Hello,
I recently had a somewhat dramatic heater core failure while out of town and left my 1985 SR5 4runner with a local mechanic, big name, reputable. They said they have tried several different heater cores designed for 1985 4runners and even though they are supposed to fit none do, even one from out of state. A week later the last option they say is to have it rebuilt for 310$ by a company across the state. Has this happend to anyone else?

 

Rockauto lists 4 different heater cores for your truck all under $100, that's best I got. Trucks with rear heater core are unique. You'll need to see your core before ordering.

 

Yeah, I have rear heat. Mechanics have ordered several cores that allegedly fit, but none of them actually do fit.

 

Get a look at the core and order correct one, check the visuals, take a picture. Depending on who is ordering may not be paying attention to the fine details,,,it happens.

 

Block off the rear hear and drive it home?

 

You are talking about the front, main heater core, right?

Unfortunately, some have found that some of the aftermarket heater cores for these Trucks and 4Runners don't fit well, and some are just cataloged wrong.

I don't know why....

My heater core is original and doesn't leak (knock on wood), so I don't know the ins and outs of the heater core confusion.

 

Regarding the "doesn't fit" issues. (Note mine are working, this is all based on my aging memory)

You can get one that fits, but the ends are wrong and it doesn't connect.
OR
You get one that connects, but doesn't fit in the box..

If you poke around in Google (site:yotatech.com) you will find some solutions.

Depending where and how it is leaking you can just braze it and plug the hole.