coryc85

I've got 2 Runners on the line to go look at this Saturday.

Pics located here: http://picasaweb.google.com/coryc85/Potential4Runners

The first one is a red '91, 3.0, 5sp. It has the rear tire carrier which I like, has what looks like a body lift and maybe t-bar crank, but I don't know for sure. I can see the bumpstops are extended and there are drop brackets for the sway bar, etc. Also has a cheapy brushguard on it.

The second runner is a gold '95, 3.0, auto. It is pretty much stock, I only have one picture of it in the linked album.

Pricewise, they are almost identical (one is $2900, the other is $2800), both have working AC which is extremely important here in FL. I am looking for my first 4Runner, I already own an 83 pickup (which I will be selling to make room for this runner). Other than worrying about the 3.0 headgasket, what else should I be concerned with on these trucks. For instance, is the automatic any good? I kind of lean toward the looks of the '91, but then that '95 is newer and has not been molested like the '91. Just to fill you in on long term plans in case anyone wants to know, I probably won't ever go SAS. BJ spacers, maybe heavier t-bars, some new coils in the back and probably 33" tires. I would like to remove the ADD and go with locking hubs. I'm probably making my own case here to get the '95 since for the money it's probably the better deal. But, you just never know. Any thoughts are welcome.

Matt16

I'd prefer something closer to stock so I could modify it to my tastes and make sure it was done right. I would also want a manual myself unless you own an oil well.

olharleyman

Get the 5 speed for mileage and power what little there is of both plus you get a spare tire rack so you can carry 2 spares if you stay small enough tire wise. you can still carry one in the underside as well but the auto will be a real dog next to the 5 speed.
Pull them running boards off , lose the brush guard and you have a nice staring point on the mods you mentioned.
After looking at the pics of the 91 that's a PRO COMP suspension lift on it I have the same one its a 4" stage 1 on there mine is the stage II and only has a couple extra pieces but they are about 9-1200 for the kit depending on where you get it from.
It looks like it has a body lift too so 35's maybe 37's will fit 35's for sure no problem I have 35's with no body lift just a 4" lift and 3.75 backspacing on my rims and a tiny pinch weld mod.
Oh ya the inside looks pretty clean too if it was me buying I would go with the red one just my .02 for what it's worth

coryc85

Thanks for both you thoughts. I definitely do not own an oil well, so I will stick to the manual tranny...which in this case is the red '91. It does appear to be in pretty good shape. I'm going to look at it on Saturday, I want to make sure it runs and drives good. I want to see if I can get it from him for about $2500.

olharleyman

Good luck 2500 would be awsome , only tell him you have 2300 bring the cash but put 2300 in one pocket and then tell him it's all the cash you have he will go for it as long as he can see it and smell it , put the rest in your other pocket and tell him you have to go see if you can get a loan from a friend and ask him if you leave 500 (get a recipt even if its a piece of paper saying you gave him 500 as a hold for the truck and have him sign it) with him if he will hold it long enough to go see if you can borrow the rest from a friend come back about 1/2 hour later and say you could only come up with a couple hundred more see if he bites I bet he will.