Well, it's been nearly two years since I sold my first gen. If I could take it back, I would have. However, after selling is when I really started to get into the whole "do it yourself" aspect of cars. I have fixed everything on my 1988 Corolla GT-S (4age motor) basically myself. Now that I think I am more mechanically fit to own a 4runner again, preferably with a 22-RE I would like to know exactly what to watch out for when buying...I know they have headgasket problems (spent $1800 for my old 4runner getting it done from a mechanic), but other then that.

Also, wrong forum, but anyone selling a 1st gen, preferably under $3500, possibly for a trade?

I found this and am very interested, not much to go off of, but tell me what you guys think!

http://seattle.craigslist.org/car/109860674.html

 

Looks like a clean Runner.... Got to love that white.

 

22R/22R-E doesn't have a head gasket problem. it's just the fact that it's an aluminum head/iron block engine, so if you're the kind of person that'd let it overheat, it's gonna go.

however, the timing chain is something to look out for.

 

Good choice to get another first gen, I love mine! Look for frame and body rust around the fenders and of course the timing chain. There are some good deals in the price range you list. I looked at www.autotrader.com for along time before finding one for sale outside the local Toyota dealer for $1900.00. I have since put 20,000 miles on it and lots of mods. Yotatech is a great place to learn what mods work well and which don't.

Good luck and post pics!
Robb

 

i have a first gen for sale, its a 3.0 though

 

well, I would prefer a 22-RE.

BUUUUTTTT....If the price is right, maybe 3.slow

 

I might be selling my 1980 4x4 with 128K original miles 20R motor in MINTY shape mechanically and NO ROT/RUST. many many new parts.. Beautiful engine. 5 speed as well.. Long bed push bar.. Interested? email me at pdm66@mac.com

peter

 

where's she at?

 

a bit on the high side, id look for a stocker, what are your plans for it? DD? DD, light wheeler? or more extreme?

 

Definatly daily driver and light wheeler

I commute 3 days a work 50 miles round trip.

 

rust is the devil.... everything else can be fixed

 

That would be a very good price of that truck here in New England, it would get snapped up in a second. But rust-free(is) 1st gens/.s are rare as hens teeth up here. Your market may vary.

 

Ive got a 87 Turbo Runner for sale.... southwest MO...

Things to look for:
Timing Chain
Rear window noise and operation (lots of noise means the track is rusted and/or the rollers are shot - huge pain)
horrible leaks can get annoying
Clutch master cylinder/slave cylinder replacement if you're goin manual

thats all i got right now... i'll think of more