1991 Toyota 4Runner

[Rusty Shackelford]

Looking at a ‘91 4Runner with less than 130k on the odometer. 5 speed manual with the 3.0 L V6 (3VZ-E engine.). Seller says head gaskets were recently replaced along with brake rotors, lines, master cylinder, etc.

What else should I be worried about on this engine?

 

[justinspicher]

I’d check the clutch and the 4WD if it has it. Maybe even the U joints. I have a ’96 Tacoma with 320k on it, basic maintenance and it has ran fine so far.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Rust? Where did it originate? If it’s a west coast car chances are good that rust isn’t an issue. I’d crawl under it and look.

 

[Rusty Shackelford]

I’ll crawl under it this afternoon. Supposedly it’s had lots of rehab lately, including a clutch kit and replacement of u-joints. The only thing I’m concerned with is the power steering system, so I’ll be asking about it and checking for fluid leaks. Had my eyes out for an old 4Runner for a while, checked out a few and passed on them but they had the 22RE 4cylinder. Fingers crossed here.

 

[Nickofthewoods]

I would definitely take a hard look at the cooling system unless the head gasket campaign was only done as preventative maintenance. Other than that the 3.0 is a decent motor aside from being very underpowered. I bought a '94 4runner once that had 191k then drove it for 5 years and sold it again with 260k. Mine had the reliable AW4 automatic transmission so not sure about the manual transmission lifespan. If rust isn't a problem that 4runner should give you many more years with those miles.

 

[280Ackley]

I have 91 Toyota pickup with the 3.0. Bought it with blown head gaskets. It’s a know problem with this motor. I was told it was because it was designed for asbestos head gaskets that are no longer available. That being said I have close 75k on mine sines the rebuild without anymore issues.

 

[ElkNut1]

1993 Toyota xtra cab pickup, head gaskets were replaced at 180,000 on 3,0 -- Now have 307,000 & still going. Grab that one with 130,000 - No brainer if priced right.

P.S. When I picked this one up the power steering pump was out, 70.00 later it was like new. Did it myself!

ElkNut

 

[5MilesBack]

My sister has a 1991 4runner manual with the 3.0L, and I have an '89 4x4 pickup manual with the 3.0L, both original owners. I'd have a decent mechanic that you trust check it over. How much does the guy want for it? Heck, I've seen 1989's like my pickup listed for sale for more than I paid for mine brand new 34 years ago. If I bought it, regardless what the seller told me, I'd do a complete workover on it with all new fluids, filters, hoses, vacuum lines, etc, etc.

 

[LoggerDan]

3.0 motor, after head gasket work, get a header that moves the heat away from the head. Helps out a lot.

 

[Rusty Shackelford]

My sister has a 1991 4runner manual with the 3.0L, and I have an '89 4x4 pickup manual with the 3.0L, both original owners. I'd have a decent mechanic that you trust check it over. How much does the guy want for it? Heck, I've seen 1989's like my pickup listed for sale for more than I paid for mine brand new 34 years ago. If I bought it, regardless what the seller told me, I'd do a complete workover on it with all new fluids, filters, hoses, vacuum lines, etc, etc.

Good to know. Seller is asking for $7k. Am I crazy thinking that’s decent, assuming all the work he claims has been done has actually been done?

 

[LoggerDan]

To me, that’s a lot!

 

[5MilesBack]

Heck, I've been offered $10k for my pickup and wouldn't even begin to consider taking that. I'd pay $7k for a '91 4runner depending on the actual condition. But anything this age you really have to check them out. I'd go into it with an "expectation" that you have to put some money into it. If you're not prepared to do that........well, buyer beware. I have a buddy that bought a 4runner of that generation (not sure exactly what year it is), but he had a new engine put into it a year ago. And if you don't have to put much money into it, that's just icing on the cake.

Oh ya, and just because the odometer says 130k doesn't mean that's the actual miles. When I look at used vehicles I always pull the oil fill cap and run my finger inside the valve cover. If there's any sludge at all, I move on.

 

[Poser]

Frame rust. Presumably, if the head gasket was replaced, there was some other work performed such as timing belt and potentially rebuilding the entire engine so I’d ask about the rear engine seals, too.

With such low mileage, that vehicle has been doing a lot of sitting over the years which can lead to a host of issues relating to fuel and oil, but I’d also consider transmission and different fluids. Make sure the 4WD engages.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Spend some time HERE in the T4R2G sub forum. Lots and lots of good info there.

Good luck,

Eddie

 

[LeftyWilbury]

i had a 91 xcab with the 3VZE i paid too much for ($5500) in 1998 and it had 200k on it. $7000 aint bad. but that 3VZE engine WILL blow the head gasket. it's a design flaw and the recall "fix" was just to put another head gasket in there. i think i got about 80k on it on a new head gasket before it started leaking. still managed to drive it across the country, through canada, and back by adding some "radiator fix" that clogged up the hole(s) in the gasket. gotta live on the edge...

traded it for a 1987 4Runner with the 22RE. I miss being able to go up hills. or the speed limit. ha

 

[Wrench]

My 91 v6 had 350k when I sold it. I never did a clutch and brakes one time. Never lost a u joint. One alternator, a distributor bearing and one speed sensor.

I did the timing/waterpump every 100k. That rig was as bombproof as they come. The last 100 plus thousand miles were spent chasing coyotes across wheat fields, jumping stuff and generally trying to kill the poor thing. I think it jist made it stronger.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Sounds like a lot of "rehab" for that many miles.

 

[MudBugVa]

Those are low miles, you may want to find out why it hasnt been driven much. At a minimum take it to a mechanic for a compression or leak down test (my preference) to make sure the head job was a good one. Also the 3.0 is a little sluggish which can be annoying when going over mountain grades.

If I was you I would go for a 3rd gen 4runner (1996-2002). For $7k you should be able to find a decent rig.

At any rate all 4runners ROCK and you will be one of the cooler guys around by owning one.

 

[Rusty Shackelford]

Well I bought it. Engine/undercarriage was very clean. New hoses all around. Previous owner was a mechanic. Smells like it has an exhaust leak so that’s my first task then replacing interior pieces.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Well I bought it. Engine/undercarriage was very clean. New hoses all around. Previous owner was a mechanic. Smells like it has an exhaust leak so that’s my first task then replacing interior pieces.View attachment 538799

Woo hoo!!!

Keep us posted on how it works out.


Eddie