New member with 1st gen ?'s

Hey all,
 
I am looking at buying a first generation 4runner.  My main question is what is the difference between the base and SR5 models.  It seems that all 4runners are 4x4, is this true?  Are there any trouble spots to look for when buying one?  Thanks!

Welcome to 4RF!

Pretty sure SR5 in early 4Runner lingo is a cosmetic package, brings along aluminum wheels and such. I used to know exactly, but that was many years ago.

There are some 2WD versions out there, once they went to 4-door. My friend has one so of course I give him grief about owning a "2Runner" all the time. I'm pretty sure all the 1st and 2nd gen resin tops are all 4WD, though.

85 and earlier are condsidered the most desirable for off road use as they came with a live axle front end. 

They don't come in 2WD for the 80's models. All of them are also two door with the fiberglass top. I know that the 86-89 SR5s have a V6 engine along with a different body package. I'm not sure if the 86 and earlier are the same. If you have a choice get the 20-22 series engine. They are stronger, last longer and have a wider aftermarket. 
 
If you look at a four cylinder listen to it at idle and if it has any knock at all you're looking at lots of repairs. Other than that I havn't really come across any problems with them. I don't have much expierence on the V6s other than over the years the head gasket wears out and gets weak.
 
Good luck finding a good 4Runner and welcome to the forum!

Not always does SR5 mean V6. My 87 SR5 has the 4 banger. I believe SR5 means aluminum wheels and all the wallpaper on the body.

Maybe with a SR5 you get the 22RE and a 22R with the non SR5? Just conjecture on my part. 

My 89 DLX has a 22RE. Every SR5 I have seen has the V6 in it. I also have the worthless stickers on the side and it came with aluminum wheels. I've never seen another 4 banger with the graphics so mine might be a freak but I'm not sure.
 
Maybe we should just look it up lol.

Who knows, maybe the SR5 insignia itself is the only difference.
 
Where would one start looking for the answer?
 
 

my 90 sr5 has a 2.2liter four cylinder with auto trans.

Got this from a Toyota history narrative:

Options included an SR-5 package, with a full gauge set, clinomometer and altimeter, a folding rear seat, nicer interior, and rear heater.

The website for the above is:
 
http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=186156

Going by this my 4Runner is a freak. The VIN number says it is a DLX but it has all the SR5 options. The only thing on it that makes it a DLX is the lack of a tachometer. My truck has the graphics, upgraded interior from my parents DLX 4Runner, folding rear seats, but no rear heater.  I thought about searching my 4Runner back to the original dealership but I bought it in Alamogordo, NM, the people that owned it before me bought it in California somewhere, and they were the second owners of it. I think it would be very hard to trace it back to the dealership and there would be a slim chance they even have record of it and thats if they are still in business. Maybe it was a DLX but they loaded all the options they could get on it.

Is the 20RE a 2.0 liter and 22RE a 2.2?  Does the RE mean fuel injectes compared to the R being carburated?  Where is the easiest spot ro find the engine code?  Thanks guys

Ary rust areas to look out for?

I don't have a rear heater in my 87 SR5 either. Maybe that was only for the first gen 4Runners.
 
For Ronnie: The 'E" stand for Electronic fuel injection. Mine has a big 22-RE plastered on the valve cover. Just plain "R" means carb.
 
22 stands for 2.2 liter, so I assume a 20R is a carbuerated (dang it, I can never spell that) 2.0 liter engine.

Every engine in the 20 - 22 line has the engine code on a sticker on the front of the valve cover.
 
The 22 has 2.2L and the 20 has 2.0L. The 20s have a better flowing head with larger valves. The 22s were made with a more powerful bottom end and a head that has less air flow. The power and displacement was increased in the 22 series but with some upgrades the head limits power compared to the 20s. The 22s can take high boost pressure if they are turboed but the 20s can only handle low boost. The main difference is their strengths. The 20s have a stong head and the 22s have a strong block. The best setup is a 20 head on a 22 block.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Katsu

 The best setup is a 20 head on a 22 block.

 
How difficult is that mod? Sounds intriguing.

Its not really hard its just a straight bolt on deal. You have to use the 20 headers and intake manifold but everything else fits up like stock. I was planning on doing the frankenstien later this year (when I can afford to replace most parts in the engine for a turbo). I see another write up coming on lol.