Guys and Gals,

I'm a veteran 4Runner owner, but both of my vehicles were 1st generation ('85 & '87). I haven't owned a Toyota in about five years so I'm hoping some of y'all can help me with the basics on buying on 2nd generation Runner. I'm interested in knowing the usual problems and what maintenance absolutely should be done on a truck with 80k - 150k miles on the odo. Any info appreciated.

 

if your heart is set on a 2nd gen, you will want to look in all the same places as a 1st gen for rust, wear and tear etc. the 3.0 has its problems, namely the head gasket. you can call a stealer or toyota usa to check to see if the service campaign has been completed for the truck, give them the vin and they can check for you.

you will get plenty of suggestions to skip the 2nd gen and go for the 3rd gen for the 3.4 motor which is more powerful and reliable and if you are lucky enough to land one with the coveted e-locker and a 5 spd to boot.

check out the forum sections for more information on each generation.

lee

 

What I have learned.

3.0 isn't very powerful, has some issues, but has worked so far for me. If you are planning on really modifying the vehicle, you will find way more parts for the 4cyl. Crawler boxes are easier to install or change gearing, more headers and engine upgrades to choose from. That said, swapping in a 3.4... a 3.0 4Runner is a better place to start.

'91 has a factory tire rack outside the vehicle. I believe that is the only year. Great for a big spare if you need one. There are a lot of suttle changes from headlight brackets to timing belt tensioners as you move up the years. Probably makes little difference though.

All that said... I think it would depend on your plans. I think a 4CYL version, 5spd with the rear tire rack would be the best for a mostly trail vehicle. I think I might try and pass on all the power windows and such for a dirt rig as well. The V6 auto probably has better power and easier to drive all around as a DD.

Good luck with your search.

 

Thanks for the input. Question for Leebee, was there a service campaign for head gaskets? Or is it just a fact that some of the 3.0s suffered in this area?

 

Yes there was a recall on them & most have been done. Mine was done shortly after it was purchaed & I haven't had any problems since. I now have 230,000 miles on it (and not gentle ones, mostly towing & plowing)

 

There is also a service campaign for the steering drag link replacement thru Toyota Dealers. The campaign notice reference number for this replacement is #50N. If you get the 4Runner, take it by the dealer and get this done. They 'should' at least include a toe-in alignment after the linkage is replaced,,, if not a complete alignment.

Mike in AR

 

Thanks Mike. I've been checking out the threads (I mean working real hard at work) and noticed the drag link issue. Thanks again everyone.

 

Advice? Yeah -- don't.

3rd gen would be my choice if starting over.

Ed

 

I love my 4runner but if I had to buy another, it would be a 3rdgen. Bigger engine, bigger gas tank, better gas milage.

 

I like the look of the 2nd gens over the 3rds, but the 3rds have the best factory options. If your set on a 2nd gen then look for a 90 or 91 with the tire carrier on back, manual tranny and v6. Then you can do a 3.4 and still have an awesome vehicle.

 

Oh Elvota nice truck.

 

I just bought a '93 in October. I would stay away from auto trannies - they aren't unreliable, just very poorly matched to the 2 engine choices (3.0 V6 3VZE or 2.4 I4 22RE). There are more upgrade options for the 22RE, but the 3VZE is not as bad as people say, so long as it's hooked up to a manual tranny.

Timing belts are due at 90k miles, water pumps every 180k.
Check the CV joints for cracked boots
Unless you have extensive records, plan on drain/fill ALL the fluids (oil, coolant, tranny, transfer case, diffs)
I would say to plan on $500 - $1000 in maintenance work after the purchase.

If you are seriously thinking of 'wheeling it, get a 3rd gen with the factory e-locker.

 

yeah you just gotta love the look of the 2nd generation

 

if your intersested in a 2nd gen then dont let people tell you to get a 3rd gen. i have a 1990. i thought only the 90 had the back tire carrier but i guess so does the 91. im not sure if i like it yet or not. IMO i dont like the look of the 3rd gens yet. so if you want a 2nd gen, get one. just know you will get bad gas millage. get a stick thats for sure.