I'm looking at another runner, 89 model with the 3.0 in it and have a question or two.

How does the 3.0 (v6) stand up against the 2.4 (4 cyl)? I've read several threads where folks call the 3.0 the 3.slow, say it's a dog, a POS, prone to head gasket leaks and over heating....... Is it really that bad?

I wouldn't mind getting the 89 since it has low miles, is 4x4 and 5 speed and looks pretty darn good. I just don't want to buy something that is going to tank in a few months and then end up trying to source a 3.4 for the swap.

Thanks bunches.

 

Search its been covered.

 

It's just like any other engine that depends on how it's been maintained, etc

Rob

 

even then, the 3.0 isnt a bad motor... most people dont like it because there arent many upgrades for it for cheap...

but mine has 250K+ miles and its doing just fine... one head gasket replaced...

treat the 3.0 right and you will love it as much as your 2.4...

 

I've owned 2 3.0 rigs. The 1st had almost 400k with no problems. I bought a new 3.0 from Toyota to replace the old tired motor in my 1st rig. Then lost that rig to an impound yard, thanks to an ex girl.

The 3.0 in my current rig has almost 300k,, and has less than 60k on the rebuild. The PO rebuilt the motor cuz he used it to tow his rather large boat at 190k. He stated no problems at all before the rebuild.

The 3.0 is a pain to work on, true, but I personally wouldn't trade it for a 22re, or buy a 22re powered Toyota. But keep in mind, the early 3.0's had the majority of the head gasket problems due to poor head design, and closeness to the exhaust on the passenger side. That was "corrected" in the 2gen.....

 

Drive the same truck/transmission with each engine. See what you think. I think you buy and engine to drive, not repair.

Many of us, me included, just can't live with the lack of torque and power. The 3.0 make more torque and idle than the 22RE does peak.

At this age, maintenance is the biggest factor in longevity combined with driving habits. Both are things you can't control but that's the tradeoff of buying used cars.

To each their own.

Frank

 

Do you have test results of that?



or are you being sarcastic?

 

How this.

 

Cool. I didn't know that.

How credible is that "map" though?

 

I found it on the internet - it must be credible.

 

Haha. I'm sold

 

Can I add that the graph 'starts' at 1200 rpm and indicates approximately 150 ft/lb at that rpm?
Given the trend of the graph, one could extrapolate to approximately 120 ft/lb at 900 rpm... slightly less than the 22re's peak torque of ~140 ft/lb, thus not living up to the claim that the 3vze produces more torque at idle than the 22re at peak.

 

Ricky, you should take a ride in my truck with the v6 and then in my 4runner with the 22re. The truck has so much more power it's not even funny.

The truck went in for the headgasket recall at 100,00 miles, now it has 226,000 on it and runs great.

The truck has 4.56 gears and 32 inch tires and will do 80 most of the way to Santa Fe.

I drove the 4runner today and spent alot of time at 70 and below. I just did the timing chain a couple of months ago so it's running pretty well but it's still slow.

Even if you got the V6 and blew a headgasket it's not much harder to fix than a 22re.

I say if it's a good deal buy it or tell me where it is so I can.

Robb

 

Its a toyota you treat it right and love her she will do the same for you.

 

i had to get mine rebuilt (3.0-) at 350,ooo miles.

the block has no scoring on the bores...so, the block is as awesome as any motor ever built.
and yes.
i have had 3 yotas, and 2 of em were 22r's..the 3.0 is a lot more power/ torque.

i would prefer it had the 3.4...but hey, it lasted 350k...and still good...
now i use it as a daily driver, and i can easily hit 70mph at 3k rpm...(it can go much faster)..

the 22r's are awesome too, but you mentioned that the 3.0 has a manual tranny..(does that mean the 22r you're looking at is an auto...if so, do not buy an automatic 4x4..)

to add..
i think the 3.0 is more efficient too...(is it?)

 

No no and again, no. It's a gas pig. The 22RE isn't near as bad. The 22RE gets 17 city/20 hwy mpg whereas the 3VZE 14/18. I've got 26 hwy mpg our of my 4Runner loaded down with camping/ fishing/ recovery gear.

Gas prices have been creeping up once again and the trend is "supposed" to continue.

 

I thought the head gasket failures were from 1990 and on cuz the material in them was changed. If that's true, you should be good to go.
I just hate my automatic and wish I'd bought a 5 speed.
I don't know my runners history, but I have almost 230,00 miles. Tune up, oil change, filters, seafoam. It runs fine. I'd drive it anywhere, even across country with minimal worries.
If it's a good price, buy it.