22re vs 3.0 opinions

[arch777]

A little background..

I currently have a 89 1st gen with a 3.0 automatic. I do some wheeling and also use an everyday driver.

Have an opportunity to pick up either a

88 22re manual or 89 3.0 manual.

In you guys opinions what would you look more toward for dependability, ease to work on, gas milage, anything else I should be thinking of?

Should I be looking past the engine, and also consider the auto vs the manual?

The 22re or 3.0?

I researched here and yotatech, and it seems to be a toss up. People are always on both sides of the fence...

Thanks,

Chad

 

[KidVermicious]

A little background..

I currently have a 89 1st gen with a 3.0 automatic. I do some wheeling and also use an everyday driver.

Have an opportunity to pick up either a

88 22re manual or 89 3.0 manual.

In you guys opinions what would you look more toward for dependability, ease to work on, gas milage, anything else I should be thinking of?

Should I be looking past the engine, and also consider the auto vs the manual?

The 22re or 3.0?

I researched here and yotatech, and it seems to be a toss up. People are always on both sides of the fence...

Thanks,

Chad

I think the 22RE will edge the 3VZE in terms of reliability and ease of working on. The 3.0 has more power, so you'd see better mileage.

Either way, the auto will noticeably rob power.

 

[USE911]

In you guys opinions what would you look more toward for dependability, ease to work on, gas milage, anything else I should be thinking of?

I would defiantly say the 22re as far as what you are looking for. I often miss when my 4runner was stock and had a 22re with 5sp. It was fun as hell to drive. I would say if they were both the same price, go for the 22re. I have had bad luck with the 3.0, so i might be a bit biased

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Have an opportunity to pick up either a

88 22re manual or 89 3.0 manual.

Which one is the auto? You have them both listed as manual.

 

[USE911]

Which one is the auto? You have them both listed as manual.

I believe the one he already has is an auto

 

[arch777]

Auto

Which one is the auto? You have them both listed as manual.

The 89 I currently have is an auto.

Planning on doing the 3.4 swap on this one.....Going to be a long on going process, but just love 4runners..Like everyone else on the boards..

 

[T?@\7]

22re

 

[priestsallore]

3.0 is extremely reliable, i have a 3. 5spd its fun

 

[thatoneguy]

I have a 22re and it is absolutely not my favorite engine in the world. Neither are any of the 3.0's i've ever driven.

22re pro/con: Decent mileage, easy to work on, decent low-end torque, complete lack of any high end power.

3.0 pro/con: Reputation for head-gasket issues, low mileage, harder to work on than 22re, a little bit of high-end power.

I did like the manual 3.0's i test drove before i bought my runner. They have noticeably more power than the auto.

 

[priestsallore]

To thatoneguy, my 3.slo does have good torque, & more high-end power., being a 5spd ive actually gotten 16 city. Its an excellent truck & i havent replaced my HGs since 150k, im at 320k at the moment & theyre still clean.

 

[KidVermicious]

22RE RULES 3.0 DROOLS

Oh dear, was that my out loud voice?

 

[94Runner4]

i would think that most people would vote for the 22re because it's easier to work on. You will find happy owners of each. I have never owned a 22re but know a few people personally that are very happy. I am very happy with my 3.0 for now and has been very reliable. Although, when it does eventually give out, I will swap in something with more power. I would look at more than just the engine of each to make your decision.

 

[BucknutBob]

I have had three 3.0's, and two were dead-nuts reliable--I think the third one must've known I was wanting to replace it, because it blew a gasket within two weeks! Certainly you'll have more power with the V6, which is a big plus considering these things are underpowered with either engine.

 

[BigBluePile]

Get the 3.0 and the manual.

That way when the 3.0 tanks it'll be easy peezy to drop in a 3.4.

 

[Thurlo76]

Get the 3.0 and the manual.

That way when the 3.0 tanks it'll be easy peezy to drop in a 3.4.

isnt that one of the highlights of getting a 3.0?

22re is the way to go

 

[Tanner]

I have had a 4runner with a 3.0 and now one with a 22re; both were manual. I would say go for the 22re. Far more reliable, easier to work on and better on gas.

 

[arch777]

Thanks

Thanks for all the input...

I have been to look at 2 22re's so far, but haven't bought anything yet...Still chugging along in my 3.0 auto for now.

 

[priestsallore]

Arch, switch your auto trans to manual in that 3 & you'll like it more

 

[turboSR5]

Get the 3.0 and the manual.

That way when the 3.0 tanks it'll be easy peezy to drop in a 3.4.

Or get the 22RE and plop in a 3RZ at your leisure.

 

[priestsallore]

Or 3.0 manual so when it plops bolt a 350 to the trans! Haha