First Post, what to look for?
09-12-2012, 04:33 PM
#1
First Post, what to look for?
Hey everyone this is my first post. I am wanting to get an early 90's 4x4 truck. I've always loved the looks and all I ever hear about them is how tough these trucks are and that they last forever. I am currently looking for one for a reasonable price I can afford(few grand). I want it to become a little project of mine but I'm not the most mechanically inclined person. I can do little stuff but don't have the knowledge or tools to do the major work. All the trucks I have found have 200k+ miles which is expected but I was just curious what sorts of common things I should look for to get a decent truck I don't have to constantly fix. Thinking i'd like the 4 cyl unless I can be persuaded otherwise. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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rojogrande (12-09-2022)
09-12-2012, 04:54 PM
#6
Registered User
Hey everyone this is my first post.
Welcome aboard! Live long and prosper and all that crap.
I am wanting to get an early 90's 4x4 truck. I've always loved the looks and all I ever hear about them is how tough these trucks are and that they last forever.
You've come to the right place. Can't go wrong with a Toyota.
I am currently looking for one for a reasonable price I can afford(few grand).
Depending on the region in which you live in, you could find a decent 85-95 pickup for that much.
I want it to become a little project of mine but I'm not the most mechanically inclined person. I can do little stuff but don't have the knowledge or tools to do the major work.
If you download the FSM for the year truck you end up getting, you can do just about anything. It's basically a book that tells you, step by step, how to take apart and put your truck back together
All the trucks I have found have 200k+ miles which is expected but I was just curious what sorts of common things I should look for to get a decent truck I don't have to constantly fix.
200k isn't a lot for these trucks. Things to look for:
1. Frame/suspension rust
2. Ummm...errr...I'm too tired. I can't think of any others right now. Hopefully someone else will chime in.
Thinking i'd like the 4 cyl unless I can be persuaded otherwise.
Can't go wrong with the 22RE I-4. Mated with a 5 speed, you can go anywhere. Stay away from anything with an automatic. They suck down on the little power these trucks have. Some will tell you to stay away from the 3.0L. They have headgasket issues, but they really aren't as bad as some people say. I have one and I've never had any problems. Or get either and do a 7m-gte swap!
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Right-o
Welcome aboard! Live long and prosper and all that crap.
I am wanting to get an early 90's 4x4 truck. I've always loved the looks and all I ever hear about them is how tough these trucks are and that they last forever.
You've come to the right place. Can't go wrong with a Toyota.
I am currently looking for one for a reasonable price I can afford(few grand).
Depending on the region in which you live in, you could find a decent 85-95 pickup for that much.
I want it to become a little project of mine but I'm not the most mechanically inclined person. I can do little stuff but don't have the knowledge or tools to do the major work.
If you download the FSM for the year truck you end up getting, you can do just about anything. It's basically a book that tells you, step by step, how to take apart and put your truck back together
All the trucks I have found have 200k+ miles which is expected but I was just curious what sorts of common things I should look for to get a decent truck I don't have to constantly fix.
200k isn't a lot for these trucks. Things to look for:
1. Frame/suspension rust
2. Ummm...errr...I'm too tired. I can't think of any others right now. Hopefully someone else will chime in.
Thinking i'd like the 4 cyl unless I can be persuaded otherwise.
Can't go wrong with the 22RE I-4. Mated with a 5 speed, you can go anywhere. Stay away from anything with an automatic. They suck down on the little power these trucks have. Some will tell you to stay away from the 3.0L. They have headgasket issues, but they really aren't as bad as some people say. I have one and I've never had any problems. Or get either and do a 7m-gte swap!
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Right-o
Last edited by 93Xtra-Cab; 09-12-2012 at 04:56 PM.
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rojogrande (12-09-2022)
09-12-2012, 05:21 PM
#7
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Here's what i've learned:
-dont buy someone elses project
-dont buy something that was done cheap
-solid frame
-only buy the 5 speed if you can drive stick
-based off what you've said, if its throwing a check engine light, do not buy it!
That's all ive got, good luck!
-dont buy someone elses project
-dont buy something that was done cheap
-solid frame
-only buy the 5 speed if you can drive stick
-based off what you've said, if its throwing a check engine light, do not buy it!
That's all ive got, good luck!
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09-12-2012, 05:39 PM
#8
5 speed is a must thats no doubt. There are quite a few down here in Alabama. Many have rebuilt engines which is an automatic NO for me. I know with the 6cyl there's the timing belt issue. Thanks for the input guys. Anyone else got anything?
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rojogrande (12-09-2022)
09-12-2012, 05:58 PM
#9
Nothing wrong with rebuilt motors if it runs well.
90s model will be hit or miss on a good 3.0 V6.
I'd stick with 22RE 5spd but that's me.
Expect to pay a nice penny for a good one around here.
$2500-4000 depending on condition
:wabbit2:
90s model will be hit or miss on a good 3.0 V6.
I'd stick with 22RE 5spd but that's me.
Expect to pay a nice penny for a good one around here.
$2500-4000 depending on condition
:wabbit2:
09-12-2012, 07:10 PM
#11
Registered User
My experiences, bought a 3.0 that ran fine, tested great no codes, drove amazing. 3-4 months into having it, it started overheating, and I had to do the HG's turned out whoever did it before used Felpro gaskets, and they were the wrong ones. In all honesty your getting into a car that's 20 years old, you have to expect spending some coin and doing it right. Wasn't always done right the first time around with previous owners.. just my experiences, and I think I was one unlucky one. BUT, after the 2k I put into my truck with a new radiator, hg, timing belt, water pump, berings, valve job, and everything else needed... I absolutely love my yota and I wouldn't do it any different
