I know of something harder to find than an '85 EFI 4Runner and I want one!

Fahrenheit 451 · 02-02-2004, 08:45 PM

I know of something even more hard to find than an '85 EFI 4Runner now; a second gen. with a 4cyl, a 5 speed and no power options! SHEESH! I thought I would cruise around town and the internet for a couple weeks, take my pick, buy one and move on. No such luck! So far, both people I have emailed on Autotrader never replied even after I tried contacting the one a couple times, the closest available have been over 200 miles away, many have been 500-1800 miles away. I have only come across locally. It had 210,000 miles on it, was kind of rough and they still wanted $5k for it. No way. Kelly Blue Book lists it at $5100 for a dealer price, but only $3k for a private party. I'm not willing to crank out an extra $2k to have to deal with some wanker with a cheesy moustache LOL!
Anyway, I represent an oddity. I have an '85 EFI 4Runner and am going to swap for a 90's 4 door. The two doors and a baby thing just isn't working and when I told my wife I was considering buying a second gen and doing a solid axle swap she replied, "well you are allowed to have a toy you know." Love her more everyday!
Not buying the '94 with 57k miles on it on eBay may prove to be a mistake. Then again, it was in Chicago and that's an awful long haul to get to western Colorado. Aren't there any '90-'95's out there that were bought by people like me that wanted just a truck? Piles of v6s and automatics and I wouldn't have either on a bet. I've had a 4x4 with an auto, a chain drive tranny and have no affection whatsoever for the failed Toyota experiment called the 3.0. Is my frustration showing yet?
Anybody out there, preferably in eastern Utah or western Colorado or thereabouts that has what I'm looking for and just happens to be trying to find the highly desired '85 EFI 4Runner please let me know. I have about $6k+ worth of work under the hood and around it counting the JET Chip upgrade, but due to TWO different mechanics not setting the TPS right it ran rich too long and washed out the rings. If I was keeping the truck, I'd do a quick overhaul for rings and bottom end bearings. It also has some recent 31x10.50 MTRs and a list of new parts I can send or refer you to another post of mine.
Anybody? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

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Mossback74 · 02-03-2004, 04:09 AM

The V6 isnt all that bad is it?

Fahrenheit 451 · 02-03-2004, 08:21 AM

Although experiences seem to vary, the general line on the 3.0 v6 is poor fuel economy, sluggish power, bad headgaskets and bad wristpins. I've been surfing around for months now investigating whether or not to get one with a v6 and with as many horror stories as I have come across I don't care to risk it. Too many times I've come across stories of blown headgaskets and hassles with the dealers over the service campaign and the even worse "ticking to slight knocking sound in my motor" posts that eventually wind up with somebody sitting on the side of the road with a piston blown to pieces and a block ruined from a wristpin letting loose.
Besides, the v6 comes with a chain drive transfercase that can not have a gearing modification and sounds like it is not as strong as the gear driven transfercase that comes with the 4cyl. Having had a chain drive transfercase in the past, I'd never have one again personally.
I would be interested to hear about the power band on the v6. One thing I like about the 4cyl is they will lug well and when you need what little power you have to offer, they'll run right up the rpm ladder and give you what they have.

4agzemc · 02-03-2004, 01:02 PM

heh- I'll trade you strait up- my 90 4runner for yours- although mine is v6- no ticking, knocking, nothing- and im in colorado!

Fahrenheit 451 · 02-03-2004, 04:12 PM

Close!

4cyl is a must though. Too bad too since I'm going to be meeting with a guy from Boulder in a couple weeks. I sold him some of my toys with a little "t" and they'll almost pay for the SAS on my next Toy with a big "T"

SLC Punk · 02-03-2004, 04:22 PM

Wow you are right, those seem to be pretty hard to find. I didn't find any 90-95 4Runners in SLC area with a 4cyl..

Strange..

SLC Punk · 02-03-2004, 04:23 PM

Found one in Idaho
click here

Tons of miles though! But it has a 5-speed and no power options.

Adam F · 02-03-2004, 08:12 PM

Your reading too much on the 3.0. Bad experiment? how can you call an engine that regularly goes 250+ thousand miles a bad experiment?

