buying a 2nd gen with a blown HG

[skinnyhb]

Does anyone think it is worth it to buy a 2nd gen 4runner for cheap and have the engine replaced or headgaskets fixed? i feel like getting an older 4runner is going to be a risk with the headgaskets anyway, so i might as well start at the bottom and have it rebuilt so i know its history. is there any merit to my thoughts, or am i going to be entering a difficult situation?

 

[skinnyhb]

also, is there any chance that i might get lucky and be able to have a blown hg replaced by Toyota under warranty after buying it from someone who might not know better?

 

[BlackLabeL]

get the VIN number of the truck you are planning on buying... then call a toyota dealer and they will be able to run that VIN and let you know if the HG has been done once before, or if it has not been done allready they will be able to tell you if it would be coverd under warranty.

 

[K_Labs]

Did you have an actual vehicle in mind or is this all just ideas? I got mine for 1k and it worked for about 1.5 years. It cost me $1850 to get a motor and trans shipped to my work's door. If you don't have forklift access it will cost a bit more because they have to bring one. Since then I have only purchased the intake manifold gasket and RTV very inexpensive. A few tools here and there. If you don't have tools it can get pretty costly. Cherry picker about $100+ no need for an engine stand use a upside down rim and tire and a 2X4 to support the front. If you are doing the work yourself it could be a great deal but having it done somewhere might cost you $1850 or more to just have a HG replaced. I read somewhere else in this forum that some1 got a quote for more than that.

 

[Sidney]

Read these sites below:

22 Toyota head gasket & oil sludge recall sites:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=216122
http://www.brian894x4.com/V6headgasketrecall.html
http://www.off-road.com/toyota/4runner/topqs.html
http://www.yotatech.com/~corey/4runner_faq.htm
http://www.alldata.com/recall/make/Toyota_Truck.html
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/60/94601650.html
http://www.yotarepair.com/Campaigns.html (3.4L,V6,headgasket recall)
http://home.off-road.com/~bibelheimer/3.4v6_headgasket.html (3.4L,V6,headgasket recall)
http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/t100/3.4v6_headgasket.htm
http://www.yotatech.com/f116/special-service-campaign-90-95-4runners-89-95-trucks-93-98-t100s-66901/
http://www.jasperengines.com/pdf/5SFECoolantLeaksTB.pdf
http://www.nordicgroup.us/oil.htm#Toyota Sludge
http://www.toyota.com/about/news/product/2002/04/03-1-consumer.html
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/04/04/toyota-sludge.htm
http://www.petitiononline.com/TMC2003/petition.html
http://groups.msn.com/ToyotaOwnersUniteforResolution/headgaskettsb.msnw
http://groups.msn.com/ToyotaOwnersUniteforResolution/headgaskets.msnw
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic100052.htm
http://www.autosite.com/content/own/service/index.cfm/action/recalls
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9241475/

Sidney

 

[fourwd1]

Useless info aside.
If you have experience rebuilding engines, working on trucks, have tools and equipment, etc., go for it.
It's always great to have a project.

Yesterday I bought an 89 with a bad motor. I was going to get a short block but a wheeling buddy has a whole good motor. You never know. :bigok:

 

[K_Labs]

Lucky. I want a 1st gen so I can take the top off and put my bike in the back and stop renting trailers from stupid uhaul.

 

[Sidney]

Useless info aside.
If you have experience rebuilding engines, working on trucks, have tools and equipment, etc., go for it.
It's always great to have a project.

Yesterday I bought an 89 with a bad motor. I was going to get a short block but a wheeling buddy has a whole good motor. You never know. :bigok:

I had it with your personal attacks at me here and on:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/f78
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/f22

I have done but help people by providing detailed info which includes links that contain facts,pictures,part #,repair tips and more. I have not once attacked you SO BACK OFF.

Sidney

 

[K_Labs]

The most important tool you will use every day when tinkering on the car is beer! Make sure you stock up I couldn't have done it without my NUKES! :cheers:


Ah be nice you guys. I already belong to enough forums that have jerks on them. LIKE :cannon: "GIXXER.COM" Gixxer.com just got put on blast.

Stealing thread to take away the aggression.... If you have a 1st gen and you take the top off it's just like a pickup right? Do the rear seats fold down like a 2nd gen? Also is the back wide open does that get cold?

 

[fourwd1]

Yeah, the rear seats fold down flat.

With the top off, if you have the windows up it's not bad, the front and rear heaters do the job.

I run top off and half doors from May thru Nov on the rockcrawler.

 

[K_Labs]

I'm going to see if my 2nd gen fits my street bike in the back. Will post mad pics if it works.

 

[K_Labs]

No go....

 

[K_Labs]

If they make metal gaskets for exhaust do they make metal Head Gaskets?

 

[toplessrunner]

Buying a runner with HG issues could lead to other symptoms.


Just my 2 cent...

 

[K_Labs]

I'm buying HKS head gaskets meant for High Horsepower and HIGH Boost applications. Lets see one of those blow.