Classic 4Runners Buyers Guide.

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The 3rd gen guys have one, and it's an awesome idea. I think we need one too. Let's make a go-to reference for anybody looking at buying an 84 to 95 4Runner.

I think it'd be cool if this was a collaborative effort, and I'm too lazy to do this all by myself, so I'm calling for help. I'm going to start collecting links and info to add to the OP, anybody who'd like to help is welcome to do the same.
 
Oh oh! I know!

3.0 has head gasket issues believed to be caused by the location of the exhaust header so close to one of the cylinders :p There I helped.

Just messing, good thread though! I think it will help
 
Great idea! I'll have to check out the 3rd Gen one and see what they're listing. Are you looking for purely technical, or also subjective impressions (without getting into a full-on popularity contest, obviously)? Availability of aftermarket parts for each, maybe?
 
4-Ripcord said:
Oh oh! I know!

3.0 has head gasket issues believed to be caused by the location of the exhaust header so close to one of the cylinders :p There I helped.

Just messing, good thread though! I think it will help
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I really love the work you guys put into that thread. Thanks for leading the way. :)

BucknutBob said:
Great idea! I'll have to check out the 3rd Gen one and see what they're listing. Are you looking for purely technical, or also subjective impressions (without getting into a full-on popularity contest, obviously)? Availability of aftermarket parts for each, maybe?
Click to expand...

We probably ought to leave it as fact-based as possible. Folks can get subjective impressions by scanning just a few other threads, you know?
 
As much as you can hope for collaboration, it wont happen. I asked a few people for help and made a thread asking for help; but in the end I wrote and compiled the whole 3rd gen one myself. I used facts from other threads and stuff yeah, but nobody actually helped in the putting it together and writing everything in newbie terms. Sucks to say but they saying is true, if you want it done right you gotta do it yourself.

I hope you do though, I see a bunch of threads for this pop up in this section.
 
4-Ripcord said:
As much as you can hope for collaboration, it wont happen. I asked a few people for help and made a thread asking for help; but in the end I wrote and compiled the whole 3rd gen one myself. I used facts from other threads and stuff yeah, but nobody actually helped in the putting it together and writing everything in newbie terms. Sucks to say but they saying is true, if you want it done right you gotta do it yourself.

I hope you do though, I see a bunch of threads for this pop up in this section.
Click to expand...

Yea, but first gen guys are cooler than third gen guys. I'll get help. :)
 
Well I used to be a 2nd gen guy and I DO miss my removable top on my 1983 Bronco. Hey if you need any help putting things into easy terms just shoot me a PM I'll help where I can :)

Though don't tell FoG he doesn't like me for leaving LOL! :pound: :fencing:
 
Other than the fact that I will never buy another 3VZe...

If I had the chance to do it all over again with my 2nd gen I would have taken a much closer look at alot of stuff. Not necessarily deal breakers but considerations when looking at more than one 4runner for the money.

- Mileage is not as much of a determining factor as is overall vehicle condition. I would want a vehicle that is as close to factory stock as possible... avoid 4runners where someone has "re-wired" or "by-passed" things.
- Make sure all power windows work, including sunroof & rear.
- Check CV boots
- Does the parking brake work?... front and rear wipers?... etc...
- Check the condition of ALL fluids.
- If there are numerous leaks, it may be cheaper to move on... seriously.
- Engage the four wheel drive to check operation AND that front and rear axle ratio's match.
- Make sure that the transfer case cooler is in place and not damaged on V6/auto equipped 4runners.
- Check the operation of the HVAC and all controls... does the defrost work?, etc...
- The cooling system condition is super important on these trucks, don't even get me started on the 3VZe head gasket issues.

That being said... I do love my 2nd gen. But personally, I would rather have a 5 speed tranny and I wish that I would have stuck to my original plan of finding a 1st gen (removable top) 4runner.
 
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I would think we could all make a pretty good one. It'd be a good resource for 4runner-curious people.

1. 22re over 3VZE. Manual transmission over automatic. Both for reliability and economic reasons.

2. Don't buy a "n****r-rigged" vehicle. Better to move on if they tried messing with too much stuff. Someone already said this.

3. If wheeling is a primary concern, consider seeking an '84/'85 model for the solid front end.

4. Perfect bodies are rare. Jump on it for the right price.

5. Check timing chain / guides on a 22re vehicle.
 
Well having bought one recently and looking back at it now. I would say pay very close attention to the timing chain and the timing chain guides. I've been restricted to only looking at my 89 in the driveway rather then driving it :hurt: If you aren't mechanicly inclined (like me), go for one that doesn't have major problems.
 
thatoneguy said:
1. 22re over 3VZE. Manual transmission over automatic. Both for reliability and economic reasons.
Click to expand...

Agreed. No one wants the 3VZFE ones over here, and the 4cil 22RE 2nd gens are very rare and hard to find. It took me 2 years to find one the way I wanted and I am happy I was so patient.
 
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