Need new build ideas and opinions.

[Jason-in -CO.]

ive got an 84 reg cab..a piston came apart in the #3 cylinder. so 3 years ago i pulled the motor intending to gt it all fixed but as things happened I NEVER DID! anyway now i have about $4,000 on hand for a down payment on a new truck or build this 84 thats been sitting..ive built one 85 with a 350/350 and 203 and bought one 90 with a 350/350 and the t-case adapter. both were everything i could ask for. im a mechanic and can do the whole job myself but i just cant decide which way to go. i want a 350 in it but also need some gas mileage as this will be an everyday rig.when i say everyday i live in Lake City colorado poulation 300 town is one mile long so a 350 sitting on 38s wouldnt be bad i dont think. and the 22re that came out can be fixed. but i need to be able to pull the hills here and not have to hit 2 nd gear to do it. what would you do? i could go on for days but its too long already..thanks Jason

[TRunner]

My next build (if i can ever finish my current build and graduate college!) will be more of a baja truck (built from a tacoma), with Highly modified IFS and a TRD supercharged motor. This would be my daily driver, as it would have better than stock street manners, and plenty of power. I think the 3.4 V6 gets around 19-21 mpg (correct me if I'm wrong) with good driving habits and my 22RE is only getting 17-18 now. maybe 22RE kid can shed some light on this side of the toyota world.

[Ric]

Jason,
well since your a mechanic, I say build it yourself, but IMHO I wouldnt put a chevy motor in a yotas, yea I know they bolt right up, but the motor is the HEART of a rig, any rig, and putting a chevy in there, you might as well go and buy a chevy..
If you want to do a swap for more power, why not put a yota 3.4 in it ? I say, keep it all toyota...
what would you do? keep it TOYOTA, lol but thats me :grin:
what ever you do, keep us posted and take plenty of pics.

[yota711]

yea no shit man SQUIRREL POWER ALL THE WAY! haha...if you want more power then get the 3.4...takes some work but least your keppin it yota...or find a 22RTE...the turbo motor...and slap a bigger turbo on that bitch and call it good...then put all the money in the susp...you live in CO so you prolly want a trail rig...so i say build the 84...i had one and had to get rid on it...needed some green...so i never got round to buildin it...but yea that way you gots the SFA and shit...good place to start in my opinion...but yea thats just my 2 cents...but yea if you want an IFS then hit up 22REkid...hes the man for IFS...but yea keep us posted and keep it YOTA....

[ToyRunner1]

I do have to say that my 85 has been the least reliable of any vehicle I've ever owned, but it's also been the most specialized I've ever owned. I like having plenty of power when I want it, but I could do with a lot more mileage. With the small drive you're looking at daily the 350 wouldn't be bad, but I think a 4.3 would be better. More room for cooling, just as many aftermarket accessories that can get you to close HP ranges, and you can get them with either TBI or CPI. They're also lighter. I am very happy with my 700R4 as well. I love having the OD.

A supercharged 3.4 would be nice, but probably close to twice the cost.