Just Bought A Dumpster Fire

[Jon41]

Hey everyone, I am new to the forum and just bought my dream truck, a 1994 4Runner, 3.0, 5spd, 4WD with 256,000 miles. I absolutely love it. There is just a few small problems. The entire truck needs worked over. Below is a list of know problems.

Rear main seal
Valves are loud as hell
The body has a great deal of rust under the doors
The tailgate is terminal with rust

The previous owner said that he changed the timing belt at 150,000 miles. I am assuming that nothing has been done besides oil changes to this car and I would like to get it up to near perfect working order. I have thoroughly read the maintenance schedule but I just don't know where to start! I think everything from the wheel bearings to valves need work. I plan on keeping this car for the next 4 years and will be doing some long distance driving.

 

[the_dingman]

Start by checking with Toyota to see if the head gaskets were replaced already under the recall. If not, you can get a free head gasket replacement.

 

[4running1990]

Start by checking with Toyota to see if the head gaskets were replaced already under the recall. If not, you can get a free head gasket replacement.

Last time i went to Toyota to see about that recall they said they have never had a head gasket recall on second gen 4runners whats with that???

 

[fourwd1]

From the TSB, it was:

SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT FOR 1988 – EARLY 1990 TRUCK & 4RUNNER WITH 3VZ–E V6 ENGINES
AND
SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN (V06) FOR 1990 – EARLY 1995 TRUCK, 4RUNNER & T100 WITH 3VZ–E V6 ENGINES

 

[Jon41]

Dumpster Fire Cont.

So, to add on to the list,

When I checked the clutch fluid level, it was below min and now that I have filled it up the clutch works a little better now.

The rubber bumpers that prevent damage when the truck bottoms out are rusted off the axle and floating around in the coil springs in the back.

The gas pedal has about a half inch of play before it actually starts doing its job.

There may be a wheel bearing that needs to be replaced on one or more than one wheel.

The oil pan is leaking.

The rear main seal is leaking.

The transmission is clunky.

I ordered a new clutch, pretty much every seal for the transmission, oil pan gasket, air filter, cv boot, rear springs and a few other parts to hopefully get this thing prime.

I got quoted 425 for the rear main seal and the clutch

Ill try and do the oil pan gasket, cv boot, and rear springs myself.

Any suggestions or comments?