Want a Toyota Trail Truck That's Also a Daily Driver? Check Out Jr Mint

Harry Wagner’s 1987 Toyota pickup, nicknamed “Jr Mint,” represents everything that’s right about building a capable trail rig that doesn’t sacrifice daily drivability. This turbo Yota has a few details about it that are a little “old school” compared to how most Toys are built nowadays.

Under the hood sits a factory turbo 22RE - one of the rare gems from Toyota’s 1986-1987 production run. These turbo trucks were Toyota’s answer to Nissan’s V6 engine, and they came with some serious upgrades from the factory. The turbo models got stronger R-series transmissions, beefier third members, and 23-spline transfer cases instead of the weaker 21-spline units found in naturally aspirated trucks.

Wagner’s engine isn’t stock, though. After a head gasket failure early in his ownership, he took the opportunity to build it properly with forged pistons, head work, a bigger turbo, and larger injectors. The real breakthrough came when he ditched the various fuel management systems he’d tried and went with a MegaSquirt standalone setup. Now the truck makes 165 horsepower and over 250 foot-pounds of torque to the wheels - more than double what a stock 22RE produces.

The drivetrain upgrades are where this truck really shines. Wagner installed dual transfer cases with 23-spline CV drivelines, a Dana 44 front axle, and an 8-inch rear with a Detroit locker and 5.29 gears. This setup gives him the low-range gearing needed for technical crawling while keeping the truck streetable. The LC Engineering flywheel was a game-changer, providing the momentum needed to keep the truck moving when it drops out of boost on the trail.

What really sets Jr Mint apart is the attention to livability details. Wagner converted the regular cab to an extended cab configuration, then maximized the shortened bed space with custom organization. A Synergy Manufacturing Baja basket holds Pelican cases and a Yeti cooler, while underneath storage handles camping gear. The passenger side features a custom box that houses a Power Tank and tools, maintaining the Forest Service aesthetic while adding functionality.

The interior work is equally impressive. Instead of a bolt-together cage kit that eats up interior space, Wagner had Offered Solutions build a custom cage that threads through the dash without interfering with the vents. Both seats recline, and there’s storage behind them for camera gear and other essentials. The stereo system uses your phone as the head unit, with a subwoofer and amp tucked neatly behind the seats.

These details matter when you’re spending long weekends on the trail. Wagner regularly wheels the Rubicon, Dusy-Ershim, and Fordyce, then airs up and drives home to Reno in comfort. The Deaver springs help with the road manners, and the truck has no problem keeping up with traffic or pulling the hard grades around Tahoe.

The truck proves that you don’t need the latest and greatest to build something special. Before LS swaps and Longfield, Wagner created a truck that still holds its own against modern builds. The factory turbo 22RE might not make huge power numbers, but it’s reliable, and the torque curve works perfectly for both highway driving and technical crawling.

Jr Mint represents the best of Toyota truck culture - thoughtful modification, attention to detail, and a focus on usability over flashiness. It’s the kind of truck that makes you want to load up the camping gear and head for the mountains, knowing you’ll have a blast on the trail and a comfortable ride home.

You can follow Harry Wagner on Instagram @harrysituations if you’re interested in the truck or want to see more of his wheeling adventures. The video walkthrough comes from DeskToGlory. Check them out on Instagram @desktoglory or their website at www.desktoglory.com.