I'm searching for a new family ride since the jeep didn't have enough room in it for two kids and a third to come. I had a 87 regular cab about ten years ago that I wish I still had. So I want a 4runner (85-89) and have been shopping for one for a few months. I have a friend at 4wheelparts wholesalers that says the V6's are junk and to stick with the 4cyl. I would really like the extra power of the V6 but don't want something that is not reliable. Has there been or is there a fix that these V6's are known for? Trying to find a nice 22re efi with the 5spd in grey ain't so easy but the V6 autos seem to be evrywhere. I actually found a 87 carburated that was converted to injection, but I'm a little worried about it having problems because it didn't come factory fuel injection. Can I hear more about the normal problems associtated with the V6's and what you have done to fix them properly. My jeep only got 3K miles on it in the last 2 years so I'm not worried about driving it evryday. So it makes the V6 tempting. BTW, Glad to be aboard. I'm from Tollhouse,CA. Yeah, where the cookies are made (LOL).

 

22re
Pros- Reliable, Easy to work on
Cons- Slower than most 4cyl, 22mpg at best,
3.0
Pros- A bit faster than 22re,
Cons- Headgaskets are more aseptable to these engines if it hasnt been maintained right.

both are good engines, each have their downfall, the 22re has its timing chain and the 3.slow has the headgasket.. but like i said, both are good engines and will last WAY beyond most typical car engines.

 

The V6 likes to blow head gaskets alot, its a very common problem with that motor, and it is also known for not having alot of power. the 22RE is way more reliable and preferd over the V6 and with the right gearing will out perform the V6.

 

22re all day long.

 

Thanks for the responces so far. Is it harder to do a head gasket on the 6 vs's the 4?

 

I have the 3.Slow and haven't had any problems with it except for a leaky fuel injector. I don't think that's too common of a problem though. I've heard that the 4cyl are a bit easier to work on compared to the V6, but I have no experience on a 4cyl in a 4Runner. I haven't had really any problems from anything on my V6 except for the injectors. Its got somewhere around 280k miles I think (previous owner switched out the dash) and to my knowledge hasn't been rebuilt or anything.

All this said, I will probably go for a slightly built 4cyl for my next engine when I blow my 3.0L up. IF I blow my 3.0L up. . . .

 

A V6 has 2 heads, so you figure about twice the work of a 4 banger head gasket job once you get the accessories off.

Rob

 

the problem with the 3.0 was the factory head bolts, that was the issues with the head gaskets. but i'll take the 22r and re's over the 3.0 anyday. but thats just my opinion

 

I had a 3.0 pickup and really, it wasn't very fast. They do call them 3.slow for a reason. It had just a little bit more power going over mountian passes, but not enough to make the increased gas useage worth it. It was the difference between going maybe only 45-50 (4cly) or 55-60 (6). I've always had pickups. With a 4Runner...you may want all the little extra power you can get, but you can also get more power from a 22R/E with some mods. For me it's a 4cylinder, but I know a lot of people with Runners say the 6 is necessary (necessary being an relative term..)because of the extra weight.

 

I have had a 3.0 in my previous 4runner, and now have a 22re 4cyl in my pickup, so here is the pro's and cons I noticed.

3.0 V6
Pros- A little more horse power than the 4cyl
Runs Smoother

Cons- Gas hog, I literally got 16 mpg highway on a good day
Head gasket Blows
Slow as hell

22RE
Pros- Quicker than the 3.0 (at least I think so)
UNKILLABLE
You get a lot out of only 113 HP
Easy to work on
22 MPG Highway

Cons- only 113 HP
Timing chain should be replaced


Hope this helps

 

I get an average of 12 mpg no matter city or highway. But then again I just found out I have 2 leaky fuel injectors. . .

 

Yeah, and thats at the flywheel...

112-116 hp is what is typically rated...

 

Man, 3 kids in the back is still going to be tight on a 1st Gen 4Runner. It's cool that you can take off the top and all, but I'd say for the space and reliability, go with something like a 3rd Gen. It's much more comfortable than a 1st Gen, and will be more reliable (because it's newer). I'd imagine that with an average 1st Gen, you'll have to sink some time and money into it to get it running really well. Just a suggestion.

BTW, I think 1st Gen's are awesome and hope they make some type of the same version in the near future (convertible Toyota 4x4. drool....), but for a family hauler, I would suggest against it.

 

Great info guys, just what I was looking for. How much HP does the 6 come with stock? How many can you get out of the 4 with a header and cam (light mods/smog legal)? I've actually opened the door to later year model 4runners too. Looking at a 92 with 166k V6 5spd. Is the later year 92 V6 any better then the 86-89 as far as the heads go?/or are there other problems associated with them?

 

pimp559 - IIRC, all of the 3.0L had HG issues (not saying all had them, but all years were affected. Someone correct me if I'm wrong). What I'd suggest is going with a 97+ 4Runner. I've seen several for $4-5k with a little over 120k miles. 3rd Gen's also had the option for a stock rear locker, which is a big bonus. But the biggest advantage is the 3.4L, which IMO, is one of the best engines Toyota has put out. They're solid and a non-interference engine. Much more power than the 3.0L and of course, the 4-cyl. Plus, MPG is at 21MPG on the highway and 16-17 around town. I've owned 3 now, and they were all solid performers.

 

Not as reliable as the 22re's believe it or not, but helluva lot more power and get up and go, love to do a swap with that engine.

 

I don't know. I know that 22RE's also have had HG issues and timing chain issues, too. And they're an interference engine. However, they do last. That one guy that went 1 million miles...that's impressive.

There was a thread about a guy who worked at an insurance company and saw many 3.4L's with 400k+ miles, though. That's impressive, too. I think just as 22RE's have proven their reliability being now 20+ years old, 5VZ's will also prove its strength as time goes on. Both great engines, though.

BTW, 1st Gen 4Runner with a 3.4L swap? That'd be a sweet rig.