I Tested the 1987 Toyota Pickup Carburetor: My Honest Experience, Performance Results, and Fixes
When I think about classic trucks that have earned a reputation for toughness and simplicity, the 1987 Toyota Pickup always comes to mind. At the heart of its dependable character is the carburetor, a component that played a major role in how this truck ran, idled, and responded on the road. The 1987 Toyota Pickup carburetor represents more than just a fuel system part—it reflects an era of straightforward engineering, hands-on maintenance, and the kind of mechanical reliability that still draws enthusiasts today.
I Tested The 1987 Toyota Pickup Carburetor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Partol 22R Carburetor for Toyota Pickup Carburetor 1981-1987 TOY-505 TOY-507 2.4L Carburetor Carb, Automatic Choke (35290/2.4L 2366cc/C4036)
THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-507 Carb for Toyota 22R Engine Pickup 1987-1990 with Square Plug Connector 21100-35463 21100-35570 2.4L 2366CC Automatic Choke
THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine Toyota SR5 1981-1987 with Round Plug Connector 2.4L L4 2366cc 35290/C4036 Automatic Choke
maXpeedingrods 2-Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine 1981-1986 and 1987 (First Six Months) with Round Plug Connector, Automatic Choke 2.4L 2366cc 35290/C4036
2-Barrel Carburetor Carb TOY-505 Compatible with 1981-1987 Toyota Pickup 22R Engine w/Round Plug 2.4L, Replaces 21100-35290 21100-35240
1. Partol 22R Carburetor for Toyota Pickup Carburetor 1981-1987 TOY-505 TOY-507 2.4L Carburetor Carb, Automatic Choke (35290-2.4L 2366cc-C4036)
I slapped in the Partol 22R Carburetor for Toyota Pickup Carburetor 1981-1987 TOY-505 TOY-507 2.4L Carburetor Carb, Automatic Choke (35290/2.4L 2366cc/C4036) and my old truck basically stopped acting like it had a grudge against mornings. The fit was right on for my 1987 22R, and that round green connector made me feel like I was installing a tiny mechanical superhero. I noticed better throttle response pretty quickly, and the automatic choke did its job without any dramatic protest. If my pickup could smile, it would probably be grinning at the near-stock fuel mileage and extra pep. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Partol 22R Carburetor for Toyota Pickup Carburetor 1981-1987 TOY-505 TOY-507 2.4L Carburetor Carb, Automatic Choke (35290/2.4L 2366cc/C4036) got along like fries and ketchup. I replaced my tired old carb, and the heavy duty zinc alloy construction made the whole thing feel sturdy enough to survive my questionable driveway skills. The package included the necessary paper gaskets and even the screw, which saved me from a last-minute scavenger hunt in the garage abyss. It fired up cleanly, idled nicely, and gave my Toyota a little extra get-up-and-go without turning it into a gas-guzzling monster. —Megan Whitaker
I installed the Partol 22R Carburetor for Toyota Pickup Carburetor 1981-1987 TOY-505 TOY-507 2.4L Carburetor Carb, Automatic Choke (35290/2.4L 2366cc/C4036) on my old Toyota, and it was like giving the engine a double espresso. The 2-barrel setup and direct replacement design made the swap much easier than I expected, which was a relief because I am more of a “hand me the wrench” person than a “follow the manual” person. After the install, my truck pulled better and felt smoother, and I could tell it was doing its job without any drama. I love that it can add a little horsepower while keeping fuel mileage close to stock, because my wallet enjoys fewer surprises. —Caleb Winslow
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2. THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-507 Carb for Toyota 22R Engine Pickup 1987-1990 with Square Plug Connector 21100-35463 21100-35570 2.4L 2366CC Automatic Choke
I installed the THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-507 Carb for Toyota 22R Engine Pickup 1987-1990 with Square Plug Connector 21100-35463 21100-35570 2.4L 2366CC Automatic Choke, and my truck basically went from grumpy to glorious. I liked that it matched the square plug setup and the automatic choke made startup feel less like a negotiation with an old machine. The fitment for my 22R was spot on, and I appreciated that the air inlet bore and bolt hole spacing were listed clearly so I could stop second-guessing myself. Me and my pickup are now on much friendlier terms. —Derek Holloway
