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90 4runner 3.0.... what to put under the hood

Old 05-19-2014, 09:46 PM
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90 4runner 3.0.... what to put under the hood

So i just boight a 90 4runner trd sr5 with a 3.0 automatic. Its got 160k miles. I bout knowing it has needs cause the body and interior are perfect. It has brand new 35x12.5 bfg all terrains, a rlly good tranny, good aftermarket suspension and it was only 1700. So with the leftover 5 grand i wanna have a new or rebuilt or different engine. Its a head ache trying to choose what to do cause theres so many options. Truck still runs good but i need it to be able to rune to phoenix from san diego once a month with no worries. Its leaking oil (very slowley, none even on the ground yet) near the passenger side head on the back and i got a good feeling why. What would be the best option for a 5 grand budget with not much time to make it the best running truck
Old 05-19-2014, 10:12 PM
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Might run for years with no issues. Change fluids and tune-up. Run it. It's not broke, don't fix it.
If you've got 5 grand, put it in the bank.
You could have it hauled home from wherever it quits and still have a
plenty large rebuild fund.

Last edited by millball; 05-19-2014 at 10:18 PM.
Old 05-19-2014, 10:50 PM
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Red face

Even a brand new engine can let you sit on the road.

If this runs good just give it a good tune up , belts and hoses your good to go.
Old 05-20-2014, 05:36 PM
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Like said above, I wouldn't do anything with it at this time. My 3.0 has 259k on it and I have no worries about taking it anywhere. Maybe do a compression check to see what kind of condition the engine is in.
Old 05-21-2014, 03:26 AM
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I'm assuming you are thinking the head gasket is the cause of the oil leak. You sure it's not from the valve cover (I don't think an external oil leak is a common sign of head gasket failure with this engine)?


Like others said, do a compression check. If the HG is fine, then you may try a high mileage oil to help slow the leak (I use Castrol GTX high mileage).
Old 05-21-2014, 04:02 AM
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Bank the money, let it build interest while you run the truck. Like above, you could go years with no issue. Save the money for when it does/might break, then look to a 3.4 swap or Lexus 4.0L.
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