Hey Guys-
Wanted to get your guys' opinion on something. I've read a lot of different posts, but nothing that directly touches on my question. I've recently purchased an '85 Toyota 4-Runner, Solid Front Axle, 22re Manual with 242k on the clock. The previous owner owned the vehicle for all but 1 year of its life. He took good care of it and overall the vehicle is in descent shape (especially for what I plan to do, off-road).

The only issue it has right now is that it is starting to leak around the front timing chaining cover / cylinder head area. I've done some clean up to try and find the leak and it appears to be right in this area (definitely not a font oil seal). The engine runs strong and passes smog fine, but I'm a stickler and don't like a vehicle that leaks or seeps.

The thing I am fighting myself over right is whether I should just do a Top End / Timing chain rebuild, or if, while I'm at it, it would be worth it to just do a whole rebuild. I know I've had friends that have easily gone 300k on a stock bottom end without issue... but am I wasting time since I'll already have it 60% torn down? If the bottom end should last a while longer, I don't see a reason to spend the time and money to work on the bottom end, I mean, I barely hit 12k miles a year, and this isn't my DD, so it shouldn't even see that kind of mileage, but what are your thoughts?

Ultimately, I want a reliable vehicle that won't leave me stranded on the trail, but knowing the owner, this vehicle has been babied overall. So what would do... just rebuild the top end / timing chain area, or do a full block strip down and rebuild?

 

If it were me I would do the complete rebuild since your going to be 60% there it will give you a piece of mind knowing that it is a complete fresh motor and it only a few more hours of work anyway right.