wantahertzdonut

I'm hunting for a 90-00 4Runner right now and have it in my head that getting an older truck equipped with a 22RE engine would be the way to go. Reason being is this truck would serve daily driver duty through the winter months, and I like the 22RE's reputation for being solid reliable. I also need decent gas mileage for my normal commuting.

I'm posting in this forum because I need a vehicle to tow my motorcycle trailer (up to 1200lbs plus equipment in the truck along with up to 4 people, but usually 2) to track days. These are generally 1-2 hours each way, almost all highway, and can get hilly if I'm going to tracks in PA.

I know all the 2nd and 3rd gen trucks are dogs, and I think I'm fine with that. But is the 22re so underpowered that towing around a trailer be a life of frustration? And will the lack of power murder my fuel mileage? If so I'll broaden my search to include the 6cyl trucks.

Pikeman

Had a friend growing up that used a 1st gen runner for the same purpose and load you are describing. It was slow and mileage dropped but it was still acceptable. The 22re is a fantastic motor and very hard to beat. The hills will frustrate you as you crawl up them but as with everything it is a give and take.

__________________
1998 T4R SR5
All-Pro CO's, UCA's and Sliders, SS 1.2 rear only DIY rear bumper, Aussie Locker and 1st gen roll bar mod. Outdoor Logic Front bumper, roof rack and Vision X lights.
Future Mods: Winch, Skids, Lower Link Arms.
www.outdoorlogic.net

tony420

I Agree with Pikeman. I have an all original 1986 1st gen Runner 22re with 396,000 original miles and counting an i tow 3 standup jetskis with her on a 900 lb flatbed trailer at least once a week every summer with A/C on, 4 people and gear and really dont have any issues unless im going up a mountain lol. When on flat ground its great on power even with a tow load i can cruise at 70 in 5th with half or more throttle left. I have headers, Exhaust, Cold air intake, and a fresh tune-up thats about it for motor mods.

KidVermicious

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHaHaHooHoohehehehehehe, whoo, heh. Hee hee. Towing with a 22RE, that's funny.

Nah, like they said, it can be done. The 22RE has oodles of torque and will always get you there, but make sure your hazards are flashing when you climb a hill because you'll be doing it at 40 mph in second gear. Maybe third, if you get a manual, which I strongly recommend, it doesn't suck near as much power as the slushbox.