Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives Toyota 22RE engine/ Perfection?

Big Stick brought up the subject of Toyota's on some thread somewhere. I have to say, they are really a good product. My dad fought the Imperial Japanese in the South Pacific and so did most of his Saturday night poker buds. Growing up around those fellows birthed within me a distaste for all "ferrin death traps" etc.

Well I bought a 92 pick up 5 speed manual with that 4 cylinder 22RE engine and it really really was the best machine I ever bought for any purpose at any time. God bless Dad, but I intend to get another one. Next time it will have an extended cab, but still the 4 cylinder 5 speed manual.

I ain't rich so buying the Toyota is an act of self preservation. I am going broke lately fixing my F250.

you think your going broke with the f250 wait until you have to buy a cylinder head or a clutch for that yota. Thats not the force your feeling looke. [quote] one shot one kill the more smoke the better

You're right.

When using The Force,you slick up a low mileage crate motor for dick and smugly giggle to yourself.

Dat's happiness.................

My friend's Toyota only had 300,000 miles on it when it died, but he never changed the oil or filter over the last 50,000, just replaced the oil that leaked from a busted seal.

My own Toyota died died after a paltry 215,000 miles, this with NO repairs other than routine maintenance (although changing that timing belt every 60,000 amounted to a major repair IMHO ). Like Big Stick said, we just dropped in another low-mileage motor from salvage and she's running yet.

Whatever the pros and cons of buying Jap, Toyota and their ilk raised the standard on what we expect from ALL our vehicles now (when I was a kid, a paltry 80,000 miles was considered an awful lot on a motor).

'Sides which, my dad was personally involved in that 1940's shooting war, and he bought Japanese AND German cars. Just wait, in a couple of years even our cars will be Chinese, and we'll be debating the merits of Ching Woos or some such.

Birdwatcher

I must say I've never been a fan of those small gutless motors. Too weak. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I liken it akin to goin' 4-stroke on your outboard.

Zero fuss,minimal fuel consumption and damned nice longevity.

No substitute for cubes and if forced to go large,I'd opt a diesel for like reasons. Bang for the buck,nuttin' can touch a Toyota IMHO.....................

On my 3rd Toyota all used ones, first was a 1986, 2 wheel drive 4 cyl. and was like a little race car man would it zip, but gotta have 4 wheel drive where I live, sold it for $500 dollars less than I gave for it after putting 22,000 miles on it. 2nd one was 1987 excab, but no seats in back just room and I took it some places that Toyota would have loved to have a film crew recording it. Again the 4cyl and I would still have it but for some excitable woman that ran a red light last spring and T-boned me in the driver side door kncoking the drive line loose and tweaking the frame so as to total the rig (my verrry bad should have removed the engine it only had 97k on it and was just getting broke in) had to repalace the clutch twice, but not Toy's fault, I used a Fisher snowplow on it and the way my 1/10th driveway is situated had to clutch it a lot to keep from going over a cliff while pushing the snow off. Got the insurance check and went shopping picked up a 99 excab, with the jump seats in back, 4cyl., 5 spd and dang if it isn't just the greatest little truck, much like the 1st two. Probably just a coincidence <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Hope I get the chance to wear this one out as my Pard who lives further out than I do, had to replace the timing chain on his p/u after 212k, his wifes 4runner only has 150k but had to replace a heater blower motor on it! Dang Toyotas just always falling apart on a guy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I'm not brand loyal to much, you have to earn my loyalty but to date it is hard for me to imagine my life without a Toyota in the driveway and a Leupie or 4 on my rifles. This aint the easiest country on gear or equipment so if I find something that works well I tend to stick with it. Have had a brand new f-150, Chevy, 2 GMC's a blazer, and IMO their engineers or assemblers can't even begin to think about whizzing in the same trough as the Toy boys. Just my take on it, which means it must be right <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> 1akhunter

Around here the woods are crawling with Toyotas. When hound hunting was still legal, most the hound hunters drove toyotas. On brushy over grown logging roads, full sized trucks get trashed. A huge truck is a payne in the but to get around in the mountains with. That being said on the east side of the Cascade Mountains you see alot more full sized trucks because its all high desert. I've had two jeeps, a bronco, a nissan Pu and now am on my 2nd Toyota I love it. The down side is your not going to be haulin trailers or heavy loads. Who cares cause a drift boat is light anyway.

