About to buy 88 4 Runner - Need help

[phoenixheat]

Hey guys, I am about 99% sure i'll be buying a 4 runner this weekend and figured this would be the best place to ask lots of questions. Any help is greatly appreciated :-)

So the truck has 200k on the original motor (AZ vehicle), it's a 1 owner vehicle and has been garage kept since day one (paint looks almost new) and appears to be highly maintained... I believe it is the V6 powerplant with the 5 spd, but not 100% sure (could be the 4 banger) oh and it passes emissions with ease. I just want to know what type of things I should be looking for and some of your experiences (sp?) with the older 4 runners. I was hoping to find out if anyone knows about well known problems with the 4 runners that I may need to address and possibly some high mileage maintanence tips for 4 runners. Like I said any help is greatly appreciated and I hope to be seeing you all on the trails someday soon.

Thanks! justin

[fourwd1]

Since you're in PHX you don't have to worry about the biggest enemy of 80's Toyotas, RUST.
Just check the usual things, when was the Timing Chain (4 cyl) or Timing Belt (6 cyl) last replaced.
If 6 cyl, was the head gasket recall done?
Was the idler arm recall done ?
etc

[phoenixheat]

if the idler arm and head gasket were recalls I'm sure they were probably done. I can tell the guy took very good care of the truck. but given the small chance that has not been done... are those safety recalls that do not cost the consumer money to fix? ( free head gaskets ...that would be cool) I'll have to check the timing belt/chain... i really hope it's a v6 because belts are no big deal but i've never F'd around with timing chains. I'm thinking about buying a new motor and trans asap and just keeping it in the garage in case something catastrophic happens. Ohh and I guess I just have one last question... the lug pattern on the 88's... can swap wheels from a newer 4 runner or toyota truck? Like i said thanks again!

Justin

[fourwd1]

The HG campagain is over. The IFS idler arm campagain is still in effect AFAIK.
The lug pattern is 6 on 5.5, thru the 90's at least. Not sure about 2000+.

[ZUK]

Justin-
I'm down the road from you :) If the radiator is still the original I recommend replacing it. I just sold 2 Runners and a hot summer is coming up! ;) If you get bigger tires and need to re-gear then contact me ;)

[Le_Roi]

i dont knwo about the 88 runners but i knwo i tried putting like 89 (not exactly sure of the year) rims on my 84 and and they hit the calipers in the front so that was a no go

but yea im kinda down the road from ya to im in tucson stationed at davis monthan afb so if ur ever this way and up for some riding let me know

[phoenixheat]

hey, thanks for your help with everything but I wasn't able to buy the truck... the seller did the sold the trcuk "ebay" style and had all of the buyers show up at once and "bid" on the truck... someone bid 2700 (opposed to my 2500 - all i had) and then the meet was over... so i bought my second choice... 92 integra (back to the first car I've ever owned.... guess I'm going back to the track rather than the trails) so the funny thing is.. about 3 hours after i bought the Integra, I get a phone call from the guy selling the 4 runner.. apparantley everyone that bid (besides myself) flaked out and didn't pay. so the whole make shift auction ended up biting him in the ass and he was still left with the yota, if any of you guys are interested in the truck check out phx autotrader, 85027 and select 50 miles, listed at 2500... i looked at the truck and it is in near perfect condition. - ah and it has the 22re, new front suspension, i think a new clutch and all new accesories...

[Le_Roi]

sounds like u need the sell the car asap and by the toy lol jk id go look into it but already got 2 vehicals so what am i gonna do with a 3rd accept never drive it anywasy good luck to ya on the tracks everyone has there cup of tea ( me personally i like my tea SWEET south carolina style)
take it easy

[ricki brown]

[QUOTE=phoenixheat]Hey guys, I am about 99% sure i'll be buying a 4 runner this weekend and figured this would be the best place to ask lots of questions. Any help is greatly appreciated :-)

So the truck has 200k on the original motor (AZ vehicle), it's a 1 owner vehicle and has been garage kept since day one (paint looks almost new) and appears to be highly maintained... I believe it is the V6 powerplant with the 5 spd, but not 100% sure (could be the 4 banger) oh and it passes emissions with ease. I just want to know what type of things I should be looking for and some of your experiences (sp?) with the older 4 runners. I was hoping to find out if anyone knows about well known problems with the 4 runners that I may need to address and possibly some high mileage maintanence tips for 4 runners. Like I said any help is greatly appreciated and I hope to be seeing you all on the trails someday soon.

Thanks! justin[/QUOTE

check this out www.cardomain.com/ride/2500054

[NAR7KX]

BUY IT
its an 88 and there will be small problems with it
thats what to expect... especially with 200k miles
find out how recent replaced parts are

MAKE SURE u check the frame
there could be rust making it crumble... thats my problem that im trying to fix