Hi, I've had a 87 22r 5 speed since 88, got 366k on original engine, love the truck, can't get my whole family in it at one time. I found a 94 4 runner, looked good, no rust that I could see, rebuilt engine, 6 cyl 3vze, automatic (drag) used trannie installed at the same time. I paid 28K for it. Seems to work. I brought it home, banking on Toyota's rep, and my old truck. THEN I read up on the model. So, am I screwed? I've read horror stories about the truck's head gaskets. Is there anything I can do, or can I swap engines, or should I try to sell it? I'm the sole provider for my family, and I can't afford a lemon, any comments or help?

Thanks in advance

 

First off you got screwed by paying 28k for a 3-4k truck as for the head gasket issue call Toyota have them run the v.i.n. find out if and when it was done if it has not been done it should be under recall and some dealers will still do it free you just have to look around also have them check on the steering relay rod recall if it has been done or not.
If they have been done chances are they have you should not have much issue out of them i have 245676 miles on mine and still going with no real issues.
It's not going to be a power house either way but it will be as if not more reliable then your 22re

 

28K for a 94?!!!!!?!?!?

 

sorry, I'm a little dyslexic, that would be 2.8 K, or 2800 bucks,
thanks. I'll check w/Toyota, but with a rebuilt engine, I'm fairly sure that wouldn't be covered. It is nice to know you have that many miles on yours, I'm starting to feel a little better about it.
I'm not necessarily looking for power, enough to tow my trailer (my 22r tows, just not fast (-; ). I'll check on the steering rod issue as well. Kind regards

 

so, ya can't get get yer whole family in, one at a time?
have ya tried shoving them all in at once?

 

should have found a gen2 runner with the 22re stick i have 2 of them just like my old 87....
but your new oone is a toyota.. i would drive it and keep an eye on the collant and youll be fine!

get a year or 2 out of it and flip it!

 

the 3vze is just fine, dont let the haters try to sway you...
it took 230K someod miles before my head gasket let go...

check to see if its been done, and the steering relay rod...

other than that, just do a basic tuneup and pray that you get more than 15mpgs with that auto...

 

I drove the truck home today, well, technically the hubbie drove it, he hates it, but he didn't pay for it ;-)

Just wanted to thank y'all for your responses, they have been a big help. I'm thinking of trying to sell it next year, 'cause I'm sure the gas mileage will get old.

On another note, Don't mean to be ignorant, but what's a gen 2 toyota?

 

2nd gen 4runner is a 90-95 4runner.

 

Toyota's 3.0 head gasket problems were mainly on the pre '90 engines. But call Toyota with your V.I.N., like previously suggested.

 

for those checking the threads....I ended up replacing the head gasket and the radiator. It has been running like a champ ever since...I worked census and drove backcountry in some incredibly inclement weather. That car and engine saved my live more than once. But the mileage SUCKS!

 

Not true. They all are vunerable.

Question is? How does it run for you now?

Keep and eye on the coolant level. Make a habit to check it and the oil every day for the first 2 weeks. Then switch to once a week religiously.

And always keep an eye on the temp gauge.

And welcome.

 

I should call toyota and have mine looked up. i check the oil religiously, and keep an extra qt stuck i nthe pass side engine compartment. i CONSTANTLY watch the temp gauge while driving long or short distances. and the fluid level is checked weekly when i check the oil.

 

actually, from what i understand the pre 90s engines where far superior in that area. reason being its the pre 90s engines used an asbestos head gasket, in the 90's that changed, and most of the problems started showing up.

 

88-89 Asbestos(?) head gaskets and 14mm 12pt. head bolts...
90 + ? head gaskets and 13mm 12pt. head bolts. (The aftermarket supplying up-side-down gaskets didn't help anything either)

I'm sure Toyota didn't just change what wrench it took to get the bolt out...

Not too sure Asbestos was the material used on 88-89, but pretty sure.

I do know a 88-89 engine is a good one... I tried but couldn't kill mine...

 

My 94 4Runner auto transmission went out after 150k, so I did the manual swap. Best move ever and fairly simple and straight forward to do.
Then about 155k the head gasket blew (previous owner had replaced it around 100k)

This led me to the 3.4L swap I am in the process of doing. Should be done soon if I can get some time to work on it.

DUMP the 3.0 and swap to the 3.4!

ALso, you can supercharge it (got that on the way too!)

 

Best thing for the 3.0's head gasket woe's is gonna be headers that eliminate the crossover