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Prosepctive Runner purchase, A little Help Please

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Old 03-18-2003, 05:29 PM
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Prosepctive Runner purchase, A little Help Please

Okay I'm looking at a prospective Runner here. Let me know what you guys think about it. 93' Runner . It's a 93' with a lift and tires already on it. I'm goning to call tomarrow and get more specifics about the lift and what not. The milageas well, if it's 14.5K or 145K.

I'm not real sure on pricing for 2nd gens. and what they should or shouldn't go for. Let me know please. As you may know my 96' is run'n on her last leg in the engine dept. and I either need to engine swap her or get a new one. I would love a 4wd Runner, and this one is about the only one I can afford. What do youguys know about the 5spd. and 3.0 combo paired w/ 33s. Will it be terriable, and are there anythings I have to look out for on a 93'. Just let me have it all, anything and everything you know, I want to know what I'm getting into so I can make the best deal possibe. Thanks.

P.S. Personal opinion question. Do you think the switch from a 96' to a 93' would be a hard one, ride, interior layout, ect.?
Old 03-18-2003, 05:41 PM
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Hey,
That may be a bit on the high side. But, considering he has got lift, tires, etc that you would probably end up doing, it may not be a bad deal. Especially if it has only got 14.5k miles on it. Does it have a new engine? Head gaskets done? Has it been regeared?

I haven't been Runner shopping lately, but thought I'd add that little bit. Sweet truck. My favorite 4Runner color too.

Well, have fun.
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Old 03-18-2003, 05:43 PM
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My guess is, it's either 140, 500 or 145,00 mi. Its NOT a 93 w/ 14,500 mi. for 7k.
As for the stick question, I wish my 95 was a manual. I dont know where that rig is from, but you really need to watch for rust on the tail gates of the 2nd gens. If thats from the rust belt, remember this. The tail gate has most likely been painted to cover damage. They are about 800 bucks from Toyota. Yes, thats the ONLY place to get them. No one makes an after market gate.
Have the local Toy dealer do a VIN check to see if head gasket recall was done. Pay your moola to CARFAX and run the vin there too.
Old 03-18-2003, 05:54 PM
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Sounds like a fairly good value if it is in good condition. I agree that the mileage is more likely 145k. I'd call a dealer with the VIN# and see if the head gasket was done. The R150F 5 speed continues service today in Tacomas and was the 5 speed in the 3rd gen 4Runners before they went strictly auto.

I've never seen a rusted out tailgate but I live in the desert SouthWest. I found 1 aftermarket tailgate: http://www.toyotaautobodypartstore.c...805019091.html It is for the earlier 4Runners in the 2nd gen model run but all that is different is that the backup lights are on the tailgate on either side instead of both sides of the license plate holder.
Old 03-18-2003, 06:57 PM
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Looks like it has a 3" body lift and the sagging stock rear coils. Also looks like the wheels are 15x10's. $7K is a bit high for that mileage especially since a BL is $99 and wheels and tires can be had for $800 or so if they aren't name brand. Price should be closer to $5K. I'll second 1Runners comments. Also check in front of the rear wheels under the rear doors for rust. That's the places I had my rust fixed in addition to the tailgate.
Old 03-19-2003, 05:34 AM
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Well I'm going to call this guy today sometime this afternoon and see what he has to say about all my questions. If it's a 3" body lift yu can forget that, I don't want no stink'n body lift, if I got 4WD I want clearance to go along with it. As for the 15x10 wheels I hate those, but I can get some new 15x8s for not to much. What is the bolt patten on the 2nd gen wheels? I might be able to take my black rockcrawlers off my 3rd gen and put them on the 93'? Nothing can be told for sure until I call.

All 2nd gen owners, please tell me ALL the complaints/negetive issues you have about your 2nd gens. I know is hard to bitch about a toyoa but I want to know what I would be getting into, also ALL the good points(aside from it's a yota) would be appreciated.
Old 03-19-2003, 06:00 AM
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Cons/Pros

Cons:
1. The 3.0 is not a powerhouse, but you don't buy a truck to race with anyway do you?
2. Head gasket issue, but most of the time it's covered.
3. Most 2nd gens sag after awhile, hence the need for new rear coils.
4. No factory E locker, must shell out some big bucks for either and ARB Air Locker & compressor, or retrofit a factory E locker from a 3rd gen.
Both expensive to do if you have a shop do it.
5. 3.0 = gas :pig:

Pros:
1. Tailgate in the rear, truck like look still, and the tailgate is a blast to use, and space to set stuff on.
2. Manual hubs are a cinch to put on unlike later Toyotas.
3. Lifting a 2nd gen is also a breeze.
After manual hubs are put on (should be one of the first mods anyway), the T bars can be cranked up, new rear coils, and you can clear 32" tires.
Adding a 1.5" spacer to the new rear coils, 1" body lift, and you can run 33" tires.
4. Many after market parts for exterior.