'89 std cab 2WD 5spd 22RE. 177,000 miles and it needs a timing chain. If it were big enough to pull our camper it would be perfect, but it aint. That's what the F250 diesel is for.

I'm also a Toyota fan, having owned several. Although the drive trains do seem to go on forever, when other dodads break they can cost an arm and a leg. My wife drives a '94 Camry. The passenger door window relay went out and cost $150 to replace. Then the door lock went out with an estimate of $350 to replace. Then the door window motor went out and will cost $400 to replace. I'm now looking for a junked door as it will be cheaper to cannibalize than to fix all the stuff that's broken. We like these modern conveniences, but they sure can be costly. Picking up on this subject, can anyone explain why parts like these cost so much? Is this the case with other brands as well, domestic as well as foreign? I notice that some gun parts seem pretty overpriced, Tikka comes to mind and there are probably others as well. It would cost thousands of dollars in parts to build a rifle that costs $500.

Paul

I am on my 15th Toyota pick up. I just love the suckers. I pound them hard, tow, mud bog and the works. NOTHING...and I mean NOTHING will take what I dish out to Toyotas. Been there done that too many times to be told different. All my buddies have switched from Chevy, Ford etc. to Toyota...and for good reason. I have not found Toyota parts to cost any more than the U.S. Mfg's. In fact, most are indeed cheaper for similar parts. When you actually have to replace something...which is next to never, they are really easy to work on as well. The ONLY thing I have put on ANY of my Toyotas is a hydrolic cylinder and a fuel pump. The way I use them, that says something about a vehicle.

The 22R engine is the best thing ever made. I have a 99 pickup now with the 4 cylinder and 5 speed. It has LOADS more power than the .22R. I hope it is as good as they are. I am sure it is. I have to laugh when the Ford and Chevy guys compare a Toyota's power to their V8. Well duh, you have twice the cylinders, of course it is going to have more power for towing, but try and get 22 miles a gallon out of any V8 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Flinch

Even if I thought paying for gas was a problem, I wouldn't own a Toyota of all vehicles. Give me a diesel and I still get the same gas mileage, plus a hell of a lot more power. A Ford or Chevy diesel full-size pickup that has 300+ HP vs. a Toyota with say, probaby less than 200 HP(+/-), no thanks. I know Toyota has their perks, I use to own one. My first truck was a Toyota 22R. '81 single cab to be exact.

Hey dixie

You just aint a whistlen. I drove an 84 4x4 215,000
it dumped the radiator water in the engine and I found the problem and fixed it when I overhauled it. I had a bear engine and a bushel basket full of parts left over. I put a weber carb on it and a set of headers and a mid range cam that did the trick made it a real 4x4 they are a little under powered but you can cure that. Oh ya the self adjusters fell down into the oil sump and wore a hole in back of the case where the water pump is and thats why the h20 dumped into the case.

Bearbeater

Flinch, I have owned several Toyotas the most recent one a 4runner with the 22re power, the running gear went nearly 300,000 miles but the interior and body were left in the rust.which is really to be expected out here on the coast. However as far as milage goes my 3/4 ton Ford 7.3 Diesel would equal the fuel milage of the Toyota all day any day. And the ford is a lot more comfortable on the freeway. The Toyota is a far superior off road rig in the rough countery than the big Ford. But that little Toyota motor will never have the touque of the Ford or will it ever have that v-8 sound of my diesel runing glass packs. i currently have an Isuzu trooper the most under rated 4x4 around. The Isuzu is a neat package when set up for off road and it tows well behind my Ford. All speed equipment for the Isuzu I have had to make the little buggers climbs like a goat but desperatly needs posi. If the rig was equiped with posi front and rear Toyota would have some competition.

Bullwnkl.

Bullwnkl,

Don't feel bad, your not the only one to notice a rusted out Toyotya. I've got an'85 4Runner that has rusted beyond rehab. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I've still got got it, but I recently bought a '81 Chevy 3/4 ton chevy with a 350 which is so much easier to fix!

I'm going to sell the Toyota for the price of a Garmin 182 GPS unit and call it good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

my underpowered 87 4-runner is on its 2nd transmission and timing chain.it's got 317,000 and it still starts and goes wherever i want it to.the only problem with toyota is the dealers,(all dealerships suck).still,they make good stuff.

