WTB 4 Runner-What to look for?

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Joined
Jul 13, 2004
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Location
Houston,Texas
Have a LC and need a 2nd vehicle.Please help me out here.What years were
V-6 head gasket problems.what do I need to look for as far as common problems.Looking in the 94-96 year model range.Thanks in advance.
Bill
 
Bill, if I remember correctly the 3.0 V6 was replaced with the 3.4 V6 mid 1995. The newer body style of 4runner and intro of the Tacoma had these. I owned a 1990 & 1991 4Runner with the 3.0 V6 and both had major head gasket issues, both were recalled, but both had the hg issue return within 50K miles. Sold them both and have been pretty angry about the way Toyota handled it all. I drove a work truck that was the 1996 Tacoma with the 3.4 V6 and it seemed much better. All in all though I still think the EFI 22-RE 4-cylinder is the best engine. I had the 1985 xtra cab truck with it and kick myself every day for selling that one. Matched with a 5-speed it is pretty unmatched for a great trade-off of performance and fuel economy. Of course the newer 4Runners are huge and probably weigh too much for anything less than a 6 or 8 cylinder engine. A friend with a 2003 V8 goes on and on about what a great truck it is - was just under $40K though.

You didn't mention what you'd be doing with it - wheeling, commuting, family weekend hauler, etc. That'll make a big difference too.

Good luck.
Mike
 
I'd lean towards a 3.4L engined 4Runner if you want a V6 engined one. I had a 3.0L 4runner and the HG went on it too. It's so common it is scary. The 3.4L is no 22RE but it is still VERY solid. I don't think any manufacturer will reproduce 22RE reliability anymore. My $.02.

Tad
 
Thanks

Wow!!! Thanks for the response.This gives me great info to start the search
Bill
 
If you fine folks would not mind, I'd like to twist the question a little like this... I have an 88 SR5, V6, Auto Tranny, 4Runner that I'm thinking about selling. I truthfully cannot tally what would work for a reasonable price - you know a price at a level that neither myself nor the buyer feel screwed afterward. Anyway, some particulars for whoever wants to help.


185K miles, HG replaced under factory recall program no problems and no overheating prior to replacement - I simply asked the dealer to do it when I purchased the runner off their lot - I in advance researched about recall program and came to the table with that as my last requirement for sale - as part of agreement I drove the vehicle two months prior to replacement to ensure no prior problems, I purchased at 92K miles, I meticulously maintain everything mechanical, fluids and filters fluids and filters done on severe service schedule or sooner, new radiator, new batt, new windshield, new bfg ko 31x10.50 tires, new bilstein shocks all around, timing belt water pump thermostat and some hoses replaced about 20K ago, factory front rotors and pads replaced about 12K ago, TJM front bumper bar, con-fer TC skid plate and con-fer IFS skid plate, it'll come with couple of assorted replacement parts and the original bumper, skid plates etc.

What's wrong with it:

Paint on hood and roof and edges of front fenders is oxidizing, in some areas, the clear coat is powdery.
Minor oil vapor around valve cover gaskets - no leak as such just a film around the gasket that gets thick and dirty.
Minor leak from steering box on DS frame rail - again no leak with any amount of spill on the floor, more of a leak than the valve cover gaskets but not enough to hit the floor.
Sagging rear springs - not severe but enough to see when looking.
Minor damage to DS rocker panel - slipping slowly off a large log and denting the rocker panel from the mud flap to the end of the DS door - cosmetic thing but not attractive to another perfectionist.

So, if you would not mind, what 's reasonable price wise? Thanks in advance.
 
Get a post 96 3.4L. The 3.0 is under powered and that whole head gasket thing doesn't help either. Some of the 96 3.4 V6's had some head gasket problems too but it was an exterior leak so not quite as bad. The issue was fixed by 97. You can also supercharge the 3.4 :D
The Rear E-locker was an available option after 96, you'll find them on many Limited models but they do exsit on SR5's.
 
If I were looking for another 4Runner I would try to find a '99 3.4 V6 5-Speed with the E-Locker option. The '99's are set up about 1" higher in suspension lift, than later years. If you are into the looks of it too, i would look for a "Highlander Edition". Thats what I have and it comes with the hood scoop option, factory fog lights, etc.
 

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