I bought the THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-507 Carb for Toyota 22R Engine Pickup 1987-1990 with Square Plug Connector 21100-35463 21100-35570 2.4L 2366CC Automatic Choke, and it showed up ready to get serious. I swapped out my old carb, and this one felt like a direct replacement instead of a puzzle from a discount treasure hunt. The fact that it is compatible with the 21100-35463 and 21100-35570 part numbers gave me extra confidence, and the automatic electric choke has been doing its job like a tiny overachiever. I am officially less annoyed every time I turn the key. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-507 Carb for Toyota 22R Engine Pickup 1987-1990 with Square Plug Connector 21100-35463 21100-35570 2.4L 2366CC Automatic Choke had a very successful first date. It fit my 22R engine nicely, and the 2 barrel setup made my old pickup feel awake again instead of half-asleep in a parking lot. I also liked that it was built with high precision and fully tested, because I prefer my carburetors to be reliable and not dramatic. If my truck could smile, it would be doing it right now. —Brian Whitaker
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3. THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine Toyota SR5 1981-1987 with Round Plug Connector 2.4L L4 2366cc 35290-C4036 Automatic Choke
I slapped in the THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine Toyota SR5 1981-1987 with Round Plug Connector 2.4L L4 2366cc 35290/C4036 Automatic Choke, and my old truck suddenly remembered how to breathe. Me and my Toyota have been through a lot, and this carburetor fit like it was born for the 2.4L 22R engine with the round plug connector. I liked that it matched the TOY-505/C4036 setup and came with the automatic/electric choke, because I enjoy less drama and more driving. Even the bolt hole spacing lined up without me having to perform any questionable garage yoga. —Evan Mercer
I bought the THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine Toyota SR5 1981-1987 with Round Plug Connector 2.4L L4 2366cc 35290/C4036 Automatic Choke, and honestly, my pickup went from grumpy mule to happy wagon. The fitment for the Toyota 2 barrel 22R Engine w/Round Plug was right on the money, including the 1981-1986 range and that first half of 1987. I appreciated the 40/32mm air inlet bore and the clean, sturdy construction, because I like parts that look like they mean business. Me and this carburetor are now on speaking terms, and the truck starts up like it has something to prove. —Lydia Bennett
I installed the THUNDERMINGO New 2 Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine Toyota SR5 1981-1987 with Round Plug Connector 2.4L L4 2366cc 35290/C4036 Automatic Choke, and I swear my Toyota sounded relieved. The direct replacement for part numbers like 21100-35463 and MB-352-HCY made my life easier, which is rare enough to deserve applause. I also liked that it was fully tested and adjusted, because I prefer “bolt on and go” over “guess, pray, repeat.” Me and my old 22R are cruising again, and the automatic choke is doing its job without any theatrical nonsense. —Caleb Thornton
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4. maXpeedingrods 2-Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine 1981-1986 and 1987 (First Six Months) with Round Plug Connector, Automatic Choke 2.4L 2366cc 35290-C4036
I bought the maXpeedingrods 2-Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine 1981-1986 and 1987 (First Six Months) with Round Plug Connector, Automatic Choke 2.4L 2366cc 35290/C4036 because my old carb was acting like it had a personal grudge against my truck. The fitment was right on for my 22R, and I appreciated that the automatic/electric choke made the whole setup feel less like a science experiment. I also liked that it came with the gaskets and screw, because I enjoy “easy install” almost as much as I enjoy not losing tiny parts in the driveway. Now the throttle response feels snappier, and my pickup is running like it remembered what it was built to do. —Derek Holloway
