Stealthlead

Hello, I'm new here so I hope I'm posting this is in the right section. Anyways, I just recently moved up to CO and have been looking for a good 4wd vehicle for the snow.. I came across this particularly nice 88' 4runner and wanted to see what you guys thought of it -



It has 190k original miles, but only has around 20k on the new engine (dropped in locally) the tranny, and new Marlin Crawler clutch at 185k. It has a 5" Rancho Lift, Smitty front and rear bumpers, nerf bars and Bushwacker fender flares. BFG 33x12.5x15, with decent tread on the aluminum wheels. Has little rust damage, mostly just surface. The clear is peeling which is to be expected and the interior needs some work; dome light/door lights not functioning, passenger mirror got knocked off etc. I can deal with small cosmetic stuff like that but the drive train/4wd and reliability is what I'm really concerned about here; I need something to get me to and from work and up the slopes to snowboard. It runs solid and I like it. It has the SR5 option. He'll include the 5th spare and lifted jack for $3700, just wondering if I'm walking into a good deal.

Any help is appreciated!!

CRamsey

iTrader: (1)

My first question is if the differentials have been regeared for those 35" tires. I would assume so, considering the other stuff that has been done to it. I don't think his price is outrageous considering the new engine and transmission. I put a new trannie and engine in mine a few years ago and figure that I'm good to go for a long time. Of course, my fuel pump just went out to the cost of $600.00. I think it looks good, but be prepared for plenty of other things to need attention on a 25 year old truck.

Stealthlead

They have not been, he said they are the stock open diffs (gear ratio something like 3.73). He's had the diff covers resealed recently though, he said its a common leak with these. Another thing I forgot to mention is the power steering box arm had cracked due to the lift. He has since welded two steel beams and sandwiched it to reinforce this. I'm mechancially inclined and have done all the work on my car, I'm just trying to determine if this will be manageable as a dd. I can deal with the little problems like pass side mirror, dome light, cracked dash, etc.

ScottyC

iTrader: (1)

I would say no. Not worth $3700.

Especially with the 3.0L V6 in there. I would find a clean 22re. Or, maybe take a look at this one if you are dead set on a V6.
http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showt...4x4-NEW-CLUTCH

I bet he would take $2000-2500 for it.

For $3700 you could likely find a 96-98 4runner which is a much more reliable V6.

Stealthlead

So you think the price is the biggest issue? I'm not particularly set on either, I'm just looking for a good 4wd/awd vehicle to get around for around $5k to be honest. Those kinds of vehicles are marked wayyy up around here in CO, especially this time of year. I'd much rather it be a 4runner than a Subaru to be honest, its just most of the subi's around here have 200k+ miles whereas this has a new drivetrain at 180k. But if you guys say this is a bad deal I'll listen.

osv

I have an '86 4runner with the 22re, it's gutless on the hills... it would be a nightmare on those Colorado mountains... same thing with the 3slo.

however, I refuse to get serious about any vehicle with 4 doors, which is why I have an early 4runner.

if you aren't hung up on the body style like that, get the newest vehicle you can afford... 4 valves per cylinder is nothing to sneeze at, and the fuel injection design and performance is much better.

RustBucket

iTrader: (1)

Full agreement with Scotty C. Get something with the 3.4 if you want to power up hills. The 3rd gen 4Runners are also very good vehicles.

HighLux

way to rough for 3700 and its got red interior. thats a 1000 discount right there.

RJR

Another thing to consider is appropriateness of the vehicle for the intended use. Stealthlead, you say you want this vehicle primarily as a daily driver to handle snow. A lifted truck with over-sized tires is not your best choice for that. The lift just decreases stability on the highway and during skids on ice, and in general narrower tires are better on packed snow, which is mostly what you have in Colorado winter driving. Consequently, with this truck you'd be paying for "features" and modifications which are not advantageous to you.

If you wanted a trail rig, this could be a reasonable starting point, but as it is, I would look for something more stock. And in truth, if driving to ski slopes is your major application, an AWD like a Suburu is a much better choice than any part-time 4WD SUV.

cman1

iTrader: (1)

keeeeeeeep loookin!!!!!!!!!!!!

ScottyC

iTrader: (1)

Here you go:
http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/cto/4233821754.html

RJR

That's well worth taking a look at. Those 3rd gen 4runners are the best of the bunch, in my opinion. My family has two of 'em.

RAD4Runner

Agree on discount - LOL! 22RE is more reliable and easier and simpler to work on (things more accessible and easy to inspect/replace).

Also agree on not wanting a lift; not advisable for daily driver and road use.

rbmoomba

Way to steep. That's more of a $2000 dollar deal. I'm usually not into buying a vehicle with a new anything. If they are confident in the work why are they selling (and have the bugs been worked out). My 2 cents