BigBoox

So I bought a 1990 4 runner 2 months ago, really liked it,paid a good price foor it, in very good to excellent condition. It spent most of it's life in Va Beach area, and according to the Carfax was regularly serviced at one of 2 dealers. I really liked the truck, actually still do but it is a disappointment to me at this time. I basically bought it wholesale and as such the only warrenty offered was OTD. But, the truck had had the V6 replaced at some time in it's life (Jasper stickers under the hood and on the doorpost) and was only showing 170,000. Everything else on it works like brand new,The air is really cold and is converted(by the dealer, no less), all the fluids looked good, so I bought it. Yes I drove it before I bought it. And, it had to pass NY state inspection or no deal. A friend's garage did the inspection and he called me with the results before he released it back to them and he saw nothing wrong, he did replace a BU lite bulb.
So I'm driving it and liking it. Now my last truck was a F 150 short box 4WD with a 5 liter in it. good pep but a gas hog till the frame broke. Prior to that I've primarily owned Jeep Cherokees.
OK lets cut to the chase, my wife drives it less than 10 miles one day and calls me about all the smoke coming from under the hood. Yep, head gasket. So I'm trying to find a serial number on the Jasper replacement engine...no joy. I talked to Jasper and they tell me there is a sticker on the block with the serial number that I need to date the replant. NO, it does not show up on the Carfax. In the meantime my mechanic is looking for another reman engine because it'll probably work out close to what the damage will be for heads etc. What say you, the experienced owners of 4 runners? Advice is welcomed as long as it's relevant.

HighLux

Id go for the remanu with a warranty.