I just picked up an 85 Toyota 4Runner with 22RE. I am going through it little by little fixing and replacing what needs to be done. It doesn't idle smoothly, but that is another topic.

When I turn the headlights on, the idle drops a little and gets a little rougher which would be indicative of a small load from the alternator. Is this normal or is it an indication of the alternator on it's way out?

Seems like I heard somewhere that it could be not getting a good ground. Check the ground cable on the battery.

Will do. Thanks.

How old is the battery?

~Mike

Don't know how old the battery is. It seems to have good power, but I don't know for sure.

Seems like I heard somewhere that it could be not getting a good ground. Check the ground cable on the battery.
My yota had the same problem an it was my ground. I went through and changed or cleaned all my grounds. It made a big difference!