A slew of 1st Gen questions...

[mechagouki]

If you've seen my other recent threads you'll know that I have been looking for a new Runner to replace my '90 2 door, which i stupidly sold in June. After coming close to buying a 2nd gen 5 speed V6 and even considering a 4 cyl diesel Land Cruiser i think I may have found my truck! I'm not very knowledgeable though so I need some questions answered, the truck is an 1989, 4cyl 5 speed 4WD:

1.The lower front of the engine is quite wet, the seller says the previous owner fitted the gasket incorrectly after replacing the timing chain, and that it's a very slow leak that has no adverse effects - does this ring true, and if it needs fixing, is it an expensive job?

2. There appears to only be one shock absorber in back, on the passenger side - is this normal, I can't see a mount on the driver's side?

3. Tailgate has some penetrating rust and the window is stuck, will this stop me removing the cap, and when I come to work on it, are the innards similar to a 2nd Gen?

4. Anything else I should look out for? The seller has replaced all the brakes, fixed the fender rust and the truck is wearing a brand new set of General Grabber 31s, most of the front end looks newish, seller claims to have replaced most of the steering and fitted a new damper, the truck feels tight and solid when driven.

Thanks for your help!

 

[KidVermicious]

1. I'd take it to a mechanic for that opinion. It could be true, and it could be 50 other things.

2. The shocks on a Runner are pointed in opposite directions. I don't remember which one is which way. Look for the other shock to be pointed towards the front of the rig. If there really is only one, no, that's not normal.

3. There's no reason you can't pull the top off. If the window is stuck up, I wouldn't drive too fast though.

 

[Hyde802]

2. The shocks on a Runner are pointed in opposite directions. I don't remember which one is which way. Look for the other shock to be pointed towards the front of the rig. If there really is only one, no, that's not normal.

Driver side is in front of the axle, passenger is behind. Its supposed to help with wheel hop.

 

[KidVermicious]

Driver side is in front of the axle, passenger is behind. Its supposed to help with wheel hop.

I always figured it had something to do with that, or with the way the driveshaft torques the axle or something.

 

[SV_Dude]

1.The lower front of the engine is quite wet, the seller says the previous owner fitted the gasket incorrectly after replacing the timing chain, and that it's a very slow leak that has no adverse effects - does this ring true, and if it needs fixing, is it an expensive job?

If you only need to replace gaskets then it's a cheap fix. Go to the stealership and get some FIPG, that will run about $20. Of course you'll need oil because you'll have to drain it, then you might as well replace your filter too... Another $30 or s0 depending on what you get for oil and a filter. The FIPG is a bit steep but it works the best and is well worth it!

3. Tailgate has some penetrating rust and the window is stuck, will this stop me removing the cap, and when I come to work on it, are the innards similar to a 2nd Gen?

Do a search on the forums, there's a lot of troubleshooting information for the window and it's quite simple.

4. Anything else I should look out for? The seller has replaced all the brakes, fixed the fender rust and the truck is wearing a brand new set of General Grabber 31s, most of the front end looks newish, seller claims to have replaced most of the steering and fitted a new damper, the truck feels tight and solid when driven.

Other than the simple problems above it seems like you're got a solid 4runner! If the price is/was right and you are going to buy it... congrats!! You'll love it as long as you take care of it!

 

[mechagouki]

Thanks for all the answers, that's funny about the rear shocks, guess it makes sense though. Hopefully I will be collecting the truck today or tomorrow. Now I need to find a rust free 1st Gen tailgate, could be tough, will any 1st Gen gate fit any year truck?

 

[Hyde802]

Besides the color, all 84-89 tailgates are the same.

 

[Sean7187]

Theres Always Fiberglass

This guys seems like he has some solid products.

toyotafiberglass-keepin' the drive alive


Toyota Fiberglass: fiberglass 4Runner - YotaTech Forums

 

[WoodsRunner88]

Congrats on getting the 89, regarding the oil leak on the front of the block, I would wipe it all clean one day with a rag, and then go for a short drive, and get underneath and see where the oil is coming from. On my 86 my front oil pump/ crank seal was leaking and the pulley was throwing the oil all over the front of the block, so just try that and if you do need to replace the timing cover gaskets they are cheap, and you might as well put on a new front main seal on the timing cover when you put it back together. I would also go with Genuine Toyota seals and gaskets. Good Luck.