The 4 cylinder?

Haha yeah reading that from someone else's point of view, I can see how that sounded pretty dumb. It was a bit of an exaggeration. I had been negotiating with the dealership over the phone just to get close enough to know it was worth a trip down. I had the bank loan me about half of the money and I was planning to write a check for the remainder. The only commitment I had was a $250 one way ticket. I had not drove a 2.7 auto yet but was just hoping I'd get down there and like it. I started asking lots of questions on here and having doubts before I left but I went down and bought it today. I love it. I posted an update in my 'am I making a huge mistake' thread. Haha. It's a perfect 4x4 for the flat lands of Florida and Alabama

 

Congratulations, enjoy your new truck.

 

I am glad it worked out for you and you like the truck. In this forum a lot of people bash on the four banger ( because it isn't a 6 cylinder ) and on and on... IMO Toyota was making great four banger 4X4 trucks Long before they ever considered a six. And those four bangers ( I had one in 1980 ) that would run rings around my buddies in the swamp in their F250 Fords etc...

 

exactly

I still miss my 1981 that got traded in 1986 when we had our first son.

 

Yeah I like it too!

If it wasn't for the towing I do, and the now need for a double cab I would get a 2.7 again.

That picture has 59800 hard miles on the engine. It starved of oil and spun a rod bearing at a very steep angle when I was stuck offroad. But everything was nice and clean.

I ran 3k oil changes with Casterol synthetic blend (black jug)

 

Toyota makes a great 4cyl in the truck. They can hate away but they made a great 4cyl for 20 years BEFORE they made a good v6.

 

I still wheel a 1981. 1979-83 is my favorite gen Toyota. They look the best, and have the most character.

People are still impressed at the trails when my little 1981 keeps up or beats much newer and "better" offroad trucks.

I myself was impressed when I rolled it last year, and the trail I was on that was so easy in the 1981, was impossible for my 2013 and my 2008 4runner.

 

This is the truth. It's all about price not fuel economy. For some of us big power is not needed or even wanted. I'd rather have a lower MSRP than to pay more $$ for something I don't need. Plus, there's something to be said for "trailing edge technology". The end of something "old" is generally more reliable than the beginning something "new". I'll take my ol' 2.7 any day.

 

yep, the size was "nimble" for lack of a better word. I went 24 yrs from when the '81 was traded to buying my 2007 AC. I told my wife I was buying the same as I had back then. Her first comment was "this is a lot bigger than Trigger (nickname she gave the old truck when we were first married)."

 

Deffinately. Going back, you will remember the characteristics of the old 1981 with more of the good in mind

People complain about the 6spd, they never drove a 1979-81 4spd side shifter.. Those were "bad" and the top shifters were vague in comparison. Everything was clunky, and it was just a solid little truck. Then after a few 100k, the shift bucket broke down and you can actually spin the shifter around.. Could always look forward to some knuckle love on the dash too

Don't forget turning the steering wheel 3 times to lock, and that it was fixed ratio steering.. No gradual turn in or high speed fineness.

I love everything about those old trucks. But, they require a little fore-warning for someone who drives a modern truck before they get out and enjoy one

 

This is my dream 4 cylinder Toyota: I want an '85 or older Runner with the solid front axle. These little rigs are tanks and can be found around here for next to nothing compared to Toyota pickups everyone wants a small fortune for. This would be a wheeling rig since my Taco is too nice to take and beat around in the woods. I want something I'm not going to wince every time a branch or tree scrapes down the side or of a rock or log bashes into the quarter panels.

 

Definitely a lot of sentimental nostalgia for her and I. She learned to drive manual trans in that little truck. Funny, every car we owned until 2004 was a manual after that. Thanks for bringing back some good memories.

 

I have taught quite a few people how to drive stick in one. Open area, throw it in low 4 with the hubs unlocked teach them the friction point etc, and then they are good to step up and drive it around in 2wd. No harm done to the truck

 

This is my first Tacoma, (2014 Regular cab, 4x4) and I WANTED a 4 cyl. stick truck. Honestly, prob. the slowest vehicle I have ever owned, BUT, I enjoy the crap out of it! The little guy will go anywhere in 4 low, and that little turd of an engine makes it's bit-o-power low. If I had to do it again, I would buy the same truck.

 

I had an '85. I dunno the 22RE's were dogs. Drop a 3.4 V6 in there would be perfect.

This pic was from 20 some odd years ago. Had a 3" Downey lift on it...anyone remember Downey Offroad?

 

I do remember Downy! And they made lots of unique Toyota parts, most of which have been replaced with newer and better but a few are still out there!

When I was a kid my parents had a few old 4runner s. The first was an 85, had 35 inch BFG tires that they won racing with a trailmaster lift and 2 sunroofs that were also prizes for racing. That was a MONSTER TRUCK to all my friends I loved those. Then I bought an 85 as my first 4runner, my favorite too! Had an 86, 94 and 2008 and my mom drove a 2002 over 200k. All the 4runners are great. But 85 is the best.

My 85 I rolled (I have rolled a few toys) in 2009 after I retired it to a toy. I cut it up last year, sold the trans and stipped the engine for another project. The floor pan was cut out and I am building a 79 4runner since they never made one and trekkers are hard to find. Plus I want a steel body instead of fiberglass.

 

That is awesome!

Total Chaos pretty much took over where Downey left off.

 

Ya, but they are damn reliable. When I get one, I may try a turbo on it, some came factory with turbos, but are rare. If it doesn't satisfy me, I will 3.4 that biotch. Like I said, this thing will be my off road beater, it don't gotta be fast as it will likely be in 4LO 90% of the time.

Nice rig! I love first gen runners, too bad you don't have it anymore!

 

I have an 86 Turbo truck, and an 87 turbo drivetrain. The plan I to refresh one and put it in my cherry 85.

The plan has never been completed yet, because while they are cool. They are not very impressive

I love the 22re, it is simple and bulletproof as long as you change the oil and don't melt it down.

 

Yeah, but they are getting pretty old now. I had two of those 22RE's equipped Toy's they were dogs...even in 4LO.. then moved to a 3.4, now that is even feeling slow compared to the new stuff.

2.7 Swap would be cool too. Doesn't Mariln have a 2.7 in his Crawler?