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Post by DrumBum on Oct 2, 2003 20:25:29 GMT -5
hey all,
i've been here quite a bit and finally signed up so i could post, since i'm getting close to buying a truck, and had a couple questions.
i'm looking for a '89-'95 4x4, and was wondering if there was anything special that i should keep an eye out for (problems, strengths, etc.), and was also wondering about the 3.0 V6... i don't know where, but somehow i got the idea that this wasn't a real desirable engine, that the 4cyl was better. is this true?
also, after i buy a truck, i'd like to lift it and put Mickey Thompson 35x17.50-15LT tires with 14in. wide rims, and was wondering if a 4 inch suspension lift and maybe a 2 inch body lift would be enough to clear those, with cut out flares. i've done quite a bit of research and reading and stuff on the web, so i know the height won't be a problem, i was just wondering about the width, since i don't have a truck that i could take measurements or anything on.
i guess that's about all... for now anyway, thanks a lot!
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Post by Swang on Oct 3, 2003 11:31:10 GMT -5
Hey Drum Welcome!With engines it's a matter of preference.I have both a 22RE 4cylinder 4Runner(my wifes) & a 3VZE 6cylinder extended cab truck. The 4 is noted for it's longevity(being able to go well over 200K miles-with the*proper maintenance*)plenty of aftermarket support,great dependability.The 6 had some what of a serious problem with head gaskets going prematurely but,was corrected by Toyota thru their dealer campaign.Most of the trucks you'll see will "most likely" have corrected this by now.You can take the VIN into a dealer to check it.Some 94's & all 95's never had the problem.The 6 does have a few more horses but,it's also heavier.If I were you I'd go 4cyl(22RE) You may wanna' do some research on regearing the rears as those beefs will really sap your horsepower.Look at the gearing guide in the articles section here at TOR.Theres lots of good stuff in there to get you started & thinking. ;D
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Post by DrumBum on Oct 3, 2003 18:12:46 GMT -5
thanks swang....
yeah, i had already thought about gears, and was planning on either 4.56 or 4.88.
thanks for the lowdown on the engines, i think i'll be leaning toward the 4 banger then. i was also thinking about *maybe* sometime in the future (read: as finances allow) doing a ford 302 swap, which would help a lot with hp and all, but i'm not sure or serious about that at this point, since from what i've read, it's a pretty intense thing to do.
so i take it the lift would be ok then? i'll be using my truck mostly on the street, so i don't wanna crank the t-bars too much, since from what i've heard it makes the ride stiffer. so basicially, i'm looking for a good street ride with good off road (trails, maybe a little mudding) capabilities.... any suggestions as to brand of lift?
once again, thanks for all the input, i'll take any help i can get on making my truck 'perfect'
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Post by snorkleman on Oct 3, 2003 19:32:46 GMT -5
I would agree with Swang about the engine. I have the v6 and I think i would pick the 4cyl. If your gonna run 35's I would definately not go lower than 4.88's on gears. I have 4.56 with 33's and I could use 4.88's. Just think with the 4cyl your gonna want to keep your gearing up. Of course if you throw in a 302 thats a different story. Good luck and welcome. ;D
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Post by 4xfred on Oct 3, 2003 20:37:17 GMT -5
;D First off, welcome to TOR!!! Second, that's ALOT of tire you want to fit!!!! I know it's early in the game but, think about what you want to do w/the truck. If you want a mallcruiser, do the tires. If you want a good performing trail/DD, those tires may cause some probs. Personally, I have an '88 Runner, V6, auto, w/33's. It's hurtin'!!! Gears are a must. Good luck!!! Later...
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Post by DrumBum on Oct 5, 2003 15:37:01 GMT -5
what kind of long-run problems would it cause? so should i just get those tires for street/dd, and then buy a set of, say, 33's on some cheap steel wheels for off roading? i know this would be a more expensive option, and money's not something i have a lot of, or can get super quick (part-time job, minimum wage, still in highschool, etc.) but it is an option. also, the MT's i'm looking at are the baja belted series... anyone have any experience with these? and i'm not looking for strictly a mall cruiser. those trucks have their place, sure, but it's not in my garage ;D still open to opinions on lifts, anyone want to comment? thanks again guys, i have been totally impressed with this board so far, it's really helped out a lot, even just in my planning/dreaming stage.  |
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Post by snorkleman on Oct 6, 2003 7:47:44 GMT -5
On the trail I really don't see that many guys lookin for a WIDE tire. The 12.5 wide tires are typical on most vehicles. I've seen the baja belted tires but mostly on trucks used in the sand. I wouldn't run those here in TN with all the clay mud. You want something that is gonna self clean the mud out. I guess the 12.5 wide tires tend to be easier to get in and out of tight spots and a bit easier on the truck. by the way I personally love the black steel wheels. They are cheap, look good, and tough. If your lookin to save money, get one set of tires that will work good DD and off road. Besides no one likes changing tires all the time..it gets real annoying.
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Post by Swang on Oct 6, 2003 9:58:16 GMT -5
Drum -if I was in your area(you lucky bastard-) wanted to go with a DD/trail rig situation; I 'd go with something that was "Good" for mud,rocks & could behave on the street & will last a while.Aggressive muds don't last too long on the street.(Snorkelmans right on as usual)Tires that come to mind:BFG-MT,SuperSwamper Truxus MT radial,Goodyear wrangler mtr-something along those lines is usually a good compromise.I have MickeyThompson MTX's on my pickup(a more all-Terrain tire) They have really suprised me at how well they work but,are a real compromise of perfect street manners & decent off road capability.(I got em'super cheap-so I went with them)I plan to replace them with something along the lines of what I'm recommending to you.I think if I was you I'd go with a 22RE 4cyl,5 speed,33 or 35"tires, gear diffs at 4.88(you could find these diffs used on the boards(Check the TOR parts bin here) As far as lifts go I like the Rancho & Downey/Rancho myself.Downey is supposedly coming out with a new kit shortly.(I'm looking forward to see what they have to offer but,you can bet on serious $)I personally don't like body lifts but,many use them without problems.They move your center of gravity higher (as does the lift)making the truck feel tippy!33's will fit with a 3-4" lift,& pounding down the seam behind the front tires,some light fender trimming.When selecting a lift look for one that will give you more articulation to keep those tires on the ground.Don't forget you'll have to change your brake line extenders with a lift,and make sure you raise your proportioning valve forrear brakes.If you look at a 4cyl truck with 100k miles or more it may need a timing chain(especially if it's making a diesel type sound.This is normal to have to replace & should really be considered maintenance.If your good with awrench or have help from one who is do it yourself & SAVE $$$! There are several write ups step by step around that can help with this job also.
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Post by littleman on Oct 11, 2003 0:53:12 GMT -5
I would strongly recomend listening to the previous replies. I have a 94 pickup w/ 4" pro comp, 1.5" shackles, 26mm torsion bars, .75" body lift. 33x12.50 on 9" rims. 4.88 gears w/ lockers. I have been through alot of trial and error to come up with this set up. after disconnecting the sway bar I still have just enough clearance with the tires stuffed in the fender wells. From my experience the back spacing of the wheels is one of the most important things to consider. A half inch either way makes a huge difference as far as what will clear and what will rip the sheet metal off. Also any thing 33" to 35" I would suggest 5.29 gears. At 70 mph my engine turns right at 3,000rpm, which isn't a whole lot on a 4cyl.
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