New here at YT, My name is Steven and looking to join the YT family and tradition.

Interested in a 1st gen 4runner just because I love the body style. This rig is going to be my DD and eventually some minor off-roading.

I've read the best options are : 22r/re motor, 5speed, Solid axel.

I definitely am looking for a 22r/re motor and solid axel but i actually want an automatic (tired of Manual) as the only difference in whats preferred.

Now in looking for a runner what precautions should I take and look out for? Leaks, rust, etc? Not sure what to look for with carbs any advice/help would be great. Thanks!

 

Solid axles are not the end-all-be-all of any off-roading. Basically, I wouldnt limit my search to only an '85, which is the only year you can have EFI and a SFA.
'86+ 4Runners are ALL EFI, so you wouldnt be worrying about a Carb.

 

Check for loud ticking under the valve cover (could mean bad timing guides) also look for rust and leaks (although they aren't known for leaks).

 

Im trying to read thoroughly but there is so much information. Rust generally starts at the wheel wells, floor? any other motor and suspension checks need to be done? As far as the automatic tranny is concerned I realize that its really slow compared to the 5speed but speed isnt much of an issue to me. Any checks for the trans?

 

Def go EFI, you'll be doing yourself a huge favor.

Solid axle if you are wanting to wheel with big tires and not spend big money.

IFS if you want the best ride and decent off road performance, but knowing it will cost you a bit of money to get it strong enough to wheel with big tires.

For auto tranny info, check out RADesigns, he does some cool stuff and can help you make the auto perform better.

 

I agree with most here. EFI is way better than Carbed especially offroad. Although for a DD and minor offroad a good stock carb wouldn't be bad wither. I have had the same stock carb and has been amazing until I get to steep angles.

As for suspension. Again SFA is better offroad to an extent. Im just now going to SAS because ive hit the limits of IFS. When I was driving mine everyday and wheeled it the IFS actually did awesome. I went places some SFA trucks couldn't...especially after I locked it up.

I would love a Runner over a truck...maybe not xtra cab....but the room is nice. Eventually want to body swap mine for a runner.

So basically its what you want. But personally an IFS Carbed truck isnt the worst thing ever...at all....even for moderate wheeling. But EFI and SFA is better in the long run if you happen to start wheeling hard...as my once DD Yota is now strictly a wheeler.

 

I figure EFI is a definite need and I might as well look for a solid axel model rather then wanting to upgrade later on in the future. Thanks for the information on RADesigns will definitely read up on them too.

 

Thanks for the response from everyone! Are there any other advices and tips to look for when actually looking at a runner? I've seen an 84 w/ an automatic and EFI. I thought it was 85 and onward? Anyone want to clarify?

 

No 84 was the crossover for bodystyle. Although trucks changed to 3rd gen in 89...runners went to 3rd gen in 90.

Theres not too much more than what we have all recommended to look for honestly....just which ones in better shape and runs the best from here.

 

Check

-Leaf springs, they're most likely flat.

-As others have said, rattling noises from the engine, indicative of timing chain guides, by far the most common cause of death for 22r's

-Water in oil, vice versa

Other than that, they're pretty solid. I LOVE my 87' and for what it's worth i've gotten mine places my roommate's otherwise identical (apart from solid axle) 85' can't go.

 

So I have this guy that may be interested in trading his runner for my car. Im curious as to how that would work on paper legally. We both have the pink slips and I assume we just need to sign them over? any precautions i need to look for while doing this?

 

Sorry, no idea about how to trade cars...

- You're right about the 85+ being the only ones with EFI, BUT someone could have done an EFI swap

- Stay away from trucks that have hackjob lifts (blocks, body lifts, etc)

- If you're looking for upgrades for the auto tranny, check out Inchworm Gear or RADesigns

 

It is really a good idea to let us know just what part of the world you live in.

The great Northeast has a whole bunch of other things to look at compared with California and most places south of Interstate 40.

You also need to drive both the 5 speed and a automatic just to see what your getting . I would never use either one if i needed to commute on the interstate . I would be unable to keep up with the 90 mph traffic flow.