Hi all. I have a chance to purchase a fairly local 1992 Toyota 4wd SR5 extended cab pickup, with the 3.0L V6/automatic for only $600, which seems like a steal to me. ? The owner says that the engine has a rod knocking- no other details. I think this truck is still worth this, but not sure. I have heard of this before on other 3.0L as well as bad headgaskets, which I think should be replaced at the same time with the engine apart?

Can anyone tell me about how much $$$ I will be looking at into getting the rod knock fixed, as well as headgaskets on this truck? I am aware of the headgasket recall on these trucks and not sure if this one ever had it replaced or not. I am at a crossroads. I do have a friend whose father is a Toyota tech at a dealership that does work on the side at his home garage... I totally forgot about that. He may do it much cheaper. I should check on that. I also read a thread that said sometimes Toyota may fix the knock problem too if the HGs had blown and had caused it, if it had not been already repaired under recall. ??

Thanks in advance!

 

Must be a rare/uncommon problem. Thanks anyway.

 

I would at least get the vin and call Toyota to see if the recall has taken place.

 

When I got my 94 4runner it had a pretty bad rod knock also, the engine was toast. I ended up finding a junk yard engine and had it installed for about 1500 total. I'm pretty sure I could've done it cheaper if I had more time. We're in the same area I think, so I've got an idea on prices. If you go with a lower mileage junk yard engine and have your mechanic buddy help you out, I could see you getting this thing running around 1200 maybe cheaper.

 

Thanks. I would like to do that, but it may not be possible. The owner sends short and quick emails, which is frustrating. I requested the VIN #, but now he will not reply. I have also requested photos for days and cannot get them. The truck is not that far, but its about 35 miles east of here and over mountain roads. I would like to see the truck photos before I drive all that way. Gas is not cheap now and I wanted to be sure it is something i am interested in, which I am sure I am, but I want to be sure it is actually a 92' Toyota and not ragged out bad.

 

It's hard to deal with people like that. Always makes me wonder what they're hiding.

$600's not bad, if the rest of the truck is in good shape. Plan on possibly spending a few times more than that just to get it road worthy.

But, what to do? If the guy won't communicate with you about it, you might be opening a can of worms that you didn't want to. There's just no telling. You may have to bite the bullet and take your friend's father (if he will go) on the weekend to look at it. Sounds like the only way you're going to know more.