1993 4x4

Let me start with saying hi. I'm new to the forum.

I have a 1993 4x4 pickup. 262,000 mile and I'm the original owner. Last week I blew head gasket. I know this because I have coolant in the #1 cylinder (passenger side front).


A little history of the truck. Like I said above I'm the original owner . It blew a head gasket at about 70,000 miles. I had them changed. About a year later I got a recall notice from Toyota about the head gaskets. I told them it was just done they told me wanted to do it again to make sure the specified ones were used. Plus I was reimbursed for the first repair. Other than general maintenance and few radiators there have been no major problems.Until now anyway. Timing belt and water pump were done about a year ago. I also noticed the past few weeks when it was colder at night. The truck needed to warm up some before driving or the trans wouldn't shift real well. After warming up it was fine. I was going to have it checked. I figure 20 years later I'm a little tired myself in the am. lol

So my dilemma is what to do. I love this truck. Was looking at new ones. Later models. Or possibly a new or used motor. But not really in a position to spend a whole lot right now. I'm thinking of doing the head gasket change my myself. Figuring it could buy me some time. I have never taken on any engine repair this large but I've been doing some research and asking questions and I'm confident I could do it. Couldn't make it any worse anyway.

I have read some posts and there seems to be allot of knowledge here. So my question is to anyone that has done this. What should I look out for? Any pointers or advice would be appreciated. I downloaded the haynes manual. Is this a good source or is there better?

Thanks
Bill

theerroneouspenguin

From what I've read, its cheaper to drop a new motor in. Lol

I'd do a 3.4l and be done with it. I'm in the process of saving for one. Lol

If you like the truck, fix it and keep it. If you want something else, newer, scrap the truck to people on here.

Gamefreakgc

Not necessarily cheaper, but in some ways easier.

You could do a head gasket job for about $500, cheaper if you can get the heads resurfaced for cheap. You do want to get them resurfaced... that's not an option. Either than or buy new ones (somebody found them for cheaper new than to resurface, around $250 or so).

If you figure it's time to give it up, get a 1996 or newer. The 3.4L engine is much more powerful and doesn't have the head gasket issues like these do (22RE's have head gasket problems too). Even the 4 cylinder engine on a 1996 is almost as powerful as our V6's.

If you've got the time and think you can do it, go for it! Just plan on a solid week's worth of work, since it'll take time to tear it down and time to put it all back together. Don't cut any corners or take "short-cuts", you'll regret it. If you end up doing a valve job, cleaning everything out real good, you might even just gain some performance back out of your old engine.

Gevo

Beware, you will end up spending a bit more than you anticipated because... once you are in far enough to change heads you will decide to change other smaller parts, hoses, spend time cleaning thigns up.. etc..

In LA you can get the heads rebuilt for 250 a pair. The work isn't "hard".. it is time consuming for us non mechanics

theerroneouspenguin

I got quoted 1100 for a full engine rebuild. Just saying.

In Denver.

Edit: by full engine rebuild...new gaskets on the whole thing. New hoses..hell...my motor but new parts. Plus new shocks for the front.

Gevo

That is a good price... make sure they are using good gasket brands!

theerroneouspenguin

This is all Toyota parts except shocks. Shocks are kyb or bilstins. Some aftermarket parts will be subbed for what is superior to OEM. He said a couple. But its all oem at the critical points.

1993 4x4

The conversion to the 3.4 is there much too it or is it an easy fit? I keep going back and forth with what to do with this like I said money is an issue right now but I also don't want to go throwing good money after bad. Haven't priced them. Roughly whats the cost of a 3.4. I'm in New Jersey .

Thanks for the input

theerroneouspenguin

800-1200.

Find a wrecked truck and buy that. Might pat 1500 but you can sell what out don't use and fund your new build.

From what I've read...the motor uses the same mounts as the 3.0, same trans. Have to get the ecu,cabin harness and engine harness. Will also need an adapter if you don't want to splice into your harness. 45% of the full crap is in the cabin harness.

There is a sticky on here that describes the swap.

1993 4x4

What's a good brand of gasket to go with? I see they are sold as a set. Should the bolts be changed too?

theerroneouspenguin

OEM for head gaskets and anything else critical.

I used felpro in my civics and never had an issue.

1993 4x4

Thanks

theerroneouspenguin

No problem.

Richard

3.4 swaps are not cheap , unless you have the tools and the skils

1993 4x4

Started pulling it apart this afternoon. Going good so far. Between work, kids and other commitments this is going to be a drawn out process. Thanks for the advice guys. I'll keep ya's posted.

theerroneouspenguin

Good luck. Let us know how it works out.

mpleitez

iTrader: (1)

So your keeping the 3.0? If so you should think about doing headers to possibly extend the life of your new head gaskets. Where are you
Located? good luck!

theerroneouspenguin

And a crossover delete.

1993 4x4

For the time being. I want to see if I can get a little more life out of it and its something I just want to do at this point.

Truck is in Philadelphia.

Thanks

1993 4x4

Its an idea. Have any more info on them?

Go with dual mufflers?