I have 167k on mine and running strong. the 3.0 makes more power than the 22re will even after a few hundred in mods. mine has plenty of power, even with 36x14.50 swampers and 4.10 gears. I never even lost any gas mileage with this setup. dont knock the 3.0 untill you try it.

Fahrenheit 451 · 02-03-2004, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Adam F
Your reading too much on the 3.0. Bad experiment? how can you call an engine that regularly goes 250+ thousand miles a bad experiment?

I have 167k on mine and running strong. the 3.0 makes more power than the 22re will even after a few hundred in mods. mine has plenty of power, even with 36x14.50 swampers and 4.10 gears. I never even lost any gas mileage with this setup. dont knock the 3.0 untill you try it.

Like I said, >>experiences seem to vary<<

Victor · 02-04-2004, 06:15 AM

Keep in mind people only post bad experiences on the web. Yes, the 3.0 is underpowered but has never given me a bit of trouble. I get 22+ MPG on the highway and other than a battery and alternator I've never spent money on repairs on my truck. All my money goes to preventative maintenance and mods. The 3.0 is not enough engine for the weight of a 4Runner but the 22RE is even less than that! I can't imagine driving on long grades with a 22RE at highway speeds!

tulsa_97SR5 · 02-09-2004, 06:50 PM

I have been on the same chase. My 90 4Runner is starting to show it's age and I toyed with the thought of a newer one. We found a really nice '98 LTD in great shape, 89k with rear lockers for $16k, but I couldn't pull the trigger. Partly it's the unknown, from the 22re + 5spd that I know and trust to the auto, 6cyl, moon roof, power everything... it all sounds expensive to fix. Thinking about just getting this one painted, new carpet & seats, etc and trying to get another 5 or 10 years out of it. The 230k miles on mine don't bother me, as it has been trouble free for the 4 yrs 50k miles I've put on it.

I'm a little envious though, there seem to be a lot more 4runners for sale in CO. Most here are 2WD. Autotrader had a 95 4CYL, 5SPD a few weeks ago that I almost called my friends in Denver to go look at for me.

Fahrenheit 451 · 02-09-2004, 08:31 PM

Would that 95 4cyl have been the white one? If it wasn't for the power windows and door locks I would have driven over myself and gotten a look at it LOL!
I'm holding out still for a 4cyl, 5sp and no power options. I have slightly changed my plans and am looking more towards the '94 or '95 instead of anything in the early 90's. It sounds like they have a little extra pony and the side impact beams in the doors are something to consider with a baby in back. So far, the price on them seems pretty reasonable too. The one on ebay in Chicago that only had 57k on it, sold for slightly under $6000. If I could find one locally with that sort of mileage, the checkbook would be out in a flash!

914runner · 02-09-2004, 08:51 PM

whats so bad with power windows and locks? i love mine! the only thing i would change on my runner for stock equip. that toyota put on it is a sunroof, i love sunroofs! the V6 isnt a bad motor, i only had to put a radiator, alternator in mine, i dont even think the timing belt had ever been changed(might have in the HG replacement). I had the HG recall done and ran fine after that until the distributor froze which sheared some teeth off of my timing belt. toyota wanted $1100 to fix it and even though i could have fixed it for about $400 i decided to put in a 3.4l and am hopefully going to supercharge it. all in all i got 254,XXX miles out of my motor with fery few parts that had to be replaced and i think that they are pretty darn good motors(apart from being gutless). just what i think.
Thanks

Mr.Spock · 02-10-2004, 05:40 AM

I'm happy with my 22re ,it's a good motor,simple,easy to fix,not expensive,good gaz milleage,

No need of 250hp when the 4 wheels are on snow.(big winter in Quebec).

I do some trail(no hardcore wheeling) and it's enough powerful for me.

depending of the purpose .

Fahrenheit 451 · 02-10-2004, 10:01 AM

I'm a "just a truck" kind of guy. I want a vehicle that is made for use. We use the '85 for going on hiking, backpacking, and car camping trips and nothing is more annoying than always having to get a key to open or close a window or unlock something. When I first bought the '85 I was immediately sold on it until I walked around back and started looking for the crank to roll down the window (like they had on the old Blazers). When I saw it was a power window I considered walking away from it, but I had already driven around 300 miles and as much as I don't like the power window in the tailgate I figured the rest of the trucks features made up for it.

