Hi, What would you do?

[sleepy88]

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I'm pretty new to 4runners and trucks in general, so I have a few questions.

From what I've read on here, the way to go in the 80's era 4runners is the 4 cyclinder engine, the 22re. Well, I've found one, but it's got some issues and I'm just want some opinions on what you guys would do.

It's an 88, with the 4cycl automatic, with 203,000 miles, being sold by a private party. The engine feels strong, transmission shifts good, no jerking or hesitation. The body is in decent shape, the only problem being with a rust hole on the drivers side rear wheel well.

Also a taillamp is busted and it has a huge exhaust leak so it doesn't pass inspection. The guy wants 2500 for it but it's negotiable, what would be a decent price? would you take it or run and look for something else?

 

[fourwd1]

Depends on where you are, 2500 could be high, low, or just right.

The main weak spot on 80's Toyotas is frame rust.

They rust from the inside out, so once you see it, it can be pretty bad. The only way to check the frame is to go over it tapping with a small hammer. Especially anywhere the frame turns up/down from horizontal, above the rear wheels, and where the tank sits against the frame. Also look at the body mounts and body.

When was the last time the timing chain was replaced? Should be every 90K or so.

Pull the dipstick on the engine and tranny. Tranny fluid should be bright red and not smell burned.

 

[sleepy88]

Thanks for the help! But I'm new to this, what do you mean by frame? Is the frame like the ouside sheet metal?

One more question, with the head gasket problem, if the owner had it changed under the factory recall, how reliable are the engines then?

 

[Numbchux]

the frame is what the body rests on. crawl under the truck, and you'll see it. big rectangular beams running the length of the truck. if it's comprimised here, it'll fall apart soon. if it's just got surface rust (mine does), you can hit it with a wire wheel to clean it up, and then undercoat it to keep it from ever getting worse.

where are you located? do they salt the roads in the winter? do you plan on driving it in the winter?