4runner.... rescue? (1 Viewer)

[BlueCruiser84]

I picked up this 4runner the other day. Had a buddy look it over for me and he decided it was worth $350 so he dropped it off at my house - big time enabler this guy. No title, but I’m in the process of trying to get one.

I’m new to 4runners and pickups, but I’ve had lots of cruisers. This one seems fairly rust free.

The body/frame looks decent. No major holes in the body, frame has some surface rust, beginning of rust on front fenders, some patched rust on rear quarter panel, mismatched front fender and hood, and the hardtop has seen better days. Paint is meh, but might cleanup ok.

The interior looks to be almost all there. Needs some shampoo and vacuuming. And it stinks.

The motor is locked up but all the pieces are there and it looks pretty unscrewed with. This thing has been sitting since,I believe, 2014 based on the tags. I drained the oil and it was a mixture of coolant, oil, rust, and sludge. Pretty sure she’s done for.

If I could find a good 22re I’d swap it in and run the thing. I’ve thought about a 2/3rz swap, but I dunno. Seems like the $$ adds up fast. May just sell it as parts once the title is in my name.

Thoughts?

 

[pappy]

Ya know what? I've seen way worse. In reality, depending on what it looks like underneath, this is not too bad. The primer on the rear quarter/wheel wells suggest some rust repair. Common spot.

It looks like you really don't need another vehicle. But, I think this one might be worth trying to save.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Ya know what? I've seen way worse. In reality, depending on what it looks like underneath, this is not too bad. The primer on the rear quarter/wheel wells suggest some rust repair. Common spot.

It looks like you really don't need another vehicle. But, I think this one might be worth trying to save.

Unfortunately, that’s kind of what I’m thinking. But a running 22re is getting tougher to find these days. I really don’t want to dump a ton of money into rebuilding one, though. At that point an RZ swap is sounding more appealing.

 

[UltraFJ40]

I have to agree with pappy, it looks like a rescue is in order for this one.

 

[Gumby]

22REs are cheap and easy to find. Way more of them still running than there are trucks that arent rusted away. Stuff for these things are cheap compared to cruisers. They are a lot of fun to drive and get way better mileage than a cruiser.

I would swap in a 22RE until you fall in love with it, then start looking for a 3rz if it becomes a daily.

 

[Kris]

The interior on that this is WAYY nicer than I expected based on the outside. If titling doesn't work out, you've definitely got more than $350 in parts there.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

22REs are cheap and easy to find. Way more of them still running than there are trucks that arent rusted away. Stuff for these things are cheap compared to cruisers. They are a lot of fun to drive and get way better mileage than a cruiser.

I would swap in a 22RE until you fall in love with it, then start looking for a 3rz if it becomes a daily.

I dunno about 22res being easy to find. I’ve found one on Craigslist within 100 miles but the history is sketchy. I’ll broaden my search area, but was hoping to find something within 2 hours.

I do agree on the “being cheap compared to cruisers” part. I’m excited to get tinkering and NOT break the bank. After crawling around inside this thing it feels like a mini fj60. I just hope it’s a LITTLE quicker on the street.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

The interior on that this is WAYY nicer than I expected based on the outside. If titling doesn't work out, you've definitely got more than $350 in parts there.

That was the reason I bought it. Other than being extremely smelly it’s in great shape.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Anyone found a decent rattle can match for the Toyota red? I’d like to paint something over the primer on the hood and those two spots on rear fenders.

 

[Kris]

If you are serious about wanting to keep it, get yourself an ozone generator. Tape all the air vents shut and run it for a solid day - smell no more. You could also remove all the fabric and run the generator outside of the vehicle to reduce the attack on metals inside the cab.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

If you are serious about wanting to keep it, get yourself an ozone generator. Tape all the air vents shut and run it for a solid day - smell no more. You could also remove all the fabric and run the generator outside of the vehicle to reduce the attack on metals inside the cab.

I’m assuming put the ozone generator inside the vehicle? The ozone just blasts all the smells into oblivion?

 

[Gumby]

Just did a car-part.com search for your area. They are around, but not cheap. $750-1000 Keep an eye out and you should be able to find one on CL for $100-300. Up here rusted and busted frame trucks can be had all the time.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Just did a car-part.com search for your area. They are around, but not cheap. $750-1000 Keep an eye out and you should be able to find one on CL for $100-300. Up here rusted and busted frame trucks can be had all the time.

Yea, I’ve done similar searches. I’m not thrilled about buying a used engine. Most 22re powered toyotas I see are driven by hillbillies . I’m not stoked about buying a $700 dollar 22re that’s been run with Busch Light in the radiator.

 

[Kris]

Something like this video.

 

[Prairie Swamp]

Damn I thought the video was going to be of rednecks pouring Busch Light in the radiator.

Seriously with a solid frame, decent body and that interior that's worth good money up here on the shore of Lake Erie.

 

[KLF]

Anyone found a decent rattle can match for the Toyota red? I’d like to paint something over the primer on the hood and those two spots on rear fenders.

Rust-Oleum Regal Red is surprisingly close.

I love me some 22RE, but there's no way I'd spend the money to rebuild one now. Park the truck until a 3RZ shows up.

Meanwhile, pull out the entire interior, new carpet kit, shampoo the seats, clean out all the HVAC system.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Rust-Oleum Regal Red is surprisingly close.

I love me some 22RE, but there's no way I'd spend the money to rebuild one now. Park the truck until a 3RZ shows up.

Meanwhile, pull out the entire interior, new carpet kit, shampoo the seats, clean out all the HVAC system.

Regal Red, huh? I’ll grab a couple cans.

There’s a 3rz with a knock and a wiring harness here local for $150.... I’m super tempted. I really don’t need a(nother) project... but I’m having a hard time talking myself out of it. I figure I’d be into the swap for at LEAST $2500 when it’s all said and done...

I also found an entire ‘94 2wd that’s been wrecked up front with a 22re for $900. I’m thinking that’s the smart money.

 

[Gumby]

Do both. Swap in the 22re and drive it while you collect 3rz parts.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

A look under the valve cover. Between this and all the coolant in the crankcase I don’t think this motor is worth keeping around. Got a line on a recently resealed very good running motor from a buddy but he wants $1100. May be worth it but I’m not sure I want to pay that much for a motor in a vehicle I may or may not keep.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Found some “International Red” paint at Ace Hardware that was even a closer match to my faded paint than “Regal Red”. Looks half decent. I also got the rear window working. It was just missing the bolt in the hardtop - I jumped the switch and allnis good!