Nothing too exciting here but I thought I would share some pics.

Back in 98 I bought an 89 4Runner with 222k miles. It was a 3.0 5speed and spent it's life in Chicago so it was very rusty. Had to retire it when I could swing a ball peen hammer right through the frame but I've always wanted another one.

BTW, that truck had nearly 300k on it and the 3.0 was flawless.

When I was recently searching for a replacement I was specifically looking for a 3.0 as I find it smoother and much more powerful than the 22RE (that my Xtracab has). Really not sure why so many people hate it. It's nice to be able to pass cars on the highway or know that you will be able to merge into traffic without getting ran over ;-)

Anyway, I found this truck in Portland Oregon. The original owner recently passed away and his family was selling it so I am now the 2nd owner.

Very clean truck but it did have a few door dings, unfortunately right in the decals. Soooo, I had my friend at the body shop remove and replace all the decals, have the truck PDR'd and the hood and lower valence painted due to rock chips. Other than that, it's how I received it. Not perfect, it does have 210k miles, but very nice and literally drives like new. I like the power windows and sunroof as well, which my old truck did not have.

Threw in a few pics of it with my pickup as well.

Wow!
Looks amazing, I have the same model 3.0 5spd.(even in dark gray, but without chrome and sunroof hohoh), and I could say with you about of 3vz-e that engine with good care, runs fine and smoother, is not a 1UZ power, but works fine.

Nice 4runner

I have the same truck too. 3.0 5 speed in gray. But WOW yours is pretty. That thing looks extremely well taken care of.

Were those decals the original design?

Thanks guys.

The decals are the same as original. I prefer the decal design of the 88's better (which my previous 89 also had) but thought I would keep this one as it was from the factory.

One day I very well might buy another 1st gen, in pursuit of a flawless example, such as this one. The mint-condition ones look so beautiful..

That looks really nice! Nice score

That's nice! Hope you're going to rust proof it or put it away for the winter. It won't last long otherwise.

Thanks guys. I store the pickup in the winter and will do the same with the 4runner. Even rustproofing won't preserve one of these, just delay the rust a bit longer.

I found a couple of pics of my old one. RIP Chicago winters are not kind to the 1st gen 4Runner, which is too bad because the thing was unstoppable.

^^^^^ HOLY SH!T^^^^^^^^^

Jesus Christ. Let's get some close-ups of the frame haha.

I think you should bring your new one down here and keep it at my place to prevent it from getting like your old one. Don't worry, I'll keep it waxed and drive it occasionally to make sure it stays in top shape.

Nice clean rig, damn tragic about the other one

That rust is literally scary to look at! The poor truck is being eaten

Looks like it was under salt water for 2 years.