Ok came across this here in Houston:

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/833259718.html

Simple question does it look like a deal or not and what is the potential engine problem.

Description almost sounds like a thrown rod?

 

Looks decent if you can do the work yourself. Taking it to a shop could get expensive quick. Could be rod knock, crank bearings or maybe piston slap? If it were me I would find a low mile engine and swap it in and have a nice running truck for around $2k. That's what I did with mine earlier this year. I'm tired of rebuilding stuff lol. I would rather get a longblock that hasn't been opened up. My 22RE with 85k original miles was only $700.

Rob

 

Sounds like a pretty good deal. The problem could be as simple as the timing is off or could be much worse. I would not be afraid to take it on for that kind of money. He did not specify whether it is 22re or 3.0, but I was kindof assuming that the Limited means it's probably a 3.0 and automatic, but I don't know for sure.

 

Personally, I really wouldn't go anywhere near it. Its going to be a money pit.

Thinks that make me raise an eyebrow:

• its got 33" tires and nor regeared
• 12.5" tire means the steering is probably going to need substancial work
• needs a new engine (rod knock AND blown HG from the sounds of it)
• automatic- gass guzzler
• its got a bracket lift- some of those are really sketchy engineering
  

Buy something closer to stock and build it yourself, it'll be more fun and less hastle than going back an fixing all this guy's mistakes.

 

Who knows, go check it out in person.

i run a bracket lift, 4" not 6" and i have had no problems yet.
i also run 33X12.50's with still no problems yet.
I run the 33X12.50's on stock 4.56 gearing with a 5-speed and its managable.

My $.02 is go and check it out! You might think its a good deal!

Good candidate for a 3.4swap?

 

I bought my '95 Runner Limited (A/C deleted), stock but excellent condition, for $1500. While it's not a bad deal... I think by the time it's fixed you could have bought one in better shape for less.

Or, if you're looking for a 3.4 swap like 904 said... this could be a good chassis.

 

For that price, it sounds good.