4runner questions

[N-Smooth]

i am looking into runners, probably like a 90-94 but definitely a 85 or newer. i am aware that i won't be getting a solid front axle 85 or newer but i want newer and i can swap it later if need be.

my main question is what problems do i need to look for when looking at them and what does everyone think of high mileage on the 3.0 v6 and the auto trans? i know everyone loves the 22re but it seems like they are all the 3.0 so i need to know about it. i am looking for a 5 speed but i would like to know opinions anyways.

the reason i am going with a runner (i am a cherokee guy at heart) is cause i want a rear axle i can lock up and not break.

the way i see it i can get some 31-33s and cut the fenders accordingly, lock up the rear and just have fun with it. i am not going to be lifting the ifs.

thanks for any advice/opinions
nate

 

[Paul R]

I think that the 3.0 with the auto is fairly anemic. But I have felt some with a 5 speed that are ok... I know for a couple of the years they had a problem with headgasket material but I am not totally sure how wide spread that was. That is probably the one toyota engine I don't think I would want to buy with high miles... Although if you are up to it and can find a 3.4 it isn't to bad of a swap and it is one heck of a motor.

 

[SAMI]

find an '88-89(still removable hardtop) with the 3.0, and manual if possible... replace the 3.0 with a 3.4(parts available for swap from vendors like ORS)... hack the fenders and run 33-35"ers.. lock, and armor it up and you'd be set...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Many (most) of the 3.0's on the the road still have likely had the headgasket recall performed. If not, Toyota was still doing them as of last month!

 

[SAMI]

my bro in law has a '95(last year of 2nd gen 4runner) with a dealer installed new 3.0 and 5speed.. That suckers got more power and torque than i'd ever give a 3.0 credit for... I've heard that the 3.0 can just be finiky..

My buddy has a 2nd gen for sale, speakin of finiky 3.0's... otherwise it's clean if you can handle/tackle gremlins...

-Jason

 

[solidfrontaxle]

Speaking of the 2nd gen, I don't know much about the rear coil suspension. Is it any good? Is it the same as the third gen or newer suspension? I know every stock 2nd gen I see sags real bad in the rear. How does everybody deal with it? Spacers? New springs?
What's everybody do these days for the rear suspension when they go SAS/semi-hardcore? Longer coils and arms? Switch to leaves?

 

[camicaztoy]

i've got a 91 4 door sr-5, 5 speed, 22re ill sell ya cheap. lots of new parts. needs help getting through emmisions. $1400obo!

 

[SAMI]

Speaking of the 2nd gen, I don't know much about the rear coil suspension. Is it any good? Is it the same as the third gen or newer suspension? I know every stock 2nd gen I see sags real bad in the rear. How does everybody deal with it? Spacers? New springs?
What's everybody do these days for the rear suspension when they go SAS/semi-hardcore? Longer coils and arms? Switch to leaves?

I'd say that's largely in part to most those years having upwards of 200,000+ miles, so the suspensions have seen their day - put it lightly. You could find some FJ80 rear coils, and run OME torsion bars/shocks up front.. or just get the OME rear coils.. it's an inexpensive lift really.. $7-800ish?

 

[SAMI]

If you had a few extra dollars to throw this on a truck.. it's one super clean 4runner.. has a rotten 3.0, but man is that thing clean..

CLICK HERE

 

[N-Smooth]

i called on a couple but the owners don't speak english and i am not a big fan of that cause they can't explain anything to me so yeah... its an uphill battle.

i don't want to do any motor swapping or other major work like that... i want one that i can buy and then drive to get safety/im done and have it pass. it looks like that is possible, even in my price range but i have to find one.

thanks for the info guys

 

[SAMI]

What's your price range?

 

[N-Smooth]

$2500
and i have found a few like i was saying but the people seemed kinda shady. i am always looking for one that has been taken care of and somebody loved it... you know what i mean?
and i found a couple others but they are not in the valley and i have driven far before to look at trucks and been very disappointed when i get there and they are sh#%!

 

[SAMI]

i've got a 91 4 door sr-5, 5 speed, 22re ill sell ya cheap. lots of new parts. needs help getting through emmisions. $1400obo!

This sounds like a decent deal.. SR5 gets you a sunroof, and some other random trim i'm sure... 22re more reliable than the 3.0..

Might be worth looking into this one.. With your extra $1k you could put that in some parts/4x4 accessories

 

[N-Smooth]

yeah i guess it depends on what it needs. i usually love deals like that but i would actually like to buy a vehicle that will pass on its own.