Bandaman

Sorry for not taking the time to search, I just ran across this site. I just need some quick opinions on this truck i ran across for sale. I do not know much about Toyotas and have never owned one.

I found an ad for a 1994 Toyota pickup for $500 OBO. Its a stripped down model, 2wd, manual, no A/C, no power options. It has a 22re engine in it and has around 170,000 miles. The truck is rust free and spent most of its life in AZ. i have not seen any pics of it yet.

The guy says the timing chain broke and his mechanic says it has bent the valves, but they have not taken the head off of it to find the extent of the damage.

My question is this a worthwhile buy? I think it might be a fun project and would be a cheap truck to drive to work and save fuel and miles on my 07 GMC Sierra.

I am a pretty good backyard mechanic and would tackle the work myself, either replace the timing chain and head or possibly swap the engine. i have built engines and restored vehicles in the past. I have read the 22re is a desirable engine, Does 170,000 miles justify a complete rebuild or swap? I would love to swap in a diesel, but that might be out of my league.

Can A/C be added to this truck?

Do you think its a worth while project, or better to pay more for one running and already has A/C?

Thanks for the quick help!
Mike

algranger

Sounds like a good deal. I got a truck that had the same issue i replaced all the valves and used the old pistons it still runs like new!

170k isn't very high for most 22re's, i would compression test it i have one with 165k that has low compression on all 4 and another (the one that had bent valves) has about 245k and perfect compression.

A/C can be added, i'm not sure what's involved but i know its possible.

Overall i think it's a very smart buy even if you fix it and decide to sell it for 3k or something later.

rdlsz24

I think it would be worthwhile. You could replace the bent valves and timing set for pretty cheap and have it up and running. Or you could go all out. Just depends how much you want to sink into it.

Rob

Wile E. Toyote

buy it!! Offer $400, he'll take it. Timing chain is simple and under $100 bucks, order it from engnbldr.com (steel rail kit). Replace the bent valves, if there are any. And drive it to 300,000 miles. 22r's will go 300, 400k if you give 'em just a little love.

algranger

i wouldn't buy the engnbldr steel guides. i've heard good things about the company but so many horror stories about the product. appearantly the steel guide usually only lasts about 10k mi

Wile E. Toyote

Seriously??? Wow, I thought those really were the way to go.

Bandaman

Thanks for the quick replies! I'll take a look at it and see if i can make a deal.

cormel

I would buy the truck if all the running gear and body is good. Offer $400, he should take it. If all that is wrong is the valves and you are savy you can surely do the work yourself pretty cheap and have a fun 'Toy'

desertcox05

my whole motor has 300,000 with only normal r/r items. just passed smog. and still does 80 on hwy. $400 and rebuild the head. DO IT

Flash319

The 4runner I am driving now had the chain brake. I put a new chain on and was fine. Just because it broke does not mean that the valves are bent (mind you my runner is an auto, this may have saved the valves). Buy it. Like was said, worst case you get the head redone for a few hundread.

Plumbrbob

I am running EB's steel guides for about 4 years now roughly 30k+ and many countless off road hours. No problems to report. Maybe its installation error? Maybe who ever installed it cranked down on the chain tensioner too much, I remember special instructions when installing my timing chain.
I am also running his HO head, oil pump, water pump, timing chain cover, and Torker cam without any problems.

1stgen4gunner

Sounds worth it to me, the timing chains were a problem with these engines, but once replaced were never a problem again, and these engines are 300K plus motors, thats 300k with normal maintenance and you should have no problems...at all.