Hey guys. I am looking for used 90's 4 runner. In what year did they actually address and solve the headgasket/head issue on the 3.0 or did they ever? I guess my question is what year is the first trucks that didn't have this issue? Thanks.

 

96 was 4runner was the first of the 3.4s.way better pwr & reliability.my wife drives a 97 4runner auto & i have a 91 stick & 3.0.the 97 will run circles around the 91,rides better,gets better fuel mileage.but i still like the styling of the 91 a little better.the 91 has 304,000 miles on it.i did rbld the engine 1500 miles ago,but still its hard to gripe of reliability with that many miles.it only had a burned valve when i took the engine out.if ya find one ya like & the moneys right buy it.nothing there that can't be fixed

 

try to find a 22re 5spd

 

If you do some searching, this topic has been discussed a ton.

As far as I know they were never completely resolved, the 3.0(3VZ) was plagued by them until it was replaced by the FAR superior 3.4(5VZ). I had a '95 that was manufactured in May of '95 and it had the same problems as everybody elses until I finally went in and got them replaced.

If it were me, I would get a '95, it's the closest year to the new body style and the one I had was pretty solid. No matter which year you go with I would definitely get the VIN of whatever truck(s) you're looking at and check with Toyota to see if the headgaskets have been replaced. Then obviously run a CarFax and do any other background checks you feel are necessary.

Good luck!

Fink

 

Yeah If I were looking for a 1st Gen that's what I'd get, but too small for my family unfortunately. With the bigger ones I'll go for the later v6's as mentioned above. Thanks.

 

The 96 3.4's also did have some HG issues. Though more prevalent in the 3.0 and early 3.4's, a HG is always an issue with an engine with two metals, so it is something to always check for when purchasing a vehicle.

 

stay away from the 1996 3.4. there was a recall on those to. 1997 was the first solid year for the v-6 unless (like someone else mentioned) you get a 22re 5speed.

 

True. I was also going to suggest, if this is going to be a family vehicle that will be going on road trips and whatnot. You may seriously consider spending a little bit more for a '97 or '98. They get better mileage, more stable mechanically and given the year, will probably have less mileage and last a little bit longer than a 2nd gen.

Definitely stay away from the '96 3.4...the first year for an engine is never pretty, even for Toyota, lol.

Fink

 

I agree, if you can afford to spend a little more cash id go with a 97 or 98 4runner with the 3.4 V6.