Looking at 1994 4Runner tomorrow need advice

[Julius Napalm]

I'm looking to buy a 4runner and I am traveling 1.5 hrs to see this one (1994 toyota 4runner 2500 OBO) It is a v6 automatic, which ive recently learned is not very favorable. The owner doesnt know much about it. I do know this generation is known for the headgasket going out. How do I check? What else should I look for? Also, from the picture does it appear to have a body lift or a suspension lift? Any advice regarding this vehicle or my potential purchase is much appreciated.

 

[KidVermicious]

That's lifted in the rear for sure, maybe a little in the front. I don't see a body lift.

$2500 is a lot for a truck with no history, especially around UT/AZ/CO/NM where these trucks are everywhere. If he doesn't have maintenance records, I'd have a trusted mechanic check it out for sure. Let the shop know you're specifically concerned with a weak or bad head gasket. Also run have the dealer run the VIN, see what service history you can get that way, see if the truck was ever part of the head gasket recall.

Rust shouldn't be a huge problem in the desert, but peek up the skirt anyway, pay special attention to the frame around the body mounts. If the metal is visibly eaten away by cancer at any spot, walk away because it'll be worse inside the frame rails.

Good luck with your search.

 

[CodeButcher]

It's in Las Vegas, car so it's almost like a So Cal car, or at least that's what they go for around here. You should not find too much rust on it, but who knows where it's been, like KidV said. The rear looks kinda high, it might have a 2"-3" lift in the back.

 

[fourwd1]

Ad says "running condition", that usually means just barely.
A lot of "new" stuff, means before that it was running worse.
Owner may be trying to cut his losses by getting rid of it.
But maybe not.
Just be careful.

 

[Julius Napalm]

Everyone made great points. I dug a little deeper and found that all of the work was done by a relative, and the owner has no idea what a headgasket even is. I'm trying to get the VIN to call the dealer.

About the rear lift, is that common for this year? It seems strange to only lift the rear, which makes me a bit nervous.

Right now I'm leaning towards looking for a different 4runner, since the owner does not know anything about this one.

 

[Dylan]

That has to be a 3" lift in rear and what looks to be stock up front. Maybe they installed some LC coils?

 

[tor-redneck]

sure looks goofy with the rear end up high. if i were you id avoid the 3.0 all together. look around and see if you can find a 22re 4 cyl. the milage on that motor tells me your gona have issues and probably sooner than later.

 

[SV_Dude]

In all honesty, aside from the rear looking like it has been raised, that looks like a decent 4runner. I wouldn't be overly concerned with the mileage. Just because he says it's in good running condition doesn't mean it is barely running. If I were to sell any one of my vehicles, I would say they're in good running condition and they ALL run great! The exterior looks to be in good shape. If the interior is in equally good shape and the drivetrain is good then $2500 is a good price.

Take a good look at the suspension and see why the rear is sitting so high. Maybe it had worn out springs and he just replaced them with the wrong ones? Who knows. I wouldn't completely rule it out. It is at least worth taking a look at.

 

[Footofgod]

sure looks goofy with the rear end up high. if i were you id avoid the 3.0 all together. look around and see if you can find a 22re 4 cyl. the milage on that motor tells me your gona have issues and probably sooner than later.

Could you elaborate? Not sure what you are trying to say, but just an observation: There are as many 22re rebuild threads on the forums as there are 3.0 head gasket or rebuild threads.

3.0 is a great, long lasting and reliable engine when maintained.

 

[BucknutBob]

A lot of times when people want to fix the typical saggy rear of these (the factory rear springs were too soft and noticeably sagged after a few years), they mistakenly think they need "lift" springs because they want to "lift" the rear a few inches, when all they really need are factory-height springs--maybe this guy made that mistake. The 3.0 actually IS a decent engine--it's exhaust system is the primary reason the head gasket fails, not an engine design flaw. It IS underpowered for the weight of the truck (it was the first V6 they used, and they always start conservatively), but it's a better power-to-weight ratio than with the 4-banger. I had a '94 V6 auto for years, and it gave me great service, so take it all with a grain of salt--look it over, drive it, and BE HONEST about what you're seeing, taking emotion out of the equation. Best of luck!

 

[KidVermicious]

Could you elaborate? Not sure what you are trying to say, but just an observation: There are as many 22re rebuild threads on the forums as there are 3.0 head gasket or rebuild threads.

3.0 is a great, long lasting and reliable engine when maintained.

This. The 3.0 only looks bad because it's compared to the 22RE so often (which is a slightly more reliable but also more gutless motor). Show me any other motor where people b!tch whenthe head gasket fails after 150,000 trouble-free miles, and I'll show you another Toyota motor.

 

[BucknutBob]

This. The 3.0 only looks bad because it's compared to the 22RE so often (which is a slightly more reliable but also more gutless motor). Show me any other motor where people b!tch whenthe head gasket fails after 150,000 trouble-free miles, and I'll show you another Toyota motor.

Funny, I never hear complaints about Chevy V8's blowing head gaskets...just saying (LOL!).

 

[SV_Dude]

Funny, I never hear complaints about Chevy V8's blowing head gaskets...just saying (LOL!).

Not head gaskets, but everything else when the rednecks abuse them!

 

[tor-redneck]

didnt mean to offend the 3.0 guys. ive never owned one. one of my best friends has one he bought used though and he has had nothing but problems. of course he dont know much about rigs. he put a rebuild in and paid too much. i would have helped him swap in a 3.4 for a 12 pack. just my preferance i guess. with that said... u and i both know they screwed the pooch with the 3.0. then again...in your defence... i have to go muddin in 4 low because 4 hi with 32's and stock gears aint worth a **** in my 22re...when my 22re blew up it was due to sucken in wate. if not for that i wouldnt be suprised if she made it 400 k. she was runnen strong.

 

[BucknutBob]

Not head gaskets, but everything else when the rednecks abuse them!

Maybe with other parts of their Chevy trucks, but the engine is as dependable as an anvil--that's why I chose it for power, but stayed with a Toyota for everything else. Best of both worlds!