jb451

Hey guys, i'm looking for a second vehicle. I love my Camaro but i'm tired of 5-6 mpg and no AC. Used to own a F150 before i got the Camaro, and i wanted another full size pickup, but with no kids or anything like that, i really have no need for a full-size. (plus, everyone wants 8-9k for 175K+ vehicle) So, started looking a pickups and 4runners from the 87-95 timeframe. I know i want 4wd and a manual transmission. EFI is a plus. What problem areas do these vehicles have that i should look for? Rust areas? I have no problem doing the work, i just don't want another money pit like my Camaro is.

Here's an example of what i'm looking at:
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/3978795360.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/3939773319.html (this one's an auto, but its not too bad)

Thanks guys.

Stetson_md

Rust at the body seams is farily common, and you'll probably want to stay away from the v6 and if you get a 22r/re convert it to a dual row timing chain and a 3 core radiator and you shouldn't run into any of the normal 4cylinder issues the 89-95 tend to have less rust but weight more and the overall toughest is the 84-85 4runner wise but they ride rough

wiseguymmiv

Other than rust (crawl around under the rig) and typical vehicle issues common to every car or truck (leaks, wreck damage), there's only the head gasket to worry about as far as I can think of. There was a recall many years ago I think, and many were changed to avoid leaking water into the engine. Ask for documentation if it was changed.

I owned a 90 Toyota pickup for 6 years and have had my 95 4Runner for 9 years, with no major issues. My 4Runner needed a rear end rebuild due to a frequent leak, the installation of Brembo rotors up front (OEM warps easily) and a Hayden tranny cooler due to overheating, which you won't have to worry about with a manual. Toyotas are very reliable and mostly trouble free. Good luck!

jb451

Great news to hear, i'm tired of having to work on something every weekend! Does this particular generations of trucks and SUVs have this "milkshake" problem i've been hearing about? I know every puts coolers on for a reason.

Stetson, why should i stay away from the V6? My brothers 3.4 seems to be doing fairly well for 150K miles... I will say my gf's 95 4runner lacked torque though...

wiseguymmiv

Milkshake issue?

My tranny overheated often when in cruise on easy inclines with no load, so I added the cooler. No problems since, and that was 7 years ago.

The v6 (mine) is underpowered, so the gas mileage is only about 15 mpg. Maybe that's what Stetson was referring to. Mine has 208,000 on the original motor and tranny, so they are built to last, they just suck at being exciting or fuel efficient.

SPARKS89

iTrader: (1)

Neither of those ads tells you what motor those Runners have. The 'milkshake' is either referring to the trans cooler going bad in the V6 model auto transmission or the timing chain eating thru the housing on the 22re model engine. Either one is a fairly easy fix/prevention, but I think the transmission milkshake is an easier fix with just a new/better radiator. If the milkshake gets in the auto trans it's toast and you'll have to replace it. If the milkshake happens on the 22re motor you can still save the motor if you catch it in time. I've heard constantly that the 3.0 is underpowered so you might not be satisfied with it. The 22re is damn near bullet-proof in my opinion. I'm very satisified with mine at 216,000+ miles and I'm averaging 22.5 MPG. Rust is irrelevant so long as it's not taking over the whole truck. It's an older Toyota so you're almost guaranteed to get some rust.

One thing to keep in mind: if you're tired of having to work on something every weekend I wouldn't suggest buying one of these (I know, I know...I hate to say that) because you're going to want to do plenty to it. You'll catch the bug eventually and want to work on it all the time.

Stetson_md

V6 gets bad mpgs is worth less then the 22re and doesn't seem to last as long as a 22re which is why I said to stay away from it but its still a great motor

jb451

haha, no i don't mind upgrading things... Hell, thats half the reason i want one, i'm tired of just having to stay on pavement! I'm talking about repair and maintenance, i don't want to have to fix something every weekend because its breakage prone, or just a crappy design. But it doesn't sound like i will have to worry about! The first ad has the 3.0 in it, its got the badging on the back. Not sure on the second one.

So if the V6 is underpowered, what makes the 22re so special? I could maybe see it making more torque because it's inline, but you're still down 2 cylinders..

