What Kind of Truck to get?

[spaceycayce]

I currently am driving a 2wd Tacoma that I got when I lived in the Urban Sprawl. I now live in Northern New Mexico, which means a lot more 4-wheel driving. I need to sell my Truck so that my fiance can have an in-town car and I figured I might as well go with an older 4runner for myself so I can go out and mud it up on weekends. Now I am looking at a few early 90's 4runner. I was wondering if there is any difference between those years or are they similar and what year should I aviod/look for. My affordability in my area is around 1993-1995. I looked a 1995 today but I heard pinging sounds in the engine when I test drove it it had 128k miles. The 1993 hasn't been test driven yet, it has 160k. I am planning on putting in a suspension kit and tires as my first investment. Also, how much milage should I expect out of these trucks and what kind of problems should I keep in mind so I will be prepared to make repairs and keep my truck going. I hope to get atleast 4 or 5 years out the truck. I'd would welcome any help or insight on this as I will need to make my purchase soon. Thanks

[DesertRat]

Those are all good options. I own a 91 pickup with the 3.0 v6. THe 4runner you're looking at likely has the same engine. I have a 4 inch suspension lift and 3 inch body lift. I'm getting around 14-15 mpg street, and 18 mpg freeway. At around 180000 miles it needed a valve job. other then that, a bad alternator and power steering pump. All around a great truck!

[4linktoy]

It's nice to get "new" rigs, so here's some advice. 1988-1994 4runners have the same powerplant (3.0Lv6.) In 1992 toyota changed the body styling, less corners and more curves. One thing with the 4runner is that it sits a little lower than the p/u's, so a lift would be needed to run anything bigger than true 31's. Also the wheels are generally 15x7-8s. If you have the $, go newer b/c the trucks are essentially the same.