Hey, everyone!!! I recently got back from deployment to Iraq and, not wanting to screw up my brand new Tundra going off road, I figured I'd get me a toy to toss around and not feel too bad about. I scored a 1990 4Runner in awesome running condition for $840. Yes, three digits. It has the 22RE, 5sp manual, and is pretty stock, other than a set of aftermarket rims that look like they were powdercoated black or maybe painted. The back was also chopped and some sort of canvas or nylon-type cover was put on. Runs great, other than an exhaust leak where the header meets with the rest of the exhaust. I sprayed some PB Blaster on it to break it up, as the bolts are rusted to the nuts, it seems. I'll likely upgrade the whole thing. It has a Pioneer stereo in it and from what I can tell, it'll need some TLC to make road-worthy, but I'm looking to trailer it anyway. The sunroof doesn't seem to engage, but you can hear the motor working. The washer fluid pump doesn't seem to work either. The window motors are real slow, but I guess that's expected on a 21 year old truck (it can drink!!! Lol). I look forward to being a part of this community and learning as much as I can. Sorry for the long intro, but I felt it was worth mentioning. Pictures will follow soon.
N00b!!!!
- Thread starter imadude2
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BucknutBob
New member
Welcome, "dude"! You should have a lot of fun with your 'Runner--they get around great, both on and off-road. I'm on my third one (a '94 and two '95s), and I've enjoyed every one. At least you don't have to deal with the notoriously wimpy 3.0 V6--all mine had one, and with the last one I said the heck with this and stuck in a 350 V8! Thanks for your service in Iraq--I hope it went well for you. Have fun with your "new" Toy!
Thanks. I was thinking of doing the engine swap. But I'll see how long the 22RE lasts first, I guess. It's on its second engine. I have the original sitting in the garage only because it came with the truck. There's also a spare front diff, so I'll probably get a locker for it and swap it back in if it isn't too beat up.
BucknutBob
New member
Four-banger should be fine
From what I've heard, the 22RE is a pretty good engine. As long as it's working well, I would hold off on the swap. As for the front diff, just don't put a mechanical (full-time) locker in there if you intend to drive it on slippery paved roads--it will screw up your steering, pushing you off your chosen line, and might even wreck you. Plus, it's hard on parts. Selectable lockers are best in front--open diff for pavement, locked for trails. Enjoy!
From what I've heard, the 22RE is a pretty good engine. As long as it's working well, I would hold off on the swap. As for the front diff, just don't put a mechanical (full-time) locker in there if you intend to drive it on slippery paved roads--it will screw up your steering, pushing you off your chosen line, and might even wreck you. Plus, it's hard on parts. Selectable lockers are best in front--open diff for pavement, locked for trails. Enjoy!
Thanks. Yea, I've heard the 22RE has god-like reliability. However, I'm more concerned about making power so I don't throw a rod trying to get over an obstacle that requires some oomph. Granted, that won't be for a long time, seeing as my wallet isn't very big, so like I said, I'm going to try and run the 4-banger into the ground in the meantime since I don't know how many miles are actually on it. Once it's dead, and I can't scavenge repair parts from the other engine, I'll do the swap, since I should have all other upgrades done to the truck by then anyway, right? As for the locker issue, I agree, even though I won't be driving this truck on the road. I plan to trailer it wherever I go so that in the event that I should break something, I'm not SOL.
Deedst4r, I'll try to have pics up this weekend. I appreciate everyone's patience.
