86 4Runner 22re auto: Should I buy?
 

Greetings, yotatech!

found a 1986 4runner for $1500 that I'm thinking about buying, seems decent, but there's a couple issues I'm wondering about.

Its a 22re automatic with 272,000 miles. The seller says he recently replaced the timing chain and timing chain cover, oil pump, water pump, valve cover gasket and transmission servos.

First issue is a noticable whine, that appears to be coming from the engine bay or transmission, difficult to tell during the cursory test drive/inspection. The sound does not appear to change when driving (i.e. with engine or road speed). I actually thought it went away while I was driving it, but then upon slowing down I noticed it again. This could mean it goes away, when driving, but I suspect that it was just drowned out by road and engine noise (sounds like the engine needs a valve adjustment).

Doesn't seem to me that it is the transmission, given that the sound doesn't change with speed, but I know very little about automatic transmissions, let alone this one. That's why I came here!

Second issue is a flashing "overdrive off" light. Seller says the code is saying something about the throttle position sensor. Says he replaced the sensor, but the light is still flashing. Transmission seems to shift just fine to me, so I'm not too worried about this, but I'm just wondering if perhaps this indicates something that might be worse than it appears at first glance.

Other than that, drives smoothly, AC, heat, everything else seems to work well. Rust isn't too bad, just typical fender rot. Seems like a good price to me.

a couple photos from the ad:

http://img.bonnint.net/its/slc/871/8...r=ksl/gallery3

http://img.bonnint.net/its/slc/871/8...r=ksl/gallery3

The tps cant just be replaced it has to be set in the correct position with an ohm meter.

So that could be true. The transmissions are pretty tough.

I say take 1k and offer him that. Use the trans light flashing as leverage.

Not saying its not worth 1500$ but if you can get it for less than your already ahead!

OD Light = most likely solenoid failure in the tranny

need more info, did he set the tps up properly, did he clear the codes? search and find out how to pull codes, then look up what they are.......

Thanks for the help guys.

I hadn't thought that maybe he simply didn't clear the codes.

Sounds like worst case scenario for the O/D light is the transmission solenoids. Seller seems pretty firm on the price, but maybe I could talk him down a couple hundred to cover the solenoids.

Any ideas about the whine?

thanks again!

$1500 sounds like a deal to me

Having owned two Toy's with autos I'll say this. Avoid them IF you can but... I've also bought two of them in my time with over 10 Toyotas. I bought both of them because they were clean, ran well (my current one at least), and were a good price. Mostly because they were clean clean clean.

If your price range is right in that area and you can't find one that runs as well or is as CLEAN and has a 5 speed go for it. If you can find one with a 5 speed in the price range that runs well, take that one instead.

I have been heavily disappointed in both the auto trucks I've had. They rob power and gas mileage and so far haven't been as nice off road or in the snow. I like the compression braking that a 5 speed offers and the durability is amazing. I swapped the first truck I had with an auto to a 5 speed and I plan on doing the same with my current truck as well.

I am biased because I don't trust autos, I've had problems with them in vehicles other than toys as well. Sometimes they give you no real warning at all and just kind of commit suicide in the night or on the highway. I also hate that you can't just clutch start one if the starter or battery are having a tough time.

My .02

My first truck was an 86 automatic-I agree with Luvmeye, avoid them if at all possible-especially if you want larger tires.

The only reason I'd buy a 22re auto would be if I were handing the truck over to a teenager, pretty hard to get in trouble with that little power.

+3 for avoiding an auto in these older trucks...
I gained what felt like 40HP and 15MPG back when I swapped in a 5speed lol (easy job btw)..

around here a clean pre 1989 4runner is rare,swapping out the auto may not be a bad trade off versus waiting around for a 5 speed model to pop up.

Amen, my turbo felt the same when I swapped in the manual! I couldn't even imagine a naturally aspirated 4 banger with an auto. I have the pedal assembly and master cylinder if you do buy it and want to swap in a manual. Pm me if you want it. Good luck!