Does a (dead) 2nd Gen 4Runner 3.0 auto have any real value?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

dirtEJohnson

dirtEJohnson

10 Year
Joined
Dec 20, 2013
Threads
15
Messages
275
Location
Nemo to Pozo and back to Wyarno
Hi 4Runner folks, quick question about a car deal...

Offered a package deal on a flipper Honda car I am shopping. Seller wants me to take a second gen off his hands as well. 91, 3.0 auto 4x4 with dead (of course) head gaskets. The truck is average condition otherwise, guys had it since HS. 200ish K. Been sitting for 5-6 yrs.

Never owned a runner, but well versed on the 3.0's issues and not crazy about AT's either.
But... can be had for a song and I'm capable of most any repairs, IF, its even worth the time and $$$.

Is it?

22RE swap?
Parts car? looks SOCAL rust-free anyway

My Toyota self says grab it and give it new life, maybe build it for my son. But my gut says leave it be and my wallet (and 60 budget) agrees.

My friends also give me that cringe face when I mention it.
I will post some pics when I go take a closer look.

Thanks in advance for the input
 
Dont be scared of the automatic transmission. I've had both. And that AT never gave me problems after I replaced the shifter solenoids. And yes I know about the tcase issue. Do you know, does it have an ect power and/or a shift over ride button? And as for the 3.0 I know a guy with 270k on his and has never had an issue. Another friend of mine has a 3.0 and it runs great. Just keep the cooling system good after the hg job and you'll be fine.
 
KLF said:
It will cost more than you think to do the head gaskets. Lots of "well while I'm here..." if you know what I mean.
Click to expand...

Ya, might as well just rebuild the engine.
 
I have rebuilt 2 - 3.0s, I guess it depends on the ends you are after. They can be reliable provided the cooling system is kept up. Don't try to build power, it isn't there. Just a factory fresh rebuild. If it blew the HG's and it has been sitting for that long I would be concerned about cylinder damage that would require a trip to the machine shop. I have toy'd with picking up a third gen and dropping in a Lexus 4.0 and chopping into a crawler, mostly because they can be had cheaply in the state you are describing. The 3.0 Auto is pretty much the standard 2nd gen arrangement, so as far as good or bad, it can't be too bad since probably 90% of the 2nd Gens out there are in that arrangement and Toyota kept it that way for 6 years means it must have worked well for the time.
 
Rust free, yes it's worth something. No doubt it will cost more than just the HG to get it up to snuff, but in the end I think you'll like it. 2nd best body style to 60 series, but better MPG and nicer ride (IMO).
 
essar5 said:
If I were interested in working on that truck, I would probably just scrap that 3.0 and replace with a 3.4.
Click to expand...


This is my thinking too, drove my 97 T100 300k with zero engine issues. That 5 speed was a ratchety pos, but I do miss that truck. The runner may have to continue life as an auto. Eh
 
dirtEJohnson said:
This is my thinking too, drove my 97 T100 300k with zero engine issues. That 5 speed was a ratchety pos, but I do miss that truck. The runner may have to continue life as an auto. Eh
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of a manual box myself, but I bet that thing would be pretty sweet with an auto box being pushed by a 3.4.
 
If you are looking to keep it then it's all in your perception (I think they are one of the best looking SUVs Toyota ever produced).

If you are looking to fix and flip, the second gens bring the least $ of any of the 4Runners.
 
Drop a diesel into it and you'll have a sweet ride. Something like the Isuzu 4JG2T out of a trooper should work great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom