. For highly technical trails, the shorter wheelbase could be the better option.

 

[sacto_patrol]

Understood on the advantages and disadvantages to technical terrain with a long wheel base.
I am done doing harder trails like Fordyce and the Rubicon. The next vehicle will be focused on expedition and trails up to 3 maybe 3.5.
I am looking for something with decent MPG, I can keep around forever (always nice to have a small pickup around the house). Can handle trips to Idaho, Mammoth, D-Valley Etc.., so driving 10 hours non-stop won't be a pain in the ******.
Probably go the roof top tent or off-road trailer route. The vehicle height needs to stay under 7' due to parking garage at work.

I really really want something I can go BIODIESEL with, not only for the monetary savings but the reduce green house gas. However I will not go to a full size truck. Just a waste of size for me.

Thanks again

 

[DaveInDenver]

Both are going to seem underpowered, although the 1986 Hilux with a 22R-E is going to seem worse. The T-100 has the 5VZ-E 3.4L engine, same as the 1st gen Taco and 3rd generation 4Runner, but is quite a bit heavier and so gives up a lot of the additional 75 HP over the 22R-E just to get moving. But 190 HP is still significant and the T-100 was not bloated, so for towing that is your better choice.

Both would have the torsion rod based Hi-Trac IFS, actually they are the same design. I assume that means you would do a solid axle swap, then? There are axles and straight forward kits for the Hilux, where as the T-100 is going to require something non-Toyota due to the width. Maybe a Cruiser axle is wide enough, I dunno about the spring perch width, though. What is it about the torsion rod suspension that you don't like? It has sort of limited travel, but it's pretty nice on pavement and really bulletproof otherwise.

 

[Scott Brady]

I would go the T-100 route. That is an incredibly refined and reliable vehicle IMO. Great storage too. Both the 86 and the T-100 will have torsion bar suspension.

 

[bluerunner]

If you want it for long trips I also say go with the T-100 you will enjoy the comfort and space.

Good luck!

 

[Nullifier]

T-100 all the way. If you were talking about an '85 x cab then I might be tempted to go the other way but since it's an '86 ifs I say get the T-100. :beer:

 

[kcowyo]

I was out of town and missed this thread last week but I'm glad to see you have a choice between two great trucks.

I currently own a T100 and just sold my '85 pickup. I kind of looked at the two trucks like a couple of guns. The '85 was great for short range but the T100 was much better for long range targets. They are both great trucks but for long trips, especially going up and down mountain passes, the T100 is a better choice.

If you're above 5' tall, you'll appreciate the roomier T100. The "extended cab" on second gen trucks is a cruel joke at best. If you outfit your next vehicle for long trips, you could put a fridge in the back seat of a T100. You'll be lucky to get your Camelback in the back of the '86. If the T100 has bucket seats, you just found the best buckets Toyota has ever offered. With the T100 you at least get a driver's side airbag, (but not pass side) which the '86 won't have, if safety is a big issue.

Drivetrains are a draw, can't go wrong either way. I would suspect though, that as the years go by, it will be easier to source parts for a 5VZ over the 22RE. As Scott said, both trucks use Torsion bars and I have no complaints in how the front suspension handles on the highway or back roads. I can't think there is a big wheelbase difference between the two. An extended T100 has a 121" wheelbase and I'm sure an ext cab '86 is around 110". And if you're serious about going Biodiesel, I would think the larger engine bay in the T100 would be an advantage.

My vote is for the T100 based on the criteria you mentioned. It will do more of what you want at this time in your life, with more creature comforts and safety. I couldn't imagine being wedged into an '86 for a 10 hour roadie chugging along over mountain passes. I'd be miserable!

Hope you get to wind up with one or the other! :beer:


......are either of them white?

 

[david despain]

......are either of them white?

i think thats the most important question here isn't it? :exclaim:

i say the t-100. never having owned either, when i started looking for a truck to replace my old ford this was the first model i looked for. there just werent any in the area at the time that were worth it but i still think its one of the best design ideas in recent truck model history. a lot of the manufacturers have basically copied the idea of it lately. it was not quite full size but had lots more room than previous compact trucks. look at the current tacoma and frontier thats basically what they are. just my view on the subject.
david

 

[DaveInDenver]

Drivetrains are a draw, can't go wrong either way. I would suspect though, that as the years go by, it will be easier to source parts for a 5VZ over the 22RE.

I do agree with your points, but I do have to ask why do you think 22R-E parts are going to be any more rare than 5VZ-FE? Both were made in huge numbers by Toyota (the 22R-E was made in HUGE numbers worldwide in trucks, cars, there even was a RJ70/73 Land Cruiser until 1996) and both seem have good aftermarket support. Just wondering your thoughts is all.

 

[kcowyo]

....why do you think 22R-E parts are going to be any more rare than 5VZ-FE?.... Just wondering your thoughts is all.

Oh, I don't think finding parts in the future for either will be a problem. Parts availability certainly shouldn't be a consideration when chosing between these two trucks. I just mean in 10 or 20 years, the 22RE will have been out of production, what, 8 more years than the 3.4?

A minor, minor point, maybe not even valid.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Oh, I don't think finding parts in the future for either will be a problem. Parts availability certainly shouldn't be a consideration when chosing between these two trucks. I just mean in 10 or 20 years, the 22RE will have been out of production, what, 8 more years than the 3.4?

A minor, minor point, maybe not even valid.

No, it's a perfectly valid issue and good thing to think about when building a truck that you plan to (1) drive long distances from dealers and shops and (B) keep for many years after spending loads of money. Toyota supports their products about as well as anyone and these were a couple of highly regarded engines with lots of aftermarket (I mean, DOA, LCE, Engbldr, there's good alternatives with 20/22R motors besides Toyota). So, I just didn't know that I agreed that it's really much of a concern in this case and wanted to touch on it some more.

 

[calamaridog]

I wouldn't hesitate to get the T100 over the 86 mini. Much nicer truck overall.