2nd Gen. Questions

[clinte234]

Hi,

I'm looking at '93 and a '95 T4R right now. They are both V6. My question is what type of maintenance should I have done to the 2nd Gen? Is there the same problem with the timing belts that the 3rd gens have? I've read a lot about the head gaskets, should those be replaced?

The '93 has 97,000 miles and the '95 has 127,000.

Thanks guys!

 

[clinte234]

Ok...I bought the '95. It has a bad head gasket that needs replacing, but I got it for $2700 so I figured that wouldn't be too big of a deal. I was thinking I would have the timing belt and water pump replaced while they are in there. I also figured I would get all of the fluids changed. Anything else I should consider?

 

[Nodd]

...It has a bad head gasket that needs replacing...

Toyota has a head gasket recall or "Special Service Campaign" for the notoriously bad head gaskets on the 3.0. As I understand it, if you supply the dealership with your VIN number they can check to see if the one time fix has been performed. If not there's a good chance they'll fix it for free including any engine damage caused by the blown gasket.

 

[clinte234]

Thanks Nodd. I was reading earlier about the recall...I'm going to for sure check that out before I pay for anything!

 

[SCRunner12]

Congrats on the buy! I just bought a 95 myself with a bad head gasket. How long has the 4runner been sitting for? Mine sat for about 6 months without being driven. I would check the power steering pump and pressure hose for leaks. If it hasn't been driven for a while they might start leaking when you get it going again. They are notorious for leaking (mine is leaking at the moment). I would change the fluids and replace all spark plugs and check the radiator. Sometimes they go bad when the head gaskets go.
Your 4runner might not be covered because it is a 95. They have some weird deal that only the early months of 95 got covered in the recall.
How many miles and is it auto or manual?
Rear main seals sometimes go bad but you will notice that when you start driving it by an oil spot under your 4runner.
Good luck. Hopefully your head gaskets didn't damage anything else in the engine.

 

[clinte234]

Thanks for the heads up. It is an automatic with 129,000 miles on it. I actually bought it from auction so I have no idea if it has been sitting or driving recently. I actually haven't even seen it yet. I'll be sure to have the radiator looked at as well. I appreciate the suggestions.

 

[clinte234]

I had the VIN checked out and my vehicle does not qualify for the recall. Any idea on how much I'm looking to spend to get this head gasket replaced? Should I have it done at the dealership or have a private mechanic take a look?

Thanks for all of the input!

 

[SCRunner12]

Getting the head gasket replaced will also depend on how much damage is accompanying the hg. A dealer will be more expensive but you will get all Toyota parts. Hopefully your block isn't cracked and your heads may need to be resurfaced. That typically involves Toyota sending the heads to a privtate company. Mine cost about 3500 at a Toyota dealership but I also got A new radiator, timing belt water pump, knock sensor and so on. I would just call around and ask what a quote would be, but unfortunately you won't know the extent if the damage till they get in there.
Private garages will be cheaper but find someone you trust and is knowledgeable about toyotas and head gaskets.

 

[clinte234]

Ouch...this is turning out to be not such a good deal I'm afraid...

 

[SCRunner12]

It all depends though on what could be wrong. Mine was kind of a worst case deal. So you haven't seen the 4runner yet? You could get lucky, but shop around for prices.

 

[clinte234]

I picked up my '95 4X4 yesterday...I'm pretty happy with the purchase. I got the head gasket fixed and it ran great on my 100 mile trip back home. My wife has a 4th gen. and I used to have a 3rd gen...seems like this 2nd gen sits up a lot higer than the other two...I like it though!

 

[clinte234]

Dumb question time...

It's been a while since I've had an older vehicle...I'll let that be my excuse. I can't seem to locate where the air filter is. I would never consider myself a mechanically-inclinded person, but I've never had trouble changing the air filter. I don't want to start taking things apart to find it. Could anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

*Edit: I found the air filter...good thing, it looked like it hadn't been replaced in quite some time.

 

[Tremlett]

Another 95

Wow, Clinte. The 95 I'm close to buying isn't as nice on the outside as that red one you've got, but man, it is one clean car! Congrats on the purchase, and good luck with it.

Mine, on the other hand, is mechanically sound (no head gasket problems), but as any used car purchase goes, I'm scared that won't last, especially with what I'm hearing about the HG problems. I already know that this particular model has not had, nor does it qualify for the HG recall.

Anyone care to guess how long my head gasket will last? It's got 147K on it. Should I hold out for a 3rd gen?

Thanks

 

[95_Yota]

Wow i knew mine was pretty bad ass but didn't realize just how much. I've got a 95 with approximately 270xxx miles on it. It's never had the head gasket replaced, the only work it's had done on the motor is the timing belt.

 

[SCRunner12]

Wow, Clinte. The 95 I'm close to buying isn't as nice on the outside as that red one you've got, but man, it is one clean car! Congrats on the purchase, and good luck with it.

Mine, on the other hand, is mechanically sound (no head gasket problems), but as any used car purchase goes, I'm scared that won't last, especially with what I'm hearing about the HG problems. I already know that this particular model has not had, nor does it qualify for the HG recall.

Anyone care to guess how long my head gasket will last? It's got 147K on it. Should I hold out for a 3rd gen?

Thanks

It all depends on the head gaskets. Some go out within 40k or like 95 yota they never go. It really is a gamble. In my opinion, I would hold out for a 3rd gen. I have a 95 right now and I'm wishing I had the extra HP and a nicer ride. The 3.0 is underpowered and not very good on gas. I'm probably going to be selling my 95 in a few weeks and looking for a 3rd gen. Plus the 3rd gens don't have the head gasket problem. I do like the body of the 2nd gen though.

Clinte234 that is a nice 4runner. Glad the head gaskets weren't a major issue. Have fun.

 

[clinte234]

Ok, a couple of more questions...

I took my truck to a mechanic (friend of the family). He said I need to replace the idler arm...does this have anything to do with the Steering Relay Rod recall from Toyota or are they two totally separate parts? Should I get the idler arm replaced before I take it in for the recall?

A couple of other parts he suggested replacing in addition to the idler arm; power steering pump and thermostat...should I replace these with Toyota parts or will an after-market part work just as well?