2nd Generation Questions

[superscooter]

Hey Gang:

I'm looking into buying a 92 T4R from my cousins, and have some questions for the group. Firstoff, the vehicle is in decent cosmetic shape, has the V6 motor with a manual transmission and 195K. They are asking for $700. I've done some poking around on the forum and have a general idea of what I would be getting myself into with a high-mileage 4runner, and think that I am savvy enough to handle some of the needed repairs on my own (like troubleshooting the rear window) but would need a shop to handle other stuff (fluid changes, suspension). Here are some of my questions:

1) Do I need to change the head gasket right away, if there is no known history?
2) Do I need to change the timing belt right away if there is no known history?
3) Are there any other common high-mileage issues?
4) I am tall and the drivers seat doesn't go back far enough for me -- anyone tried moving the seat further back for more legroom?
5) Anyone know of a good 4runner mechanic in the Winston-Salem/Greensboro area?

So far, I've borrowed it and drove from Asheville to Winston-Salem on the freeway and it ticked like a clock. Transmission feels solid, and it wasn't vibrating a ton at 70mph, but I could tell it needs an alignment. My cousins loved the truck and used it to pull a trailer a few times, rarely used the 4WD but said it should work. I didn't try to engage the 4x4, and don't expect to do any extreme off-roading, but might take it into the mountains every now and then.

The problems that I already know about are:
1) Heater doesn't blow hot air, but AC and defrost work
2) Rear window works but doesn't always raise fully (I haven't even tried yet)
3) Rear passenger-side window doesn't raise fully
4) Possible drain on battery, or they just haven't used it much in the last 2 years and it could use a new battery

Anyway, I appreciate any advice or suggestions. I will continue to search through the forums, and I already found the link to the factory service manual site. But it seems like a good deal, right?

Thanks!
-Scott-

 

[SV_Dude]

$700 seems like a steal for that! Take it!

 

[4runnerBrett]

Cant go wrong on a 700 dollar 4runner that runs

 

[priestsallore]

Dude 195k on it is low mileage. I got 320+ on mine, & still.going strong. Head gaskets wont need too much worrying over, prob just check on them. It is a hair underpowered, so its not a race demon, but buy it, you wont regret it.

 

[priestsallore]

Also, the rear windows always a problem child, the contact is prob dirty, or just needs a new motor. But, as far as the heater, just take a hose and put backpressure to it, its prob just clogged. Also, run the 4x4 atleast 10 miles a month even if you dont use it much, it'll help it to keep up. Where are you located? If you're ever around south Texas, I'd be willing to help out.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Damn man! For $700.00 I'll buy it!

Everything you've listed is simple shade tree mechanic fixes. Simple to check the 4 wheel drive. Just engage the 4x4, and see if you get the 4x4 light lit in the dash - if it does - you're in 4 wheel drive.

The other thing is the rear springs will (if they are original) need to be replaced with either MOOGs, or OME to bring the back end up to where it needs to be.

Also --

:worthless :dammit:

 

[Footofgod]

I'll give you $800 for it and that way you make $100!

Don't worry about the head gasket unless you are having problems. With the window issues, just to simply replace the switch first.

 

[SilentYoda3]

Hey Gang:

I'm looking into buying a 92 T4R from my cousins, and have some questions for the group. Firstoff, the vehicle is in decent cosmetic shape, has the V6 motor with a manual transmission and 195K. They are asking for $700. I've done some poking around on the forum and have a general idea of what I would be getting myself into with a high-mileage 4runner, and think that I am savvy enough to handle some of the needed repairs on my own (like troubleshooting the rear window) but would need a shop to handle other stuff (fluid changes, suspension). Here are some of my questions:

1) Do I need to change the head gasket right away, if there is no known history?
2) Do I need to change the timing belt right away if there is no known history?
3) Are there any other common high-mileage issues?
4) I am tall and the drivers seat doesn't go back far enough for me -- anyone tried moving the seat further back for more legroom?
5) Anyone know of a good 4runner mechanic in the Winston-Salem/Greensboro area?

So far, I've borrowed it and drove from Asheville to Winston-Salem on the freeway and it ticked like a clock. Transmission feels solid, and it wasn't vibrating a ton at 70mph, but I could tell it needs an alignment. My cousins loved the truck and used it to pull a trailer a few times, rarely used the 4WD but said it should work. I didn't try to engage the 4x4, and don't expect to do any extreme off-roading, but might take it into the mountains every now and then.

