Ive been looking through craigslist for a 2nd Yota truck and have been amazed at all the fully optioned 90s v6 4runners under $3000. Since I already have a truck, I am seriously considering getting a 4runner as a daily.

My question to you guys is... (1) are the v6 runners as reliable and dependable at its truck siblings?

Ive also noticed that all have been V6 and auto, (2) did they make a 22re'5 spd version? (3) 4wd vs 2wd?...aside from the obvious

Thanks in advance

 

I have never had any good thoughts about the V6 in the toyotas. All of my friends have had issues and are rebuilding them.

They do come in 5spd and not sure if they come in 2wd. They might but I have never seen one.

Is it a 2 door or 4door? One cool thing I have liked about that body style of 4Runner is the remove able top, so when the sun comes out the top comes off.

 

Guessing its a 4 door version if v6. The early v6 were plagued with head gasket issues and most were not happy with the power output. Realize, runners are another 1k more in weight than their siblings. This means mpg will be less than siblings.
Yes they come in 5 spd 22re version. Most desirable are the '85 as it is the last year of solid axle and first of the 22re. '84-'88(?) had removable tops and 2door. The later v6 were better with reliability but power was so-so. Most 3.0 owners do the later 3.4 swaps. As to 2wd version unsure about that great rigs with mass aftermarket support. I would personally look for the 22re 5spd version.
Had one which is now my krawler but that was a great combo!

 

1.) Just as reliable as a V6 auto pickup. If that means anything, haha. They are cushy and nice inside, but slow pigs that use gas. Plagued with headgasket issues- which is probably why they can be had so cheap. The 5 speed is an R series though, and will have few issues if any.

2.)Yes, I doubt you will find a 22RE 5 spd one for as cheap as a V6 auto though.

3.) They did make a 2wd 'Prerunner' version, most of them will be in your area.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

After looking at tons of 4runner Ads on craigslist, I think I'm going to try and find a nice 92-95. IMO, these seem to be the nicer of them all. Plus, I'm not a big fan of the 96+ or the pre 90 body lines. Since it will be left stock, I'm going to look for a 2wd but if all I could find are 4x's, I think I will be ok.

Any other input would be greatly appreciated

 

v6- transfer cases are chain driven as are the auto so not as strong but.... as a street driven vehicle it shouldnt matter!

 

I can't speak on the 4runner, but I have an Explorer and I love it. This size of SUV is perfect, in my opinion as you get plenty of interior space, comfortable interior (since they were designed to be comfortable for soccer moms on suburban snow covered streets, not to be utilitarian like our trucks.) and are still heavy duty enough to haul some cargo and/or tow. Plus its not a nightmare to park and doesn't guzzle fuel like the larger suv's (Suburbans, Expeditions, ect.) Plus its not a damn mini-van!

 

I drove a 99 Tahoe for the better part of 2 yrs without knowing it was 4wd. Previous owner had removed the 2wd/4wd selector switch and replaced it with a delete plate. I didn't think anything of it since there wasn't a 4x shifter found on the pre 95 Tahoes

I think a 4wd runner would be just fine if used as a daily driver.

 

That vintage toy will have a shifter poking through the floor! Unless you pull the shifter/plug the hole and patch the carpet.... It will be obvious!

Good luck with the search!