91 4Runner... just bought.. have questions...

[dblack2206]

Hello all... new to the forum. I had a 96 4runner that i sold about 4 years ago.. regretted it ever since, so i bought a 91 the other day. It is a v6 5spd manual.

Questions:

Best way to get the back end level again and maintain ride and travel?

Open rear gate? The switch inside by the center console doesn't work and someone wired in a funky toggle system in the back cargo area so you have to lower the back seat to even operate it... also, i cant seem to get the hatch to open unless i lower the window and operate the handle from the inside. Is this normal?

Performance modifications? K&N air filter, etc...

What to watch out for as far as normal failures?

Thank you in advance for your time and advice!

 

[mattb]

Best way to get the back end level again and maintain ride and travel?

You can get new rear springs from Amazon.com for about $75 or there are a number of different coil spring spacers out there at various price/quality.

Open rear gate? The switch inside by the center console doesn't work and someone wired in a funky toggle system in the back cargo area so you have to lower the back seat to even operate it... also, i cant seem to get the hatch to open unless i lower the window and operate the handle from the inside. Is this normal?

Not sure about the funky toggle system, but yes, it's normal that you have to lower the rear window and then open the tailgate from the inside. Does the key still work in the tailgate to lower the window?

Performance modifications? K&N air filter, etc...

You can put on a K&N air filter, but the 3.0 is nick named the 3.slow for a reason. Don't expect much. Just be happy you don't have an auto.

What to watch out for as far as normal failures?

The head gasket is the major one. Also make sure your timing belt is good. It would suck if that were to break on you.