windhamjk

How dependable and tough are the 3.0's and the automatics? in those model 4runners?

Turd Ferguson

The 3.0 is possibly the least reliable motor Toyota has ever made with regards to one MAJOR problem- they eat head gaskets. Toyota has a service campaign to replace them. Likely that yours was already done. You can call the local dealership and have them run the VIN and see what recalls/TSBs were done. When I bought mine last year the HG had been done but the steering stabilizer hadn't, and the local dealership replaced it free of charge. on a 17-year old truck!

Still, I'd look at getting a better example and having this as a parts truck.

pruney81

I agree with Compressed. Just fix up the 3.0: headgaskets, timing belt, water pump, some new head bolts. Change some fluids and drive it until the 3.0 blows up. At 199k miles you should get another 50 k out of it as long as it doesn't spin a bearing or something.

windhamjk

How difficult is it to swap in the 3.4? Or would you guys suggest attempting a V8 transplant?

Joey

Thats the first thing I thought of. Just members here would likely replace the 200. The rest would be gravy for you.

windhamjk

yeah I'm pretty sure I'm going to grab it.

Joey

Well hell, if you decide to part it out, I need a passenger side mirror in black.

windhamjk

I spoke to thekid who last drove it last night. He told me it was smoking when it brokedown an he had it towed home. Then he said sometime later his dad drove i to a different spot in the field. According to the dad, it crankedup fine but was making "a funny noise". The noise concerns me, I know it needs atleast a water pump, but it had barely any oil on the dipstick.

On the upside, it is a clear title and minor body damage. So I am thinking I might go ahead and attempt to restore and set it up for some mild offroading.

I was actually putting together a parts listof everything I could think it would definitely need last night.

leebee

your wallet will never be the same again!! youll want a trusted mechanic to help you check it over to determine how much damage has been done to the motor. the cosmetics can be taken care of anytime.

there are more than a few maintenance threads on here, search them out and get busy! keep us posted on your progress.

lee

windhamjk

I'm considering just dropping a new motor in there. I can have a new 3.0 installed for 2300 bucks and it will come with a 3yr/36000 mile warranty.

The tranny is in great shape supposedly, but yeah I'm going to have a good mechanic crawl all over it and try to find every flaw.

mrstang01

Where are you getting a 3.0 installed for $2300?

windhamjk

It's a place here in Houston that has been in business for decades (atleast 2). They quoted me 2300. Which includes them towing the rig from my house to their shop, removing the motor in the truck now, switching the accessories over to the new one, installing the new one. Like I said they also give a 3 yr. / 36,000 mile warranty if they do the install.

What my 2300 will not cover, would be like if I needed a new alt., starter, water pump, ...etc.

The name of the place is Thunderbolt motor and transmission.