hey y'all

[ForrestRunner]

Hey guys. This is my first post on the forums so be gentle haha. I recently stole a 1995 4runner for $1300. It's an automatic V6 2x4 with 147k on her. She's definitely seen better days but in all honesty it's not a bad truck at all. My goal is to take her and make her into the most fuel efficient and reliable everyday driver I can. I'm aware that 4x4's are obviously more for off roading but at the same time as I want this truck to be a everyday driver, I want to be able to take her camping with the crew. Take her place most other trucks can't go.

So now you know about the truck but I feel I should tell you a tidbit about myself. I'm 18 and live in North Texas. I'm actually related to Harper7 on here. I believe he won T4RotM is June 2010. He has a fully loaded 2010 4runner and Believe me when I say it's pretty badass. I've never really been mechanically inclined, simply because I just haven't been around or worked on cars before. However, I do know a little bit here and there from my grandfather. He races a vintage Triumph Spitfire and I've helped him work on it a little bit.

I hope that I can become more prevalent in the forums and hopefully get to know you all. I am going to need a little bit of help with my truck. I'm going to get some new tires on her and an alignment next week from one of the local autoshops. Anyways, that's about all I got.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Welcome aboard. I like the fact that u want to get 'er runnin good and reliable first. Too many of these kids just wanna slap a lift n big tires on right away and don't think about the maintenance. I commend u! First off, have u done a tune-up, oil change, belts, hoses, flush the fluids(brake,power steering,coolant) gear oil(diffs). Hows the head gasket? 3.0s are notorious for blown head gaskets. Since its a 2x, u might consider a locker, if u plan on 'taking her places other trucks cant go'. Just be aware that there are places u cant go without a 4x4. Good luck!

 

[ForrestRunner]

No, I haven't had a chance to run a tune-up or anything else on her yet. I'm hoping to get a bit of cash next week so I should be able to afford it then. But as far as the head gaskets go I'm not sure. I do know that the valve cover gasket needs to be replaced soon. From what a few mechanics told me, it should run about $200 for parts and labor. I'm aware there are places that are exclusive for 4x4s and I don't plan on getting cocky by saying that I can do it with my truck, but like you said there are things I can do like a locker and such. But anyways thanks!

 

[KidVermicious]

2wd and some balls may take you places "other trucks" can't go, but it's not near as likely to get you out. "Other trucks" have 4wd, and there's no substitute. Put a 4wd conversion on your list, or get a winch. You're gonna want one or the other sooner or later.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

Welcome!

I see that your 4Runner is a V6. Read up on the headgasket issues associated with the 3.0L V6 so if an issue ever arises you can recognize the signs and minimize damages.

 

[ForrestRunner]

Yeah I was looking a COB's conversion earlier and I have to say I'm quite impressed. Anyways, one of the things thats going on with the runner right now is I need to get a new valve gasket cover for both sides. I've looked around and it will cost me about $200 for parts and labor given I have no idea what I'm doing haha.

 

[dorton]

Congrats on your purchase. There is lots of great info floating around on
this board.

 

[Hyde802]

My goal is to take her and make her into the most fuel efficient and reliable everyday driver I can. I'm aware that 4x4's are obviously more for off roading but at the same time as I want this truck to be a everyday driver, I want to be able to take her camping with the crew. Take her place most other trucks can't go.

Huh, not the best for either of those... Expect 20mpg from a well tuned v6. The auto sucks alot of power from that engine.

If I were you, I would be looking for a rotten or wrecked 4runner with a 4x4 with a 5 speed. Swap the front end, transfer case and 5 speed into your truck and get better mpg AND be able to take it off road.

Valve covers are easy, if your mechanically inclined, it can easily done on a Saturday afternoon. Plenty of write ups on line to follow. Buy a hayes, chiltons, or get a factory service manual. HUGH help if you want to work on the truck your self.

Call the dealership with your vin # they will tell you if the HG recall was preformed on it.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[ForrestRunner]

So do what COB did? Haha, yeah that would be pretty awesome. It just sounds like an awful lot of work. I think I'll need to find another driver for the time span of that project. But thank you for your reply. I really like the truck already even as a automatic 2x4.

 

[Footofgod]

So do what COB did? Haha, yeah that would be pretty awesome. It just sounds like an awful lot of work. I think I'll need to find another driver for the time span of that project. But thank you for your reply. I really like the truck already even as a automatic 2x4.

You can get a 2WD lots of places with just some good tires and a locker. You would definitely want a winch with that set up.

Like others said, get a book and make sure that she is mechanically sound first.

 

[USE911]

If I were you, I would be looking for a rotten or wrecked 4runner with a 4x4 with a 5 speed. Swap the front end, transfer case and 5 speed into your truck and get better mpg AND be able to take it off road.

Valve covers are easy, if your mechanically inclined, it can easily done on a Saturday afternoon. Plenty of write ups on line to follow. Buy a hayes, chiltons, or get a factory service manual. HUGH help if you want to work on the truck your self.

Call the dealership with your vin # they will tell you if the HG recall was preformed on it.

Welcome to the forum!

With you wanting a daily driver and wheeler, if i were you, I would sell this 2wd v6 auto and buy a 4wd 22re 5 speed. It would save you a ton of time and money.

 

[92-SR5]

If you are off road, you will want low gearing. Even if you are locked. Personally I would sell it and get a 4x4 model with a 5 speed.

 

[ForrestRunner]

The thing is I want a reliable truck more than I want an offroader. I mean don't get me wrong I love 4x4s but for right now I'm going for fuel economy and functionality. Maybe eventually when I get "rich" I can afford to make her into a harass offroader but for right now I just want to know how I make her reliable. I know I could have gone and got a sedan or a couple and gotten way better gas mileage but its my opinion that 4runners don't break. Their pound for pound more reliable and durable than any other vehicle I've seen. Of course all that depends on how well you maintain it. And that were I need help cause I know next to nothing but I'm willing and wanting to learn.