First time 4Runner owner! What to look for in new purchase?

[mankray]

Hey all,

I'm about to purchase my first 4Runner. I'm very excited, but don't know what I'm looking for before I buy. It's an '84 with the 22R. Here's the CL post:

1984 Toyota 4Runner

While looking at it the first time, I noticed that the power steering was weak and wondered if it's just like that or should I look into it.

Let me know what to look for so I don't get into something I can't get out of!

Thanks everybody

 

[Kel Varnsen]

Welcome to the forum. Thats a clean first gen! The first question I would ask is when and if the timing chain has been changed. If it has not been, its not a deal breaker but is something that should be high on the "to do" list should you buy it.

 

[mankray]

Thanks, Kel

I'll be sure to ask about that.

When I do have to change the chain, is it just the chain that needs replacing or the whole timing drive... sprockets, tensioner, etc. ?

 

[Kel Varnsen]

timing chain info

timingchain

 

[mankray]

Thanks!

Looks like I'll have something to fill my day with next day off. The previous owner didn't know when the parts had been replaced and it's at 215k... Yikes.

 

[KidVermicious]

When you do the timing chain, plan on replacing the water pump and oil pump as well. Check out engnbldr.com for those parts. You don't need to pull the head if you drop the oil pan, and as long as the pan is dropped you can clean it out and make sure there's no timing chain guide bits clogging your pickup tube. It's hard to reinstall the timing cover right without either the head or the oil pan removed though, so I'd do at least one or the other.

Other than the obvious checks for rust, that's really the only thing particular to these trucks you'll want to pay close attention to though. That's a really good price for a truck in that kind of shape, congrats!