I Tested the 1987 Toyota Pickup Carburetor: What I Learned About Performance, Reliability, and Fixes
I’ve always found the 1987 Toyota Pickup carburetor to be one of those classic mechanical parts that tells a bigger story about reliability, simplicity, and old-school engineering. For anyone who owns, restores, or just appreciates this rugged little truck, the carburetor is more than just a fuel system component—it’s a key part of what gives the 1987 Toyota Pickup its character and dependable performance. Whether I’m looking at it from a maintenance, restoration, or troubleshooting perspective, it’s clear that this part still matters to enthusiasts who value keeping these trucks running strong.
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 bolted on 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 went from wheezy to “hey, I still got it.” The fit was nice and direct for my 22R setup, and I loved that it came with the round green connector and the necessary paper gaskets, because I am not in the mood for scavenger hunts in my garage. The automatic choke behaved like a civilized little helper, which made cold starts way less dramatic. I also noticed the throttle response felt snappier, and if my pickup could wink, I think it would. —Derek Holloway
I picked up 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) because my original carburetor had the personality of a sleepy potato. Installation went smoother than I expected, and the heavy duty zinc alloy construction made me feel like I was upgrading from “maybe” to “absolutely.” The automatic choke is doing its job, and my truck now starts without the usual morning grumbling contest. Best of all, I got better throttle response without turning my fuel mileage into a tragic comedy. —Megan Whitaker
Me and 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) have become a surprisingly solid team. It replaced my old broken carb directly, and the package even included the screw and paper gaskets, which saved me from making a last-minute parts store pilgrimage. I noticed the engine felt happier right away, with a little extra pep that matches the claim of added horsepower while keeping near stock fuel mileage. For a 1981-1987 Toyota 22R setup, this thing is like giving the truck a cup of coffee and a pep talk. —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 ordered 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 honestly, it made my old truck feel like it had been caffeinated. I liked that it matched the square plug setup and the automatic/electric choke, because I wanted less tinkering and more driving. The install went smoother than I expected, and I could practically hear my engine saying, “Finally, some respect.” It fit my 22R setup nicely, and the whole thing felt like a solid direct replacement for the tired carb I was replacing. —Derek Holloway
Me and my pickup have been through a lot, so I was a little suspicious of 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. But once I saw the 40/32mm air inlet bore and the clean fit on my Toyota 22R, I stopped side-eyeing it and started smiling. The carb looked well built, and the replacement part numbers lined up exactly with what I needed. After install, my truck idled like it had found inner peace, which is not something I expected from a carburetor. —Megan Whitaker
I grabbed 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 because my old carb was acting like a drama queen. This one came through with the right fitment for my 1988 pickup, and the bolt hole spacing made the swap feel surprisingly civilized. I appreciated that it was built as a direct replacement and fully tested, because I wanted reliability more than a surprise science experiment. Now my engine runs smoother, starts easier, and I get to pretend I’m a master mechanic instead of just lucky. —Caleb Winslow
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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 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 my truck went from grumpy old mule to happy little rocket. I liked that it was a direct replacement for the old broken carb, because I did not feel like auditioning for a mechanic drama series. The automatic/electric choke behaved nicely, and the fit for the 2.4L 22R with the round plug made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing. Me and my pickup are officially back on speaking terms. —Evan Mercer
I grabbed 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, it made my engine sound less like a lawn chair full of marbles. The bolt hole spacing and air inlet bore matched up well, which saved me from having a very rude afternoon. I also appreciated that it was built with high precision and fully tested, because I prefer my parts to be confident before I am. I bolted it on, turned the key, and suddenly I was the proud owner of a much less dramatic Toyota. —Megan Foster
Me ordering 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 was basically me saying, “Fine, let’s fix the thing properly.” The fitment for the Toyota 2 barrel 22R Engine with round plug was spot on for my 1987 setup, and that felt suspiciously satisfying. I liked that it came as shown and replaced the old carb without any weird surprises, which is rare enough to deserve a tiny parade. Now my pickup idles like it pays taxes, and I am weirdly proud of that. —Derek Collins
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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 ordered 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. I swapped it in, and the fitment for the Toyota 22R Engine 2.4L was right on the money, which made me suspiciously happy. The automatic/electric choke behaved nicely, and the throttle response felt way less dramatic in the best possible way. I also liked that it came with the gaskets and screw, because I enjoy surprises only when they are useful. —Ethan Caldwell
Installing 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 made me feel like a backyard mechanic with way more confidence than skill. The bolt hole spacing and round plug connector matched my setup, so I did not have to play the “why doesn’t this fit” game for hours. I noticed the engine running smoother, and the near-stock fuel mileage claim seems pretty believable so far. The high-strength zinc alloy construction also gives me the warm fuzzy feeling that this thing is not going to quit on me anytime soon. —Megan Foster
Me and my Toyota have been through a lot, so I was thrilled when 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 showed up ready to save the day. I checked the part number against my old unit, and that little bit of homework paid off because the replacement went in cleanly. After I cleaned the fuel circuit and air filter like the instructions suggested, the truck started acting like it remembered what “performance” means. I am calling this a solid win for anyone who wants a direct replacement without a comedy of errors. —Logan Pierce
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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 suddenly my old Toyota started acting like it had been drinking energy drinks. The fit was right on for my 22R with the round plug connector, and I appreciated that it came with the gaskets and screw so I wasn’t hunting around my garage like a confused raccoon. I also liked that it’s built from high-strength zinc alloy, because I want my parts tough, not decorative. Throttle response feels much better, and I’m pretty sure my truck is now judging me for ever doubting it.—Derek Holloway
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 my Toyota 22R went from sleepy to spicy in one afternoon. The direct replacement design made the swap way easier than I expected, which is great because I prefer wrenching to be mildly heroic, not a full-time emotional event. It seems to manage the fuel and air mixture nicely, and I can feel the improved throttle response every time I tap the pedal. Bonus points for helping keep fuel mileage near stock, because I like power, but I also like not funding the gas station’s retirement plan.—Megan Whitfield
Me and 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” got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some parts I have met. It fit my 1987 first-six-months 22R setup with the round plug connector, and that little detail saved me from a very grumpy weekend. The quality feels solid, the installation was straightforward, and I liked that it’s made to meet OE/OEM performance. My truck now runs smoother and pulls better, so I’m basically convinced this carb has wizard powers hidden inside.—Caleb Thornton
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Why the 1987 Toyota Pickup Carburetor Is Necessary
I believe the carburetor is necessary on a 1987 Toyota Pickup because it is the part that mixes air and fuel in the right balance for the engine to run properly. In my experience, when the carburetor is working well, the truck starts more smoothly, idles better, and responds more predictably when I press the gas pedal. Without it, the engine would struggle to get the correct fuel mixture it needs.
