Joey Link

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1989 4Runner SR5 with the V6 and a 5spd transmission. It looks pretty clean, and I should be able to get it for around $1200, which in my market is dirty cheap. I've been looking for a 2nd gen, but by buying this cheap it would allow me to pay off a chunk of debt that's been bothering me. The thing is, I worry about the 3.0 constantly. I've grown to love the 22re over the years of my experience with them, but this is in my price range and the extra power would be nice. I'd also like an SR5, and most of them are V6's. I asked the guy if it had any headwork done and he said none that he knew of, which concerns me. Another concern is he says he thinks it needs a valve adjustment, but I've heard a noisy valve train is an indicator of poor head health. It has 153k on it. I need to hear from you guys quickly, should I consider buying this? If you tell me yes, I'll go look at it. Thanks! By the way, this smily is AWESOME --->

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874runnersr5

well, its worth a look no?
I say go for it, check it out. check out the engine, listen for anything unusual

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87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top
Calgary Toyota Association

camo31"10.50"

pretty sure the pre 1990 3.0's were the ones without the headgasket/head problems no??????

still..its worth a look..if it falls under the factory recall for the headgasket then you can get it done..and get random parts replaced while they are in there

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FOR SALE 1986 Ext. Cab 4x4, rebuilt 22R, 5spd, 31x10.50 X-Terrains FOR SALE

1992 SR5 FO RUNNA V6, 5 speed, 4in. trail-master lift, 33x12.50 BFG muds, 4.56 gears!!! and an IMMACULATE interior..yes..you should be jealous

"Its still a toyota man.. Dont deprive it of its capabilities.."
"If you can read english, Thank a teacher...If you can speak it, Thank a soldier!!" Kelli Ruark-2009

94greenrunner

Jump on it! thats a killer deal for a 1st gen runner and only 153k is low miles. plus the 1st gens look the coolest. just my opinion

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1994 4Runner,V6 3.0 5 speed 4x4, 2.5 inch leveling coils, Procomp 97 series wheels, Procomp xtreme m/t 31x10.5R15, S&B cold air intake, Magnaflow 18in exhaust

LITLRED

At that price you can hardly go wrong. Maybe a 3.4 swap down the road?

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86 4Runner rebuilt 22RE Auto engnbldr kit 0.020 over, 10.5 x 31's, smitttybuilt front, custom back, royal purple 5w30, mech oil pressure gauge, alarm
1998 Avalon XLS bone stock...but not for long

OutlawMike

I have a 1989 4Runner SR5 V6 Auto. They did not qualify for the head gasket recall, not sure what that means.

The 3VZE versus 22RE debate is a debate that gets beat all day and twice on Sunday. From my experience on my 3.0 and working on my buddy's 22RE:

The 3.0 is harder to work on, it is like an onion, you have to peel off the layers.

The 3.0 puts out a bit more power that is noticeable and usable. I drive away from my buddy on hills, and we have similar setups.

The 22RE is cheaper to work on.

Doing a valve adjustement on a 3.0 is an all day, maybe two day job. On a 22RE, it is a few hours work.

The 3.0 does not respond well to performance mods. Not sure if the 22RE responds any better.


Given that the rig you are looking at has a 5 speed (with an auto A340H another can of worms is opened to debate), I would not rule it out based on the 3.0. Needing a valve adjustment is nothing to worry about, the FSM calls for it as periodic maintenance. You will want to clean up the throttle body and plenum anyway.

$1200 is a good price, depending on the shape of the rig. If it is beat to , then, that tells you something about how it was treated.

Post some pics when you get them.

BAMF_CT2004

unlike the 22re the 3.4 will bolt right into this. the question is why wouldnt you want to by it.

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Let me tell you what Melba Toast is packin' right here, all right. We got 4:11 Positrac outback, 750 double pumper, Edelbrock intake, bored over 30, 11 to 1 pop-up pistons, turbo-jet 390 horsepower. We're talkin' some muscle.

evade6317

Go for it man, it sounds like a really good deal.

Joey Link

I'm going down to look at it this evening

Just talked to the guy, he said the engine is pretty noisy, which is why he thinks it needs a valve adjustment. What could that indicate that's more serious? If the head gaskets do need to be replaced, how much does that job cost?

Regarding the 3.4L swap, I haven't found much info on that here. What's the estimated total cost for doing that, if I were to do it myself?

BAMF_CT2004

you havent found much info because you havent looked at all.

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Let me tell you what Melba Toast is packin' right here, all right. We got 4:11 Positrac outback, 750 double pumper, Edelbrock intake, bored over 30, 11 to 1 pop-up pistons, turbo-jet 390 horsepower. We're talkin' some muscle.

mac9968

Would like to see the pic's sounds like a sweet deal

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95 4runner 195K, V6

Joey Link

Well, thanks for the advice guys, I bought it

It has it's share of problems, namely some bad sort of tick/knock/ping, but I think it was worth $1k. More info here:

http://www.yotatech.com/f116/i-m-now...s-club-190964/