Red vs Black..

Whats going on guys, I'm posting this to get some feedback from tacomaworld,specifically as I have researched the question and will also look at other forums. I have had success in getting thought out responses here more than anywhere and this has been the most helpful forum I have been on.
I had been saving for a 90's toyota pickup when I lost my DD (tacoma) to fire. I needed to get my hands on another DD and since I was eyeing craigslist for a while for a pickup, I bought a red 90's toyota pickup, 4x4, manual with the 3.0. The purchase was rushed because I was working, and was about to school. It was still a good purchase but I was looking for a 22re for MPG and reliability. Fast forward a couple of months and I was given the opportunity to get a black 90's toyota pickup, 4x4, automatic with a 22re.
So now I have two trucks and need help deciding which one to let go as funds are getting tight.
The red truck has a lot of documentation from the previous owner from oil changes to windshield replacement, and it runs great. No trouble, AC runs ice cold, and the interior is great


The black truck has the 22re but has its problems; idles rough, the transmission shifts a little hard, shakes, feels like it has very little low end torque, and the timing chain service is coming up soon.

Any suggestions on tips would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

If they were both the same color, which would you pick?

 

I think you already made your decision... Red truck runs better, has better interior and A/C works. Summer is right around the corner...

 

If they were both red, then I'd go with the red one

It can't be that easy, is it ?

 

Yeah maybe. I just heard/read horror stories of 3.0 and their HG. and for the 22re, all i hear is reliability and how easy it is to work on.

 

Pretty much. Color is only a critical choice when all else is equal. And the older the vehicle the truer that is.

I mean we're talking a driver here, not a 1 of 50 Mecum grade prospect.

Now if you are capable of doing a body swap, and the red has the better frame, you could have the best of both.

 

But they are not equal thoughh
22re auto vs 3vze manual...

 

Correct. With one running good and the other not, and in need of a significant service.

Have you inspected the frames closely on both? Any warning flags there? Compression tests on both? Are mileages close?

 

.
Frames are both good. Compression is coming up. 3vze has 205k and the 22re has 135k.

 

Keep the red.

 

Buy the red one. Then when funds are available, paint it black.

 

Keep the black one. Wrap it red. Win!

 

keep red just switch the wheels from the black one onto the red one

 

Seems like the red is the mechanical winner for sure.

Swap the black body onto the red chassis, along with the wheels. While you have the body off you can refresh the rubber mounts and clean up anything you find on the chassis that you can't see with the body in place.