Birdman · 03-18-2004, 04:12 PM

For Gods' sake man!!!!! We're talking about Toyotas here. Holy crap!!!! Gimme a break!!!! Power or not....who the hell cares anyway! Go buy a 1972 Ford F150 if you want a truck and quit bitching. LOL

BTW......V6, 5spd, PS, PB, PW, PL, AC, Cruise, Sunroof, Power Antenna, Heated Mirrors....It all just works. That's why we buy them.

Fahrenheit 451 · 03-18-2004, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdman

For Gods' sake man!!!!! We're talking about Toyotas here. Holy crap!!!! Gimme a break!!!! Power or not....who the hell cares anyway! Go buy a 1972 Ford F150 if you want a truck and quit bitching. LOL

BTW......V6, 5spd, PS, PB, PW, PL, AC, Cruise, Sunroof, Power Antenna, Heated Mirrors....It all just works. That's why we buy them.

Hehehe--->http://members.aol.com/mfinja/ben/93.jpg

'93, 4cyl, 5sp, no power door locks, no power windows, no cruise control, no heated seats, heck no air conditioning (not even plumbed for it, it still has the plugs in the firewall), 113k, $5200 and 600 miles of driving to get it.
It took some looking, but I found one in the end. 8yrs newer and only costs $4 more per year for insurance than my '85 EFI 4Runner LOL!
Let the "desert banger" begin!

We used the old Runner for car camping a lot and not having to get keys out every time something needed to be opened or locked makes a huge difference. The only thing that could make me happier would be a crank down rear window

The only hard part now is selling my '85. I've had it almost 12 years and have put about 120,000 miles on it. Gonna miss my Toy

calg3 · 03-18-2004, 07:00 PM

Congratulations! I think it is eaiser to find a 4cyl in a 3rd Gen than a 2nd Gen, I have looked around myself. I agree with your thinking on the 4 cylinder.

outdoorfever · 03-18-2004, 07:25 PM

Hey Tulsa90sr5!! welcome to the boards!! I am from Tulsa as well. What color is runner and all that good stuff...i am sure i have seen you around..welcome again and enjoy your stay.

Fahrenheit no means to hijack the thread..good luck on your search!

02-03-2004, 04:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mossback74 Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 908	The V6 isnt all that bad is it? __________________ 4Runner Anthracite 98 LTD 3.4 AT 205K miles, 285 Pro Comp X-Treme MT , Blue Taco Shocks and TRD tundra coils, Diff Drop, N86 and 891 w/ cones, 1.5" Body Lift, E-Locker w/anytime mod, 4 in. Deckplate, Amsoil air filter and fluids, Optima 34R, Yak Rack and Hull Raiser. (Wrecked 94 is still missed)-----See the pics-----

02-03-2004, 01:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
4agzemc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: boulder colorado Posts: 20	... heh- I'll trade you strait up- my 90 4runner for yours- although mine is v6- no ticking, knocking, nothing- and im in colorado! __________________ www.jinxmotorsports.com

02-03-2004, 04:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
SLC Punk Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 5,875	Wow you are right, those seem to be pretty hard to find. I didn't find any 90-95 4Runners in SLC area with a 4cyl.. Strange.. __________________ -Travis 1997 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4 Supercharged Desert Dune SOLD :( 1992 Celica All Trac (AWD-Turbo) #223 of 271 US spec for 1992 FOR SALE 2005 Tundra Double Cab Limited 4X4 2.5" lift 265/70R17 Dueler Revo's 4Runner and Celica Webpage

02-03-2004, 04:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
SLC Punk Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 5,875	Found one in Idaho click here Tons of miles though! But it has a 5-speed and no power options. __________________ -Travis 1997 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4 Supercharged Desert Dune SOLD :( 1992 Celica All Trac (AWD-Turbo) #223 of 271 US spec for 1992 FOR SALE 2005 Tundra Double Cab Limited 4X4 2.5" lift 265/70R17 Dueler Revo's 4Runner and Celica Webpage

