mtnkid85

Hi there every one . Im looking into getting a 2nd gen runner . Currently Ive got a 85 but I wanted to know more about the 3.0 and the 2nd gen 4runner in general . I would like to know every thing and every thing there is to know . what are the down side of the 3.0 ? I know about the headgasket but is there any other problems ? the dealership will replace the old headgasket for free right . average gas milage , HP & torgue specs compared to a 22re specs . What year is the best or are they all pretty much the same ? biggest tires you can clear w/o a lift . and any thing else you guys think may be important . If this gets big enuff maybe we can turn it into a FAQ .
Thanks for any

Paul H.

As an owner of a 92 for 9 years now, I can tell you some answers:
1. the 3.0 is a low power engine that has some good torque at low engine speeds this is why it is a good offroad vehicle. Horsepower was 150 and torque at 180. I believe. Remember this is no speed demon.

2. I average 16mpg on highway with a/c on, 19mpg without a/c.

3.The only major changes was with the front end in 92 and color schemes and the limited model in 95 I believe.

4.Biggest tires are 32's I believe.

5. Headgasket of course, dealer should replace at no cost, you can find out by calling them with vin number. The rear end tends to sag but can be fixed with some new coil springs. Some have complained about the steering pump developeing leaks in high milage vehicles. Myself, other than the a/c and one sensor going out, mine has been of little trouble.

Hope this helps.

CTB

Hey there,

Well, Paul H already answered a lot of your questions, but I thought I would go ahead and answer you as well.

I've got a 95 with the 3.0, and it has been great so far. I basically get 20 mpg (give or take just a little) no matter where I am driving, A/C on or not. Like Paul said, make sure to have the dealer run the VIN# to see if your rig qualifies for a new head gasket or has already had one installed.

My rig has been extremely reliable and I haven't had to do anything that wasn't normal routine maintenance. I have installed new rear coil springs, but haven't lifted my rig in the front yet, and I'm pretty sure I could run 32" tires with no problem.

Let us know if you have any other questions-

CTB

mtnkid85

Hey thanx guys for the quick responses .
I saw a pretty nice looking 92.... I think , w/ about a 2in lift and 32s , roofrack . grill gaurd , couldnt see the milage and there was no price on it but Ill go back tommorow when the place is open and look at it more . any thing special I should look for while Im there ?
thanx again

Paul H.

Check for rust around the wheel wells and tailgate. These areas seem to be most prone also run a carfax on it and check the condition of the fluids that should tell you if it was taken care of. Good luck.

doink

if i were you , i would jusst stay with a 1st gen. in retrospect, i wish i got a 1st gen rather than my 2nd. i just love that dang removeable top

L33T35T 4Runner

with it stock, the largest i can guarantee will with without rubbing are 31s. you MIGHT be able to squeeze 32s in there, like bridgestone dueler A/T revos. probably not mudders though

3.0. you'll get bad gas milage, but you'll get used to it.

i love my 4runner, but i will be selling it for a newer one

mtnkid85

just out of curiosity (sp?) how much do you want for your runner ? and how much are most 90-95 runners going for ? I wont be able to buy any thing for about a year ( Im a high school student and dont get to work much during school ) ! But I would still like to keep my eyes open and get a fill for what a resanable price is . thanx .:bounce2:

L33T35T 4Runner

I'm selling it in 2 months for 10k listed, and i'll go down to about 9500. it sounds kinda high, but it has only 97k miles on it, and it's in PERFECT condition. there isnt one problem with my car, and its super clean, always garaged, etc. its just a great working car.

kinda far away arent ya?

Cebby

When are you going to tell him yours is 2WD?

gwhayduke

I've had zero problems with my 3.0. Had problems elsewhere with the truck, but the engine has been great.

I've been wondering though, viewing all the posts on blown headgaskets, thrown rods and so on, whether I'm running on borrowed time. I think it's primarily driving style though.

I don't rev above 4500, it's useless anyway, and 4500 lets you get on the cam in the next gear. A lot of the guys will tell you they redline theirs, but there's no speed benefit for doing it and the 3.0's rods are questionable.

Right now I have 191,000 on mine. I spent the summer loaded with a half-ton of people, dogs and gear buzzing around NM on what the dealer says is a bent axle.

Try doing that with any other vehicle.

mtnkid85

Ya Im kinda far away from every one on these boards . lol any way where is a good place to find a 1 " body lift ? Im already dreaming about what i want to do to my soon to be 4runner .

gwhayduke

Another thing you might think about....

Buy a rust free AZ, CA or West Tex 4Runner off of Ebay. I've seen the 4Runners and pickups north of Albuquerque and they almost always have rust.

Mechanical things I can deal with. Rust...now your talking expensive.

Cebby

www.4crawler.com

JSB

I might be selling mine soon as well. With in 6 months or so. Hopefully being 2WD won't kill me in my resale value. I'd like mid 8's for mine. I think that's reasonable. Plus I've already got coils and shocks.

L33T35T 4Runner

shhhhh

Memphis4X4

I'll echo on everything that the others have said regarding a 3.0L 2nd Gen Runner. After 12 and a half years of owning it, I have had very little trouble out of this vehicle. The only major thing was the auto trans being rebuilt at 100K......a speed sensor went out and sent confusing data to the brain, and the truck began starting in 3rd gear. This was a fluke and not a typical thing that occurs. These trucks are relatively slow but they are reliable and bullet proof. You'll notice that the guys selling their Runners here are not selling them because they are worn out but because they just want something else.


Here is a link to a site that will tell you the differences between the 2nd Gen model years. In the menus on the left column of the site, click on '4 Runner History'.

David

JSB

Yep...Like 4WD

Memphis4X4

That's true!!

I HAVE a 4WD and I am looking at selling too to get something else. I'm looking at a Toyota with a V8. I have lived with low hp for long enough.

doink

seems pretty expensive man. a year and a half ago, i got mine for 10k with 90k. and that was before the new models came out. i think you would be lucky to get that