Help with picking the right truck

[spaceycayce]

Hi I am about to purchase an used 4runner. I am looking at early 90 models as that is what my price range is( so I can spend extra money on the lift kit and tires). I am currently looking at an 1993 and 1995 4runner. I am open to other years in that range from say 1990-1995. I was wondering if there are any major differences between these models, what kind of milage should I be concerned with for problems, and also any other possible problems that I may have to account for and other suggestions you may have. I have test driven the 1995 and it had 128k miles but I heard a small ping in the engine as I was accelerating. I haven't driven the 1993 yet it has like 160k miles(though it does come with a 12month/12000 mile warrenty. I would welcome any suggestions, comments, ideas or help in making this difficult decision.

[pipefitter]

Are they V6 or 4 bangers ? The V6s are alot to replace or rebuild . 4 bangers are cheaper if you need to replace . Next want are you going to use the truck for . Is a daily driver , a mudder , a crawler , or a fire trail truck . If it is a crawler you know that its going to bangen up . So small dents such not be that big of a deal . A DD you want a clean truck .

[spaceycayce]

Good question. I will be using it some in town as that will be my transportation, but as far as offroading goes I will be doin crawling and mudding mostly. I plan on hitting trails around New Mexico, Southwestern Colorado (Durango area), Arizona, etc. So I will probably be doing highway to get to the trails and then hitting the trails and whatever hits my path. ;). Yeah I figure as far as body damage goes hey whatever its gonna happen. Most of the trucks I've been looking at are the V-6'rs.

[southern_yota]

dont get a 6'r, not enough power for how much they weigh and they only make 30 some odd more horses than the 4 banger. for how much it weighs it isnt much of a difference. plus the head gaskets go, so if you buy one make sure its been it replaced. the recall on it for free replacement is 10 years so if its older than '93 make sure its had it done, i hear its pricey.
there's also a lot more mods out there for the four popper, the t-case is gear driven. the V6 has a chain driven POS.

i wish i'd dont my research like you before i bought mine. but it got messed up beyond repair anyway.

[spaceycayce]

Hey thanks for your input. I didn't realize about the gasket problem and I went ahead and got a 4-Runner today. I got a 1995 with like 92k. It is a v-6, there were no 4's here in town and I needed the truck ASAP. I had a pre buy test done on it and the only problems were the tires (which I'm buying new Mud Tires anyway), the shocks (which I'm putting in a suspension lift kit), and the brakes(which I got taken off the price). I am curious what models are affected by this recall and is there a set recall by Yota or is it just out there. How do I find out if the gasket has been replaced or is problematic and will this cost me? The ride seems really nice and as I stated above no real problems that can't be easliy fixed. Also anyone know where I can get a good deal on lift kits/installation prices? Any help would be apprciaitaed as I can't wait to go out and play.

[pipefitter]

Are you going to keep the IFS or do a SAS . How much do know about fab work . Just make sure you get a soft ride kit . I would say get some thing like Skyjacker . I think they are a soft kit . Or do the chevy's and the rear up front if you do the SAS .

[allpro yota]

Are u going to get it for off-roading? if so, get like an 85 or something, cause its a solid axle

[southern_yota]

i'm pretty sure that recall is for all 3.0L so i'd go to your local dealer and ask them about it. when i had my ifs truck i had 4in superlift and 33x12.50 BFG on there. my dad didnt want me to do work on it so he took it to 4WP to do it n i think it ran me about 1800 dollars. for that price you can get a front axle from a 84 or 85 p/u or 4runner from a junkyard and get all-pro's SAS kit. but to do that you better know what your doin with a cutting torch and a welder or know friends that do. if i had an ifs rig to build again thats how i'd do it.

[WildYoats]

You can call any Toyota service department, give them your VIN and check to see if your 4Runner has had it done, or needs it, or even qualifies. The recall did effect almost all V6's in those years, the 3VZE engines.

As far as the lift, I dont know how extreme you are wanting to right off the bat. I know must of us here will taunt you in getting a solid axle swap right off the bat, but I understand that most folks may not want to do that first hand. If you are looking for a basic IFS lift, there are a few out there. ProComp, Downey, Superlift, and some others to name a few. IFS is strong, but Solid Axles are much stronger. Once you put larger tires and hit some obstacles on the trails, you are definately open to snapping a IFS CV axle or similar, just be aware. This is the case with all IFS's models, not just Toys. A lot of it is the driver as well. As long as your not some nazi-yahoo-neopoleon theory'd lead-foot, you may not break. :D

[Spider]

I had a 88 toyota 4x4 a while ago. It was IFS, I had 35" swampers, a 4" trailmaster lift, and 3" body lift. All I really have in the immediate area is mud, torn up skidder trails, and power line access roads and what not. It got me around just fine and I had a hell of a good time. 5.29's front and rear with a four banger and she would turn the tires just fine.

I think you can still have fun with IFS, but I have a 82 now, gotta love that straight axle. :)

Ed

[pitter]

a sas is easy. fab everything yourself. its stonger and cheap. to build my truck i used mostly a skill saw with a metal cutting blade. and a 4.5" angle grinder, to do the sas itself we had torches though.:) my ifs was scewed it would have cost more money to save it than do a sas. but i was already going to sas it anyway so i just saved shitload of money when i baught it.