Anyone have input on what sort of lifespan can be expected from the 3.0 V6 in 1st and 2nd gens? If you were buying one, how many miles would be too many for you to consider?

Any maintenance (preventive or otherwise) procedures you would perform immediately on one with uncertain maintenance records?

I got my '88 SR5 with no maintenance records and 220,000. I have no idea if it was well maintained before I got it a couple years ago. It ran fine and was nearly rust free, so I got it. I think with regular maintenance it can be expected to last another hundred thousand, maybe more.

How many miles are you at now? Have you done any major maintenance such as head gaskets or valves?

Mine's at 223,000 miles, no issues. Due for a timing belt and probably a valve adjust. Those are the two things I would consider as maintenance beyond the standard fluids, plugs, etc. if I had one without a history.

Mine shows no signs of quitting, and still has normal power, so I don't know how long it might last. I only drive it 5-6K miles per year anymore, so it'll likely outlast my need for it.

Just dont let them over heat and change the oil and youll be fine.

I rebuilt mine close to 8 years ago now, and it is still going strong in my crawler.

Get the 4cyl 22RE model if possible - I have over 260,000 miles and the only thing I have ever replaced (other than fluids) is a clutch and a few light bulbs.

I use to have an 88 with the 3.0 It popped the head gasket at 200k. The head wrapped and the motor needed to be replaced. Toyota actually paid for this as part of an extended recall. The 2nd motor is still going as far as I know after 100k on it. It's got a new owner as of last year.

My Head gasket was replaced by the dealer at 67k. That gasket lasted until 230k. I had the engine rebuilt and when my machinist pulled the engine apart he said it looked perfect and could have easily gone another 200k. Point being if maintenance has been done the engine is solid except for the head gasket. My new engine now has 260k.

Side note. My machinist said the block/head surface had some erosion. If you just throw a new gasket on there without decking the block then it likely wouldn’t last 30k before the gasket blew again.


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Bought my 94 3.0 4x4 5spd about 5 years ago with 200k on it. I'm at 298k now. Engine still runs fairly well. It does leak and burn a little oil. To my knowledge the head gasket recall had been done before I bought it. It doesnt run hot. I did have the timing belt go out on me at like 260-270k looked to be original. Water pump and all pullies under the cover were seized. Haha. The engine develops a little noise when getting low on oil. I haven't done best oil change maintenance on it either 🙈. Overall it's been a pretty problem free truck. Yes its slow but torquey and will go anywhere. The engine us starting to get a little tired. Kicked around with the idea of upgrading to a 3.4L but I think a solid 3.0 would be plenty. I've been very happy with my 4runner. If it was an auto trans I'd probably have different feelings about it though haha

The one I just got popped the head gasket at 250k and a new replacement engine was put in. It was meticulously maintained and I have a stack of records 3” thick dating back to 93’ I’m working on getting the parts to complete the 3.4 swap as I know this one will eventually pop.

Got mine 2 years ago with 235k on it. As far as I know it had the head gaskets replaced, timing belt etc. since then I’ve had to have valve cover gaskets replaced, ac idler pulley and numerous other things done. Burns oil and has a leak at the rear main seal. I now have 247k and if I had known better, I would have bought a 3rd gen or later. Too slow and gas mileage is ridiculous. Live and learn. Would love to sell but I’ll never get back what I have in it.

Anyone in southwest Missouri know where I can get a limited slip third member?

I've had mixed experiences with the 3.slow. I had one in an 89 pickup with 439000km, and it would burn rubber into third gear. I was blown away, had never seen a 3.0 like that before, and haven't since. It looked factory for the most part. Had another in a 92 pickup and it made it through 389000km when I sold it, it was reliable but gutless. Then we just bought a 90 pickup for my wife with 272000km on it, almost half the mileage, and has a head issue- 0psi compression on cylinder 1 and 88% leak down through the exhaust valve. Haven't pulled the heads yet, but it almost seems like its the luck of the draw, thermal cycles and maintenance schedules