Guys,

not sure where to post this but I figure here is as good anywhere. I am currently looking at an 88 and an 89 rigs, both 4x4, 5spd, and 22RE. Are there any major differences between these generations?

 

different body style

 

The 84-88 22RE throttle body is different from the 89-97. The tuning is also different as well, other than that, both are good trucks.

 

personally I would go with the 89.

 

Is there any difference in the interior's or 4x4 systems? Thanks for the help.

 

89 is a redesign year so the interior is different. As for the other stuff check here http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html since I'm not a 4wd guy.

 

One difference that comes to mind is that the 1989 - 1995 generation didn't have the body corrosion issues the earlier Toyota pickups had. Rust (especially in the bed area) was a common headache prior to 1989. The later pickups weren't so vulnerable to this.

I'm not sure what made the difference ... Better / thicker metal? Better paint?

It's often claimed the earlier rust problems were related to the trucks being Japan-built and the sea voyage to North America. Both the 1988 and 1989 models were Japan-built.

 

Toyota's shipped from Japan like my 1991, were coated in cosmoline and then a part od the PDI was to remove the cosmoline off of the truck. The rust problem, like the bed was due to a non-sealed seam that would hold mosture and ice and salt that would cause it to rust.

 

In general - I always thought the 1985 - 1988 pickups 'felt' lighter and less 'solidly planted' than the 1989 - 1995 ones. The later ones were definitely more comfortable inside (though the pre-1989 SR5 bucket seats were arguably the best Toyota ever put in a truck).

I suppose if I had to choose I'd prefer the 1988 for a lightweight off-road rig and the 1989 for a daily driver / distance cruiser. Just my .02 ...