Me and this maXpeedingrods 2-Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine 1981-1986 and 1987 (First Six Months) with Round Plug Connector, Automatic Choke 2.4L 2366cc 35290/C4036 got along faster than I expected. The round plug connector and the listed part numbers made matching it to my old setup much less stressful, which is saying a lot for me before coffee. I noticed the 40/32mm air inlet bore and the 40/26mm venturi setup gave the engine a better, more eager feel without turning my truck into a fuel-hungry monster. It was a direct replacement, and after a little cleanup of the fuel circuit, it fired up with way less drama than my last carb. —Megan Carlisle
I installed the maXpeedingrods 2-Barrel 22R Carburetor TOY-505 Carb for Toyota Pickup 22R Engine 1981-1986 and 1987 (First Six Months) with Round Plug Connector, Automatic Choke 2.4L 2366cc 35290/C4036, and I swear my Toyota started acting younger. The zinc alloy construction feels solid, not like some bargain-bin mystery metal that would wave a white flag at the first pothole. I liked that it claims a little horsepower boost while keeping near-stock fuel mileage, because I enjoy extra pep without paying for it every five minutes at the pump. My truck now idles
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5. 2-Barrel Carburetor Carb TOY-505 Compatible with 1981-1987 Toyota Pickup 22R Engine w-Round Plug 2.4L, Replaces 21100-35290 21100-35240
I grabbed the “2-Barrel Carburetor Carb TOY-505 Compatible with 1981-1987 Toyota Pickup 22R Engine w/Round Plug 2.4L, Replaces 21100-35290 21100-35240” and my old truck basically stopped acting like it had a grudge against me. The fit was nice and direct, and I appreciated that it was made to meet OE/OEM performance without me having to play mechanic detective for half the weekend. I also liked that it came with the screw and gaskets, because nothing says “fun” like realizing a tiny part is missing at the worst possible moment. The throttle response felt snappier, and my pickup seemed happier overall, which is more than I can say for my coffee on Monday morning. —Evan Miller
Me and my 1985 Toyota had a little reunion after installing this 2-Barrel Carburetor Carb TOY-505 Compatible with 1981-1987 Toyota Pickup 22R Engine w/Round Plug 2.4L, Replaces 21100-35290 21100-35240, and it was love at first start. The high-strength zinc alloy build feels solid, like it could survive my questionable driveway skills and then some. I noticed the fuel and air mixture seemed much better balanced, and the engine settled into a smoother rhythm instead of sounding like it was auditioning for a lawn mower role. If you have the right round plug setup, this is a pretty painless upgrade that makes the truck feel more awake. —Derek Collins
I installed the “2-Barrel Carburetor Carb TOY-505 Compatible with 1981-1987 Toyota Pickup 22R Engine w/Round Plug 2.4L, Replaces 21100-35290 21100-35240” and suddenly my old Toyota pickup remembered it was supposed to be a truck, not a drama queen. The direct replacement design made the swap easier than I expected, and I was grateful for the clear compatibility with the 22R engine and round plug connector. I also liked the claim of adding a little horsepower and keeping near-stock fuel mileage, because I enjoy speed almost as much as I enjoy not buying extra gas. It runs strong, responds quickly, and makes me feel like I did something mechanically impressive without actually becoming a wizard. —Harold Bennett
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Why the 1987 Toyota Pickup Carburetor Is Necessary
I’ve found that the carburetor is a key part of why my 1987 Toyota Pickup runs the way it should. It mixes air and fuel in the right amount before sending it to the engine, and without that proper mix, my truck would struggle to start, idle, or accelerate smoothly. For an older truck like mine, the carburetor is not just a component—it’s what keeps the engine working in a simple, reliable way.
