DAS_GTI

Just wanted to get an opinion on a purchase. My brother is looking to buy a Toyota truck (yay an offroading buddy!). We found one and wanted to know things to look for on these models (problem areas, things that will need to be replaced after purchase), as I am not familiar with the 3.0. I have not test driven the truck yet but started up the motor and it sounded normal.

Here are the specs:
- 1993 Toyota 4WD Pickup, Shortbed, Standard Cab, 3.0L V6, 5 Speed manual.
- 182,000mi.
- Body and interior should be considered Kelly Blue Book "fair".
- The truck is lifted and sitting on either 33's or 35's.
- The front end appears to have been done right, with a Diff drop (3in or so), and new shocks. The drive axles sit level because of the diff drop (as opposed to my 4Runner, where they are angled down). The front end work appears to have been done well and nothing sticks out as poor workmanship.
- The rear end has been lifted with 3in or so lift blocks, still sitting on standard springs. I would have my brother get taller springs and eliminate the lift blocks.
- I do know about the blown headgasket issues on these trucks... I checked the engine oil... it appeared to be old but not murky (which would indicate failed HG, right?)

KBB "Good" is $2400, and "Fair" is $1800, so I was planning on offering $2000. Does this seem like a good deal? The truck looks nice and the dents are only noticeable to a trained eye.

Thanks in advance for your help!

fillsrunner4

high miles and if its on 35s the motor will go quick imo. whats he asking for it? any major work done recently? i would offer $1750 cash

fastkevman

If you call a Toyota dealership with the vin# they can tell you if and/or when the head gasket and steering arm recalls were done.

DAS_GTI

Thats a good idea. If it has not been done, do they still honor those recalls?

4JOGGER

3.0 sucks...gas and no power

DAS_GTI

Yeah... I think we are only going to go for it if we can get the right price... With the advice above I think we will start negotiations at $1750 and go up.

Any other issues I should be looking for? Does anyone have any negative thoughts about the diff drop besides the change in clearance?

fillsrunner4

the negative is its an ifs lift. now you can still wheel with it but it puts more chance of breaking things. but with that said what are the plans with it? wheelin? daily driver? towing (out of the question)? look for leaks, ticking, if he has any recods of maintnence that would be great, has he wheeled it much, belts, hoses, ect. look for small things, and if you can really point them out. it will show doubt you want it and give you a better chance of a final purchase price being lower

DAS_GTI

Hes not going to be doing more than medium offroading... maximum of "moderate" difficulty. With the diff dropped, there is less chance of breaking the cvs, birfs, or CV boots since they are not extended beyond normal spec, so this IFS lift would be safer than a tbar crank.

The truck is going to be a DD/weekend toy. He drives about 30 miles a day highway, so fuel consumption isn't a huge issue.

DAS_GTI

Well, we decided against it after all. Not becuase of the 3.0, but because it didn't have AC (gotta have it in CA). Don't think we could have got the dealer low enough either.

Thanks for all your help!