Requesting info about '86 T4R Turbo...

[1st Gen 4Runner]

I am still looking for my 1st Gen 4Runner and figured I would inquire some information here about the Turbo 4Runner...

While I know that the Turbo 4Runner is on the rare side, I honestly do not know a whole lot about them. There are 2 of them on Ebay right now, but the first thing that turned me off about both of them is that they are automatic transmission vehicles. I have my heart set on a manual transmission! Did they make them in 5 speed transmission models?

I have tons of questions about the Turbo 4Runner, but I think I can sum it up in just a few. Is the power output much to brag about? Is there anything specific to worry about with this motor? Any issues with the digital dashes on these models?

 

[fourwd1]

The big thing is finding a 26 yr old truck that doesn't have a worn out turbo unit.
Toyota never sold replacement parts for it, just a complete replacement unit, which hasn't been available for over a decade.

 

[1st Gen 4Runner]

Toyota never sold replacement parts for it, just a complete replacement unit, which hasn't been available for over a decade.

Well, this (and the fact that it was only available with automatic transmission) being the case... Makes no sense to even bother with any 22RTE equipped 4Runner, unless it has about 20,000 original miles or less on it.

I have narrowed my search to a 86-89 with a 22RE, and 5 speed transmission. The search continues!

 

[SV_Dude]

I have narrowed my search to a 86-89 with a 22RE, and 5 speed transmission. The search continues!

Is this for a 4 wheel drive vehicle that you plan on doing a lot of wheeling in? If so, you may want to look in to some 85's. That year model has a solid front axle and an efi system.

No worries on the RTE's, their power is not much to write home about. A decent built motor can whoop on a stock RTE motor.

Just make sure that in your search there are a few things that you prioritize. First, rust! Some of these 4runners are covered in it. You want to make sure that you're buying a 4runner that isn't going to fall apart due to rust. Second, make sure that the previous owners didn't hack it all to hell! A lot of people will hack these up, trash the wiring and you'll pull your hair out trying to fix the wiring. Believe me, I did it on mine! The good side now is that I know my 4runner (mechanically and electrically) like the back of my hand!

Spending 4 or 5 grand on a really good used one is better than spending 2 or 3 grand on a beat up one then putting another few grand into it.

 

[the great him]

RTE motors are oil leaks happening even when new, they were always prone to oil leaks and nothing you ever did(unless you replaced all your gaskets twice a year or more and even that didnt always fix it). and yes the power was not all the great, most of the motors now seam to be run hard and near the end of their life. and a stock turbo now will probably not be doing much, as these motors never had intercoolers so yeah. your best bet would be to find one that some one had rebuilt the motor and replaced the turbo with a new unit like a garrett t3, i wouldnt go any bigger than a T04e. cause while sure you might get "more" power out of a bigger one, it will take long to spool and you will only have that power at higher rpms so so the power will be usless, cause your not racing. the power you will want will be low-mid range, the smaller the turbo the faster(and less effort it takes) it spools and makes your power, so if you get the right turbo, it could already be in your power band just off idle, sure you wont see 350+hp but then again your stock internals on the motor wont be able to handle that either, nor will your stock fuel system be able to keep up.

 

[the great him]

and as far as the auto/manual trans thing, unless the 4runner was different, the turbo trucks got both auto and manual transmissions, so im assuming that the the 4runner could also get them.

 

[SV_Dude]

RTE motors are oil leaks happening even when new, they were always prone to oil leaks and nothing you ever did(unless you replaced all your gaskets twice a year or more and even that didnt always fix it). and yes the power was not all the great, most of the motors now seam to be run hard and near the end of their life. and a stock turbo now will probably not be doing much, as these motors never had intercoolers so yeah. your best bet would be to find one that some one had rebuilt the motor and replaced the turbo with a new unit like a garrett t3, i wouldnt go any bigger than a T04e. cause while sure you might get "more" power out of a bigger one, it will take long to spool and you will only have that power at higher rpms so so the power will be usless, cause your not racing. the power you will want will be low-mid range, the smaller the turbo the faster(and less effort it takes) it spools and makes your power, so if you get the right turbo, it could already be in your power band just off idle, sure you wont see 350+hp but then again your stock internals on the motor wont be able to handle that either, nor will your stock fuel system be able to keep up.

