I've searched the threads and can only find the recalls dealing with fuel and suspension problems for the 3.4 but I was bringing in my 4Runner in the shop for my routine maintenences when my service manger told me to call one of our brother companies at Toyota to ask about the recall on the 3.4L engines. He used to be a Service Manager at Toyota dealership and said there was a recall in which the entire engine is rebuilt due to engine problems? Is anyone else aware of this? I thought he was just pulling my leg, but he was serious. Like I've said I've searched the threads as well as google but nothing has come up. If no replies I will just call our brother company and run the VIN to find out and post up.

 

There was/is a recall on the early (like 96-97?) 5VZ head gaskets.

 

Yep, that was when they would have rebuilt your motor if it went south.
Unfortunately the campaign only applied to 96-97's and was over in Nov 2004.

 

didnt even know there was a recall

 

Nope not the headgasket. My manager was saying it was not a Toyota recall but a "special policy procedure" that took the right know-how to get Toyota Motor Company to cover it under warranty no matter what the mileage. I was not able to talk to my manager since our shop was covered all day but from what he could explain was a defect in production for certain vehicles but Toyota was hush-hush about it since it wasn't a safety issue. If I can get more info then I will post it.

 

That's interesting, definately want more details.....see if you can find out the TSB number if there is one.
I wonder if it was some sort of "goodwill policy" or "Special Policy Adjustment" often mentioned in Toyota TSBs.

There was one related to oil gelling, but it doesn't apply to the 4runner or tacoma (only the 1MZ V6 and the 5SFE 4 cyl qualify for that one):
http://yotarepair.com/Sludge_Zone.html

 

When did this recall come about?