3.0L for overlanding/expedition use?

[idaxj97]

So recently I traded my Jeep Cherokee off on a 1990 4runner, so my experiance with the 3.0L and the 4runners are none. In my research on the 3.0 I understand the head gasket is the biggest problem, so how well is this engine for overlanding use, or would I benefit more from a 3.4L swap?

 

[Deleted member 13060]

The 3.0 (3 point slow) made less HP and torque than the current 4cyl. I know, I had one. Most should have had the head gasket fixed under the extended warr by now but it's still a weak motor.
3.4 makes a bunch more power and doesn't seem to have any problems IF maintained properly...... I'd go with the 3.4.

YMMV RON

 

[DeskToGlory]

3.0L

From my personal experience the 3.0L wasn't too bad. I had one in my '88 4runner with well over 300,000km which gave me no issues whatsoever... even with welded 4.10s and 35in MT/Rs. Geared properly it would have been a lot of fun (and easier on the engine). They've got a little more power than the 22RE which would be very welcome.

I say that if you've already got it and it's running well then I would do some basic maintenance for piece of mind and drive it. If you're seriously considering a 3.4L, then sell the 'runner you've got and buy a 1997+ with the 3.4L, locking rear diff, etc and save yourself a lot of headache and money.

 

[4runnerteq]

3.0 not that bad. For sure no power though. I had a 91 runner I bought at 295k miles with a burned valve. Went thru the engine,valves,rings & bearings. Sold it at 315k 2yrs ago and the guy I sold it to is still driving it. It was a stick shift which did help on power. I wdnt have been afraid to drive it anywhere. And I agree dont do a 3.4 swap. If you want a 3.4 buy a 97 up runner & be done. Otherwise drive and enjoy what you have.

 

[tanglefoot]

I'd say keep the 3.0 as well if it's running well. Although it can't compete with newer engine designs in terms of power output, it was an impressive engine in its day. Most of them seem to be lasting a long time. The head gasket issues have mostly disappeared once they were replaced under the TSB.

 

[summerprophet]

The real problem with that era of 4-runner was the terribly inefficient automatic transmission in conjunction with the 3.0.

It sounds like you like the truck, and it can be a capable rig. I would keep the mods reasonable (dear lord, don't go bigger than 33" tires), and keep your options open to upgrade to a new rig at a later date.

Swapping in a 3.4 is going to cost you more than swapping into a 3rd gen 4runner, as well as negating a resale value.
This made sense a decade ago, when a third gen was still 20-25k, but you can get them now for 5k, which is cheaper than keeping your rig and swapping in a new engine.

 

[montypower]

Run the 3.0L till it blows then swap the 3.4L. Some 3.0L last longer than others but they aren't worth fixing in my opinion. Poorly engineered engine (as far as Toyotas go) #6 cylinder runs hot (burns exhaust valves), head gasket issues, poor vacuum routing, low power, poor mpg, coolant routing through idler pulley... I've owned a couple rigs with the 3.0L; replaced the heads on one of them. 3.4L exceptional.

 

[idaxj97]

Thanks

Thanks guys for your input, if fact I am extremely happy with the T4R rides so much nicer than the tank of a jeep. I do plan on keeping this 4runner and getting my wife a 3rd gen so that takes care of a 3.4 in the family. Ive been spending a fair amount of time over at T4R.ORG and im still learning, my dad was cruizing around on ebay and found a 2.0L turbo diesel with tranny, tcase, and wiring harness for 2k so ive kinda been eyeballing a diesel swap for later on.

 

[hilux30]

The 3.0 in a past 94 pickup went through the HG recall at 45K but drove it 'till 210K with not a single issue.. somewhere around 100K I switched to Downy manifolds, y-pipe with complete exhaust, 4.88 gears (33" tires) and snorkel, made the power more livable, but I've always wanted to ditch it all for a diesel that was nearly impossible to find at the time...

 

[SIZZLE]

The 3.0 aint that bad. The head gasket thing is blown way out of proportion. Keep the cooling system maintained and burped and you shouldn't have any problems. The bottom end on these is pretty bullet proof. I had a 92 with the v6 auto and 31" tires. The only place it sucked was heading up the mountains. The 5 spd would have really helped. In fact, if it had a 5 spd, i might still have the truck today. Deffinitely wouldn't go above 31s without a regear.

I agree with what others have said about the engine swap.

 

[ebg18t]

Just use it till it dies. A well maintained 3.0L is solid.

 

[idaxj97]

Just use it till it dies. A well maintained 3.0L is solid.

thats the plan for now then a 2.4L turbo diesel:bike_rider:

 

[ebg18t]

thats the plan for now then a 2.4L turbo diesel:bike_rider:

Very cool.