Why the Legendary 22R / 22RE Might Be the Best Engine Choice You’ve Never Considered

Thinking about diving into the world of classic Toyota pickups or 4Runners? If you’ve heard the names 22R or 22RE tossed around and wondered what makes these engines so special, you’re in the right place.

This isn’t hype. This is real-world experience from someone who works on these trucks, owns one, and has seen what they go through after decades on the road. My goal is simple: help you feel confident when buying a vehicle equipped with one of these motors.

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Why the 22R / 22RE Is Legendary

• Built to last – These engines are known for surviving abuse, neglect, and high mileage. With proper care, they routinely run hundreds of thousands of miles.

• Simple and honest engineering – The 22R is carbureted and purely mechanical. The 22RE adds electronic fuel injection for smoother, more consistent operation.

• Strong aftermarket and community – These motors have one of the largest and most dedicated Toyota communities in the world, and parts are still widely available.

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The 22R (Carbureted): The Hands-On Classic

Pros

• Extremely simple and purely mechanical

• Easy to understand and diagnose with basic tools

• If you find a base model with no A/C and no power steering, it’s one of the easiest engines to work on

• Tons of space in the engine bay

Quirks (Real Talk)

• Carburetors are a dying art. Many people simply don’t know how to tune or repair them anymore.

• Proper grounding is critical. The carburetor must be well-grounded (often from the passenger-side inner fender to the carb, or directly to the chassis/battery). Poor grounds cause all kinds of weird running issues.

• Vacuum lines matter. If the vacuum system isn’t producing proper "inHg" inches of mercury (calculated with a vacuum gauge) you’ll see rough idle, timing issues, and poor drivability.

• A factory Toyota service manual is gold. If you can find an original Toyota manual on the secondhand market (often around $100), it’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

Performance Potential

The performance potential is much bigger with the 22R platform compared to the 22RE. While both engines can make power, the 22R offers more raw, mechanical power-pushing capability. With upgrades like:

• Mikuni side-draft carburetors

• Weber carburetor conversions

• Additional manifold, ignition, and internal upgrades that are also available for the 22re

…the 22R can be turned into a true mechanical muscle motor. There is a wide range of performance parts available, and this platform responds very well to modification.

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The 22RE (Fuel Injected): The Reliable Upgrade

Pros

• Easier cold starts and more consistent drivability

• Better fuel economy

• Handles elevation and temperature changes better

• Often found in SR5 / higher-trim trucks and DLX, which usually include power steering and A/C I must add here that base models can sometime have one or the other, but thats for a different blog post

Quirks

• Slightly tighter engine bay and more vacuum lines

• Aging wiring harnesses and injector seals are common maintenance items

• Still very reliable, just a bit more complex than a base 22R

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Manual vs. Automatic Transmissions: What to Know Before You Buy

Manual Transmissions

• Common models include:

  • 4-Speed: L45, L43

  • 5-Speed: W55, W56

• Swaps are extremely common. Always check the VIN tag on the firewall to verify the original transmission. 

• Many later 1989–1995 2WD five-speeds get swapped in, and some are electronically driven instead of cable driven, so your speedo will not work.

• Floorboard cutting is often required for these swaps — a big red flag if originality matters to you.

• If you want a truly original truck, pay attention to these details before buying.

Automatic Transmissions

• The most common is the A43D.

• This transmission gets a lot of hate, but in reality, it’s one of the most bulletproof automatics Toyota made.

• The floor-shift automatic was also used in turbo models, along with a column shifters on other trucks

• 1989–1995 automatics use electronic solenoids or vacuum-controlled systems, especially on V6 trucks and 22RE models 

• Not all automatics are interchangeable — many swaps simply won’t work.

• Always verify the VIN and transmission model.

• Use the correct fluid and keep up with maintenance, and this transmission will treat you well.

• It’s a cable-driven system, for the early models, operating off the throttle body/ TPS (on EFI systems), which keeps it simple and reliable.

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Real-World Wisdom: Buying a 22R or RE

When you’re buying a vehicle this old, from 1985 through 1995, you have to be realistic. These trucks have gone through many owners. Many were abused, poorly maintained, or patched together. That’s part of why they’re famous — they survive even when neglected.

But don’t be afraid of age.

A well-maintained high-mileage truck is often a better buy than a low-mileage truck that sat neglected. Parts are still available, and we’re actively working to make even more parts available — cosmetic, interior, exterior, and engine components.

Most importantly, this motor has a huge global community. You’re never alone when owning a 22R or 22RE.

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Personal Opinion: My Honest Recommendation

If I were buying another truck today and had to choose between a 22R and a 22RE, here’s my honest take.

When I bought my truck, it came with fuel injection, and I was brand new to the Toyota world. The 22RE made it very easy for me to adapt and learn. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to tinker constantly and just wants to drive and enjoy the truck, I strongly recommend starting with a 22RE.

It’s very common for people to buy a 22R and eventually want to swap it to a 22RE simply because they don’t understand carburetors. That’s not a bad thing — it’s just reality.

However, if you love tinkering, enjoy mechanical systems, and want the most raw performance potential, the 22R is an incredible platform. You can always convert it to fuel injection later if you want — that’s a whole separate blog post, and yes, it’s completely doable with the right parts and planning.

At the end of the day, neither choice is wrong. It just depends on how hands-on you want to be.

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Have Questions?

If you’re considering buying a truck with a 22R or 22RE and want to talk it through, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to do a consultation call and help you figure out what setup makes the most sense for you.

YodaGang – Saving a Toyota, One Part at a Time.