head gasket issues with the 2nd gen 2.4 liter

[chudrock71]

I am in the market for a 2nd gen 4runner and have read/heard stories of the dubiousness of the 3.0 v6 and that I should stay away from them. Head gaskets were the most cautioned element to stay away from.

Are there head gasket issues for the 2nd gen 2.4 liter 4runner? I hear that as long as you are willing to deal with the lame gas milage and low power then the 2.4liter is an unbeatable choice for its reliability.

thank you,

Mark

 

[GonOvr]

That is correct, 3.0l has problems due to the cross over exhaust pipe on the back of the engine. 22re has been said to be bulletproof.

 

[nashville67]

lame gas mileage with 22re is crazy in less our running huge tires on stock gearing in my truck with a spun #2 rod barring and still pulled around 23mpg and still had the power tow my friends s10 40 miles and that running 31-10.50-15 bfg tas and 4:10 gears

 

[chudrock71]

thanks guys! the info. is much appreciated!

 

[Yoterman87]

the gas miledge on the 3.slow isnt great either. on my 92 i was like 10mpg in town. i would recomend the 22re over the 3vz any day. the 5vz is a different story. but previously owning a runner with the 22 and another with the 3.0. definetly the 22 wil out last a 3vz. no matter what you do get a 5spd with any 1st or 2nd gen! also there are so many options you can do with the 22re for power upgrades cam, intake, header, ect. check out lcengineering.com lots of cool stuff. with the 3vz you prety much are stuck with what you got unless you get one and swap a 5vz 3.4 in it. im very happy with mine in my 98. hope that helps.