Hey guys, I need some advice. I currently own a 16 TEP 4runner and was looking to get another to not put so many miles on my current 4runner. There is someone selling a 1984 4runner with a small block conversion, lifted with 4wd and 129k miles. they are asking $4k I don't know anything about this model year. Or what to pay for it. It's in Decent shape, but anyone know what I should offer and any problems with that model year? Also I feel dumb saying idk what a small block conversion is. Any insight would be amazing! Thank you!

It most likely has a 350 Chevy and auto transmission in it.
Could be awesome if done right, if not you'll be buying someone else's half assed project that they are tired of dealing with.

Do you know anyone who is VERY car savvy that would go with you to look at it?
If not, I'd probably avoid it.
I'd rather have it in stock form than something someone has been butchering.

I do have a few friends that actually work at a toyota dealership as a mechanic i'll ask them to look at it, anything I should ask the guy whos selling it?

I would ask who did the conversion. If it’s a shop look up their reputation. Also ask if it was a new, rebuilt or junk yard motor. You will also want to know if he used a kit to install it or cobbled it together. I’d ask if he has any known issues, such as overheating, or things that no longer work. How was the wiring modified? If he half assed that walk away you’ll never have peace. Also what kind of transmission? If it’s just a turbo 350 or 400 that thing will suck gas on the highway. You want at least a 4spred auto. If it’s a manual 5 speed even better.

I’ve built several cars from the ground up and if it wasn’t though through you could have a ton of gremlins show up later.

On top of looking at the condition of the fluids, like you would any other used vehicle. Take a good look at the workmanship of what has been done to it.

How the motor mounts are welded in, if there is wiring dangling all over the place, leaks on the drivetrain that hasn't been addressed.

Just to get a feel for if it's a cobbled up POS or not.
I used to bring stuff into my shop like this and make it right, it can be an expensive, frustrating and lengthy process.

I looked at a Samurai a few years ago that looked great from the road.
Guy wanted $2500 firm for it. It had a 2.8L Chevy V6 in it
After 5 minutes of looking at it I offered $500 and the only thing I could have salvaged was the body.
The amount a hack work done to that poor thing was criminal.
I still see it posted up on CL at least once or twice a year, some poor guy buys it figuring he can fix it and just gives up.

Take a good, hard look at this thing. Bring a professional who will give you an honest opinion on it.
Buy your professional lunch and a couple good beers afterwards, because he can save you a lot of

If you find a few things that don't look right or look slapped together, walk away. Or be prepared to take the whole rig apart and start over to make it right.

I know guys who are professional turd polishers and have no scruples about selling someone shiny junk to make a buck.

I've seen enough 60 series ruined by shadetree bubba V8 installs that unless they have the professional conversion papers available on demand, I'm not even interested.

Thank you guys for the incredible feed back, Greatly appreciated. Like I said I'm just looking for something Under $5k that I can drive all over town rack up miles and maybe beat it up a bit. I love my 16 runner but I've racked up over 27k miles in a year and like 4 months (got it in December of 16) Almost out of warranty and would hate to have to pay out of pocket for that beast. I plan on modding my runner in the future but want to lay off the miles a bit. (side note I live in the desert so everyone loves their off roading toys) I'm going to call the guy who owns that 4runner tomorrow and ask him those questions, It looks pretty good from the outside no dents or anything and it looks bad ass with the lift, just concerned about the engine mod. Thank all of you again for the feedback

FWIW, there are a number of quality kits specifically for that 350/350 swap.
I used one years ago on the 231 V6/350 swap in my 83.

What’s up I have a 95 4runner , I have an issue with it running it starts with starter fluid but only runs for a few seconds , there’s a new fuel pump in it , timing chain and plugs , did not change the fuel filter or pressure regulator, I need help finding out what it is ! Thank you I