Looking at an '88 4Runner

[Jokeplayer]

So I posted on craigslist and low and behold someone responded saying they wanted to sell an '88 4Runner with 270,000 miles..... Engine needs to be rebuilt but the body is gorgeous. What should I look for on this truck? It's a 22R maybe 22RE with a 5 speed. It's got manual locking hubs in the front. Are there gears in the diffs that would be better or worse than others out there? T-Cases that are better or worse? What numbers should I be trying to find while I'm checking out this truck? He's selling it for $800, so either way I'll probably get it.

I really, really want a truck - but I’d like to build a solid off-road performer. I want a early 4Runner because of it's dual purpose design. I can pop the rear off and have it act like a truck, but it also has a cover and an extra row of seats.

[toyotology]

88 4runner most likely only came in 4.10 gears in it's diff's. It would be hard to find one that had a towing package with 4.56's. It is a 22RE... all 4runners were fuel injected and theyonly came in one style of transfer case with the 5 speed. The 88 4runner does have a removable hardtop.

[Jokeplayer]

Thanks. I actually just picked it up saturday. Drove it home, parked it, did some compression tests.

More info and Pictures here:
http://www.SouthCheeze.com/4Runner/