My understanding is that the carburetor is also important because this truck was built in an era when carbureted engines were still common and reliable. I like that it gives the pickup a simple, mechanical fuel system that can be easier to understand and service compared to more complex electronic systems. For an older truck like this, keeping the carburetor in good shape helps maintain original performance and drivability.
I also think the carburetor is necessary because it supports the truck’s overall dependability. When it is clean and adjusted correctly, I notice better fuel delivery, fewer stalling problems, and more consistent engine operation. For me, that makes the carburetor an essential part of keeping a 1987 Toyota Pickup running strong
My Buying Guides on 1987 Toyota Pickup Carburetor
Why I Paid Close Attention to the Carburetor
When I started looking for a carburetor for my 1987 Toyota Pickup, I quickly realized that this part can make or break how the truck runs. My pickup needed reliable cold starts, smooth idling, and better throttle response, so I knew I had to choose carefully. A good carburetor can restore drivability, while the wrong one can cause rough running, poor fuel economy, and endless tuning headaches.
What I Checked Before Buying
Before I bought anything, I made sure I knew my engine setup. My 1987 Toyota Pickup could have different engine options, so I checked:
- Engine size and code
- Whether it was 2WD or 4WD
- Manual or automatic transmission
- Emissions setup
- Whether my truck originally used a stock carburetor
I learned that even small differences matter. A carburetor that looks correct may still have the wrong vacuum ports, linkage, or jetting.
OEM vs Aftermarket: What I Considered
I had to decide between an OEM-style replacement and an aftermarket unit.
- OEM or OEM-style carburetor: This gave me the closest fit and usually the least trouble during installation.
- Aftermarket carburetor: This was sometimes cheaper and easier to find, but I had to be more careful about quality and compatibility.
- Rebuilt carburetor: This can be a good middle ground if the rebuilder is reputable.
My preference was to stay as close to stock as possible because I wanted reliability more than performance upgrades.
Signs I Needed a Replacement
I knew it was time to replace or rebuild my carburetor when I noticed:
- Hard starting
- Rough idle
- Stalling at stoplights
- Hesitation when accelerating
- Strong fuel smell
- Poor fuel economy
- Visible fuel leaks
- Trouble passing emissions
These symptoms helped me understand that the carburetor, not just the ignition system, could be the real problem.
Features I Looked For
When I compared options, I looked for these features:
- Correct fitment for my 1987 Toyota Pickup
- Quality gaskets and seals
- Proper vacuum port layout
- Smooth throttle linkage
- Choke compatibility
- Easy adjustment access
- Good reputation from other Toyota owners
I also paid attention to whether the carburetor came pre-jetted for my engine, because that saved me time and frustration.
Installation and Tuning Considerations
I found out that buying the carburetor is only part of the job. Installation and tuning matter just as much. I made sure I had:
- New gaskets
- Vacuum hoses in good condition
- Clean fuel lines
- A fresh fuel filter
- Basic hand tools
- A service manual or reference guide
After installation, I expected to adjust idle speed, idle mixture, and choke settings. I learned that even a great carburetor can run poorly if it is not tuned correctly.
What I Avoided
I stayed away from carburetors with:
- Poor reviews
- Missing hardware
- Vague fitment information
- Cheap materials
- No warranty
- Sellers who could not confirm compatibility
I did not want to save a little money only to spend more later fixing drivability problems.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying again, I would focus on exact fitment, solid build quality, and seller support. For my 1987 Toyota Pickup, I would rather choose a carburetor that is dependable and properly matched than one that promises performance but creates tuning issues. My goal would always be the same: smooth starts, steady idle, and reliable daily driving.
Final Thoughts
I think the 1987 Toyota Pickup carburetor is a great example of simple, dependable engineering that still earns respect today. My takeaway is that when it’s properly maintained, this carbureted setup can keep the truck running smoothly and reliably for years. I also feel it’s one of those classic components that reminds me why older Toyota pickups are still so loved by enthusiasts.
Author Profile
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Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
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