early Toyota 4runners, any opinions?

Jared at Pelican Parts · 10-07-2005, 03:10 PM

I'm going to need to get a basic 4WD truck soon, and i was thinking about picking up an early 4runner or pathfinder. I just need something simple and cheap.

Anyone have any experience with either? anything to look out for?

I used to have a Toyota pickup and think that the 22R 4 cylinder is a great engine, does the 4WD compromise the engine at all?

How easy is it to remove the top on the 4runner?

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

In my experience, the early (circa 80-early 90s) Toyota 4wd transfer cases only last about 150k miles, and the body will rust out if living in a moist area. Aside from that I really don't see one on the street too often. Perhaps the latter observation is the most telling.

alf · 10-07-2005, 04:26 PM

I have a 92 Pathfinder with 175k miles, been in family since new. Runs like a champ and is much quicker than a simialr vintage 4Runner. Transmission was rebuilt around 100k and headers (broken head stud, commom problem) fixed around 120k, otherwise change the oil, add gas and drive. No rust.

Excellent rigs, good examples are in the $5k range.

Seahawk · 10-07-2005, 04:46 PM

Jared,

I have owned Toyota 4wd trucks with the R22E engine. They won't win any races, but were very dependable across the drive train. I gave my father my 92 truck: it now has 280k on the dial with no issues other than routine stuff. Like any used car, it is all about preventive maintenance.
My 2000 Tacoma has also been a hassle free experience.

randywebb · 10-07-2005, 04:53 PM

Yeh - there is no rollover protection - and since they are high they are likely to roll over. I dodged a pronghorn once when I lived in Wyo. & found that out. I wasn't hurt and neither was the dog (altho he did evince a strong desire to exit the vehicle) but a passenger would have been decapitated.

I'd spring for the VW Toureg and air suspension - up for off-road and down for the hwy. That's the way to travel.

stevepaa · 10-07-2005, 05:28 PM

Worst car i ever owned.

1990 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
4 wires in bundle passing between door and A pillar broke-that was fun to investigate.
Could not start with ignition key-took to dealer three times, replaced starter 3 times, I finally just put a push buttton bypass switch in.

Tranny died, rebuilt it for $3000, and then it started leaking. Fixed at dealer and leaked within 2 days. Next dealer says the real issue is the transfer case output shaft is bad and cause all the problems and wanted $4K to fix.

Spent $5000 on a vehicle in two years and sold for $5k less than I bought.

Bought a Subaru.

And I also have owned a Vega and a Corvair.

kycarguy 935 · 10-07-2005, 07:03 PM

I bought a new 85 SR5 4x4 truck and loved it. It was the last year of the solid axle front end which was very desired back then. Not sure about now. I only had 2 small problems in 3 years. was the chrome peeled off the rear bumper and the other was a gasket problem on an exhaust manifold. Both taken care of under warranty. I did use the truck off-road on desert excursions taking the 4 wheelers out.

jtkkz · 10-07-2005, 07:28 PM

I have a excellent condition 1995 4runner V-6 4x4 automatic 93K orig. miles that I may be selling soon.

928ram · 10-07-2005, 07:31 PM

There's been several recalls recently for Toyo trucks; front suspension stuff. Check out the years/models affected to keep in mind while shopping that it may need done.

LeeH · 10-07-2005, 07:58 PM

Check out 1998 Isuzu Troopers. The '98 models have a 3.5L 215HP/230 ft-lb of torque engine, but have a simpler 4wd system than later models.

This was a $27K truck in '98, but they can be purchased now for $5-8K. Ours has 87K miles and it has NEVER been in the shop ever! It even has the original brake pads.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Jared, If you want something dependable, 4x4 worthy, easy to work on, haul anything that a pickup can fit and still snag the Babes, you need this

It will take you anywhere. Gauranteed

And it will always hold its' value and style, just like a 911

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

We've got a 98 4-runner with over 120k on the clock now. No problems except a leaking Diff and a bad diff bearing...

campbellcj · 10-08-2005, 08:32 AM

My Dad has an early one (like 85/86?) approaching 300K on the clock and it is still holding together. The thing has been all over the US and up to Canada and Alaska on road trips. I don't think it's ever had major engine/trans work. Our family has had nothing but excellent luck with Toyota vehicles.

The Land Crusher suggestion is a good one as well. My wife has a 2005 (expensive as he!!) and it's great (for a SUV).

GettinHeadStuds · 10-08-2005, 08:35 AM

You asked 'bout a Toyota 4x4... for good reason... lot's of people love 'em. But personally, I wouldn't rock a Jap truck.

My kind of 4x4....

Now... I understand you didn't ask 'bout a serious rock crawler, but that's just an example of what kind of parts are available for the Bronco.

Simple and cheap? Yep and yep. Check out ebay, you can get a very cleeean Bronc for $4k. Good luck!

Oh and going top less in the summer...

arcsine · 10-08-2005, 02:35 PM

I rolled an early 4-Runner when I slid at speed on black ice. Ice ended when I was still sideways, both tires on RH side instantly got traction, got pulled off their beads and deflated. We snap rolled onto the roof then the drivers side and eventually backed into an embankment and we came back on the wheels pointed where we just came from. Completely totaled the truck. All the windows except windsheild blown out, all body panels mangled, top crushed and drivers seat broken but the roll bar and the windshield frame held up and we both walked away. Can't blame the truck for the accident and it did its' job sacrificing itself for our cause.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 10-08-2005, 03:40 PM

dont need a rock crawler, already have one. 76 GMC stepside, 400 small block, Holley, headers, etc... It's fun, but I need something practical.

Land Cruisers rock. Would be nice to have one.

I just need something with a good 4 cylinder or a small 6. preferrably enough torque if I ever need it. No Fords. sorry, had too many problems with them. (are these things designed to have exploding heater cores? this has happened on three different cars)

Japanese mini-trucks have power for what they are, and are actually fun to drive. I imagine there's quite a bit of stuff that can be done to them to increase the fun factor as well.

My old 85' SR5 could peel out, and actually handled really well, all things considered.

That 22R motor was

speaking of rock crawling, check this out...http://www.ebaumsworld.com/insane4x4.html

here's my rock crawler, it has since been painted camoflauge by my brother and I.

GettinHeadStuds · 10-08-2005, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jared Fenton
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/insane4x4.html

My mouth remained open the whole time except to say "HOLY $HIT!"