Una dear, you know how i like tohotrod a 22R  but with you living in the hi country  you really need efi

i would get a 2.7  

you can get Marlins 3RZ to R151 bellhousing if you want that bulletproof ness,  or  you can get the  2.7 (3RZ) with the w59 bellhousing,  this will bolt the 3RZ taco engine to a W56 transmission (most efi 4runner's will have a w56)