02-03-2004, 08:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,398	Your reading too much on the 3.0. Bad experiment? how can you call an engine that regularly goes 250+ thousand miles a bad experiment? I have 167k on mine and running strong. the 3.0 makes more power than the 22re will even after a few hundred in mods. mine has plenty of power, even with 36x14.50 swampers and 4.10 gears. I never even lost any gas mileage with this setup. dont knock the 3.0 untill you try it. __________________ 88 4Runner. 350 V8, R150 5-speed. SAS, 36" TSL's, elocker rear

02-03-2004, 08:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
Fahrenheit 451 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: western Colorado Posts: 590	Although experiences seem to vary, the general line on the 3.0 v6 is poor fuel economy, sluggish power, bad headgaskets and bad wristpins. I've been surfing around for months now investigating whether or not to get one with a v6 and with as many horror stories as I have come across I don't care to risk it. Too many times I've come across stories of blown headgaskets and hassles with the dealers over the service campaign and the even worse "ticking to slight knocking sound in my motor" posts that eventually wind up with somebody sitting on the side of the road with a piston blown to pieces and a block ruined from a wristpin letting loose. Besides, the v6 comes with a chain drive transfercase that can not have a gearing modification and sounds like it is not as strong as the gear driven transfercase that comes with the 4cyl. Having had a chain drive transfercase in the past, I'd never have one again personally. I would be interested to hear about the power band on the v6. One thing I like about the 4cyl is they will lug well and when you need what little power you have to offer, they'll run right up the rpm ladder and give you what they have.

02-03-2004, 04:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
Fahrenheit 451 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: western Colorado Posts: 590	Close! 4cyl is a must though. Too bad too since I'm going to be meeting with a guy from Boulder in a couple weeks. I sold him some of my toys with a little "t" and they'll almost pay for the SAS on my next Toy with a big "T"

02-04-2004, 06:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
Victor Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,711	Keep in mind people only post bad experiences on the web. Yes, the 3.0 is underpowered but has never given me a bit of trouble. I get 22+ MPG on the highway and other than a battery and alternator I've never spent money on repairs on my truck. All my money goes to preventative maintenance and mods. The 3.0 is not enough engine for the weight of a 4Runner but the 22RE is even less than that! I can't imagine driving on long grades with a 22RE at highway speeds! __________________ "Turtle" - Green 94 4Runner Looks like one and about as fast JDM altimeter/clinometer, 2002 Sport wheels, 265/75r16 MT/R, , OME stabilizer, BJ Spacers, Cruiser Coils, removed sway bars, rattle can paint for all that peeling clearcoat! Lockright front and rear.

02-09-2004, 06:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
tulsa_97SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: tulsa, OK Posts: 1,329	4Cyl 4WD 5Spd I have been on the same chase. My 90 4Runner is starting to show it's age and I toyed with the thought of a newer one. We found a really nice '98 LTD in great shape, 89k with rear lockers for $16k, but I couldn't pull the trigger. Partly it's the unknown, from the 22re + 5spd that I know and trust to the auto, 6cyl, moon roof, power everything... it all sounds expensive to fix. Thinking about just getting this one painted, new carpet & seats, etc and trying to get another 5 or 10 years out of it. The 230k miles on mine don't bother me, as it has been trouble free for the 4 yrs 50k miles I've put on it. I'm a little envious though, there seem to be a lot more 4runners for sale in CO. Most here are 2WD. Autotrader had a 95 4CYL, 5SPD a few weeks ago that I almost called my friends in Denver to go look at for me. __________________ Brian 85 sr5, 5spd - back on the road, doing DD duty for now 86 2wd reg cab - future project 90 sr5, 97 - gone Last edited by tulsa_90SR5; 02-09-2004 at 06:53 PM.

02-09-2004, 08:31 PM	#12 (permalink)
Fahrenheit 451 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: western Colorado Posts: 590	Would that 95 4cyl have been the white one? If it wasn't for the power windows and door locks I would have driven over myself and gotten a look at it LOL! I'm holding out still for a 4cyl, 5sp and no power options. I have slightly changed my plans and am looking more towards the '94 or '95 instead of anything in the early 90's. It sounds like they have a little extra pony and the side impact beams in the doors are something to consider with a baby in back. So far, the price on them seems pretty reasonable too. The one on ebay in Chicago that only had 57k on it, sold for slightly under $6000. If I could find one locally with that sort of mileage, the checkbook would be out in a flash!