Doesn't Big Stick have one of these on his saw? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well...sumptin' like that................(grin)

"and a bushel basket full of parts left over"

Man! I hate it when that happens! heh heh

I had a 81 Toyota 5 speed. I musta had a lemon. Front oil seal replaced 3 times. Transmission bearings went out 2 times none of this was on the warranty. Repair costs were
high. And all of this before 85K? Have had 2 Fords since with the 300 six with minumal problems.

I owned an 85/22R/5sp/SB for 17yrs. What a rough riding SOB! Mostly due to the leaf spring suspension. But she was a tough truck, racked up over 250,000 miles. Went thru a head gasket, a few fuel pumps, 1 front seal, alternator, belts, igniter, a couple headlamps and a few other parts.







I now own a 02 Tacoma Ext cab w/V6, what a difference!





MtnHtr

Back in 1986 I had a Toyota Diesel pick up. Incredible gas mileage, zero pick up on the highway, and very reliable. Why can't you buy a diesel toyota today? I would buy another without hesitation.

I have been thinking of getting a Toyota for quite a while now, but I have a full size single cab GMC with the Vortec 350 now. I pull a 16ft flatbed that is loaded with wood sometimes, and was wondering if you guy thought that the V6 would do that very well. I like the 4X4 double cab, because the wife and I will have kids in the near future and I drive 175 miles a day to work. Do they have the double cab with the long bed? Thanks. OKH

Have had a 1980 4x4 and a Tercel 1982. Both bought new.
Drove the truck until 1997 and the Tercel until 1998.
Upgraded now to a Tundra and Corolla.
Toyota has set a benchmark in the automobile sector as how to cars can and should be made.

I have an 87 yoyota x-tra cab with a22r in it. I bought it used at the dealership in 89 and have had excellent service out of it. it is a 4 wheel drive and white. never buy a white car in Ga. the red clay plays hell with it. It still goes anywhere I want to go I guess its low mileage for the year it is , only 176,000 miles but still going strong.

I had an 89 Toyota with the six banger. I busted up my driveway with a jackhammer and hauled it out to the gun club because they needed the fill. I filled that Toyota to the top of the bed with busted up concrete and hauled it 72 miles. I wish I had a picture of it. I don't think the front tires got much wear on them that day! I sold it after the body looked like a cheese grater but the motor still ran good with 178,000 miles on it.

Them big trucks have no place in the mud. Especially the diesels. I have an 86 4 runner. 240000+ on it and still going. Fixin to do a little work to her but it wont cost much. Synchronizer gone out in the tranny but that was because some dummy was shifting without the clutch. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> But it will go. A friend had an 84 diesel and I cant tell you how many of those big 4x4's we had to pull out. Thought they could go where we did. The big diesel 4x4's may be at home on a slick cement boat ramp but dont even think about playing follow the leader with a 4x4 toyota. Cause you gonna lose.

i am in the process of a 94 xcab 4X4 engine swap right now. will be a 4.3 vortec/auto. using the entire chevy drivetrain. the original 22re motor only had 65k on it and i sold it for more than it cost me for the new drivetrain i bought.
think that might say something for the 22re. i have/had twenty plus in all states of dissrepair. if you have a good battery in hand, 99% chance it will start in the first 5 seconds. i dont care if the thing has been sittin' for 3 days or 2 years. i would love a v8 version of this motor! oh yeah, that is called a 350 chevy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
woofer

Had a 89 4x4 4cl 5 speed -- went EVERYWHERE I wanted to. I only got stuck once and the mirrors were burried in snow - Toys sit kind of high so you know how deep that ditch was (looked like 1 foot max!!)

Would buy one again.

That being said I had a tercel with more problems than I can count. I put a full set of seals in it 4 times (dealership) over a period of 60k miles. Eventually the motor went and I could wggle the piston in the cylinder.

I put a junkyard motor in it in 2 days with a 13 pcs socket set and some screw drivers- rented the engine hoist.
Made the mistake of removing it w/out the tranny- wouldn't go in so I run down to the dealership they freak and offer me a job!

