Best place to get a replacement head?

[DozersDad]

Hi guys.
I have a '90 Runner with the 3.0 V6. I thought I blew a head gasket, but the machine shop just called with the results of the leak test and I have a cracked head that can't be fixed. In your experience, where is a good place to get a replacement head that is going to kill my almost nonexistant budget?
Thanks for your help,
JP

 

[KidVermicious]

I'd grab a junkyard head and have the shop rebuild it. It'll be cheaper than new and just as good.

Don't let the truck overheat next time.

 

[DozersDad]

That's what was weird. The water pump went out, and the gauge didn't even read that it was hot...
Thanks for the advice! I'll make some calls...

 

[Border4Runner]

Make sure your coolant/water temp. sensor is plugged in when your done. I'm with the Kid...just get a boneyard head and have them go through it.

 

[Harleydoc]

I have a set of heads if your looking pm me

 

[77'911]

I'd get a new head from Toyota, the redesigned version. I believe they sell a head with valves for $600 a side.
regards

 

[DozersDad]

I'd love to be able to go new, but in all honesty, this is a temporary daily driver and I just don't want to put that much money into it. Down the road, when I buy something else and turn my Runner into a crawler, I'll be able to justify spending the extra money...
Thanks for the advice guys...

Oh yeah... Getting those timing pulleys off was a nightmare!!!!!

 

[Footofgod]

Oh yeah... Getting those timing pulleys off was a nightmare!!!!!

Curious as to why? I've had mine off with no issue. Pop the fan, pop the timing cover and they are right there and easy to pull.

 

[DozersDad]

They were easy to get to, just over torqued... It took a 3/4" drive breaker bar with a 24 inch cheater and me hanging off it like a monkey...