Red Wagon

I have the chance to buy a 89 4Runner as a parts truck. It's rusty and in snow so I can't inspect it well. The engine has rust on top which to me is a bad sign but it was running a few months ago. I don't think I'll ever use the engine anyway but it is connected to a transmission and transfer case that might be worth rebuilding to put into my 92 4Runner. I could also do a dual transfer setup. The worry there is while the engine has 250,000km the rest has 650,000.....

I cant get under to see if the aluminum is rotting away along with the frame that he already told me is far gone because its in a snow bank.

I'd have to tow it to my house then pay to scrap it after we strip it of parts. My buddy has a 1st Gen that he can get the fenders which have amazingly not rotten away and some other odds and ends.

We could get a spare Aisin hub each to refurbish if one of ours go. I could also get the front axle to completely eliminate the ADD system in mine because I have manual hubs installed.

Even with all the what ifs of this East coast rust bucket should I buy it? It is in rough shape but I could rebuild some stuff. What should i look for in the transfer case and transmission to see if they are even worth rebuilding?


What would be a fair offer? I was thinking like $150 even if that is way low ball just because of my risk, the tow to my house, scrapping fee and waste oil disposal. I know he wants more for it because he recently repaired stuff but then he does want to keep the VIN and rear axle himself. This vehicle will never see the road again.

Should I even bother?

Red Wagon

Made an offer of $150 and he accepted.

I'll get it towed to my place in a couple weeks.


I should be able to pull something useful out and my buddy with a 1st Gen definitely will.