New 4Runner questions

[Gryphon]

Greetings! I just joined the forum as it seems to be the best to be found online.

I am going to be purchasing my first 4Runner in a couple of months. A friend has it and is saving it untill I get my taxes back.

I am not new to the automotive world, and when this one was new in 1990, I would have known all the answers I need, but I just don't remember any more.

Truck is a 1990 SR5 V6/5speed 4x4. Stock rims and tire size with full time (automatic?) hubs.

My biggest question: Is this 4wd system full time or part time with auto hubs? Are the hubs true unlocking automatic or are they full time hubs (they look full time, like the Dodge and Jeep units. Is the tcase gear or chain driven? Center diff? (yes, I know, the answer to the hub question should answer everything else, but I gotta ask

Is there anything else I should know about this vehicle? Special lubes/fluids I need to use and stock up on? Are generic timing belts ok, or should I use Toyota parts? Any head gasket concerns? I am a euro-driver right now, almost exclusively VW's so I have learned to ask this stuff the hard (expensive) way. I do know that 'Yotas are some of the best rigs out there. I have off roaded in a couple of 80's vintage machines, but never owned one...yet!

Thanks in advance!

Rob

:50cal:
(Dang I love this smiley!!!! It rocks!)

 

[Scofco]

I have the same vehicle as you are describing.
It's part-time 4WD, and generic parts do just fine for me.

Make sure the head gaskets have been replaced in the past, if you can get documentation, do!

 

[Gryphon]

Coolness, thanks for the info!

I had heard about then head gaskets in passing somewhere. I know to keep an eye on them. I will probalby plan on just replacing them this summer anyway.

How well will the wheel bearings and suspension live with 31x10.50's on alloy wheels? It has stock stuff now, but I have a set of wheels that should fit it...but I don't want to go overstressing anything too much untill I beef what needs to be done first. (Cheaper to beef first, then mod and rod!)

 

[Scofco]

How well will the wheel bearings and suspension live with 31x10.50's on alloy wheels?

That just confused me, as that is the stock setup already...

 

[Gryphon]

How well will the wheel bearings and suspension live with 31x10.50's on alloy wheels?

That just confused me, as that is the stock setup already...

Ok, then this rig does not have stock rubber as it is running 235/75-15's. That works for me as I already have the 31's for it.

 

[02sport]

i think the stock tires were 225's, and 31's were a factory option. if the truck was factory equipped with 225s, then by just slapping on the 31's you might feel a slight power loss, and speedo/odo might be slightly off.
as for headgasket, dealer should be able to run the vin # to see if it was done as per the "special service campaign", not sure if its still in effect tho

 

[TSP-MIKE]

First of all i would have to say use all OEM TOYOTA parts. I've got a bunch of experience on aftermarket parts that didn't do much but cause me more trouble. If money is an issue, atleast use OEM Timing belt, Pulleys, Seals, and Water Pump.

Mike

 

[Gryphon]

Money is always an issue, but there are just some parts on almost everything that OEM is the only way to go. Cheaper to spend more for the good part first than two or more cheap parts that fail.

Hard lessons learned with my VWs.

 

[Thai]

I agree...use OEM parts...this is from other people's experience.