Opinions on buying this 88 runner

[williamlv282]

I have a buddy that bought this truck in Vegas and then took it to Colorado. The previous owner put a 2nd gen engine in it and of course now it has a blown head gasket. A bunch of other damage happened as a result and to fix the total damage is estimated around $3k, which we both think is ridiculous.
My buddy is offering to sell it to me at a huge loss for $1k but I'm fairly certain considering the cost of repair that I would just put a whole new engine in it. I would also have to find a way to get it from Colorado to Vegas.

Do you think that it is worth the effort? I'm not familiar with engine swap pricing. I would try to have a local shop do the work.

 

[mikesmith140]

Unless the body is completely rust AND dent free, and the suspension needs no immediate attention, and the tranny/drivetrain is good, and the tires have 15,000 miles left on them ... I'd pass. There's a lot of work when changing between engines when you aren't removing/installing the same type of engine. If the rest of the truck isn't pretty nice, I'd pass because of the engine issues. Although, $1000 isn't a bad price for a parts truck.

Mike

 

[Dropzone]

You Have A 2015 4runner.
Put the 88 on a tow dolly, drop the rear drive shaft and tow it. Colorado to Vegas is a weekend drive.

'A bunch of other damage ' is a wide can of worms.

You don't mention if it a 4 cyl or 3.0 V6 (88 was 1st.year)

If the $3,000 price was a guaranteed shop estimate it about in line if it includes parts. If the $3k is some dude, walk away.

 

[KidVermicious]

I would try to have a local shop do the work.

This right here the key. What it's worth to you is up to you, but owning a 30 year old truck and not being willing to do the wrenching yourself can be a very expensive proposition. Figure on $4000+ to have a shop source a 3VZE long block and install it, and don't forget to budget another $500-$1000 for the inevitable brake and suspension work that's going to pop up. By the time you're done, you'll have sunk $5000-$7000 into the truck, but you won't be able to turn around and sell it for that much unless it's very clean. I think you should pass on this one unless you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get dirty.

 

[85straight]

Yep what KidV said. If you cant/dont want to do any work on the truck yourself a 1st gen ( or any 25-30yr old truck) isnt for you...unless you hit the lottery.

 

[youngr]

I recently purchased an 88 myself that needs some work but there is no rust and very minor dings on the body. I eill be doing 95% of the work myself so its not that big of a deal as far as cost goes. If you wont be doing the work yourself id pass unless you just have a strong desire to get rid of money which in that case id reccomend a chariy of some sort instead.

 

[williamlv282]

Thanks guys. I'm going to pass on it. The body and interior are in good shape because it's from the desert (Vegas,) but the engine issues are scary enough without all that. I've done work on older vehicles but nothing past 1998 and definitely not anything that had to do with an engine replacement. Since it belongs to my friend I'll just tell him to sell it to someone in Colorado that wants to build a crawler or something.

 

[KidVermicious]

Have him list it on here. If he's willing to let it go for $1000 I'm sure there's mechanically inclined guys who might be willing to snag it up. If I had time for another project I'd be interested myself.

 

[Dropzone]

Thanks guys. I'm going to pass on it. The body and interior are in good shape because it's from the desert (Vegas,) but the engine issues are scary enough without all that. I've done work on older vehicles but nothing past 1998 and definitely not anything that had to do with an engine replacement. Since it belongs to my friend I'll just tell him to sell it to someone in Colorado that wants to build a crawler or something.

An older vehicle, 1998? Sorry had to giggle at that one. My oldest was a 1955 VW oval window with working semaphore turn signals I think I have had 50-60 vehicles over the years, maybe 8 post 2000.

If your friend does Facebook tell him to look up Budget Built Yota Crawlers, they are a Colorado based group.
He may not get $1k for it but they love 84-89 4runners so it might go quick