new guy with a '92 SR5

[t4r92]

Hey everyone, I'm new, I'm 23, and I'm finally getting into something other than fast cars.

That being said, I'm not new to things of a mechanical nature, but I do have a few questions in regard to the 4runner I'm lookiing at buying here in te next couple of weeks.

It's a blue '92 T4R SR5, with a rebuilt automatic. 4L and 4H both engage just fine, as I've witnessed myself (got to ride in it the other day). it's almost got 200XXX miles on it.

My main question is that through the research I've done thus far I've heard about the head gasket problems on the engines of this particular generation of 4runner, and was wondering if toyota still warranties this problem?

Secondly, I'm about to make a deal on this thing for $1,800 bucks. Everything seems pretty solid, save for a few things that were ghetto fabbed, if you'll pardon the expression.

Any other tips about what to look for before I buy would be much appreciated. Thanks. Nice to meet you all. And don't worry I'll use the search function as much as possible.

 

[MikesToy]

Welcome aboard!

 

[t4r92]

thanks appreciate it. I see you're from Co springs, CO, I love that place, used to shoot rifles at the Olympic Training Center there.

Any info on that warranty work would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[CookieRoe]

2 Gen runner? My favorite!!......................anyway, your truck is 18 years old, I sincerely doubt they will warrant it. Good luck!

 

[t4r92]

well, I've discovered through some more digging (that actually took me a while) that you should be able to call your local toyota dealership and give them the vin number of the 4 runner in question and they'll tell you if the warranty work has already been performed.

Some people have even been lucky enough to have their entire short blocks replaced by toyota due to warpage issues. The posts that I read were made in the year 2009 and 2010 btw.

Either way, can't wait to get this thing and get it restored somewhat.

 

[priestsallore]

Hey there t4, how's it going? Name's Gabe, I'm a n00b here too, live down in SA, TX.

I actually can relate to you on your 2G, as I have a '92 myself, just it's a 5spd 4wd, has 283k mi, but alot of the engine was rebuilt.

I can tell you now, warranty or not, you will love that 4runner til the day you have to take it to the crusher in about 30+ years.

The head gaskets have to be replaced every 70k+ miles on it, as well as the timing belt, and a few other things. As for the AC, if they haven't converted, it takes R12 still which only a licenced AC place can do for like 80 bucks a can, the conversion to the modern AC is about 1 grand.

Toyota also can get you pretty much every part for your engine, or you can find alot at the Toy Salvage.

But, even w/ that said, it's money well spent. I am actually about to replace out my odometer guage, and just put some new speakers in it. Gonna also think bout a body/suspension lift w/ a 33" BFG or Dueler All terrain.

Well, welcome to the club, and hope you have a fun one man, as I know you definately will once you buy that thing.

Ever need anything, just give me a pm.

-Gabe

*EDIT - also, if you ever need new axles, don't go buy new ones for 500 a piece, you can get them rebuilt for about 50 bucks