Ok i have a '95 Runner 4x4 that has all the signs of a bad headgasket. White smoke, overheating, rough running, smell of gas and exhaust in the radiator......... called Toyota and the stealership and my Runner is not eligible for the recall......THAT SUCKS!!! Anyways what would be the best thing to do here? do i change the headgasket and go on and if so what else do i need to do while im in there......or do i do the 3.4 swap? I can get a complete 3.4 with 75,000 miles on it for $1400.00 minus the ecu and harness. This is an everyday driver so i need some advice quick.....please. Thanks in advance.

 

Everyone here is gonna tell you...3.4
But, before you do it....CONFIRM that your's is NOT eligible. Recent posts indicate that the dealer often says "NO" but Corporate may say "YES".

Some 95's ARE covered. Depends on the date of manufacture and also if it's been done and ALSO WHEN it was done.
Check it out, because it's a very $$$$ repair.

Good Luck!
You'll need it

 

I agree with Blair. After you are completely sure its not covered, do the 3.4 swap!

 

Yes i have confirmed that it is NOT eligible. I called one dealership and have called corporate twice and talked to 2 different people both saying no. Ok so what is it gonna set me back if i do the headgasket myself.....i do all my own work but havent done this to the Runner yet. I have done it to one of my other older Toyota trucks. And what is approximate cost for the 3.4 swap less the engine? Any ideas?

 

4 Busted Knuckles
2 Broken Wrenches
1/2 Your Significant Other
6 Cases of Beer

Being Mechanicaly Inclined Enough To DO IT....PRICELESS!!!

More power to ya...it's WAAAAAAY beyond me!

Otherwise, cost of gaskets, some seals, maybe a wiring harness and an ECU from a similar vehicle.

 

While digging around on the net for info on 3.0's, I've found that the service campaign included engines all the way up to 1997. This was not hearsay either, it was a memo sent to the dealerships. I'd say do some serious phone work and make sure yours doesn't qualify. It sounds to me like it may be getting harder for the dealers to get the $$$ out of corporate and are trying to blow off the responsibility completely.

 

mattk,

I can get you a 3.4 with less then 50k on it for your budget... PM me if you are intrested..

 

I'd like to clear something up here. The Toyota dealership gets paid about 80% labor on a HG recall. They also get reimbursed should you get a rental car (like I did). Everything is tracked by VIN, and all the old parts have to be sent to Toyota. There really is no reason that a Toyota dealership would skimp on the HG recall. The fact is, Corporate Toyota felt some HG's were ok, and some were not.