Hey guys, I'm about to purchase a 1994 4runner, with no indication of headgasket failure.

I'm wondering just how prone they are to blowing, and what I can do to prevent it (re-torque head bolts, add studs etc...)

This will be my winter daily driver so blowing headgaskets will not leave me happy, the truck has 280 000KM (174 000 miles)

Thanks guys!

 

You should call up Toyota with the VIN, and ask them if its eligible for any outstanding service campaigns (aka: recalls). Both of my 3.0Ls are still eligible. If it hasn't been done, it may never even happen! I have no plans to get the head-gaskets replaced, I don't trust any work the dealer would do...especially a head gasket replacement.
FTR: Truck has 237K kms and 4Runner has 314K kms.

 

If its running good now, then don`t worry about it. I don`t know if re-torgueing the heads at this point would be a good idea. Its just a matter of time before any 3.0 blows a head gasket, but if its well taken care of the engine will last longer. Make sure to change the coolant and oil regularly, and the timing belt and you will get many trouble free mile out of it.

 

what he said^^^^ lol. maybe do a compression test and see if its all good. throw a new timing belt on, change oil, change coolant too toyota red, and you should be fine. i would do all that just to be safe and know that its solid and ready to go