What's the best year/engine for 4x4 in the Sand?

[explorer72]

I'm thinking of getting an old school yotar for use as a "Dune" truck. What is the best year (or years) for a good solid 4x4 and the best engine (bullet proof and reliable)? Should I be looking pre '86 for the solid axle, or is IFS ok for romping in the dunes? Is a 22RE plenty of power for wheeling in the dunes or should I be looking at the 3.0/3.4L? Any years/models I should stay away from? Thanks for any help or info you could provide.

[Hoodlum]

If your'e running the dunes then a IFS rig is preferred.But the newer 95.5 and up are even more preferred.The Tacomas have a much better design then the earlier model trucks.There are no steering rods relay rods pitman arm ect.The tacomas have upper and lower C-Arms coil over struts and a steering rack & pinion.They also have much better front end ground clearance.I've never driven a straight axled 4x4 on the dunes so I have no clue on the handling caracteristics of them.My father always used VW Beattles converted to dune buggies with long travel coil over suspensions.As for the motor def stay away from the carb'ed motors,EFI is def what you'll want(easier to keep sand out of the motor).They can be easily upgraded.And there is plenty of aftermarket support for them.Stay away from anything with the 3.0 v-6.Though they can be reliable they def aren't power plants and there is very litlle aftermarket support for them.

[explorer72]

hoodlum said:

If your'e running the dunes then a IFS rig is preferred.But the newer 95.5 and up are even more preferred.The Tacomas have a much better design then the earlier model trucks.There are no steering rods relay rods pitman arm ect.The tacomas have upper and lower C-Arms coil over struts and a steering rack & pinion.They also have much better front end ground clearance.I've never driven a straight axled 4x4 on the dunes so I have no clue on the handling caracteristics of them.My father always used VW Beattles converted to dune buggies with long travel coil over suspensions.As for the motor def stay away from the carb'ed motors,EFI is def what you'll want(easier to keep sand out of the motor).They can be easily upgraded.And there is plenty of aftermarket support for them.Stay away from anything with the 3.0 v-6.Though they can be reliable they def aren't power plants and there is very litlle aftermarket support for them.

Great reply, thanks! Yeah my buddies run newer tacos and of course have a blast with them pretty much stock (maybe a small lift on each). I was looking to get something cheap just to have fun with maybe even trailer out to the location, etc. So from what you are saying the IFS on the 95 and up is the way to go? As for engines, 22RE or 3.4L (and up) would be prefer as well? Thanks again for the input.

[Hoodlum]

explorer72 said:

hoodlum said:

If your'e running the dunes then a IFS rig is preferred.But the newer 95.5 and up are even more preferred.The Tacomas have a much better design then the earlier model trucks.There are no steering rods relay rods pitman arm ect.The tacomas have upper and lower C-Arms coil over struts and a steering rack & pinion.They also have much better front end ground clearance.I've never driven a straight axled 4x4 on the dunes so I have no clue on the handling caracteristics of them.My father always used VW Beattles converted to dune buggies with long travel coil over suspensions.As for the motor def stay away from the carb'ed motors,EFI is def what you'll want(easier to keep sand out of the motor).They can be easily upgraded.And there is plenty of aftermarket support for them.Stay away from anything with the 3.0 v-6.Though they can be reliable they def aren't power plants and there is very litlle aftermarket support for them.

Great reply, thanks! Yeah my buddies run newer tacos and of course have a blast with them pretty much stock (maybe a small lift on each). I was looking to get something cheap just to have fun with maybe even trailer out to the location, etc. So from what you are saying the IFS on the 95 and up is the way to go? As for engines, 22RE or 3.4L (and up) would be prefer as well? Thanks again for the input.

The newer trucks use either the 2.4 ,4cyl aka 2RZ(2wd pre-runner) 2.7 4cyl aka 3RZ(4x4's) and the 3.4,6cyl (both 2 and 4wd) all three are great motors.The 22RE is from the mid 80's trucks up until 95.5.Check out URD.com for 3.4 upgrades and LC Engineering as wel as Paradise racing for 2.4 and 2.7 upgrades.They have plenty of power and torque and plenty of aftermarket support.I run a mildly modified 2.7 4cyl and I can keep up the 3.4's,no I can't beat them but I can give them a good run though. ;D