well...my typical question to ask...watcha gonna use it for?
for 'wheeling, it's HIGHLY recommended to seek out an unmodified (ever!) 1985 4runner with manual transmission, 4wd, EFI and SFA. 1985 is the only year in the USA where solid front axle and EFI crossed...the next year, no more SFA, the previous year, no EFI.
dunno about for general purpose tho...just the 'wheeling app...
Originally posted by T23 Looking to buy an older 4 Runner. Any years that are recomended or any that I should stay away from?
Thanks,
T23
Hey T23,
I have a '90 2wd V6 Auto w/130K miles on it and it still runs great.
I'd suggest looking at the '91/'92's of the same model since mine was the first year of the second generation. My 0.02..... JB
I have an 85' and the big thing here in the northeast is rust! For wheeling it is great , but most around here have heavy body damage. For a daily commuter it is a rough ride and the interior is spartan. But if you are looking for a toy to play with go for it. Check the steering knuckles and the head for leaks. Good luck and have fun. If I can be of help you can find me on here. Matt
Moderate off road, mostly general purpose. Something to haul my gear around, and drive to work. Need 4x4 for hunting and winter use. Want a cheaper one, that is in decent shape so I can feel free to use it...
Quote:
Originally posted by DeepStealth well...my typical question to ask...watcha gonna use it for?
for 'wheeling, it's HIGHLY recommended to seek out an unmodified (ever!) 1985 4runner with manual transmission, 4wd, EFI and SFA. 1985 is the only year in the USA where solid front axle and EFI crossed...the next year, no more SFA, the previous year, no EFI.
dunno about for general purpose tho...just the 'wheeling app...
Originally posted by RobXS Depending on how much you want to spend, you may want to look at something with the 3.4L instead of the 3.0L. The 3.0 loves gas and lacks power.
Agreed. A friend of mine has a 1994 4Runner and he let me drive it once. Boy what a dog that 3.0 was, and it was a manual transmission!
It also got crappy gas mileage, it had to be filled up every 3-4 days, depending on the driving done.
My advice, get a 3.4, TRD SC it, and you'll be all set!
My favorite older runner is the 1999 Limited model. Why? Cause of what it had and didn't. It came with selectable full time 4wd and a optional rear locking differential. It also did not have traction control which I don't care for in the 4runners cause its overly obtrusive, can detract from the driving expierience. 2000 to 2002 models had no locker and came with traction control- less off road ability. Earlier pre 99's had no full time 4wd which I find handy on wet pavement.
Had to pull up this old thread about older 4Runners. Anyway, I'm looking into buying an older 4Runner. Preferably more towards 84-92, two doors, and with the 3.0L V6. Now my question is how good is that 3.0L V6 besides using a lot of gas like most have posted? If I do keep it for the long run, is it a simple drop in for the 3.4L V6? That's all.
I had the 3.0 v6 in my old truck. While it severely lacked power and loved gas, it did its job and other than the head gaskets, I never had a single problem. While there are v6s with more power, for what I used the truck for, I was never in a situation where I could not do what I needed to do with the available power. This included pulling a boat and a small trailer.
If you are looking for a v6 you will need to look for a 88-92. Two doors are rare on the 2nd generation 4 runners. The 84-85s had a solid front axle which may be better for off road use. It certainly makes it easier to lift, but they were only offered as a 4cyl.
As for swapping a 3.4 into it, it could be done. It is a fair amount of work. I think the most common swap is the chevy vortec v6. They are a lot easier to come by than a 3.4.
Older 4 Runners
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