I don't have to many negative issues.
My old '91 with 170K on it purrs like a kitten, still turns heads at her age, and is very nimble off road, even with an open diff in the rear.

If indeed that one has a 3" body lift on it, I would be looking for another one.
Don't be is to much of a rush to get one.
There are plenty out there.
With that much of a body lift, you will have trouble putting on an aftermarket front bumper is you so choose to do later on.

One to two inch body lift is more like it, with 1" not needing mods to an ARB bumper.
Old 03-19-2003, 11:14 AM
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Thanks Corey,

Once again, your THE MAN. I was hoping you would reply to my post soon. I need a new Runner or I need to do an engine swap soon. I don't want to try taking my baby to the beach and have her die or even worse, leave her at home andhave her miss all that fun. My optimum 4Runner would be a 3rd gen 4WD but I can't really find one in myprice range, I think I'm destined to get a 2nd gen. I really don't like the idea of a 3.0 but there's not much you can do, I feel like my 3.4 is a good match with the 32s. I relaly don't like the idea of a body lift either, who knows we'llsee hw it all plays out in the end.
Is it farily cheep to lift a 2nd gen about 2.5 - 3"??? Price range?
How much is a manual hub conversion?
What does an "open diff" mean? I hve been meaning to ask that awhile now. What are the pros & cons of it being an open diff?
Old 03-19-2003, 11:28 AM
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Stump, I have to ask, CUZ I JUST DONT KNOW!!! Your current 4Runner.. it's 2 wheel I think you mentioned that (hold please) yes, it must be. You said youd love to have a 4wd.
OK.. is your 3rd gen paid for? Is having a new engine swapped in an option for you? NOW.... if it is, how much work would it be to have someone put in a t-case and axles?? I know this sounds sort of dumb, but if those things can be done for sayyyy.... 5k, well, Youre gonna spend more than that on a decent 2nd gen. It seems Cebby said he found a 3.4, tranny and t-case in a salvage yard for 2.5k. Cebby, that right?
I dont know... something to think on maybe?? Just tryin' to help.
Old 03-19-2003, 11:34 AM
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for a 2nd gen

when i was doing research for a 4runner, 2nd gens were my first choice. i had a set budget and a few particulars and this is what i found from browsing autotrader.com for about 3months.

2nd gen with v6, 4x4, leather, loaded, 94-94(standard abs), from 90k - 150k should go for anywhere from $5500 - $7500.

personally i think anymore is too much. with patience, you can get what you want - for the most part.

i ended up with a 96/v6/4x4/sr5/147k for $8500, havent added anything cept cosmetics. have owned for 3 months and i love her to death. couse i would have loved one with a rear locker and 5spd but im satisfied. so far. good luck man.
Old 03-19-2003, 11:49 AM
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Well 1Runner to answer your question engine swap is my main option right now but if I could find a 4WD Runner then I would very heavily on that. My 3rd gen is not payed off, I still owe about 7500 on it still. So I'm not sure if a 4WD conversion is in my range, but I would certainly entertain it, if it came with in reason. As for doing a 4WD conversion that has always been my dream. I love my 96' and would love to keep her,t he only downfall I see is not being 4WD. Are there any sites that I could use to help me find all the essentials to do a 4WD conversion?

4runner4life you are one lucky guy, I wish I could have found a 4WD 3rd gen for that price or at least in that range. Everyone around here is selling 3rd gens for no less thatn 11K 2wd 4wd doesn't matter, they are all way up there in price(or at least they are to me, being in college and all).

Last edited by Stump1883; 03-19-2003 at 11:56 AM.
Old 03-19-2003, 01:37 PM
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Stump1883

actually, when i was looking (3 months back), i found a limited/96/4x4 for under $10k around your way. i think the gaston area? anyways, i found it a lot easier to find v6, 4x4 in areas with more challenging terrains. v6/ 4x4 are hard to find in the charleston area. other places were tennessee, ky, and va. and i would think with the 4th gen out, prices would be cheaper. if i see anything, ill send it your way. peace out.
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