New to me '90 SR5

[Phoenix]

So I just bought a '90 4Runner and thought I'd check in. I have a feeling I'll be turning to you guys for advice and answers quite a bit.

A little about me: My name's Ryan, I live in Hampton Roads, VA and this is my first Toyota truck. Not my first Toyota, but my first truck. I'm a donating and contributing member at Maxima.org, though I think the Maxima is going to be my wife's now.

The 4Runner is a 1990 SR5 5-speed, red for the most part. 151,000 miles and apparently used for farm work becuase there's hay all over the inside.

Already I've figured out that the clutch slips under heavy revs and the throw-out bearing should probably be replaced when I do the clutch. The sunroof opens but doesn't close, the rear hatch doesn't open, the rear window goes down but not up, and every speaker is shot. Mechanically, she feels great though. What are some common 4Runner problems that I should keep an eye on?

 

[Phoenix]

Another Question

The 4Runner didn't exactly come with an owners manual. What's the recommended plug and gap?

I figured I'd do a tune up tomorrow since I don't know when it's last one was.

 

[ThatsBlasphemy]

looks like you don't have any rust, thats my biggest problem. The rear window not working properly is a very common problem, i bought a new tailgate off ebay.

 

[Phoenix]

Well, there's a little bit of rust bubbling at the top of all four wheel wells and a rust hole in the rear bumper, but no structural rust from what I can tell. I fixed the rear window, it was just heavy corrosion on the motor connector. I haven't fixed the sunroof, but I did manage to find the manual open/close screw so as long as I don't ever open it again, I should be fine.

 

[Elton]

Re: Another Question

The 4Runner didn't exactly come with an owners manual. What's the recommended plug and gap?

I figured I'd do a tune up tomorrow since I don't know when it's last one was.

The plug gap is 0.80mm, or 0.031". and use denso or ngk

 

[jimwww]

Hi Ryan

I am in the same boat - just bought mine today (post pics tomorrow) I loved having the white 4runner with the red interior - love the color - don't have rust issues as much as I do have battery problem right now - poss alt prob as well. (minor stuff)

Check with the dealer for head gasket issue and recalls. Mine has not been done and I have to swing over to Toyota in the morn to have mine checked.

 

[77'911]

Congrats, we're in a similar situation. We got gifted a 90 with about 70k on it. I've already started going threw it. The replacement of the motor and trans mounts made a big difference in the way it drive , handled , and shifted. Check to see if those are shot. You probably know this but there is recall on part of the steering system. Head gaskets as somene mentioned are an issue. You might consider picking up a copy of the factory manual(3 volumes), its a fantastic source of info. They are about $80, or so. My next project on it is rebuilding the suspension(urethane bushings, shocks, etc.).

 

[jimwww]

Recall

I went over to the dealers and I did find that there was no outstanding recalls so mine have been done..

We do have a problem putting in a new spark plug - one of them isn't going in after taking it out on the passgr side.. but the mechanics are working on it tomorrow.. sheesh you wouldn't think a tune up would be such an issue..

 

[77'911]

Most of the cars we have in the family are german, and I'm finding that our Toyota is a tade on the labor intensive side. The motor mounts were an absolute bear to install. I'm about to replace the front rotors and pads on it this weekend, only to find out that I needed a factory wrench(SST-09607-60020) for the job which I picked up. Unlike other cars, when doing the rotors on these , you'll need to pull the bearings as well. No quick change out here. Having said that, the truck has been dead reliable and everything I've done to it seems to really improve it. Your just north from us, I'm in Bellingham(WA). They should not have too much a an issue with your spark plug. Someone probably crossthreaded it the last time. They will just have to run a tap&thread chaser through it. Hopefully, they will use antiseize(preferably Wurth) when they install them.

 

[jimwww]

Spark plug

Yes they did that and fixed it this afternoon - I love Bellingham although at the end of this month when the passport rules come into effect your malls will be a lot quieter.

Porsche has a nasty way of making bolts and such only work with their tools and force you to take it to the dealer..

 

[slacker]

http://www.toyotafiberglass.com/sheet_metal.htm

has some repair panels if ya need .. weld-ins .

 

[77'911]

If people amortize the costs of a CA passport over a 5 year period(period CA passport is good for), they'll still find it still probably pays, depending on how much you spend of course(and what the currency spread is). Tool costs for Porsches are not bad at all. I do all the work on them except for alignments and mounting tires(etc.). The workshop manuals can get pricey, but well worth it. Currently, I'm rebuilding an 2.7 liter aircooled engine.
I've found an off-roading mail-order place here in Bellingham. Supposedly they have some reasonable suspension set-ups for the 4runner, but we'll see.