About to buy a 1st gen

[Maximilian55]

Im currently selling my tacoma, and gonna upgrade to a sweet 4runner. Is there anything I should check out when looking at a 1st gen before I buy it? Im mainly looking at the 22re's.
Basically I'm asking what the common problems are with the 1st gens, and if anyone has some advice for an about-to-be owner.

 

[Cartzo]

All I have to say is you are making a very good choice :thumb3:

 

[Maximilian55]

All I have to say is you are making a very good choice :thumb3:

Ya my tacoma is awesome, but ill be much happier selling it for like 7 grand, and then putting like 4 or 5 grand into a 4runner. And i can be cool with the top off.

Originally i was gonna buy a YJ, but then I came to my senses.

 

[Pisa 8687]

Nice recovery from your insanity. The 1st gen is the best nothing beats the top off wheeling.

 

[thatoneguy]

To be fair, YJ's are pretty cool too.

> . >

 

[Maximilian55]

To be fair, YJ's are pretty cool too.

> . >

Ya forsure, but the thing that kept me away from a yj was that their not very practical. They dont get very good gas mileage, And theres not a lot of room in them.
I like the 1st gen 4runners better because they get way better fuel economy, and they are super reliable. And their not very common.

 

[brosama]

Timing chain slap/rattle. Pay close attention to the front end sounds on startup. And no, it's not just that the "valves need to be adjusted". At this point, most 22re 1st gens will either already had them done, or they're due (not a maintenance item but the guides often break, especially north of 150k miles). See if it's been done. Ideally, pull the valve cover (a few minutes) and shine a flashlight down the front to look for a broken guide. That'll also give you chance to see the condition of oil (sludge, etc.).

Front axle seals. Weeping birfs.

Check the normal stuff you do for every vehicle (search, been covered everywhere).

Overall, remember you're buying a ~25-30 year old truck. It won't be perfect. But if it's been maintained it'll still be solid.

Maintenance records, maintenance, maintenance, and more maintenance :bash:

You can always post here to get our opinions on specific rigs. BE PATIENT and don't form an emotional attachment to any particular rig!

Good luck bro.

 

[Maximilian55]

Also are the 3.0's as bad as people make them out to be? Im considering buying a 3.0, and running it for awhile until i can afford a 3.4 swap. I only plan to put on 33's. But still the 4cyls dont have lots of power.

Timing chain slap/rattle. Pay close attention to the front end sounds on startup. And no, it's not just that the "valves need to be adjusted". At this point, most 22re 1st gens will either already had them done, or they're due (not a maintenance item but the guides often break, especially north of 150k miles). See if it's been done. Ideally, pull the valve cover (a few minutes) and shine a flashlight down the front to look for a broken guide. That'll also give you chance to see the condition of oil (sludge, etc.).

Front axle seals. Weeping birfs.

Check the normal stuff you do for every vehicle (search, been covered everywhere).

Overall, remember you're buying a ~25-30 year old truck. It won't be perfect. But if it's been maintained it'll still be solid.

Maintenance records, maintenance, maintenance, and more maintenance :bash:

You can always post here to get our opinions on specific rigs. BE PATIENT and don't form an emotional attachment to any particular rig!

Good luck bro.

Thanks man

 

[brosama]

The 22re will handle 33s all day, especially if you regear. The 3.0 isn't that much more as far as realized power is concerned.

Personally, I prefer the 22re so I kind of avoided the 3.slow in my search. But there have been quite of few people who have done very well with them. Either way, just get something well maintained.

If you're planning on swapping (and have the knowledge/experience), another route is to pick up one with a blown HG/motor for dirt cheap and starting with the swap.

 

[Maximilian55]

The 22re will handle 33s all day, especially if you regear. The 3.0 isn't that much more as far as realized power is concerned.

Personally, I prefer the 22re so I kind of avoided the 3.slow in my search. But there have been quite of few people who have done very well with them. Either way, just get something well maintained.

If you're planning on swapping (and have the knowledge/experience), another route is to pick up one with a blown HG/motor for dirt cheap and starting with the swap.

The biggest thing ive done to a truck is an AAL, so im taking baby steps with this one. I have a buddy who would help me with the swap, but he's working two jobs right now, so it might be awhile for that.

Most likely ill get a 22re and just run 4.88s. Ive heard you can buy some aftermarket headers and what not and get some decent power out of a 22re.

 

[brosama]

Yeah, you'll want to hold off on the swap then.

I ran 4.56s and 33s with the 22re and it was fine. Definitely ain't gonna win any drag races, but it'll get you up the hill. You're right, you can do a few simple things to squeeze a little more out of them, but most importantly, keep it tuned right and it'll take care of you.

What kind of wheeling are you gonna do? Are you thinking SA or IFS?

 

[Maximilian55]

Ill probably go IFS. My current truck (ifs, 2.5 in lift, 33s) does fine where i live. I only take it on little trails for fun and looking at cool views. And I dont wanna get a bunch of trail damage.
Ive never been a huge fan of slow rock crawling and what not. I just get bored and nervous about breaking my truck.

 

[Maximilian55]

As far as a lift goes, i think ill run 1.5 in bj spacers, 63's in the rear, and then a 1in or 2in body lift.

I think im looking for about 3 in of lift

 

[brosama]

Cool man. Going IFS will give you a larger selection to choose from and save you some cash.