Found a truck this time- http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/cto/3938835535.html

Stetson_md

The under powered part is a matter of opinion the v6 makes more power then the 4cyl the 3vzmakes 145hp and 180lbs of torque the 22re makes 112 hp and 142 lb of torque. Ill say this the v6 is a btch to work on but the 22's are easy

The 3.0 is generally hooked up to a auto so that probably worsens the underpowerd feeling too

And 500,000mile life expectancy is what makes the 22re special

Stetson_md

That 85 dosent seem bad if he has a receipt proving its a new lce motor

93Xtra-Cab

Don't count out the 3.0L v6. They might have head gasket issues and they may be somewhat of a pain to work on, but they come with more horsepower and torque than the 22re. As for fuel economy, I get 21-22 mpg in the summer with 5 speed, factory gearing and 32" tires. I get about 17-18 in the winter. I might just have different driving habits. I got 22.6 mpg last fill up, with pics to prove it.

If you want to do performance upgrades, you'll probably end up doing a 3.4L or chevy 350 or 4.3L swap. The 22re and 3.0 are not worth trying to upgrade with performance parts.

Stetson_md

Most people I know with toyotas have the 3.0 dont get me wrong its not bad but with a auto it sucks gas and is slow. There's lots of swapitons if ya want power though like the 1jz or 2 jz or 7mgte or that Lexus v8 motor everybody likes or the 5vz or a supercharged 3rz or a Pontiac/Buick 231/3.8l/3800 or a 302/331/347 or a 350/383/393. yoters can be batass sleepers lol

93Xtra-Cab

Not all 3.0s have an auto trans behind it. I think I've seen more manual trans trucks/4runners than automatics in the 4 or 6 cylinder. Anything with an automatic transmission is slow. Autos are slush boxes.

Stetson_md

I've never come across a 3.0 Manuel I know they exist I've just never seen one lol and I've only seen one auto 22re I reckon the people that have em don't let go of em

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

My truck is a v6 5 speed also. I've seen more 4runners with 3.0 auto and more trucks with 3.0 5 speed. I wouldn't over look the 3.0, some say there great and some say there not. My truck has 169k miles and it was on its 4th 3.0 when I bought it. It also had a severe knock and a blown HG. Just after reading on here I decided to swap a 3.4 5VZFE myself. I would suggest go out and drive both 22re and a 3.0, you might not like the power of the 22re.

the171

cant comment on the v6. The 22RE is very good! But also very old.

Things to watch for:

-oil leak at the front of the engine. Most likely caused by an amateur head gasket job.
-1st gear grind. Worn shifter bushing caused mine. Replaced that and the tranny is still flawless after 240,000 miles.
-front/ rear main seal leak. This creates one hell of a mess. A common issue on high mileage cranks.
-rear diff leak. Caused by plugged breather.
-Ask if the timing chain has been serviced.
-worn engine mounts. You can tell by the clunking noise during shifts.
-low compression. Check the plugs for dirty or burnt ones. Better yet, do a compression test.
-flashing battery light. Check for good battery grounds.
-clutch slave cylinder. Old ones start to leak.

Other than that these are pretty good trucks... That never really "die".

RSR

The whole 22re vs 3vze is null and void on the 4runner. You do not want a 4runner with anything less than a 3vze if you want a capable vehicle.

The V6's also have stronger trannys and stronger drivelines. More ideal for offroading.

Yes, you want the SR5 package. That was the high end model during this generation.

I like the $1700 one. SR5, V6, and manual tranny. Just look at service records!

jb451

Wow, thanks for all the input fellas, i really appreciate it!

93xtra mentioned engine swaps, anyone do lsx swaps in these things? Thats the world i come from... although if i bought a toyota, i would stay a toyota.lol

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

I've seen a few lsx swaps. I agree on the v6 5 speed 4runner. Looks like a good candidate for a 3.4 swap lol

StonedMasonry

One of the biggest turnoffs to the 3.0 os that it snacks on headgaskets. You mentioned your brothers 3.4 whoch is known to be one of Toyotas best engines, but the. 3.0 is far from that