The problems that I already know about are:
1) Heater doesn't blow hot air, but AC and defrost work
2) Rear window works but doesn't always raise fully (I haven't even tried yet)
3) Rear passenger-side window doesn't raise fully
4) Possible drain on battery, or they just haven't used it much in the last 2 years and it could use a new battery

Anyway, I appreciate any advice or suggestions. I will continue to search through the forums, and I already found the link to the factory service manual site. But it seems like a good deal, right?

Thanks!
-Scott-

I have a 1994 with about 197,xxx still running strong. I replaced my head gasket but also found that whoever did the repair prior over torqued everything and messed it up. Check torque specs haha they are CRUCIAL!


1) Perhaps try to flush fluids, probably just a clog.
2) Contacts as previously stated.
3) Take the door panel off, lube everything (i did it for all four of mine, only bad motor was actually the drivers window, they all work like champs!
4) Test the battery, shucks will do it for free as a check.
Edit 4.5) there's a timing cover, it's black. Few bolts and it comes off, it's an easy access to just check the timing belt.
5) i bought mine for $3000 haha, $700 is a STEAL! Shoot i'd give you $1500 and pick it up myself. Best truck i've owned.

 

[superscooter]

Thanks for all the great info everyone! I will drive the truck around town some this week and let you know how it does (they are letting me borrow it to try it out). I will also get a photo on here.

Any ideas on getting more legroom in the drivers seat? Do I just need a different seat to bolt in, or could I re-bolt the current seat a little further back? As is, my right leg was not comfortable after a two hour drive, and I would like to be able to make it longer than that before having to get out and stretch.

Also, I forgot to mention that the cruise control didn't seem to work. Are there any indicator lights for that? I tried pushing the buttons on the steering wheel, but maybe I wasn't pushing the right ones? (the labels are worn on the two right buttons).

-Scott-

 

[superscooter]

Dead battery this morning. My cousins indicated that they had left it sitting for awhile, and that the battery was drained when they tried to restart it. They jumped it a few times, and trickle charged the battery overnight on Saturday. It started fine a few times on Sunday, I drove it for about 120 miles on the freeway, parked it overnight, and then it was dead by morning. I intend to replace the battery ASAP, but I am concerned about a parasitic drain. Are there any typical areas to search for an electrical drain? I read something about the relay to the rear window, so that is my first suspect. Let me know if anyone has any other ideas or suggestions.

Thx
-S-

 

[superscooter]

Yep, battery was toasted. I replaced it yesterday and its starting fine now. Its fun to drive!! I will test alternator and test for any parasitic drains, but I'm just enjoying having a vehicle that runs well for a change.

-S-

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Yep, battery was toasted. I replaced it yesterday and its starting fine now. Its fun to drive!! I will test alternator and test for any parasitic drains, but I'm just enjoying having a vehicle that runs well for a change.

-S-

arty:

And like a Timex watch - it just keeps on running. Or is that some stupid bunny?

Anyway - be sure and check all the fluids - including front and rear diffs. Plus the transfer case/transmission for proper levels.

So are you going to buy it or what?

:

 

[superscooter]

Oil level is good, power steering is good, coolant is a bit low (what type of coolant should I be using?).

I do plan on buying it, though I really need to create more legroom in the drivers seat. I will have all other fluid levels checked and changed as needed after I buy it. In the meantime, I need to try to sell my VW Passat Wagon (1997 with a $hitty auto trans).

-S-

 

[SilentYoda3]

Oil level is good, power steering is good, coolant is a bit low (what type of coolant should I be using?).

I do plan on buying it, though I really need to create more legroom in the drivers seat. I will have all other fluid levels checked and changed as needed after I buy it. In the meantime, I need to try to sell my VW Passat Wagon (1997 with a $hitty auto trans).

-S-

good move from a VW man. Coolant is really just the same as long as we are talking about the stuff you're putting in the radiator. Shucks has a pre-diluted 50/50 mix that works great for almost anywhere. Sort of depends on where you live, really it's just water and antifreeze and the water is what does the cooling primarily. Antifreeze just keeps it from freezing.

