I am looking at a clean 4x4 1995 4Runner with the 3.0 and just over 150k on it.

I keep reading about head gasket problems with these engines and a recall that may or may not still be active. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how common the HG problem is and what conditions could increase the likeliness of it occurring and if the recall is still available and what build dates it affects.

Also if the HG where to blow what would be needed to swap a 3.4 in?

The truck seems to be in fine shape I am just being a bit paranoid. Thanks in advance.

 

The head gasket campaign by Toyota is now closed. A dealership may be able to pull a favor - but unlikely.

The 3.4 swap is not any cheaper than the 3.0, and is certainly more difficult. It's really not worth doing on a stock truck unless you've got super low miles, or a ton of money in your rig already. There's a thousand threads on 3.4 swaps, so use the search button and get diggin' .

Welcome to YotaTech!

 

a good suggestion would be look for a 96

 

I have a 95..I got it with 150 thou now has 190,000, original motor still running strong, I wouldnt worry about the hg

 

If the truck is in good shape, has been taken care of and the original headgasket recall was performed. I wouldnt worry about it. Just keep on your oil changes, coolant changes etc.

There is an engine swap forum dedicated to the 3.4L swap (and many others).

 

Thanks for the replies..

I noticed the 3.4 swap forum shortly after posting this.

The reason I don't "just buy a 96" is because a good condition 96-02 4Runner would cost significantly more in my area than a 95. More than a couple thousand more.

 

I was test driving the 4Runner again today and noticed that the oil pressure gauge is reading 0 at idle.

On start up during the warm up it reads normal and under any amount of throttle it is normal but after idling for a minute or so the gauge steadily drops to 0. It runs fine and doesn't make any odd noises or anything while idling.

I'm having the local Toyota dealer do a pre-purchase inspection tomorrow and will have them check the oil pressure just wanted to see if anyone here has experienced anything like this.

 

Well, make sure the dealer checks that out. Mine reads 0 almost all the time the engine is hot, the guages are just REAL bad.

That and the temp guage, it doesnt seen to move for about (this is what ive heard) 30 degrees once it gets to its "running position".