Purchasing a 91-95 4R What to look for

[DannyLlama]

My buddy is going to check out a couple of 4Rs sometime this week and wanted to help him make sure he checks what he needs to.

https://prescott.craigslist.org/ctd/4773473013.html Here is the first one ... it's a 4x4 ..

2 things.. is it normal for the tire to be on a carrier:

Also, I don't know what all these wires are for on top of the engine:

 

[DannyLlama]

Second one is not 4WD and looks to be in good condition:

Used 1995 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 4dr in Prescott AZ at Prescott Honda - Carsforsale.com

Any tips and/or things to look for would be great help.

Thanks

 

[KidVermicious]

That's a factory tire carrier, they're out there. That snakes nest on top of the 3.0 is exactly what it looks like, those things are a mess of vacuum lines. The 3.0 is also known to cook head gaskets back by plug #6, so watch for that. If you see a price that looks too good to be true, it's probably got a bad head gasket.

Pretty reliable other than that, I'd just recommend he stay away from the automatic. The difference in available power between the auto and five speed is amazing. If the truck is from a salt state, check the frame carefully around the rear link mounts, and check the body underneath the chrome rust-hiders.

Did you mean to post this in the 3rd gen section?

 

[Cree]

The Carrier was an option on the 90-92's IIRC, so yes, that's normal. That first one is a cream puff. Check for rust behind the running boards. Otherwise I'd go into it with little concern. Lower miles, looks like it was taken care of. The 3.0 can be a good motor, albeit a little on the puny side of the power charts. Like Kid said, they like to cook head gaskets.

If the maintenance records check out, and he's good with the price, I'd pull the trigger.

 

[DannyLlama]

That's a factory tire carrier, they're out there. That snakes nest on top of the 3.0 is exactly what it looks like, those things are a mess of vacuum lines. The 3.0 is also known to cook head gaskets back by plug #6, so watch for that. If you see a price that looks too good to be true, it's probably got a bad head gasket.

Pretty reliable other than that, I'd just recommend he stay away from the automatic. The difference in available power between the auto and five speed is amazing. If the truck is from a salt state, check the frame carefully around the rear link mounts, and check the body underneath the chrome rust-hiders.

Did you mean to post this in the 3rd gen section?

Thank you for that info!

I didn't see a second Gen thread and din't realize these are considered a "classic" I guess I don't know my 4runners all that well :fro:

Moderators, please move to appropriate thread.

 

[DannyLlama]

Whats the cost to replace a head gasket on "classic" t4r?

 

[Cree]

Depending on shop, 1200 to 1800 is the average. You'll see places on either side of that scale. Labor is the killer. You can do it yourself for well under a grand.

 

[DannyLlama]

Depending on shop, 1200 to 1800 is the average. You'll see places on either side of that scale. Labor is the killer. You can do it yourself for well under a grand.

Thanks Cree.

So the 91 has a sunroof issue where it doesn't open, anyone have issue with sunroof on a 90-95? Easy fix?