02-09-2004, 08:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
914runner Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tigard, Oregon Posts: 2,083	whats so bad with power windows and locks? i love mine! the only thing i would change on my runner for stock equip. that toyota put on it is a sunroof, i love sunroofs! the V6 isnt a bad motor, i only had to put a radiator, alternator in mine, i dont even think the timing belt had ever been changed(might have in the HG replacement). I had the HG recall done and ran fine after that until the distributor froze which sheared some teeth off of my timing belt. toyota wanted $1100 to fix it and even though i could have fixed it for about $400 i decided to put in a 3.4l and am hopefully going to supercharge it. all in all i got 254,XXX miles out of my motor with fery few parts that had to be replaced and i think that they are pretty darn good motors(apart from being gutless). just what i think. Thanks __________________ 1997 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1998 Toyota 4Runner, 3.4L (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 4.10's, 33's 1991 Toyota 4Runner 4 Door, 3.4l (5VZ-FE), 5-Speed (R150F), 4WD, 32's, 4.10's

02-10-2004, 05:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
Mr.Spock Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Vulcan Posts: 50	I'm happy with my 22re ,it's a good motor,simple,easy to fix,not expensive,good gaz milleage, No need of 250hp when the 4 wheels are on snow.(big winter in Quebec). I do some trail(no hardcore wheeling) and it's enough powerful for me. depending of the purpose .

02-10-2004, 10:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
Fahrenheit 451 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: western Colorado Posts: 590	I'm a "just a truck" kind of guy. I want a vehicle that is made for use. We use the '85 for going on hiking, backpacking, and car camping trips and nothing is more annoying than always having to get a key to open or close a window or unlock something. When I first bought the '85 I was immediately sold on it until I walked around back and started looking for the crank to roll down the window (like they had on the old Blazers). When I saw it was a power window I considered walking away from it, but I had already driven around 300 miles and as much as I don't like the power window in the tailgate I figured the rest of the trucks features made up for it.

03-18-2004, 04:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
Birdman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 490	For Gods' sake man!!!!! We're talking about Toyotas here. Holy crap!!!! Gimme a break!!!! Power or not....who the hell cares anyway! Go buy a 1972 Ford F150 if you want a truck and quit bitching. LOL BTW......V6, 5spd, PS, PB, PW, PL, AC, Cruise, Sunroof, Power Antenna, Heated Mirrors....It all just works. That's why we buy them. __________________ =Birdman= -- - 1999 4Runner "Highlander" SR5 5spd - Imperial Jade Mica TJM T-15 Front Bumper, Sonoran Steel Rear Bumper, Old Man Emu Springs & Shocks, Revtek Diff Drop Spacer, 4Crawler 1" Body Lift, 265/75/16 Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos, Deckplate Mod, Amsoil Air Filter, Flowmaster 50 Series Deltaflow Muffler, Amsoil S-2000 Oil, Optima Red Top Battery, Cobra 75 WX ST CB Radio, Hella Dual-Tone Air Horns, Yakima Rack w/all the trimmings Last edited by Birdman; 03-18-2004 at 04:20 PM.

03-18-2004, 07:00 PM	#18 (permalink)
calg3 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Old Line State Posts: 1,042	Congratulations! I think it is eaiser to find a 4cyl in a 3rd Gen than a 2nd Gen, I have looked around myself. I agree with your thinking on the 4 cylinder. __________________ 2006 Subaru Outback, miss my 4Runner! 2006 Mazda3, zoom, zoom... Look at my previous truck(s) in the Yotatech gallery: http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=42494

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03-18-2004, 07:25 PM	#19 (permalink)
outdoorfever Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Concord NC Posts: 1,058	Hey Tulsa90sr5!! welcome to the boards!! I am from Tulsa as well. What color is runner and all that good stuff...i am sure i have seen you around..welcome again and enjoy your stay. Fahrenheit no means to hijack the thread..good luck on your search! __________________ -Kyle Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE!!

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