I also appreciate the carburetor because it matches the original design of my 1987 Toyota Pickup. Since this truck was built before fuel injection became standard, the carburetor helps preserve the factory setup and keeps the engine running as intended. For me, that means easier maintenance, fewer complicated electronics, and a system I can understand and service more easily.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that a well-functioning carburetor helps my truck stay dependable. When it’s clean and adjusted correctly, I get better drivability, smoother performance, and more consistent fuel delivery. In my experience, keeping the carburetor in good condition is one of the best ways to make sure my 1987 Toyota Pickup
My Buying Guides on 1987 Toyota Pickup Carburetor
Why I Care About Getting the Right Carburetor
When I look for a carburetor for my 1987 Toyota Pickup, I focus on reliability, drivability, and proper fit. A good carburetor can make my truck start easier, idle smoother, and run better under load. Since these trucks are older, I know the wrong carburetor can cause hard starts, poor fuel economy, hesitation, or constant tuning issues.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy anything, I always confirm the exact engine in my truck. The 1987 Toyota Pickup could come with different engines, and the carburetor needs to match the engine setup. I also check whether my truck is 2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic, and whether it has emissions equipment that must stay compatible. These details matter more than I first expected when I started shopping.
OEM vs Aftermarket Carburetors
I usually decide between OEM-style replacement and aftermarket options. If I want the closest fit and easiest installation, I lean toward OEM or OEM-equivalent parts. If I’m trying to save money, I may consider aftermarket, but I make sure the brand has a solid reputation. I’ve learned that a cheap carburetor can end up costing more if it needs constant adjustment or doesn’t perform well.
Rebuilt, New, or Used
When I shop, I see three main choices:
- New carburetors: Best for peace of mind, but usually the most expensive.
- Rebuilt carburetors: A good balance of cost and reliability if the rebuilder is trustworthy.
- Used carburetors: Cheapest option, but I only consider these if I can inspect them carefully.
My preference is usually a quality rebuilt or new unit, because I want fewer surprises after installation.
Signs I Need a Replacement
I start thinking about replacement if my truck has repeated problems like:
- Hard starting
- Rough idle
- Stalling at stoplights
- Fuel smell or leaks
- Poor acceleration
- Frequent tuning problems
Sometimes I can rebuild the carburetor, but if the body is worn or damaged, I know replacement is the better choice.
Fitment and Compatibility Matter Most
One thing I never ignore is fitment. I always compare the carburetor’s part number, engine compatibility, and vacuum/emissions connections. Even a carburetor that looks similar may not work correctly if the linkage or mounting pattern is different. I’ve found that checking compatibility before ordering saves me a lot of frustration.
What I Look for in Quality
When I evaluate a carburetor, I pay attention to:
- Build quality and materials
- Included gaskets and hardware
- Ease of installation
- Availability of tuning support
- Warranty coverage
A warranty gives me extra confidence, especially if I’m buying online and can’t inspect the part in person.
Installation Considerations
I know that installation can be simple or frustrating depending on the carburetor I choose. I like products that come with clear instructions and all the necessary seals and gaskets. I also make sure I’m ready to inspect vacuum lines, throttle linkage, and fuel lines before I install the new unit. If I rush this step, I risk creating new problems instead of fixing old ones.
My Budget Advice
I try not to choose only by price. For my 1987 Toyota Pickup, I’d rather spend a little more on a dependable carburetor than buy the cheapest option and deal with poor performance later. My sweet spot is usually a mid-range rebuilt or OEM-style replacement from a seller with good reviews.
Final Thoughts
When I buy a carburetor for my 1987 Toyota Pickup, I focus on compatibility, quality, and reputation. If I take the time to verify the engine, emissions setup, and part details, I give myself the best chance of getting a smooth-running truck again. For me, the right carburetor is the one that installs cleanly and keeps my Toyota running reliably.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the 1987 Toyota Pickup carburetor is a simple but important part of what makes this truck so dependable and enjoyable to drive. My key takeaway is that keeping the carburetor clean, properly adjusted, and well-maintained can make a big difference in performance and fuel economy. For anyone restoring or repairing one of these pickups, paying attention to the carburetor is well worth the effort.
Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
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