Looking for a 4runner

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ScarabArtistry

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Hello,
I am not really too sure where to begin so I figured this was a good place. I am seriously consindering a second generation 4runner. Many moons ago I had an 81 sr5 4wd. I loved that little truck but alas, youth and the desire for something luxurious, I sold it. Now, 20 years later I am getting the bug to own another Toy. My little yellow truck had over 360,000 miles on it when I sold it.
Okay, now to my question. I am looking to get a daily driver. I wanted something I could work on, (rear wheel drive....). I am currently tooling around in an 03 Honda Element. It's been a good little mobile toaster but it is starting to have issues. As these issues are unfolding, I am finding that I do not want a front wheel drive computer. I have always loved the 4runners but never pulled the trigger on one. So, is the 90-95 4runner worth buying? Are all the horror stories about the V6 head gasket problems true? Is the head gasket problem solvable? Is the idea of a 300,000 mile 4runner a pipe dream?

I know, I am kinda long winded but I wanted some honest answers from people have been down the road, so to speak. I'm not going to enter into buying one lightly. I want something I can work on, that has bullet proof potential. Thanks for reading
 
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Welcome to the forum! The 2nd Gen is a good truck, solid and mostly dependable. The V6 takes a lot of grief mainly for two reasons--it's woefully underpowered for the weight it has to push, and the head gasket issue, which is mostly due to the bizarre exhaust manifolds cooking the heads. Also, on a lesser scale, the automatic tranny has had issues, so most here recommend the 5-spd.. I have personally had three 2nd Gen's, and the two stock ones (one auto, one 5-spd, both V6) served me well. My '94 gave me about 5 good years and roughly 80k miles before selling, with no head gasket problems. My stock '95 performed nearly flawlessly for the year and a half I had it, replaced by my current modified one. If you find one in good overall shape, for a reasonable price, they're well worth the leap--just don't expect racecar performance from the engine. It accelerates well in town, and drives smoothly--it just doesn't have much in reserve at higher speeds (I wouldn't try towing anything very large with one). Headers are a great help on the gasket problem, as they pull the heat down and away from the heads, plus they add sorely-needed power over the highly-restrictive stock system. The trucks work very well off-road, even stock--and with a few additions, they're regular mountain goats. You could certainly do a lot WORSE than one of these. Best of luck!
 
speed?

I have a 6ft trailer that I can easily pull with the 4 banger Element. As far as the speed issue, will it cruise 70mph on the interstate? lol. My little 81 4wd was sort of a prop plane on the highway, as in you built speed going downhill to carry speed going uphill. I was running 31's under her though.
I have read about the header mods. I saw a post about a body lift to help with getting the headers to fit properly? Anyway, I guess I am throwing out all the questions I can think of.
Thanks for the advice so far
 
It's more a question of rpm's. Yes, they will cruise at 70, and are actually better if you keep them up there, because the power drops off under 3k rpm. I live in a mountainous area, and if my speed is high enough to keep my rpm's around 3k or higher, I will walk up the long hills with little problem (provided I don't have a headwind); but, if my speed has the engine much below 3k, that same hill would require me to downshift to maintain speed. This was Toyota's first V6 in a truck, and unfortunately it was more of a car engine, with too high of a powerband for the weight of a truck. It would probably live a trouble-free life in a small sedan. It's stronger than the four-banger, but it's not perfect. Toyota did much better the next time around with the 3.4 in the 3rd Gen, and although I prefer the lines of the 2nd Gen, I would be inclined to look there if I desire another stock one someday. That might be an option for you as well--they're still old enough to get some good deals, and to not worry about beating it up a bit if you want it for playtime on the trails.
 
Ah. I'm in Ontario, Canada.

Think my 4Runner is too new for what you said you're looking for as well as being too far away.
 
I wouldn't turn down a 1st gen with a 22r and a solid front axle. But it seems its easier to find jimmy Hoffa in a bikini........ Well at least in the right price range
 
tranny

Ok, I'm seeing several early 90's runners with head gasket problems cheap. Like $1000-$1500. Since I'm planning on doing work on it, doesn't seem like bad deals. The problem is they are all automatics. How solid is the automatic? I do like the mpg advantage of the standard. Just wanted to throw that question out.
 
I personally had good luck with mine, and I had that one many years. I just remember reading where others have had problems. I've heard the shifting solenoids can fail, causing it to not want to shift into the higher gears (sounded like a simple fix, though), and the OD sometimes doesn't work until you get the engine nice and warm first, then it's okay after that. Maybe check under "Classic T4R's", where 2nd Gen-specific issues are discussed.
 
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