Mr.Niceguy

Whats up all. i just recently picked up my first toyota! its a 1989 4runner with an auto 3.0 lump. 206k. surprisingly the frame is in great shape. I figured i would post on here and try to get some pointers from some of yous. What are some common problems with the 89 runner besides rust? lol.. is the auto trans trail worthy? what are some good mods people do to these? any input would be greatly appriciated!

Thanks
Ryan

I will post a pic of my beast later on.

874runnersr5

Welcome to yt buddy!

3.0 is a great engine if it was maintained well... check if yours had its headgasket done?
Yeah the auto should do you fine if maintained.. mods? depends. if your going to make it a daily driver or a weekend warrior rig or just a trail rig there are alot of ways of doing so.

Mr.Niceguy

Thanks man, its going to pretty much a weekend warrior like you said. when i picked it up the guy said that a customer had it towed in with a problem. the guy at the shop said it needed the timing chain done and the guy didnt want to pay the 600$ to get the chain replaced. So im assuming for 600 doing the timing chain isnt that big of a job? another question is are the 3v's a non interfeirence motor? my goal is to get this thing running, put on a mild lift and some meaty tires and rock it.

Wrenchinjoe

Welcome to a great forum. Tons of info here, the search function can help you find answers to most any question you may have.

The 3.0 is non-interferance, and uses a timing belt that is supposed to be changed every 60k miles. The 3.0 is also known for blowing headgaskets. That being said there are lots of them on the road still. I love the 2nd generation 4runners, congrats on the new truck.

WJ

mightymouse

iTrader: (6)

3vze's have a belt not a chain. Not a tough job to do it but make sure you search timing belt change and read up on it as it's not for the novice mechanic. Joe beat me to it but you get the point.

Mr.Niceguy

exactly why i posted! thanks guys!

Mr.Niceguy

what are some good sites for decent priced aftermarket parts and such ? wheels,lifts,bumpers etc..

mightymouse

iTrader: (6)

wabfab, addicted offroad, allpro offroad, egnbldr, total chaos, trail gear, northwest offroad, 4crawler, budbuilt, the list goes on man how deep are your pockets?

Mr.Niceguy

not deep enough..

Lysmachia

Welcome! Ok I'll spoon feed you JUST this ONE time But serously do search, and look in your model year sub forum!

Timing Belt: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/timing_belt/

Also get the Factory Service Manaual (FSM) for your rig here. It has all the dirt on your rig. http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/index.html

When you do your fluids change, add a diff breather extender.

mightymouse

iTrader: (6)

aaaah Lysmachia you're sooo sweet! JK she's right so listen to the lady and you'll do fine. Start reading. Ha ha

Mr.Niceguy

haha thanks guys oh and gals