Opinions on 1980s Toyota Pickups...

[Pete112288]

So I appreciate everyone's opinion here. And tips on what to stay away from and what is good. In looking around I found that the similar years of the 4runner also have the same engine correct?
Should I treat the 4runners with the same reputation as the pickups?
Is there anything different I should look out for?

[rainshadow1]

Lots more common to find the 3.0 V-6 in the 4runners. Really consistent headgasket poppers. I had several, they seemed to be ok if you drove them gently. Some have been real lemons, so beware. (I have a 97 specifically because of the 3.4, which is a MUCH better powerplant.) There are a few 22re 4runners. I'm a little leery of them because the 4runner is heavier and make it work harder. Look for one with a stick.

[deerhunter_98520]

 

If you find a 4runner with a 22 re your probably going to pay a decent amount for it as there a little harder to find and more desirable...the only way I would consider a 3.0 is if it was rebuilt with the head shaved...I've owned one 3.0 and it ran great...with that being said I'd still stay away from them and take less power with a 22 re...if you get one with a fresh rebuild or rebuild one you get you won't be disappointed and it will run as long as you will need it

[mikeybuck]

Love my 84 22r
Only thing I'd worry about is a rotted frame or a blown head gasket.

[jmscon]

My dad gave me his '83 2wd with the 22r, great truck! Rusted to hell but great! When I got it there were 260K mi. on it, everything original. I blew the original clutch out doing doughnuts at Alpintal. That truck eventually stopped idling and I got my grandpa's '82 SR5, had that until I rolled it up by lake Kachees. Morphed the two together and had that one until another Toyota totaled it in Seattle. Later I had a '88 4X with the 3.0 V-6. Wish I had never sold it! Not as easy to work on as the 22R but still a great truck!
Someday I will have another for getting into the woods with.

[link]

My favorite rig I've had was a 1980 Toyota, long box 4x4. I got it a couple years out of high school and I put a lot of mountain miles on that thing. It actually got shot up with a 22 one time while I was parked at the mud mountain gate ( army corps of engineers) while I was down on the river elk hunting. I came back in the dark, got in, started it up and it was raining hard and my steering wheel was wet. I got to looking and it was riddled with over 50, 22 rounds. It was shot through the windshield, and front quarter panel and drivers door, unbelievably, no major damage. I was digging 22 fragments out of my seat for months. There was even one through the headlight, and it still worked! So a new headlight, new windshield and she was back good as ever. Even had some battle scars she wore around for the next couple years. You should have seen the face of the guy at the car lot when I went in to trade it in!