87 4runner for 99 Tacoma?
 

I have a chance at trading my 87 4runner straight up for a 99 tacoma. My 4runner has 6 inch lift 140k original miles, 60k on swapped 4 cyl. I bondo-ed a lot of the rust and the frame is solid. I havent got it inspected yet because of the brakes(which I replaced brake master cylinder), they told me tie rod which i replaced but didnt do anything, and exhaust(leak and i need a cat). So it still needs to work.
The tacoma is a 99 reg cab with 107k original miles on the 2.7l. Cosmetically it isnt pretty but no rust. Frame is solid but has surface rust. It also has a 6 inch lift. recently he was muddin and "apparrently screwed something up with the engine. he says its the springs or possibly timing chain? No positive, but he says it makes a rapping noise?

What do you think? Worth getting and doing some engine work(timing chain, etc) Or pass on it? I have about a 1000 to put into it if needed, but not sure. any help is appreciated.

Its looks like it could be an issue with the valves or one of the cylinders. Does it sound like a good deal or what?

Thanks

i would keep the 4 runner that 99 seems kinda beat to me

yeah thanks. I'm still not 100% sure of what to do. I need alot of work to get inspected, so I could put the money towards that, or the tacoma could be something simple, but not sure. How much does a top end rebuild go for if i have a shop do it? let me know your input.

thanks

A top end rebuild on a 4 cylinder isn't very expensive, but you could probably buy a new head for what you would spend paying someone to rebuild it.

Edit: That's my experiences with my 22RE. I'm not sure of prices for the 2.7L, but I'm assuming it would be similiar.

Rob