A couple of things: 85-89 are not always injected, but it was an option. For a mild vehicle perhaps the solid axle is not necessary??? As you can imagine an 85 EFI commands a premium.
axles:
-8" ring gears (interchangeable front to rear on solid axle vehicles)
-30 spline rears are great axles. The stock 55"wms will rub with wider tires, so a common swap is an 86 and up rear. 58" wms larger drum brakes, and identical otherwise.
stock front birfields as you probably know are a weak link with larger tires. Unless your larger than 33" tires I would leave them in.
-stock 85 steering is push pull and limits droop. Also pulls during breaking if the torque rod is removed. This is solved by crossover steering. (probably not necessary if you get leave the torque rod and sway bar entact.
engine: (22re)
-as mentioned, timing chain typically about every 100,000 miles. You can hear them slapping the timing cover when they are in bad shape.
-valves can come loose and cause chatter - sounds like a diesel when they are loose. Typically easy to service unless a lobe is worn...
-Anemic - 112hp stock. good torque, not much on the high end. But they can achieve freeway speeds. Typically not worth dumping a lot of money into this engine.
-Starter contacts go out. Cheap fix and very accessible.
-Usually good past 200,000 mi with mediocre maintenance, and more if cared for.
-If its in good condition will be around 20mpg
options:
-SR5 models had a little nicer seats, more gauges (rpm etc.)
-inclinometer on some models
I've really enjoyed mine. Good luck!
