new to me 89 4runner

[gacrisp]

Hey guys, just bought a 89 4 runner with a "3.slow" automatic. I've been lurking around here for a few weeks now browsing for answers. and got my rear window fixed without too much problem. But I have a few questions on where to begin on the motor.

1. This thing runs super hot! feels like gas pedal foot is going to conbust after 50 miles of highway driving. Are they supposed to run that hot?

2. For a v-6 this thing is slower than heck! I can't even hold 55 mph on a grade? I actually think that something is wrong with the motor or tranny?

3. The motor is leaking oil from everywhere and it runs rather rough. So rather than try to run it the way it is should I just pull the motor out and rebuild it? Do a top end rebuild? I have the space and the tools to get it done, but I'll need this rig for some serious camping in a month or so. Can I just buy a book and do a rebuild with no problems?


Sorry its soo long, but theres sooo many questions.

Greg

 

[fourwd1]

Hey guys, just bought a 89 4 runner with a "3.slow" automatic. I've been lurking around here for a few weeks now browsing for answers. and got my rear window fixed without too much problem. But I have a few questions on where to begin on the motor.

1. This thing runs super hot! feels like gas pedal foot is going to conbust after 50 miles of highway driving. Are they supposed to run that hot?

The cat converter is just about under your feet, maybe it's running hot? it's old, maybe getting clogged

2. For a v-6 this thing is slower than heck! I can't even hold 55 mph on a grade? I actually think that something is wrong with the motor or tranny?

Another symptom of a clogged cat. Although the 3.0 is no powerhouse.

3. The motor is leaking oil from everywhere and it runs rather rough. So rather than try to run it the way it is should I just pull the motor out and rebuild it? Do a top end rebuild? I have the space and the tools to get it done, but I'll need this rig for some serious camping in a month or so. Can I just buy a book and do a rebuild with no problems?
Greg

Again, how many miles? A rebuild may be due.

 

[gacrisp]

Yeah I had a sinking feeling the more I talked to the owner on this one. The motor supposedly was rebuilt, but he doesn't know when. Its got almost 300k miles on it. For sure the rear seal is gone on it. The valve covers are leaking as well.

Funny story about this I got 1 key for it. It fit the ignition only? I forgot to check it out before I gave him the cash for it. So for 20 bucks I took off the passenger side lock and had a key made. The key fits the passenger door back window and ignition. Why it doesn't fit the drivers door or gas door???? Oh well. I think the doors got replaced because they have wings on them. 89's didn't have wings right? Also I have no antenna or hole that should be there????? So I think the front fenders have been replaced as well.


I am cutting off the cat coverter this weekend and going to Straight pipe. Also sounds like I have a header leak too, which could be causing back pressure problems. Its like if I floor it the motor revs up but it don't go anywhere.

Thanks for the input,

Greg

 

[truck]

the 3.0 has some warranty issues, take it to your dealer to make sure it's been done. Other than that, you have to rebuild it if it's leaking oil everywhere.

 

[fourwd1]

Wing vents went by trim level I believe, if it had AC, no wing vents.
No hole for the antenna is a sign of aftermarket replacements.

 

[truck]

vent windows were standard on sr-5's, 6 or 4. My DLX 4 has them.

 

[gacrisp]

cool

I wish I would have gotten A/C. Soft tops look like they are a thing of the past, I don't want to pay more for the top then the truck

Thanks for the great info guys.


Greg

 

[truck]

With the vent windows, I don't run much A/C. (Long shorts+vent window=fun summer drive.)

Does this beast have the camper shell? I thought soft tops were too expensive until I saw what a fiber one brings. I'm thinking of selling/replacing. (even if mine can't fetch full price, it would still probably cover a soft top.) I found out my camper is worth a few times more than I paid for the truck!