Looking for a 1st Gen. T4R -- Where to start?

[thatoneguy]

I asked my dad about the 4/6 cylinder issue. He tended to think it was a little little bit underpowered as a 4 cylinder, but maybe we were doing some pretty serious 4-wheeling with it at the time -- more than what it's designed to do without some serious rock-crawler mods. Either way, that's a very subjective issue. I'm hearing from you guys that the 4cyl 22RE should be just fine for what I need.

If you throw very large tires on without regearing your differentials, these trucks can get even slower really fast.

I'm reasonably sure the 22re would suit all of your needs, unless you need to drive up canyons at freeway speeds. My hill power on freeways is a joke.

Both of the vehicles you mentioned sound like horrible deals. I paid $2500 for mine, 295k on chassis, 125k on crate engine, with recent timing chain service. Mine was low-rust, excellent interior, optioned-out SR5.

Unless you live in parts of the country that have extremely high demand for old toyotas, you should be able to get all the 4runner you need for well under $4000.

Here's a couple examples from my local classifieds:

Car Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming | ksl.com
Car Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming | ksl.com

 

[eric_rosenwald]

Silver Original 1989 4Runner?

If you throw very large tires on without regearing your differentials, these trucks can get even slower really fast.

I'm reasonably sure the 22re would suit all of your needs, unless you need to drive up canyons at freeway speeds. My hill power on freeways is a joke.

Both of the vehicles you mentioned sound like horrible deals. I paid $2500 for mine, 295k on chassis, 125k on crate engine, with recent timing chain service. Mine was low-rust, excellent interior, optioned-out SR5.

Unless you live in parts of the country that have extremely high demand for old toyotas, you should be able to get all the 4runner you need for well under $4000.

Here's a couple examples from my local classifieds:

Car Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming | ksl.com
Car Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming | ksl.com

I decided against the Turbo -- I can't handle gas milage that low.

Here are the specifics from his ad (I'll attach photos):

89 4runner with an awesome silver paint job. wheels are nice chrome. Whole frame n components have zero rust and everything painted. Clean title very few scratches if any noticeable. Interior is redone n great shape! Has a Sony stereo head unit and kicker speakers. Rebuilt motor has new pistons' bearings gaskets' new cylinder head, new clutch. fuel injected 22re. Top is in great shape. 5 speed manual transmission. This truck is perfect as a daily driver gets 26 mpg ' take to the snow or if you want to engage the 4x4 you can take these anywhere! This truck has 250k miles left in her. Gets great mpg for a 4x4 rig. Asking $6900 but it's negotiable. One of the cleanest 89's you will see on the road.

[Answer to an email of mine]:
Hey thanks for email. Truck has 262k miles on odometer. 100 miles on rebuilt motor. It's in excellent condition and looks awesome! Tires have 30% tread.. Brakes are good. Has aftermarket Sony head unit and kicker speakers.

He also said there's a little bit of oxidation on the roof and a little rust on the bumper, but that he's going to address those things. There was an oil leak but he's getting it fixed this week. You can also see a crack on the dash.

And FYI -- I use forums a lot of just about everything -- this is the best one, with the most helpful people I've ever come across. Thanks!

 

[thatoneguy]

The interior/exterior of what you posted is in remarkable shape. But i still wouldn't pay seven grand for an 80's suv. Are you comfortable paying prices like that?

In most parts of the US you can get a decent 1st gen for half of what this guy is asking. IMO you are shopping in the wrong price range.

Also, the turbo doesn't necessarily equal horrible mileage. My friend's dad currently drives a factory turbo 1st gen with an AUTO transmission that is getting... 25mpg. It's running perfect and just got aligned.

 

[Footofgod]

Look at these and see what we payin the mountains of Colorado where a good 4x4 is like gold.

1986 4Runner 22RE

The one you posted looks gorgeous, but I would not pay more than $4k for it.