Advise for my 3.0

[ddubb]

I need some advise from the knowledge base here as my mechanic has informed me that I've come to the critical HG crossroads...

Here is my scenario, I own a 95.5 Limited with only 108k on it. It's practically in mint condition with new radiator, timing belt, water pump, belts, suspension, exhaust, locking hubs, no rust, etc etc...

So my mechanic tells me he thinks my HG is going and I've got about 5-6mo before it blows out completely (and it's a late model not covered by the recall). His advise is to trade it in now while the value is still semi-good as the effort to repair it it too great.

Now I absolutley love this rig, and can't really afford to replace it nor do I want to. Reading the threads around here I've seen lots of creative ways to save $ solving this problem. I'd love to do the work myself, but honestly don't think I have the ability to pull it off.

Here is what I'm considering, I'd be most appreciative if anyone could weigh in with advise.
1- purchase the HG kit from engnbldr and find a mechanic who's willing to do the work for a reasonable price. My concerns are that I'll run into the same problem again before I get to 200k
2- replace the HG, and look into ways to modify the headers so that the HG isn't exposed to so much heat
3- find a used engine from a 3rd gen and replace the whole dang motor (don't think I can afford this)
4- trade my rig into a dealer and finance a used rig (really really don't want to get rid of my 4R...)

Thoughts? My lack of cash is a big determining factor here and the main reason I bought the Toyota to begin with (thought it'd last me a number of years)

I want to lean towards option 1, but should I expect this HG thing to happen all over again so soon as it would be more cost effective to just trade it in for another used vehicle now?

Any and all ideas would be most appreciated, I don't want to become an ex-4runner owner!

 

[94Beast4Runner]

Purchasing another vehicle, usually has problems of its own to deal with.

You said your mech said you have 5-6 months. that is plenty of time to save and research doing the HG. As far as it happening again I'm not to sure. If you do it. check in to using a different material type of HG (copper steel etc.) seearch and see what the best is to use. Try asking od yotatech.com. there is alot more action at there and you will get alot of response and maybe some helpfull sites on this subject. That would be my honest approach. The truck you have now, you know what you got. What you buy later, you may not know what is coming.

Noone should ever consider being an ex-4runner owner. only upgrade! :bigok:

 

[fishrod]

So my mechanic tells me he thinks my HG is going and I've got about 5-6mo before it blows out completely (and it's a late model not covered by the recall)

Just curious, but how can you tell if its on its way out?

Have you called Toyota and given them your VIN? They will tell you if its been done or not. I was under the impression that you get 1 freebie but after that your on your own.

Mines a 94 and I called em up and they said it was already done back in 2004 or something so I wasnt eligible for another one. 8)

I wasnt aware that "a late model" woudlnt be covered, I thought that as long as it was a 3vze it was covered.

 

[03vrod]

Definately call Toyota youself.If the headgasket is done right you'll get over a hundred thousand.Mine had 265k when I sold it 2 head gasket replacements both had over a 100k on them.These engines are very durable seen some with 400k on them stock bottom end.On the mech cheaper is not always better and neither is the most expensive.It really pays to find someone with exprience and a good reputation.

 

[90toytruck.]

you def need to call your local yota dealer and run your vin . mine is a 90 just call my dealer ran my vin the hg had already been done but there was a recall for the steering linkage got it done last week never know till you try . cant hurt to make that call !!!!:redbrick:

 

[ddubb]

Thanks for weighing in guys, very helpful info.

I spoke with Toyota and there is no recall on my 95.5. I guess there is a cut-off date for the 95's.

The common thread seems to be that the 3.0 is pretty solid besides the HG, so I'm going to try and save up and have it fixed. Everything else on the truck is in such good shape, I'd just hate to let it go.

It's good to know that some of you guys have gotten well over 100k on new HG's. That was really my main concern, being I've only got 110k on it now.