Honest feedback on the 3.0

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Jukelemon

Jukelemon

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Joined
Dec 29, 2003
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283
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2,381
Location
Louisville, KY
Hi.

I would like some honest feedback on the early 3.0's like in the 88/89 4 runners.

Yeah, I know they are slow. I dont care about that. My 22re was slow too. Suited me just fine.

So, ease to work on. Typical failures. What to look out for etc. Longevity.

Thanks.
 
I had 217k on the ticker when I rolled my fourrunner. Head gaskets were something to look at. Other than that I changed the oil every 3k and the usual filters, plugs, and such and just drove it.
 
Well, the fact of the head gasket failures are well documented. You can buy one any time "needs motor work" for 1000 bucks or less. Stay away unless you're either going to do the repair, have it done, or can prove it's been done.
 
88 and 89 had the 14mm head bolt...

I had no trouble out of mine...

It is a, excuse the French, a fickle bitch... When it's running, you won't have any problems out of it. When it's not, or needs PM... it's not a fun motor to be around...

The 22R is better b/c it's easier to work on... And it's such a robust engine.


It's also more of a mid-range motor. So bottom end, and torque are not its strong suit.

It's not anything spectacular at the pump, but then again, neither is our 3.5" stroke 4 cylinder...
 
A MUD member who sold me a bumper off his pickup had over 500K on his unmolested 3.0 when he got rid of it during the Cash for clunkers. The power, while nothing to brag about, is more suited for the Runner than the 22RE is, IMO. I'm not aware of any common issues, other than the HG. The pre 90 engines weren't supposed to have this problem, as I recall, because of a better material used in the HG. Interesting that the '95 engines were NOT covered for the HG repair, for some reason. A good engine but there's no way it can match the durability and reliability of the 22RE. Checking out Craigslist adds, you'll find a few Runners and pickups with blown 3.0s, and it's not always the HG.
 
I have a 90 and 92 runner both v6's both 5speed's, I think they have plenty of power.

they suck gas

and they SUCK to work on

other than that I dont mind them
 
I have owned 3 3.0's

an 88 5spd that I ran from 155k to 220k

a 90 auto that I ran from 130 to 140 (got t-boned)

a 92 auto that I ran from 76k to 145k (3.4 swap for more power)

I have never had an issue with any of them. And I mean nothing. hardly did scheduled maintenance, and I drive in chicago on toll roads and in the traffic, not out in the country where I can go 20 miles and only hit the clutch a handfull of times.

Yes it is said that the pre-90ish 3.0's did not suffer from HG failures. I beleive that.

They are difficult to work on and if your kids are in the garage with you while you work on one, they should be "earmuffing" it.

I dont really hesitate buying another 3.0 truck, with the stick they arent bad, my 88 was kinda quick and VERY fun, and I got 19.5/23 mpg.

as far as a 22re vs a 3.0. I DO believe it is a tough call.

22re pro's
reliable
cheap
easy

22re cons
timing chain guide failure that can cost you a block if you dont catch it.
pretty gutless
useless in front of an auto

3.0 pro's
pretty adequate power in front of a stick.
smooth and quiter
DOES make decent low end torque
Reliable (take the HG issue out and there is really no other "common" problems
can be 3.4 swapped easily
you can use an auto behind it and move with traffic.

3.0 cons
HG issue on post 90ish's
hard to work on
TONS of spagetti

im bored today...can you tell?
 
least we forget, if we're comparing the "power" between the two, one has 2 more cyliders than the other...


With the 3.0, just stay on top of the PM and NEVER run it low on water or oil and it'll be fine.

It's not really a star, but when you need that little bit, it's more than adequate.
 
4rnr said:
as far as a 22re vs a 3.0. I DO believe it is a tough call.

22re pro's
reliable
cheap
easy

22re cons
timing chain guide failure that can cost you a block if you dont catch it.
pretty gutless
useless in front of an auto

3.0 pro's
pretty adequate power in front of a stick.
smooth and quiter
DOES make decent low end torque
Reliable (take the HG issue out and there is really no other "common" problems
can be 3.4 swapped easily
you can use an auto behind it and move with traffic.

3.0 cons
HG issue on post 90ish's
hard to work on
TONS of spagetti
Click to expand...

So for someone looking for a truck to use on very light trails, deep snow, dog carrier, bring the kids home from school, grocery getting truck, would you still take a 3.0 5speed, or would you be happy with a 22re 5speed (both with AC)?
 
My wife said no FJ! said:
So for someone looking for a truck to use on very light trails, deep snow, dog carrier, bring the kids home from school, grocery getting truck, would you still take a 3.0 5speed, or would you be happy with a 22re 5speed (both with AC)?
Click to expand...

if you want one with a/c get a 3.0 5spd

honestly they have real nice power IF its in good shape(goes with ANY motor)

I really like my 90

edit: for deep snow 33's a locker and a little lift is a must do some research theres A LOT of info about these on these here pages
 
tonyota said:
That 4rnr guy is full of crap. His post is accurate



He's just full of crap. I know this for a fact
Click to expand...

yeah, where's he get off knowing facts, and being helpful? The nerve of some people. :D
 
My wife said no FJ! said:
...my old 442...
Click to expand...

That, good sir, is my very favorite of all the Muscle Cars. If you ever feel saucey enough to talk about it, I'm all ears. :cheers:

back to our regularly scheduled thread.
 
I had a '91 4runner 3.0, A/T, and A/C. It was a really nice vehicle and I bought it with over 200,000 miles on it. It was reliable, but it was a pig with weak acceleration and bad gas mileage for such a small vehicle- 14-15 on a good day. we sold it and bought a V8 Tahoe that got much better mileage and was much faster. We now have a 3.4 4runner, and it is WAY better in all regards.
 
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