I heard the 95's don't have as many problems with the headgaskets as in the earlier ones, is this true? I've got an 86 runner but I'm looking to get something a little more comfy and with a/c for the summer. I think I heard some the 95's fall under the recall and some don't. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Paul

 

Not true about the headgaskets, they are ALL bad. My advice, avoid a 95 unless you have proof they have been repaired. I speak from experiance, at the cost of $2700.00!!!

Good Luck!
Lamm

 

Well, I can just call and check with Toyota and if they havent been done they'll still do it right? Or has the recall timed out or something

 

Mine went out a few months ago and no dealer in NE Ohio would do the recall work. Many of the 95s were NEVER eligable but still had the problems. Dealer will tell you if it was done or not, you will need the VIN.

Lamm

 

Was it the latter part of 95's that weren't eligible? Do you know if there is a link somewhere for this? Thanks

 

I don't know of a link, I think it was the last 8 months. Mine was made in Aug. and was not included. Like I said, get a 90-94 that has had the recall done and the seller can provide PROOF. Its not worth fixing on your own dime.

Lamm

 

Cool thanks, I'll look for A 94.

 

Thats a good move, there is nothing cheap or easy about the 3.0's headgasket problem.

Lamm

 

Why not just get a '96, and get a better engine out of it?

 

I agree. My next runner will be a 96 to 99 runner with a 3.4.

Troy

 

Now, don't discourage pruney . . . he can buy mine.

 

i have a 94 and i havent had any mechanical issues. if you want a 2nd gen. i would suggest a 94. that seemed to be the safe year, safety features were added and the options are just what you need. however, if i could do it again, i would probably buy a 3rd. gen just for the sake of comfort(coilovers) and a bigger engine. keep your eyes peeled. dont be too quick to jump the gun.

 

im selling a 94 for 2100

 

Why not get a 22re?

 

Dude -- don't do it. The recall is only determined by your VIN # -- there was no particular date. I, too, have a 95 that fell outside of the recall range and my headgasket failed around 90,000 miles and led to engine replacement #1. That engine was a crappy rebuild and blew up about 15,000 miles later and brought me to engine #3. I can't express enough contempt for the 3VZE engine. Do yourself a favor and go with a 96 or newer.

Ed

 

Epic ED you kinda reads like mine.i have a 94though..third time is a charm. its funny how im on my third engine(75k on it now) But the Tranny is the same.230k on auto tranny.Do these things ever blow up?

 

Avoid the 3.0. You will be happy. My 2.6 drives way better than my 3.0 ever did. It can actually pull hills. I've been down that road. Don't follow it. Just search for some of my old posts and you will read all the problems that I believe makes the 3.0 a horrible engine.

 

Thanks for all the input, I think I'm going to search for a really nice 1st gen x cab. I know I can't go wrong with the 22re. It's too bad toyota dropped the ball on the 2nd gens cuz they're really comfortable and seem to be pretty affordable, if it wasn't for the headgasket problems...

 

To each his/her own. My '95 3.slow has 145K on it and still going strong, with minimal trouble. Good luck -- I hope you find a good one.

 

you mean your 2.4?

The 3.0 is a great engine that gets a lot of flack from people for no good reason. It's not perfect, but neither is the 7mgte which had just as many Hg problems and were NOT paid for by Toyota.

There is nothing wrong w/ a 95 compared to a 94 - no changes were really even made outside of the stripe on teh side. Have the HG checked and then drive the darned thing.

And anyone paying more than $1200 for new HG's is insane. I paid less than that, including $150 in new headbolts which I ELECTED to use against Toyota's recommendation.

bkg