 

[92-SR5]

195K is still in the break in period for a toyota :hatsoff:

 

[superscooter]

UPDATE:
-Sold the VW wagon for $1200 (it had a slipping auto trans but I found a guy who intends to convert it to a 5-speed). I have the $700 money order ready for my cousin, and we'll hopefully be able to get together at a notary before the end of the month so I can get the title.
-It does have some kind of parasitic drain. I've been pulling the new battery out and trickle charging it every so often, but hope to find the problem. Alternator tested fine.
-Drivers seat is ripping and lost all its cushion, so I am in search of a replacement. When I find one I aim to alter the track somehow to create more legroom.
-4x4 worked fine on a short test on a paved road. Must...get...to...mountains...
-It sucks gas like a beast! 13.5mpgs mixed highway and city.
-Looks like it needs a new exhaust. What are my options for upgrades? I want to do whatever possible to increase the MPG's. Is it even possible to get 20mpgs in a 3.0?
-The mechanics who've worked on it for the past dozen years are in Asheville -- Mostly Toyota DBA "Mostly Automotive". Anybody know anything about them? I will give them a call and find out what they've done to it.
-I'm enjoying driving this beastly turtle of a truck -- its slow and steady and solid. I've already used it to haul lumber, tools, and dirty dogs. Next: canoes, kegs, and cute women!!

Thanks!
-Scott-

 

[92-SR5]

UPDATE:
-Sold the VW wagon for $1200 (it had a slipping auto trans but I found a guy who intends to convert it to a 5-speed). I have the $700 money order ready for my cousin, and we'll hopefully be able to get together at a notary before the end of the month so I can get the title.
-It does have some kind of parasitic drain. I've been pulling the new battery out and trickle charging it every so often, but hope to find the problem. Alternator tested fine.
-Drivers seat is ripping and lost all its cushion, so I am in search of a replacement. When I find one I aim to alter the track somehow to create more legroom.
-4x4 worked fine on a short test on a paved road. Must...get...to...mountains...
-It sucks gas like a beast! 13.5mpgs mixed highway and city.
-Looks like it needs a new exhaust. What are my options for upgrades? I want to do whatever possible to increase the MPG's. Is it even possible to get 20mpgs in a 3.0?
-The mechanics who've worked on it for the past dozen years are in Asheville -- Mostly Toyota DBA "Mostly Automotive". Anybody know anything about them? I will give them a call and find out what they've done to it.
-I'm enjoying driving this beastly turtle of a truck -- its slow and steady and solid. I've already used it to haul lumber, tools, and dirty dogs. Next: canoes, kegs, and cute women!!

Thanks!
-Scott-

20mpg is not impossible but hard. The 3.0 is just a pig on gas. I would just open up the exhaust and intake, that will give you a little more power and some mpg's.
For exhaust I have a flowmaster on my 22re with 2.75" pipe. It sounds good but is also pretty loud, if you like that. I am also planning on running a test pipe in place of my cat. Personally I would get manual hubs on it too, It doesn't really give you a noticeable increase in mpg but it does reduce drag.
Good luck. Glad you enjoy your t4r!

 

[Nitewulf]

Just seen this thread for the first time so forgive the late entry... I bought mine for 125$, not running, put 360$ into it to get it street legal. That constant tic you are hearing is possibly the cold start injector, as they almost sound like a rocker arm ticking. If you are in that area of NC, you are in Austin's neck of the woods, who is a great guy, pretty knowledgable. I will send him a link to this thread. I run an inverted knock off magnaflow. Good rumble without being piss your neighbors off loud...
http://static.photobucket.com/playe...com/albums/ll43/Nitewulf_photos/VIDEO0012.mp4

You'll find a lot of great tips, people, and how to diy on here.
Also, we have a run in July to Uwarrie if you are interested in testing/learning your 4x4. 4H at any speed below 60, 4L below 20, without having to stop.. at least on autos, don't know if its the same with the 5 speeds...

 

[KidVermicious]

Finding a parasitic drain can be a bear. Make sure everything is turned off, then measure amps between the positive battery stud and the terminal, that's how you verify you've got a drain. Now start pulling fuses until it goes away, and when it does, find out what circuits that fuse feeds, that'll get you in the ballpark.

Common culprits are door switches and any aftermarket wiring (stereo, CB, lights, etc). Good luck!

 

[Nitewulf]

Also be sure to check both ends of the battery cables for corrosion, and the grounds. These 4's run floating grounds and can be a camoflaged culprit in itself. The SEARCH option is your best friend, and we'll help you all we can.