89-95 4runners?

[Ryno]

Looking at buying a 89-95 4runner for work, and for a desert vehicle when the wife stays home. I want a 5spd manual, power, 4wd, but other than that, what should I be looking for? I know the 3.0 v6 had head/ head gasket issues. How well do these trucks hold up as a daily driver, and a weekend warrior? I drive roughly 120 miles a day, so mileage is an issue. Thanks for any tips!

Mods-please delete my other post in the engine section.

[SPONSOR]

Membership in the largest desert racing community has its advantages - Participate in Forum Discussions - Send and Receive Private Messages - Maintain Public Photo Albums - Access to Groups - User Profile in our Social Network - Increased Access to more Sub Forums - Reduced Online Advertisements Join our community today

[matt_helton]

everything is the same as the pickups except for the coils in the back. its a toyota, why are you even asking this?

[Ryno]

I ask because everything else I've read tells me I'm looking at a vehicle getting 20mpg, and the 3.0 is a 50/50 chance. A civic gets 35+mpg, but is no good for offroad. On the other hand, it gives me a place to keep tools safe, easy to load a bike on, and gives me a place to sleep with plenty of room in the desert.

[BajaFand]

Just stay away from the 3.0 if you can, that is the worst motor Toyota ever made. Other than that, Matt is right. I love 4-Runners and you can't beat Toyota's reliability.

[Lance T]

I have a 1989 4Runner with a 22RE in it. It has a header and a K&N on it with about 290,000 miles on it and with the 31's it gets around 24mpg. I can always tell when somebody has a 3.sl0w engine...because I pass them on the hills.

It has been a great truck...want to buy it?

[y2kbaja]

My 90 3.slow gets 12-14 mpg with gears and 33's. I don't daily drive it anymore because it's usually down for post/pre-run maintenance. Very capable vehicle. The 4runner has thousands of miles in pre-runs, desert runs and a couple of Baja trips.

[jesusgatos]

Just stay away from the 3.0...

Unless you're planning on swapping-in a 3.4L V6 out of a later-model Tacoma or 4Runner (it's a bolt-in deal).

[shooei]

I've got an 89 truck with the 3.slo. I've added a downey intake, headers, msd ignition and so on, and haven't had any problems with it. It's not the fastest but very reliabe as any Toyota. Never had the 22r but I'd guess that one is more fuel efficient.

[Ryno]

Was the 3.0 the main motor in these things, or is the 22re out there in a couple. My main priorities are 5spd manual, 4wd, mileage.

[jesusgatos]

There are LOTS of 4cyl trucks out there.