2nd gen 4runner, need help & info.

[TrickyToy]

Im thinking about trading my 86 FJ60 for a 90 4runner. If I get the VIN is there a way to tell if the head gaskets were done under the recall??
Also, Out of the 90 through 95's is there one that is better than the other?? Like were the earlier model 3.0's better than the later ones? or vise versa?

Thanks

 

[85+92]

yah if you get the vin toyota dealer can check for the steering recall and headgaskets

Id say get a 93 or newer, they always seem to be in nicer shape. One thing I like about those more are they take hook stlye wipers instead of the darn pin style....not a big deal..

I think the 87-89 3.0s had the "better" 3.0..they all suck just get one that runs good and if you really like the truck (I love mine) start looking for a 3.4 swap

 

[TrickyToy]

Thanks for the info.

I had thought I heard one time or another that the earlier ones seemed to be better.

The 90 I looked at yesterday was nice...frame was solid, body was fairly clean. The guy just put a 3 or 4" rough country lift, new wheels, new 35's and an aussie locker in the rear a few mnths ago. He said it has the stock gears but says they are 4.56's. I thought the 5speeds came with 4.10's and the auto's came with either 4.56's or 4.88's?????? Anyway it ran good, it felt strong and pulled great through the gears like it had lower gearing. I have had a few mini's and 4runners on 35's and they were dogs with the stock gears.

Any other info anyone can think of would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[TrickyToy]

Here is a pic

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

If it came with 31's and a tow package etc... than it would have 4.56's.

Some early 1990 models had the early "better" V6. Get the VIN and call a dealer to find out about the headgaskets. Or if you have the money hold out for a 95.5+ 4Runner. Better engines all around...

 

[TrickyToy]

Yeah I'd prefer a 3rd gen but here in PA anything 1996 or newer requires emissions testing for inspection.

Are the 3.0's really that bad?
I hear a lot of horror stories about them but everyone I've know that has/had one never had an issue. I had a 95 years ago, had it for a couple years without ANY problems. It was a daily driver, even used it to pull my boat and made a few trips to Canada fishing. 8 hours each way. Sold it cause I got rear ended pretty bad and I got more from the insurance Co than what I paid for it. LOL

 

[JamesD]

Yeah I'd prefer a 3rd gen but here in PA anything 1996 or newer requires emissions testing for inspection.

Are the 3.0's really that bad?
I hear a lot of horror stories about them but everyone I've know that has/had one never had an issue. I had a 95 years ago, had it for a couple years without ANY problems. It was a daily driver, even used it to pull my boat and made a few trips to Canada fishing. 8 hours each way. Sold it cause I got rear ended pretty bad and I got more from the insurance Co than what I paid for it. LOL

As a matter of fact I saw your post on Rausch Creek and I have a lifted 94 4Runner and I was going to ask you for a trade but the head gasket just blew and spit coolant out of the back of the drivers side head Now the head gasket recall has been done and it still went. My 89 pickup had the V6 and the head gasket went on that too and it had the recall done as well. From my knowledge the OEM Toyota head gaskets are junk and I never use them as a replacement as you see why since the head gaskets have already been done. The 4Runner was running like a top until last week when it went in the DEAD COLD WINTER!! So just because the head gasket recall has been done that does not mean squat. I'm going to fix it the right way like I did the last one and use Fel-Pro head gaskets and new head bolts. Luckily the coolant did not go into the combustion chamber or oil.

James

 

[TrickyToy]

James,
How long untill you have it running again?

 

[JamesD]

James,
How long untill you have it running again?

Weather permitting. It is too damn cold to tear it apart. I'm hoping the weekend of the 29th is when I can get at it.

James

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Are the 3.0's really that bad?

They are very overbuilt engines with crappy exhaust routing that usually burns up the head gasket on the #6 cylinder.... Are they bad? No, but when something does go wrong on them, it's usually a pain to fix because the engine bay is sooooo crowded...

Compared to the 3.4, yes the 3.0 is garbage! Is the 3.4 worth having to deal with emissions? I'd say yes. I would suggest getting a 96+ or holding out till you find a nicely done 3.4 swap into a 90-95 4Runner, that would be the best of both worlds.

 

[TrickyToy]

Yeah I was thinking I could just run it untill there is a problem then do a 3.4 swap....

I got the VIN yesterday and called the dealer this morning. I was told it doesn't look like this 4runner was part of the head gasket recall.
Is that a good thing??
I have heard that 89's were not part of the recall, maybe early 90 models were not either....anyone know?????

I was told it is due for a steering rod recall and an AC expansion valve (or something like that?) recall.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Yes, the headgasket recall started mid model year 1990.