Hey guys. I just registered after spending a ton of time lurking the last few days. Loads of great information.

I'm looking for some opinions on a 1990 4runner a friend of mine acquired in a craigslist trade.

Some info according to what the previous owner told my friend:
220,000 on the vehicle, 150,000 on the engine
v6, 5 speed, 4wd
32x11.5 tires that have seen better days
new clutch
light rust in front of the rear wheels, various dents and scratches
Interior is a bit on the rough side

Has a knock that gets much quieter when the plug wire for #4 cylinder is removed. From what I understand the most likely explanation for it is something bottom end, probably a rod bearing which basically means rebuild or run it until it lets loose and swap in a used engine.

Just wondering if you guys agree on it being a rod bearing and if you can think of anything else that would be good to check.

Also wondering if you think $500 is fair.

 

sorry. messed up the pic upload

 

I would buy it for $500. Good candidate for a 5vzfe swap.

 

^^ X2
I would buy it for 500. Do a 3.4 swap into it. I would just drive it until it goes bad.

 

Also. Does anyone think its worth pulling the pan to check the condition of the crank? If measurements seem fine rod bearings should be all I need.