I'm going to look at an 89 4Runner tomorow and was just wondering what normal issues there are with them and what should I look for.

Its a 22re/5sp. 4x4

I've been building and buying Jeeps for years but never dealt much with the yotas. Any helpful info would be great.

 

hmmm. 20 views and no suggestions yet? Does that mean there isn't anything specific to look for?

 

Just look at everything, check the frame and body for rust, check for any oil leaks, make sure everything works in 4 wheel drive, check all the electrical functions and make sure they work (lights, wipers, rear window, and heater).
These are very good vehicles, but depending on how well it was taken care of it will probably need a little work, but parts for these trucks are easy to find. Good Luck.

 

service records, throughly look over the motor body and trans check play on drive shafts if its lifted ask when the lift kit was installed and check the alignment

 

electrically the most common issue is probably the rear window. if it doesnt work most of the time its the relay. How in my case my channel that the rear window sits on was rusted to hell as well. Also it should have aisan hubs but it might have warn. if it does you can down talk the price if you feel you arent getting that much of a deal. Then like what everyone else said check for leaks. test drive the 4wheel drive and inspect the frame. If all checks out well you have a pretty solid truck.

 

some of that depends on how much they're askin...how many real miles on it?
if they're askin more than 1500, there shouldnt be much rust, the engine should run well enough to get you across town, brakes good enough to stop, lights should work, tires should roll.
Theres lots of 'issues' a 20y/o 4Runner can have by now... timing chain wear, a/c operation, radiator condition, battery, rear gate/window operation, switches going bad, tranny noises, CV boots, hub operation, transfer case operation, condition of U Joints, rust on frame, or interior pans, exterior fender wells, condition of the exhaust system, condition of the interior, overall outside condition, paint, bla bla. All that will cost $ and hours to get fixed after you own it...

... does that help?....

 

Find out when the timing chain was last done.
Is there a rattle (just imagine what a loose bike chain sounds like) on startup for a few seconds?
Frame rust?
Back window work?
Burn any oil or coolant?

One thing to note is that when you crank the wheel all athe way and drive around in a tight circle, it will make a grinding, crunching noise. This is NOT something to worry about if it does it with the hubs both locked an unlocked. Its just the steering stops. A dab of grease on it and it quiets it down.

 

As others have said, with more detail/price we could give you some better advice. These 20 yr old rigs go from anywhere between $800 and $8,000 depending on mileage and condition.

Key is really finding one in which the owner has taken good care.

 

One of the most important thing you should be looking at is the frame, get under there and check for holes, rot etc. on the frame and floor. If your in a rust prone area, check the frame near the rear shock mount as it likes to rust out fast. Also check the lower rad support frame crossmember (with the holes in it, on top of the tow hook). Also as mentioned check to see the condition of the timing chain, which is also a common problem with 22re's that don't recieve maintance.

 

thanks for all the input. From what i've been told, everything works good. the engine was replaced by the seller after the original one quit. It has about 60k on it the truck says it has around 240k but he thinks that might be high considering the condition of the truck. He thinks the guage cluster may have been switched out. I'll look good for rust and try everything out.

Thanks for the help. Oh, and he was asking 2500 but says will take 2200 He is also a member on here i found out. I'll post up my findings after i get home tomorow evening...maybe with a new truck for me.

 

also, make sure it still has the factory trunk monkey

 

Yea, that was a very rare option.