Hi,
I've owned LC's in the past and love them to death. I'm a purist at heart so the less modified the better. What has made me register to the site after looking through a number of threads is I've recently come across two fair deals on a Gen 1 and Gen 2 4runner. I'd like to get some advice from some of the veteran members as their experience carries alot of weight.
The skinny:
Gen 1 1987 4runner with NO (ZERO) rust or major body damage but with a little wear on the front part of the interior. Bad head gasket on 22re, crack on y-pipe of the exhaust leaving the mainfold and muffler will need attention soon. Tires will also need replacing soon. Vehicle is a little modified but only on the front interior. Some turkey thought it would be cool to add a oil press gauge in the inclinometer:der: and add big speakers to the door panels. Overall, the vehicle could be detailed and look stellar. I've contacted 22re Performance and that would be my choice for engine parts or components.
Gen 2 1991 4runner same as above but with all the options and a 5 speed. Crazy clean inside and out. Not modified and extremely well cared for. The typical 3.0 head gasket issue applies here. Vehicle idles fairly decent, doesn't overheat but has the locomotive amouints of smoke coming from the tail pipe.
I'm at a loss as to which one I should jump on. I think the Gen 1's are cool and love the 22re and the simplicity that goes with turning wrenches on one. The removeable top is fantastic but it's never been removed and I doubt I'll remove it. The 91 was my dream rig in the day and if it had a 22re it would be an easy decision. I'm a little concerned with the 3.0 issues but the quotes for the repairs are resonable even through the local dealer. My big concern falls in if the heads have to be replaced. I've priced them and those are LandCruiser priced items!!! The dealer and other shops doubt there will be much more than machining of the heads since it hasn't overheated. I need to get the VIN ran to see if they've already replaced the gaskets. I'd have to think yes with the level of care this vehicle has received.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I should buy both but I already have too many hobbies.
I've owned LC's in the past and love them to death. I'm a purist at heart so the less modified the better. What has made me register to the site after looking through a number of threads is I've recently come across two fair deals on a Gen 1 and Gen 2 4runner. I'd like to get some advice from some of the veteran members as their experience carries alot of weight.
The skinny:
Gen 1 1987 4runner with NO (ZERO) rust or major body damage but with a little wear on the front part of the interior. Bad head gasket on 22re, crack on y-pipe of the exhaust leaving the mainfold and muffler will need attention soon. Tires will also need replacing soon. Vehicle is a little modified but only on the front interior. Some turkey thought it would be cool to add a oil press gauge in the inclinometer:der: and add big speakers to the door panels. Overall, the vehicle could be detailed and look stellar. I've contacted 22re Performance and that would be my choice for engine parts or components.
Gen 2 1991 4runner same as above but with all the options and a 5 speed. Crazy clean inside and out. Not modified and extremely well cared for. The typical 3.0 head gasket issue applies here. Vehicle idles fairly decent, doesn't overheat but has the locomotive amouints of smoke coming from the tail pipe.
I'm at a loss as to which one I should jump on. I think the Gen 1's are cool and love the 22re and the simplicity that goes with turning wrenches on one. The removeable top is fantastic but it's never been removed and I doubt I'll remove it. The 91 was my dream rig in the day and if it had a 22re it would be an easy decision. I'm a little concerned with the 3.0 issues but the quotes for the repairs are resonable even through the local dealer. My big concern falls in if the heads have to be replaced. I've priced them and those are LandCruiser priced items!!! The dealer and other shops doubt there will be much more than machining of the heads since it hasn't overheated. I need to get the VIN ran to see if they've already replaced the gaskets. I'd have to think yes with the level of care this vehicle has received.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I should buy both but I already have too many hobbies.
