Tennesseestorm

I have heard that all T100s have a high potential of headgasket failure, especially the 3.0L models. I have also heard it was a very weak engine.

I found a 94' T100 DX 4wd, with the base 3.0L engine and automatic transmission. Its a regular cab (with options like tilt, cruise, AM-FM-cassette, etc) and in GC for $3200. It has 220K and runs perfectly as stated by the owner. He said there was never overheating, nor was a HG replaced. Is it likely that this was changed before and he does not know it? I would think @ 220K, it would have blown out by now? I think there was a recall on them. If it was to go bad, would Toyota still honor it?

Any advice appreciated.

MudHippy

Well, I'm a big fan of the engine so....

Let me start by saying my 88 3.0 has 218,000 with the original head gasket. There's a reason for that and why a '94 would go just as long or longer than mine. I think the "bad years" are '89-'91, if I heard that right. Mine never overheats either, and I run it HARD. I've never had any major engine troubles.

And no dice on getting that recall honored, from what I've heard. But it's probably not even on the list if it hasn't had it done by now. That was a long time ago.

Weak? Not in my book. Those 180 ft-lbf of torque are plenty enough for my needs.

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ozziesironmanoffroad

one of the key points to making something last is taking care of it. im sure if you baby even the engines from the bad years, it will probably go 400-700,000 miles on that original HG. it all depends on how its taken care of, and how its driven.

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Tim_Snapple76

my 91 had to have it's hg replaced not too long ago. it still runs strong however. IMO, or if i were you, i'd just save the money and buy a tacoma with the 3.4L DOHC, and that will be plenty of pep and alot easier to work on. There is more parts support and the motor is just BETTER.

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seafarinman

My 3.0 has 216000 miles on it. I bought the truck in 99 with 79000 miles on it. It has been very reliable, it runs like crap now since it has had a burnt valve for a while now. I decided that it was not worth replacing or rebuilding, so I have a 98 2RZ engine that will be going in. The 2RZ has 8HP/20TQ less than my 3.0 and weighs a lot less.

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infiltrator

my headgaskets WERE COVERED by toyota! i dont know how, maybe just cuz it was the last year of the 3.0's. you wanna talk power the 96 and up 4 cyllinder 4runner engines have less power and torque than the 3.0.

i too am almost at that golden 200,000 mark, and if you could see my engine, looks and sounds just like it did when i first started driving it.

i love my truck. 3.0's are great.
as many people say, you wanna go fast, get a car.
the 3.0 isnt as slow as people say, but it doesnt go 0-60 in a few seconds. it will get you going freeway speeds no problem.
nuff said.

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X-AWDriver

It is a durable little engine outside a few HG issues but it is as slow as people say (0-60 in 13 seconds is pretty weak) and it makes my 3.4 (a tad over 9 to 60) almost seem "high performance" especially climbing any kind of mountain pass since you won't maintain the speed limit of 65 but you live in the flatlands so that wouldn't be an issue.

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chimmike

aside from the terrible street power and horrid gas mileage.........my 3.0 takes all the abuse I throw at it and begs for more.

I find the power to be essentially perfect on the trail though.....

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X-AWDriver

Even my ex's '94 PU with the 112hp 4banger was fine on trails but that's because Toyota did gearing that suited off road even with low HP motors.

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Tennesseestorm

Thanks for the replies guys. Good to hear that not all 3.0L's have that issue. I had heard mixed reviews about the power. I was unsure of the exact amount of power that the 3.0L shelled out.

I do remember test driving a NEW 1995 T100 DX ext cab 2wd w/automatic in 1995. I THINK it had the optional 3.4L. I remember that it was pretty peppy. The 1996 T100 SR5 ext cab 4wd w/automatic that I test drove last fall was not as peppy, but it was a 4wd.

I would like to have the truck I mentioned, but it is 3 hours away and I cannot get away right now.

Still looking locally as well.

Thanks again!