awdxtc

I am thinking about selling my 2003 evo 8 so I can buy something that I can pay for in cash as I plan on going back to school and I don't want to have to worry about a car payment. I want to buy a 1990-1995 4runner and I am wondering what kind of problems I should be looking for, what type of maintance should have been performed and what engine should I look for,etc.

89needsatranny

how much cash you workin with?

awdxtc

Oh sorry not really wanting to spend more than 6000 thats what I will have after I pay my car off if I sell it. I should mention I would really like something lifted with maybe 35's or larger.

awdxtc

Seems like what I am looking for the 2nd gens are more in price range. I found a 92 on auto trader that was damn near exactly what I wanted but it was a scam.

awdxtc

Ok are there any any major problems with the autos? How about the v6 motors?

4runnermt

If you are looking for a 2nd gen runner, I would look for one with a 22re and a manual trans. I personally think the 3.0 isn't that great of a engine. Aside from being headgasked blowing prone, I don't like them most of all because they are a real slug and somewhat of a gas hog. A 22re with a manual trans just seems slightly less powerful than a 3.0 with a auto. But IMO its a more reliable/cheaper to repair engine. If you have 6k to spend, I would advise looking for a third gen with a 3.4L v6 or a 2.7L I-4. Make sure timing belts/chain have been performed at recommended interval and all fluids ect.

awdxtc

Will the 22re turn big tires?

4runnermt

Can o' worms! I only have experience with 31s and stock gears, but I don't mind the bigger tires robbing a little power. You could use a 22re with larger tires but should regear to keep it road worthy. There are probably many folks here on YT that will say they run bigger tires with stock gearing and don't mind. But IMO, if I went with bigger tires than 31s and didn't regear soon I would go nuts. That is if you use it as a daily driver.

awdxtc

yeah thats what I want, I am selling my daily to replace it with a daily. I don't mind the things that come with a lifted truck. I have a question, the 1st gens are they insulated well with the removable "cap"

4runnermt

Sound or what? My '84 doesn't have any sound insulation, but it would be easy to add! Or do you ask if they whistle loudly at highway speeds and leak water when its raining? If so, its not a jeep, its a toyota! J/k, no real issues with sound or leaks/noise.

awdxtc

Yeah thats what I was talking about.

X-AWDriver

2nd or 3rd gen I'd consider whatever fits your real needs and has reasonable mileage so your not having to spend more on possible maintenace that could come up. Higher mileage just means things will need fixing sooner.

awdxtc

I found this one on autotrader.com I was wondering if you guys could give me your opinion..

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&rdpage=thumb

86tuning

Spend a few more bucks and get the 3rd gen 96+ truck. If you can find a Limited, it will come with a rear locker. It will also make enough torque to tow serious loads, whereas the 2nd gen will not. My buddy with a 01 Taco has towed 6000+ lbs before. Sketchy, but still doable.

35" tires are bigger than you can go without modifications. 33" tires will fit if you get skinny ones. 255-85/16 should fit fine with minimal trimming or minimal (1") lift which can be achieved with some rear springs. They will also give you some pretty good capabilities without any flashyness. And will not require regearing, although you will have some speedo error.

Resale value will also be much higher.

The downsides of a 3rd gen are that it is rack and pinion, which makes a future SAS swap a bit more involved. It's also going to cost you an extra $1k or so, but that isn't really a big deal. For that $1k you get a LOT more truck.

awdxtc

Ok thanks for the info. I found this one but it seems really sketchy
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=94

Shawn6string

!st gens. I favor them more myself. Easy to work on. I agree 4cyl 5 speed

awdxtc

ANyone know what the towing capacity is on a 1st gen with the 4cy?

Wardamneagle

Not sure but I use to pull a Ski Nautique with mine and it did fine. That boat weighs 3500 lbs dry. That was with an '85 and an '86, both 22RE 5speeds.

I would skip the 2nd generation. Either buy a first gen with a 22RE and a manual transmission or jump all the way to a 96+ with a rear locker. Other than the normal things, the top 5 things I would look for in a 1st Gen are:

1. No rust
2. No rust
3. No rust
4. No rust
5. No rust

Oh, and did I mention that I don't like rust?

awdxtc

hahaha, ok. So a 1st gen with the 22re should pull my 90 talon fine then. I only tow it like 3 times year

fastkevman

You seem to be missing some very important points.
The older a vehicle is the more likely that its vital components will need attention.
Before you worry about big tires and other cool stuff there's the making sure that it will run well, steer and brake reliably, its electrically sound and it hasn't been butchered up by previous owners.
I used to collect Pontiac musclecars and I always assumed, no matter how nice they were or I paid for them, that they would need attention, money, somewhere.
I would suggest a 3rd gen if it is going to be a reliable mode of transportation for you.
I am not biased towards them its just that they are really dropping in price due to the economy and there were lots of them made, they have more power than previous models, they are generally more comfortable and have more amenities.
There also will be more to choose from as its harder and harder to find nice examples of the previous generations, especially 1st gen.
There's also a lot of support still out there for the 3rd gens and parts are plentiful.
I recently purchased a '97 4Runner V6/auto and I have a '93 extracab V6/5spd....the Runner, even being heavier, would blow the doors off my pickup, and its way more comfortable.
I only bought it because it was a real good deal and I wanted a car that would hold more than two people.
Good luck in your search!