New Member... need help with a few issues.

[Lankan]

Hey Guys,

I just bought a 94 4-Runner from the 2nd owner. Here are the specs on it:

1) It's a 2wd, v6, automatic.
2) It's got 287k miles on it.
3) Heads and engine have been rebuilt.

All I have done so far is install a new idler arm in order to get the alignment done and balanced the tires. Here are a few problems that I want to resolve soon, and would like your advice:

1) The "check engine" light comes on when I turn on the overdrive button, or when I'm just driving along sometimes. Only way to make the light turn off is to disconnect & reconnect the battery.

2) The guy I bought from didn't give me a smog, so should I just reset the engine light and try and pass smog first, or go to a shop and tell them to see what the issue is with the engine light, and try and fix that first? If you guys think I should first check it out, where is a good place to start... a place like AAMCO, as I figure they need to plug in with a engine code reader and see what the problem is. Anyway to figure this one out myself?

3) The lower timing cover needs to be replaced as it looks like it's melted/damaged. I have all the tools, but how hard is it to remove/install the crank pulley and the t-belt, and while I'm in there, check the pulley's and the tensioner? I have done a head gasket job on a 94 Acura Legend some time ago, it just takes me a while cause I don't want to damage anything.

4) The truck has 31x10.5x15 tires on it, and doesn't seem too steady at higher speeds. All other suspension components are stock. Even going 50-60mph, the truck kinda sways back and forth if it's really windy on the freeway. I've looked under the vehicle and only thing I've noticed is that one of the front sway bar bushungs looks bad, and the front shocks and their lower mounts look really old. Any suggestions on where I should start to see what's wrong?

Sorry for all the questions guys, it's just that I just purchased this vehicle and want to get it in top running condition. I've already done about 500miles since I bought it with no issues. Gas mileage is all over the place though. With the engine light on it only got about 15mpg on the highway. The day I bought it, driving it back to Palm Springs from LA, it got almost 19mpg. Thanks for all your help. Looking forward to meeting up with some of the members at the next so-cal meet! Will post some pictures of the truck soon.

 

[DC runner]

1. Smog: Tough call. Is your truck going to be OBDII scanned? I don't think so. I think it is '96 and forward?? Right? If so, if resting the check engine light makes it stay off and your truck actually has its "****" together when running and can pass a tailpipe check; then you should be good.

This is a huge if though. You need to pull some codes. If it is JUST related to tranny, then you may be fine. Who knows. You could have a o2 sensor popping and that could cause a combustion cycle issue. Check.

- I mention OBII, because you can't just "reset" the light on newer trucks. The car knows what you did and tells the scanner. It takes several drive cycles to reinitialize everything. So, if you just hit reset and drive to get tested, and they do query your OBII; they will know and say come back.


2. Tires. That was a STOCK, factory option size. I owned a 2nd gen and always drove on 31X10.5. If you truck is unstable it isn't the tire size... and it is something else. Maybe sway bar issues? Check your front end components or hubs for play.


3. MPG: I am suspect of your 19mpg rating. I never got that. That V6 is old school and honestly? 15 sounds right. I averaged 220-240 total miles per tank.

Sucks, I know.

 

[SilentYoda3]

I'd wait to hear from Bad_Vision or Thurlo, they know their yota's. I could try and guess but id be just that. Also if you had any picture's it could help. of the bushings, the truck, etc

 

[Lankan]

DC Runner... thanks for all your advice! Will take a few pictures and update in a few minutes. 220-240/tank... that really isn't too good is it? I looked up the gas mileage before buying it (on google) and it said that it gets @15/16city & @19hwy! Oh well It's a 94, so it's OBD1

 

[Thurlo76]

isnt your tank a 14 gallon tank? if you getting 240 miles per tank thats like 17mpg. for a v6 that isnt bad at all. mines a 4 banger in tip top shape and i only get 330-340 per tank(highway). those 3.0's are gas hogs.

 

[combatmedic]

isnt your tank a 14 gallon tank? if you getting 240 miles per tank thats like 17mpg. for a v6 that isnt bad at all. mines a 4 banger in tip top shape and i only get 330-340 per tank(highway). those 3.0's are gas hogs.

I can vouch for the gas hog...

my 95 3.0 w/ 173k gets around 15-16mpg... spark plugs/cap are overdue tho

 

[Lankan]

I believe mine came originally with 225-75-15 tires, as the spare is that size, and it's lowered in the same manner as mentioned in the manual. So if that's the case, it's got a 17.2 gallon fuel capacity, but the meter reads empty (and the furl light comes on) after its's used up about 14 gallons. I was concerned as I did some freeway running and only got @220miles for a full tank, but sounds like that's the norm!:moping:

 

[Lankan]

Some pictures... what do you guys think??

 

[94Runner4]

It's looks clean! First thing you need to do is get those running boards off!

 

[Lankan]

Thanks... even the interior is real clean as it was always kept garaged. Did you mean to take the running boards off for better off-roading??

To anyone else... any comments on if the timing belt removal is a straightforward process? Do my sway bar bushes and front shocks need to be replaced, and if so, any recommendations for shocks, and is it okay to buy bushes from Autozone, Pepboys, or Napa?

 

[Combat Medic]

Looks really good, I like that color.. and yeah, yank off those running boards!

 

[DC runner]

Yea. Looks factory... good condition. I have to believe those bushings are original. Change them and while down there you might see if there is another culprit. The play may just be that.. play caused by old components.

Looks great though! I love the Red, what mine was......

 

[Lankan]

I never even thought of removing the running boards, but maybe I'll yank them off to see how it looks. Thanks for the props on the condition of the truck... I was actually on my way back from looking at another used car when I saw this parked on the side of the road. Had to buy it as it was a good deal and it had been taken care of.

 

[Lankan]

Bump... any advice to my question #3 in my first post? If I attempt to remove the crank pulley and the timing belt to check the other pulleys & tensioner, is there anything out of the ordinary that I need to look out for? Thanks...

 

[fourwd1]

31" tires were not standard equipment, they were an option.
If a previous owner put on larger tires, it will affect mpg, and speedo/odo readings (unless he regeared both front and rear diffs). So you'd get poorer mileage, and your calculations would also be off. The drivers side door jamb plate should state original tire size and pressure.

As others have said, the 3.0 isn't great on mpg to begin with, add to that the fact that you have an auto trans.

 

[OCMike]

3. MPG: I am suspect of your 19mpg rating. I never got that. That V6 is old school and honestly? 15 sounds right. I averaged 220-240 total miles per tank.

I've gotten 18 mpg driving from Vegas to LA in my '95, and it's a 4 wheel drive. But really average about 14-15 in every day driving. So I think he could be right about the 19 mpg

 

[Lankan]

DC runner, yeah I will change those sway bar bushings. Should I pay extra and get the ones from Toyota, or ones from Napa are good?

fourwd1, I'm pretty sure mine did not come stock with the 31" tires, but the door jamb has details for both tire sizes!

From the pictures I know that the front shock bushings look like they need to be changed... how do I know if the front shocks need to be changed??