Buying a 1st gen. What should I look out for?

[blairracd]

I'm in need of a new truck. I want a 1st gen. What should I look out for?

I'm eyeing this one truck that is almost completely clean expect for a spot of rust on passenger fender and peeling hood. Frame is in excellent shape (was a Cali truck) and engine was just professionally rebuilt. Seats and clean and i ripped. Overall a very lucky and unmolested 1st gen.

What are some things I should look out for? Questions to ask? Etc?

Thanks for the help.

also, is there any "used 1st gen buyer's guide" type posts or write ups?

thanks all

 

[3rzrunner]

Is it a 3.0? 22re? Auto? Standard?

If its a 3.0, be wary about headgaskets, which you probably know since you are looking at a 1st gen.

If its an Auto, drive it, make sure it shifts smooth, down shifts smooth as well.

Lock up the hubs and throw it in 4hi and 4lo and make sure there isnt any wierd vibrations/clunking.

Test out the rear window.

Other than that, same things you would generally look for on an old truck/car, they are well built trucks but maintenance is key.

Good luck !

 

[twinkybuns]

Leaking head gasket and timing-chain death rattle.
Oh yea, and ask for any service repair papers.
Have fun!

 

[blairracd]

Oops, 22re, sorry I missed that. Also manual! The great combo.

I'll make sure to look for things too! Do all first gens have manual hubs?

 

[junkyardbiker]

Not all have manual hubs, The SR5 models had the option of an ADD system that was vacuum actuated and it sucks. Everyone swaps manual hubs onto them after trying to service the ADD ratcheting hubs.

 

[joeynational]

The mechanical stuff is easy, because it can all be fixed. Depending on what you are looking to do with it. I would look for missing interior pieces, Cracked plastic etc. as these are extremely hard to find in good condition. The AZ heat did a number on my interior, allot of my interior crumbles if it touch it.

 

[Bad_Vision]

What have our for frame rust and floor board rust it will ruin your truck so fast!!!


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[Griswald]

Has the engine been rebuilt? If so, was it an aftermarket gasket?
you dont want to learn the hard way like me and have your first gen w a rebuilt engine blow a gasket.

Otherwise body condition is huge. I wouldnt touch anything with any sort of rust - a problem you cant fix. you can always search allofcraigslist and might find something good in the desert.

If I ever bought another first gen, I would hunt around for a good deal (like $2k) on a clean first gen w no rust that may need engine work, starting to knock etc....then order a rebuilt from Jim Putney 22reperformance, and wait it out.
Have your mechanic (and maybe you) put that in w a new clutch and start restoring from there.

 

[junkyardbiker]

I just paid $700 for a '87 with rust and a rebuilt engine. Granted it was a friend of mine who used to be a member on here so I knew some history on the truck and the quality of his rebuild. Im using the '89 that I rolled over to cut patch panels and spare parts to make the new truck nice. If you are mechanically inclined and dont mind doing work yourself there are good deals out there on 1st gens that need some love and an awesome network here for parts and knowledge. Dont be afraid to get one that needs work. If your looking for one that doesnt need work and is either a 100% ready to daily drive or take wheeling your going to have to look for a long time and pay the price for it. Other than that its pretty hard to go wrong with a classic 4runner unless its rusted away underneath. Plastic interior pieces will be brittle and faded, the dash will probably have cracks in it, rubber window tracks and door seals may need to be replaced as with most other rubber on the truck thats original. If its lifted at all check to see if its got ball joint spacers. People like to over do cutting the UCA for then and it can cause stress cracks and bending, check the IFS steering box for cracks around the frame. Look for missing bolts in brackets and the holes that dont line up. Thats an indication of being at least in a fender bender. Really just the same stuff you check on any other older vehicles.