myyota

I have my built 86 4Runner listed in the classifieds here and on another forum for sale or trade for a stock 4Runner and maybe some cash to make up the diference.

So far ive had two offers, one is an all stock 85 4Runner, 22RE, manual trans, power windows, really nice

The other 4Runner is an 88, its also fully loaded with power everything, and a rebuilt 3.0 V6 with manual transmission.

I know the 85 is the one to get because of the 22RE and solid front axle, if the seller wants to do the trade.

But i need some information on the 3.0 V6. I know as well as everyone else here the the 3.0 is not the best engine, and im only considering this one because it was rebuilt 2000 miles ago.

In all of the reading ive done here over the years, ive heard a lot of people that are familiar with this engine say that the reason the head gaskets blow is because the factory head bolt torque is not enough and should be around 10 ft lbs or more over the factory specs. Now, is this correct and would the stop the head gaskets blowing, or at least help prevent it ?.

Like i said, i know nothing about the 3.0, so any help you guys can give me would be appreciated.

Kiroshu

The 3.0 is a good engine if its taken care off. If its an 88 3.0 then thats the first year for em and the best year. The early 3.0s hardly had any problems. One of the main reasons the head gaskets blow is because of how close the cross-over pipes on the exhaust are to the back of the heads.... The head gaskets usually blow on the rear cylinders. So look back toward the rear of the engine. There is bookoo forums on 3.0 head gaskets....
Just have a good eye for leaks and flaws. Its a good engine. I know a friend of mine with 280k on his and its never been rebuilt.

BMcEL

A big part of the head gasket problems was after they switched to non-asbestos (February 1990 I believe) due to new regulations. This, accompanied by poor crossover design, lead to the 3.0's reputation as a 'bad' engine. I've heard that the torque values for the head bolts were corrected in the later FSMs, but I have no idea if that's true.

My head gaskets were done in '99 as part of the recall and I'm now at 250k (knock knock) on the original motor and transmission. The way I see it, it may not be Toyota's best engine, but it's still a Toyota engine. When assembled correctly and with good gaskets, it should live a trouble-free life. I love my 3VZ (can't say the same for the slush box).

Out of curiosity, why are you getting rid of yours?

myyota

Im selling it because i have a bad back and bad knees, so i can`t get into it with out standing on a milk crate and its quite painfull at that.

BMcEL

Have you considered lowering it? The only reason I say that is I'm intimately familiar with my truck's history and couldn't imagine trading it for another one. But, my '90 was also my first vehicle so there's some sentimental crap going on there too.

BTW I just noticed I put a dollar sign in front of 250k lol...must have been at work.

myyota

It was built for serious wheeling, so its just easier to pass it on to someone that will use it. I just want a stock 4Runner now, thats enough for me.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

fixed it for you

myyota: you have a great truck. I know the '85 would be cool. but in your case with the back and knee issues (I can relate, am becoming an old fart) I would go for the IFS truck. IFS rides so much better than a SA truck.
Comfort....

BMcEL

Thanks! Long day at work lol...had that money on mah mind.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

^^i could use $250K myself payday tomorrow but it is a bit short of that goal

myyota-curious to hear what you end up with...

myyota

myyota-curious to hear what you end up with...[/QUOTE]


I will definitely post some pictures of the new 4Runner when i get it.

BMcEL

The only thing keeping me from doing a SAS right now besides the cost is the smooooth IFS. With my old tired torsion bars I can hit a speed bump at 15mph and barely feel it...at least until the rear hits and I get ejected from my seat.

angrybob

I have to agree. When I as shopping for these in 2009, my plan was to build something very capable for the trail yet still have 'decent' ride comfort. I drove many versions of '85s and IFS. I ended up with an IFS for the ride comfort part.

If only Idaho was a little closer

Through a conversation or two, I know the time and care you took to build that truck right. It looks great and I'm sure the next owner will be very happy.