Reading that made my brain hurt! Ask your wife/girlfriend... Periods aren't that bad, use them

and as far as the auto/manual trans thing, unless the 4runner was different, the turbo trucks got both auto and manual transmissions, so im assuming that the the 4runner could also get them.

Turbo trucks got auto and manual transmissions. The 4runners only got auto transmissions with the RTE motors.

 

[the great him]

this isnt english class, its a forum, if reading posts gives you headaches then maybe this isnt for you...? sorry grammar isnt one of my strong points. im sure you will forgive me.

and thats some serious BS about the 4runners. oh well im still looking for a nice RTE 4runner. now i know not to keep holding out for a 5spd. ill just swap it over myself and do it that way.

 

[1st Gen 4Runner]

Is this for a 4 wheel drive vehicle that you plan on doing a lot of wheeling in? If so, you may want to look in to some 85's. That year model has a solid front axle and an efi system.

No worries on the RTE's, their power is not much to write home about. A decent built motor can whoop on a stock RTE motor.

Just make sure that in your search there are a few things that you prioritize. First, rust! Some of these 4runners are covered in it. You want to make sure that you're buying a 4runner that isn't going to fall apart due to rust. Second, make sure that the previous owners didn't hack it all to hell! A lot of people will hack these up, trash the wiring and you'll pull your hair out trying to fix the wiring. Believe me, I did it on mine! The good side now is that I know my 4runner (mechanically and electrically) like the back of my hand!

Spending 4 or 5 grand on a really good used one is better than spending 2 or 3 grand on a beat up one then putting another few grand into it.

Actually, no... I do not plan on doing "a lot of wheelin". The occasional camping/fishing trip over trails will more than likely be the roughest I have planned for this project vehicle. She wont be a trailer princess either though. I am purposely trying to stay away from a solid front axle truck for a couple reasons... One being that because it is a solid axle truck, it's probably seen a great deal of heavy off roading and may have more hidden issues than an IFS ride. The other reason I am trying to stay clear of a solid axle truck is the ride... I want something that is going to be comfortable enough to drive daily, as well as something that my wife wont rant and rave about how rough the ride is and she would rather we take her car (Corolla) to dinner. Now if I planned on raising this truck, no question I would either be starting with a solid axle truck, or doing a SAS mod.

I know all about the "Rust Monster", but I do appreciate the heads up about it. I have gone to check out a few already, and have brought a trusty magnet along with me to spot bondo filled areas. It didn't take long for that to pay off... the first ride I checked was being sold as a 4runner with a "rust free body"! Really? I am very aware that just because you can not see it, doesn't mean it ain't there!!! I will bring my trusty magnets to every vehicle inspection from here on out. But again... thank you for the heads up!

That being said... while I am not going to avoid the 2-3 grand range 4runners, because there just may be a diamond in the rough out there with my name on it. However I agree to an extent that the less amount of work I have to put into it to get it to where I am happy, the better!

 

[fourwd1]

Reading that made my brain hurt! Ask your wife/girlfriend... Periods aren't that bad, use them

You're right, and sentences begin with an upper case letter.

 

[the great him]

^^^ no worries grammar Nazi's, thanks for all the corrections and lessons in english, MaYbE i ShOuLd StArT tYpInG lIkE tHiS fRoM nOw On So YoU cAn HaVe MoRe To Do In YoUrE sPaRe TiMe... :flipoff:

 

[SV_Dude]

^^^ no worries grammar Nazi's, thanks for all the corrections and lessons in english, MaYbE i ShOuLd StArT tYpInG lIkE tHiS fRoM nOw On So YoU cAn HaVe MoRe To Do In YoUrE sPaRe TiMe... :flipoff:

Don't take this as us attacking you. It just helps everyone involved when a little bit of grammar is used when typing. Proper grammar and spelling can make posts clear and easily interpreted. That is all.

:girl:

Because boobies are cool