Hey I'm new and don't have mechanical experience. I'm looking to add a 2nd vehicle. I was originally debating between a samurai and toyota 4x4. I've decided what I need is toyota. I plan on using it sometimes as a daily driver in the rain and use it to tow a jetski trailer. Max would be a double trailer with two 3 seater skis. Also do off roading in Arizona. No rock crawling just able to get somewhere father in the forest or desert. I'm trying to think of what year to get and if it seems like I would need any mods other then lockers, rock sliders, and bigger tires. Thanks for the help!
Also there is alot of 4x4 for sale in my area so it's a buyers market.

 

In the 89-94s you can get a 3.0L (3vzfe) engine for more power, but the 84-88s have a larger customization base, and probably better off-road performance. You get the legendary 22re, but if you live in a hilly area, you'll struggle. The 22re might struggle to pull the jetskis, but the 3.0L wont. The 89-94s are bigger, but fuel economy is less. I'm sure you'll get alot more advice though.

 

Price range? How many people riding in the truck? My favorite of all my Toyotas to date was my 86 extra cab. It'd be a dog to tow with, though. I think a V6 Tacoma extended cab (or double cab if you don't need the bed space) would be cool.

But if you have money, shoot, get a new one. I personally don't like the big Tacomas (post '05), but I'm sure they're great trucks and would tow better than the earlier ones. A lot of it just really depends on your budget. The early V6 engines, which you'd want for towing, weren't the best...but they're fine, if well taken care of.

For just regular offroading, you wouldn't even need lockers, sliders, or bigger tires. But all those could come in handy if you had the spare cash laying around. I've done a lot of recreational 4x4ing would stock Toyotas. The most "modified" truck I've ever owned had 31x10.50's That was it for mods. Got me everywhere I ever had the balls to try to go, and with no damage.

 

T100s are probably the best (not just saything that because i own one) You get the powerful 3.4L V6, in my 4x4 Xtra Cab Sr5 i can pull 5,000lbs, it weighs 6000lbs, so its a full-size truck. Its probably the best off-road toyota built from the factory. It is also the most indestructible truck ever. (Would you believe mine is from salty north Minesota by looking at the photos?) Its extremely comfortable. Very unique, and can carry 6 people (or 5 if you get an Sr5 xtra cab with the buckets). The fuel economy is OK, i get 13-14 city and 16-19 highway. The biggest blow is the extremely poor aftermarket support. So if you plan to do any major customization, pass up the t100, but for a great daily driver, a t100 is great, if you dont mind the lower MPGs.

 

I don't want to argue, but this is HUGE stretch of the imagination...

 

I was thinking years between 84-93 toyota's. I don't ave the money for a new one. I only plan on have another person/animal with me. What would be the tow capacity if I was only towing 1 jetski and single trailer? And I'm just lookign at all my options right now. So what woul dbe the best fuel economy set up and best tow capability? The one thing is that it seems like I just need some 31's and I'm basically set up and ready to go if I get the straight axel from 85 or earlier. Also how's the carburator do changing altitudes?

 

If you need full size, get a full size. But if small and fun is what you want, then I like 2nd and 3rd generation. I have owned many

 

I don't need a full size. Thought an older indestructible model would be able to tow atleast.

 

Oh it can tow, just it will be a slow go. The towing capacity for a 22re 4x4 pickup, reg cab short/long bed is 3500lbs. I'm sure you jet ski weighs less than that. But seeing as the 22re pickups struggle to go up hill, its probably best to find one with the 3.0L, which should tow your jet skis no problem.

 

Ok maybe I am stretching it a little , but still it performs very well in its stock configuration, maybe not as good as the Hiluxes and original Pickups, but good nontheless.

 

Alrigth cool. Yeah the jetski is under 3500lbs easily. Didn't know the engine struggled up hill. Why is that? I'm guessing the 3.0 engine probably gets 16-18mpg?

 

the 3.0 is not a great engine, some have good luck with them, but that 'some' is in the minority. 16-18 mpg down hill with a tail wind mayabe
most recommend staying away from the that engine. spend a little time educating yourself on it, you will find what I mean...

 

The 3.0L for a 4x4 pickup is epa "rated" at 13/16 manual, and 12/15 auto. But you'll average around 16 or 17

 

Hmm, my 22re doesnt struggle up 6% hills in a 4K+lb 4runner with 4 people, and some camping gear Thats what 3rd gear and 4500 rpm is for And its got a bottom end knock, too!

As "indestructable" as the 22re is known to be, the 3rzfe and 5vzfe are way more so, in a more comfortable vehicle, with more room, more power, better mpg, quieter, etc... My vote would be for a 1st generation Tacoma ('95.5-'04). My friend has got a '97 4wd Taco, 5spd with the 3rzfe and gets 25mpg hwy, easily. It IS stock though :/
And I am seeing most '95-'00 Tacos go for under $8K, majority around 3K-5K

 

Yeah I've been looking at old 4runner's also. Mostly the older models where you can take the back off if needed. How's the 22re motor do epa wise? I appreciate the help guys. Alot of old 4 runners in my area are super cheap.

 

Yeah, a couple friends of mine have T100s and they're great trucks. But if nothing else, the late 90's/early 00's Tacomas with the TRD package have them beat. Upgraded suspension, offroad tires, locking rear differential, all from the factory.

Personally I'd go with an IFS truck. If you aren't doing hardcore offroading there's no need for a solid front axle. It's just going to be a ridiculously rough ride. If it were me, I guess I'd get the newest 22RE I could find in good condition that I could afford. If you want to run 31's, and tow, I'd put some money aside for 4.56 gears. That correct gearing will help you probably more than a V6 when it comes to towing and power. Otherwise I'd stick with closer to stock tires if you're going to tow with an RE.

 

So look at newer 4x4's then since I won't need te solid front axel?

 

All the 89+ 22re 4x4s have independent front suspension, pretty sure most 84-88s are ifs too.

 

86+ are IFS. 85 was the last year of solid front axle. Only you can decide...but in my mind, the only reason for a solid front axle is hard core rock crawling.

But, other than a really rough ride, there's nothing wrong with a sfa. So if you found a great, strong running 22R/E from an earlier year, it would be fine. But I'll tell you, my truck is a tank. I love it for that reason and many others, but I'm only ok with it because it's a cool old truck. When I look around on craigslist, I look right over pre-86 Toys. My 86 was such a comfortable ride compared to my 83.

 

Yeah, my T100 rides extremely comfortable too. Toyota is good at making a truck with stiff suspension that doesnt break your spine everytime you hit a pothole.