Hey everybody, I'm in the market for a 1st gen 4runner and this one is local to me:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/6104634361.html

It's a manual, 3.0 V6, 166K miles. It looks pretty clean from pics. Ad says the CEL is on.

This is the same 3VZ-E that's in the 2nd gen trucks, which has the headgasket issues yes? Should I run away? Wait for a 22RE truck? Does anybody actually *like* the 3.0 V6?

Thanks!

 

Looks clean, go check it out. Not sure why anyone wouldn't just replace the sensor if that's what is actually causing the CEL. Look/ask for any receipts or records of head gasket replacement. That's the big ticket item for that engine. I personally prefer the V6 over the 4 cylinder. I bought mine with blown head gaskets in 2015 and it has been fine since the repair. Every 22RE I drove was not even highway safe, speed and acceleration wise. I guess it depends on what you are going to use the vehicle for which engine will fit your needs. Both engines will be near, if not over 30 years old and will require maintenance regardless.

 

Thanks mholme. Found this thread https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...s-22re-114231/ where there seem to be some 3.0 fans especially with the manual transmission. I may be taking a look at the truck Monday so we'll see how goes it.

 

I have been into enough first gen runners to know that there is going to be problems. Most are easily fixed. It is a 30 year old truck. What is you mechanical ability to do the work it will need? Your ability is what I would consider before buying the 22 or 3.0, there will be issues.

 

I am the original owner of a 1989 Gen1 4Runner.

It went into "a barn" for several years.

I recenlty pulled it out of the barn...

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...ked-up-296035/

 

Thanks Terrys87. My ability is somewhat minor -- brakes, oil change. HOWever I have a buddy who is a pretty good wrench and should be up for all of it.

My thinking is, with a Yota engine, once I get it dialed in it should run well for a while. So if it needs headgaskets, more work, I would hope to get it all done up front and be done.

We'll see what sort of deal they're willing to swing.

 

Came across a similar 4runner with code 26 for running rich, a possibility of a bad O2 sensor. Turned out to be leaking exhaust valves. Know what you're getting into.

 

I appreciate the comment ... they have been sort of sketchy over email, and as many of you probably know it's not entirely legal to sell a car in CA without smog certification. I'm thinking to go with a 22RE truck and do a 3.4 swap down the road.

 

If you are thinking of a 3.4 swap, it is loads easier to start with a 3.0. If that is your eventual plan, get a 3.0 and if you have to do the 3.4 swap earlier than expected than just go for it. I have a 22re and have considered a 3.4 swap, but honestly could never see myself doing one. It's either a lot of work or a lot a money.
See if you can low ball this 3.0 and do a 3.4 swap right of the bat?

 

that 3.0 is about the mileage the head gaskets have a history of going, 170-180K
make sure to do a compression check

 

No real complaints about my 1st gen 4runner with a v6. The head gasket does suck, but it is what it is. You're looking at a $1000 repair if you do it or $2000-3000 for a shop to put their hands on it. Not that expensive of a repair and the truck lasts another 200k trouble free miles. Seems like a decent trade off to me. Not to mention the v6 is a rocket ship compared to the 22re and the 3.4 swap is way easier with an already 3.0 equipped truck.

 

Okay good advice.

Haven't been able to make contact with the seller. Emailed them a couple times over craigslist, gave them a return # to call, but nothing. So maybe this is a no-go. Thanks for the info though everybody. I'm sure a T4R 1st or 3rd gen is in my future so this is all good information.

 

Okay great, thanks. I was reading up on how the 22RE is oversquare due to being originally a car motor, whereas the 3.0 is longer stroke for low end torque applications. All good infos -- thanks.

I'm really thinking the park-ability of the smaller 1st gen would be a plus in the city as well. We'll see how it shakes out as I'm going to wait for a manual.