Well that motor lasted bout as long as basic and 2 months had the wife sell it and bought a ford. Been excellent. Now as I need a truck/second vehicle I am looking at a Toyota truck and reccomend them to others

Andrew

I run a '97 2wd 4 banger xtra cab as my farm truck (yes, in Idaho at 5,000 ft: that's what rear locking differentials are for). It does everything from hauling 1800 lb loads of feed, to a 400 gallon fingerling tank, to loads of rocks, to running me back and forth on the freeway (and lots of hunting). Had to replace the rear break pads at 148,000 miles. Last month, I had to replace the battery at 173,000 miles. Huge maintenance bill, for sure.

The last two tanks of gas were 27.0 and 27.4 mpg. I pulled the dipstick last night, and using the Quakerstate 4x4 oil, it is still above "full" after 3,000 miles since the last oil change. Running this thing is killing me..... LOL. When I am done with it, I figure it will have cost me exactly 0.05 c/mile in depreciation, and a little less than a penny for maintenance.

Unless they start importing the diesel! Dutch.

Glad to see so many satisfied Toyota fans out there! I am on my 5th Toyota truck. It is a 98 Tacoma extended cab 4x4. Has 70k on it and still looks great. Performance however is pretty dismal. It has the V6 in it which is pretty much a dog when going over passes or any type of steep grade for that matter. I've kept up on regular maintenance. Recently had the valves timed, spent $140 at the dealership for some type of high performance fuel injector cleaning, changed all the filters, etc. The thing is still gutless on the highway. Maybe I just got a lemon, but have a question for all you truck guys. Since I need new tires, would going down a size or two in tires give me better performance on the highway? My current tire size is 31x10.50R15. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance!
Levi

Levi, I am shocked at your lack of performance in the mountains. My 2000 with the V6 eats them up. I run the same sized tires you do also. Is this towing or just driving? I tow a 5x10 trailer with my ATV and gear on it without too much problem. tom

Pumpgun, thats running dry! I don't expect any type of sports car experience from a sixbanger in a truck, but would at least like to go at or near the speed limit over the mountain passes(75mph). Really makes me mad when I am bogged down going 60 over a pass and an older(80 somethings model) Ford Ranger or Chevrolet S10 screams by me!

Was there a big change between the 98 and the 2000 V-6? I do the screaming past the fords and chevys lol. What altitude are you driving in the passes? I am running up to 10-11,000 with no problems. tom

Tom your killing me! I've heard similar reports from other Tacoma owners as well. I don't believe there is any horsepower difference between the 98 and 00 model. Both are 190 HP I believe??? The passes I run over quite a bit are around 7-8k. Best quit knocking her too much as she has been very reliable though!

Levi,
Do you have a std or an auto? I have the TRD package with an auto tranny.
I also have a button to cut the O/D and a ECT (electronically controlled transmission) button that allows the gears to wind out further while climbing. They make a big difference in the mountains. tom

I remember back in 1980, when the Toy 4 x 4 4WD truck was the apple of my desire. It still is, if you rule out classy Jeeps and the occasional refurbed Bronco. Was in Moscow, Idaho at the University. My girlfriend and I walked to the Toyota dealership after our weekly pizza outing and oogled the vehicles. I looked at the sticker and said aloud "Ten thousand dollars for a pickup truck! They must think we're crazy."

I stand corrected.

I've always been and still am a Toyota fan. I am in the market for a new 4x4 with a baby on the way. My daily driver is a 98 Tacoma x-cab. Going to need the 4 door action soon!
Anyhow, went last weekend to help a buddy on a construction job. He had a T-100 with the 3.4 liter V-6 that we traveled in, and I drove back home. It was underpowered for me, but it had 350,000 miles with no oil burning, and I couldn't believe how tight the suspension was still. It just kept my feeling for these trucks running strong than ever.
Now the question is: the new CrewCab Tacoma will fit a baby seat easily, Will the Tundra?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Tom, I have the auto transmission as well as the TRD option. I am thinking about dropping the tire size down to the 235R15s. Hoping that gives me some power I am looking for. In theory I would be pushing 2" less rubber per tire in terms of width. Unfortunately, I loose an inch of ground clearance in doing this.

Frontstuffer wrote:
[quote]...you think your going broke with the f250 wait until you have to buy a cylinder head or a clutch for that yota. Thats not the force your feeling looke.
___________________________________________________

Our '87 4 Rnr died recently. I'm thinking it is the head/head gasket. The head was machined once before about 8 years ago, so I think that's what puked <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Is it going to be cheaper/easier/better to get a used engine than to replace the head? It ran great until it no longer ran!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks,

--Mike