It depends on how competent you are building an engine. The 22R obviously has more diplacement and better parts availability (at least here it does).
For a truck, I would say build yourself a late style 22R (1985-1995) with a lumpy cam and 2.5" exhaust. The stock carb works quite well if it's tuned properly. Any Toyota "R" series engine will bolt to your transmission.

 

i cant seem to find any parts for the 18r. looks like i am going to do a 22r.

 

They all swap for the most part.


Screw those old nasty things. Go buy an RZ if you want an i4 toyota truck. r's are wastes of money unless you're looking at restorations.

 

i have a 2rz in my 98 tacoma and i love it. i just dont know how much more it would cost to build one than a 22r. i dont wanna deal with a whole bunch of computer and wiring stuff either...

 

could i build non computer contoled carbed 2rz?