I like the 3vzfe in my 89. If you get one, make sure that it is model year 1992 and up so that you can get the headgasket recall done for free! Better yet, buy one that has already had this done.
Yeah, the 3.0 is not as powerful as the 3.4, 4.0, 4.3 ....., but it has proven to be reliable (besides headgasket) and has more torque than the 22r. I can stay in 5th gear on hills with 35" tires.
Just my .02, Good luck.