well if your dune riding i dont think a straight axle would be any better than a IFS becuase you dont really need the articulation, and would probly be jumping it i assume, so IFS would be a better ride. Im not a fan of the 3.0 but they make more power and torque than a 22re if its a good motor. if anything i would get something with some power, i dont have dunes around but ive wheeled in the sand and its not easy and wheel speed is your best bet for dune riding so i would try something light with a v8. thats just my opinion on limited knowledge of dune riding

 

I'd say don't worry about going pre-86 for the solid axle becuase of the reasons that joe21 said and because the truck will be much older (less "bullet proof and reliable" unless it's in real good shape). The 22R-E is definitely a tougher motor than the 3VZ-E, but less powerful...:sosad:

 

I agree, from what I've been finding out, the IFS is the way to go for the dunes at least. As for the motor, I have a one friend that has a early model taco and the 4cyl engine (not sure which engine in those) and another friend that has a 07 Taco TRD with the V6. They both seem to be able to go where the other does quite easily. Actually we are always surprise where our friend with the 4cyl can go with his taco, crazy stuff. Since I plan on removing most of the weight with the truck (plastic body panels, etc) I would think the 22RE might be ok out there, at least I know its bullet proof from what I hear. I haven't hear too much about the 3.0L or 3.4L though.

 

well the 3.0 is riddled with issues, headgaskets blowing is one, i have a 4runner with a 3.0, blew a head gasket once, runs like shit, powersteering pump failed on mine and my dads as well, his head gasket is currently on its way out, they seem to be oil leakers, i will say that mine still runs and hasnt really failed me yet knock on wood. im not to familliar with the 3.4 but i heard good things. the 22re has the timing chain issue but can be resolved and then last longer than the truck

 

if your looking for something to use in the sand, i wouldnt get a pickup...the 22re is bulletproof but gutless...pretty much any yota motor is gonna be good to you, except the 3.0 which i havent heard many good things about...id get a taco with a v6, the motors in those are very reliable (friend of mine has over 500,000 miles on his with no problems) and they have quite a bit more power than the 22re

just my .02

 

i've heard good things about the 3.4 and also the 2.7 in the tacomas.
as for a bulletproof engine, can't go wrong with a 22r series as long as you fix the timing chain guides with a metal backed one, as mentioned before.