chrisg35

I thought I would come to you all and ask. I currently drive a 1988 Isuzu Trooper,which I love, with 200,000 on it and still going strong. However, I have stumbled across a 1994 4Runner, power everything, including sunroof, with 140,000 on it. It is a five speed which is good and it is also a V6!
Now, I have heard that the V6 is underpowered; however, coming from my HUGE 2.6 liter 4cyl I doubt I will complain very much. Am I right about this? The guy is a friend of mine and is asking 5000. What do you all think? I love the looks of it and will probably get it...it is in very good working order. I just thought I would get some thoughts on what to look for first. Also, the rear end sags...Now my Troop has almost 4 inches of lift in the rear via upgraded springs and shackles. I am guessing the 4Runner's sag problem is a simple add a leaf fix? Thank you so much for any help you all can give a soon to be 4Runner member!

Chris

jordanirvin

The 3.slow is underpowered. You'll have to get used to downshifting to climb hills and downshifting to get into the left lane and then still not be able to pass people. The quickest and cheapest mod is the airbox/deckplate--do a search and you'll get plenty of ideas. Headers and better exhaust are others.
I have a 95. The best things that I did (simply) were to clean out the throttle body, got new spark plugs (OEM), ran a couple cans of seafoam through it, _changed the fuel filter_. I get about 20mpg. If I was going to keep the 95 longer I would have had the injectors cleaned...Can't remember the name of the company that does this--I have it bookmarked at home.
Check out 4x4wire's minute mod page too.
The 2nd generation (up to 95.5) have coils, not leaves in the back. Again, search on here and you'll get tons of ideas for fixing the sag and/or lifting the stance.

leebee

hey chris!

welcome to the best 4x4 site youll ever need! there are guys and gals on here that have done some pretty marvelous things to and with their rigs. coming from the 86 22re 5 speed to a 93 v6 auto myself, you will indeed notice an increase in the power available. having said that, i havent driven the 3.4, so a comparison between the 3.0 & 3.4 is a moot point. the rig you have described sound like a great deal, if you know a good mechanic, have him check it over, get the vin and check to see if the head gasket recall has been completed. if these things come back good, make an offer. oh, by the way, there is no antidote for the modding infection. youll be in good company though!

lee

chrisg35

Thanks LeeBee and Jordan! Yeah I am going to try and keep away from the mod bug for at least a slight bit...The Trooper has me pretty busy at the moment! Haha Thanks for the advice...I am going to take it for an extended spin tomorrow and see how I like it. As far as downshifting to pass or to go up a hill I dont think you have ever driven a 1st gen troop.
But yeah if this 1994 has coils in the rear then spacers would work right? Im definitely going to go with an aftermarket muffler and new exhaust.

Thanks guys and keep em coming!

Chris

chrisg35

Bump :-)

Paul H.

Welcome chris, definitely check and make sure the head gasket has bben replaced as with the sagg, you can go spacers or new coils by either OME or Downey. See if he has replaced the shocks and steering stabilizer too. If he hasn't talk him done some so you can replace them. Good luck.