Just picked up a 1997 4runner 4cylinder 4x4

[kingin]

Purchased a looks to be neglected 4runner for 700.00. Was shocked i was able to drive it home (45mins) drive hwy and local. Got home and said what the heck lets see if the AC is cold hahah it was. I'm shocked no wonder everyone loves the 4runner.

My question is should I keep it and fix it for a fun beater or sell and buy somthing with a 3.4 6cylinder in better condition.

Current 4runner is a 1997 base 4x4 has 250k on the clock, front suspension is bad lower ball joints etc, engine has a nasty leak from the valve cover gasket, exhasut manifold has a leak and exhaust will need repair, tires are shot, interior has seen better days.

The good no rust that I can see top to bottom, trans shifts smooth engine dosnt have any knock or rattling noises, no leaks besides valve cover gasket. 4x4 engages smoothly.

Is this 4cylinder 4runner worth the time and money to bring this 4runner back up to par???

 

[KidVermicious]

Nice score. I paid more than that for just a 2.7 motor, and it wasn't even complete.

If you want to flip it quick, you can probably get north of $1500 without trying from somebody looking to swap that motor into an earlier truck.

 

[awthorn]

Turn it and fix the neglect of the current and kick it another 200k. I love my 3rz 4x4 4spd! :laugh:

 

[98WhiteT4R]

Where are the pics!

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

Where's the pics? Also is it an auto or 5 spd?

 

[kingin]

It's an automatic, here is a pic truck is covered with dust previous owner had it sitting in a shed for past year.

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

If I were you I would put the money to get the maintenance up to date and enjoy it cause the 3rz motors can last a really long time.

 

[kingin]

I've started ordering parts to do the repairs, what kind of headers would you suggest that is cheaply priced and does the job?

Thanks for the feedback I am new to the 3rd gen 4runners and don't know much. Wish my 4runner was a 5spd don't know how well built the automatic trans is on the 2.7, replacement seems very expensive for trans and engine

 

[KidVermicious]

I loved the Thorley header on my old 22re. I hear that the 3rz doesn't respond as well to a header until you do a lot of other mods to it though. Do some reading before you dump too much cash into go-fast goodies.

 

[kingin]

Thanks I want to go cheap because current header has a bad leak lol. Cheapest I have found is for 115. Shipped Dorman off ebay. http://bit.ly/1merZK9

 

[KidVermicious]

You're thinking a stock manifold? Don't do a cast style, they're known to crack. Check out the later style mini-headers. [MENTION=78895]DeathCougar[/MENTION] sells them in the classifieds.

 

[DeathCougar]

Thanks I want to go cheap because current header has a bad leak lol. Cheapest I have found is for 115. Shipped Dorman off ebay. http://bit.ly/1merZK9

Cheap is NEVER better. Especially with Dorman made in Tawian parts. You think it cracked quick with an OEM manifold, those Dorman manifolds are thinner and crack much easier.

Best option is to upgrade to a new OEM mini-header! As Kid stated, I do sell the kits. Prices range from $305-$420, and come as a 100% new, ready to bolt on kit with all new hardware, gaskets, and pieces you will need.

 

[kingin]

Also what do you recommend for trans fluid going to do a flush. Mobil 1 synthetic or?? The fluid is black hahaha but no burnt smell and no mis shifts when I drove it home. Scared but black fluid can't be good if left in there.

Thanks again