89Hilux

I just bought an 89 hilux, manual, 4x4 with the v6. The body has around 280000 miles and the engine was supposedly "rebuilt" around 40k miles ago. No receipts of course. Anyway, the power steering pump and the the steering gear are leaking significantly. The parts, including belts and pulleys, (figured may as well since I'm in there) are about $400 after the core charges are returned. My question is, should I stick with this engine, and just fix the faulty parts and eat the cost. Or, should I save my pennies for a swap? Engine is pretty lackluster but runs decent. Body is straight but I am gonna replace the grill, valence lip and the headlight doors cause they are a little jacked up. I've head about the ISR mod and a custom exhaust to prevent the dreaded blown head gasket and burnt valves. Wanna know where my money is better spent.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

Power steering and gear box isn't to bad to replace. Just from reading your post on experience and cost of parts, a swap is a lot more expensive and skills to do the swap, I would suggest stay with the 3.0, having the work done will get expensive.

dzldust

If the 3.0 is running just keep the maintenace up and check for codes,its an expensive motor to rebuild compared to others.if you can doll it up and sell it before it pops or blows head gaskets,i had less in my last Chevy LS rebuild than my last 3.0 rebuild.

89Hilux

"Power steering and gear box isn't to bad to replace. Just from reading your post on experience and cost of parts, a swap is a lot more expensive and skills to do the swap, I would suggest stay with the 3.0, having the work done will get expensive."

You are correct. I have some experience working on cars but almost none on trucks. Never touched an engine except to replace spark plugs, wires, or distributor. Thank you for the reply. I'm itching for an excuse to mess with the truck cause I want more go power.

"If the 3.0 is running just keep the maintenace up and check for codes,its an expensive motor to rebuild compared to others.if you can doll it up and sell it before it pops or blows head gaskets,i had less in my last Chevy LS rebuild than my last 3.0 rebuild."

No codes so far. They (the previous owners) claimed a rebuild was done, but how the heck am I supposed to tell without some proof? They put a new master cylinder on, with a receipt, and it is already rusted!! Been like 5 months lol. I guess I'll just do one small project at a time and see where it goes.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

I am used to the 22re so the 3.0 was plenty of power for me. I had a 3.0 with the manual transmission and for what they were built for they are alright. An automatic behind the 22 or the 3.0 is gutless in both cases.

I have not swapped Toyota motors like going to a powerful V6 or V8, but like in hot rodding, you start chasing the weakest link that just turns into a never ending repair. If the current motor is doing fine I would stay with it.

89Hilux

Terrys87,

Thanks for the advice. That was what I needed to hear. Will do.