quality replacement h.g. kit for 3.0v6 motors

chudrock71

New member
I have a strong preference for 2nd gen. 4runners. At least as far as style goes. However I don't want "style" to get in the way of a solid, reliable truck.

Is it possible to have "the best of both worlds" with the 2nd gen. 4runner by buying a considerably better quality head gasket kit for it. I have run across a few suggestions(lcengineering.com) but would like to know of more options.

any responses much appreciated.

Mark
 
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I used Felt pro sets I get at napa

Keep the cooling system in check, and get one with a 5 speed, and youll be all set.

Im pro 3zve. I even prefer it over the 22re. More power, great low end torque, and it runs soo smooth.
 
FEL-PRO Part # HS9728PT1 $159.79 on rockauto.com
Parts list

I always suggest replacing head bolts, some don't.

Also, since you're thinking about doing head gaskets. Unless it has been done recently, I would suggest a timing belt replacement too. You will be mostly torn down anyways.
 
Thanks a lot folks! Learning experience here!

So timing belt while I am at it. I have read that one should replace the knock sensor as well but finding the correct wiring harness can be difficult and soldering wires together may be the only solution. If not installed properly the computer gets wrong ideas in its head i.e., timing off.

Does this sound right to you all? Seems like a lot is at stake with just changing the head gasket.

I have a brother who is a master mechanic and can fix all of this. He does however HATE the v63.0 and has warned me against buying a 4runner with one. I can not, for the life of me find a 2nd gen. 4runner with a 22re. Hell half of the 1st gen. 4 runners I'm running across have the confounded 3.0.

again thanks for helping a relative newbie out.!
 
Yeah, I really like mine, had it 14 years. Still going strong after 150k miles. The 3.0 isn't what I'd call a powerhouse, but mine gets the job done and has been dependable. Except, of course, for the headgaskets, which are, unfortunately, a fact of life with this engine because of the ridiculous f-ing crossover pipe. Gears help. 4.88s move things along better. I regularly climb the Sierras from 4000 feet to 8000 feet constantly annoyed by slow people in front of me. Mileage isn't the greatest, best I get is 18 mpg highway with the cruise set at 65, spinning 2500 rpm. Could be worse, I guess, for a 4100 pound automatic 4WD truck with big 31 inch tires.

From what I've read, the knock sensor wire is more the issue than the knock sensor itself. Seems like the only place to get the wire is the dealer, but they go for only about $20, though. There's no better time to adjust the valve clearances than when doing the headgaskets; major PITA with the cams in place. It has the advantage of being a non-interference engine and so won't destroy the engine if you lose the Timing Belt. At least having the Factory Service Manual (FSM) available free online everywhere makes working on these trucks easier and takes out a lot of the guesswork.
 
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No, the engine will be mostly torn down doing the head gaskets. Making it easier to do the timing belt at the same time.
After thinking a bit, I thought that was what you meant. These tear-downs never have appealed to me. My former wife tore down a motorcycle and left a roomful of parts before I met her. My uncle did a similar thing. How much would a rebuilt engine cost installed?
 
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