Tacoma, Toyo pickup, or Hardbody?, Need help deciding. Options

[FallenHero]

Hi all, i doubt most of you remember me. I posted on this board many many years ago. I came back seeking advice from a board I respected years ago (and still had a membership with)

I am about to buy an older truck to drive around in, occasionally carry small objects, and overall have fun with. I would Love your input as to what I should get.

First, I have about $8000 to blow on a truck. I'd prefer not to spend it all, but that is what I can do if needed.

My thoughts: early 90's toyota pickup with a 22re engine, a 95-97 tacoma with an RZ engine (i do not prefer the later tacoma body styling), or a mid 90's nissan Hardbody with a KA engine. The truck must be a 5 speed, and I think I will go for a single cab, as I think they look better on these early trucks.


Ideally, I would put some 17-18" rims on it, keep it stock 2wd ride height, and eventually turbocharge it to get somewhere in the neighborhood of 200-220whp. Also, the truck would eventually be painted flat black. I am pretty handy on engine work, and my good friend is the head painter at a local car dealer (in other words, he is my paint guy.) He told me we could have the truck painted for under $500, so that will not be much of an expense.

Here is another kicker, I have a set of 17" black rims, but they are 5 lug (Hardbody is 6 lug). So that makes me look a bit toward the Toyota side.

Thanks, and let me know how you feel. Just pulled 3 random images off google.

Hero


Edit: I think my power goals are more easily attained by the tacoma, though parts are easier and cheaper to find for the Hardbody.

early toyota


Tacoma


Hardbody


This post has been edited by FallenHero: Sep 18, 2011 - 1:32 AM

[97lestyousay]

nice choice, I want those rims for my 78. lol the only advise I have is be careful buying parts, the 22r block was changed in 1985. Very little pre 85 stuff will interchange. ie 20r head only works on the pre 85 22r. The 22rte manifold is more common than you might think, it is available on some forums and occasionally craigslist. Yotatech had one a few months back.