Is this a good deal? 1988 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
- Thread starter itsmejme
- Start date
Rot Box
Explorer
I agree with everything that has been said so far. Head gasket problems weren't so much an issue on this year, but that doesn't mean the 3.0 is a trustworthy motor. Yes some go forever without any issues but most do not. For my money I would avoid it only because of the engine. Having a mediocre engine that has a bad history is not something you want in a rig used for exploring imo. For the first gen 4runners your only other option motor wise is the 2.4L 22RE which is a model of reliability but very underpowered. If horsepower is a concern look to the 3rd gen (96 and newer) 4runners they have come down quite a bit price wise over the last few years. Both the 4cyl 2.7 3RZ-FE and 3.4l 5VZ-FE are very reliable and powerful in comparison and these models come with excellent front suspension and some even have a selectable electronic locking rear differential. Hope this helps,
Andrew
Andrew
Whitey
Adventurer
I don't know about this truck, and I certainly wouldn't call it a good deal without knowing what the asking price is. This guy could want $10,000 for all we know.
I would take the clean, straight, well running (for the time being anyway) 4runner originally posted for less than $3,000 over the resprayed non-original color, dented, dirty truck from the ebay ad all day.
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Thanks everyone for the great feedback. Can i expect a big gas savings from the 4 vs 6,after loaded up for travel? Also, i definitely had a engine rebuild in mind before the big departure date. I'm not worried about the horsepower, or it being a slug. My vehicle history is as followed. 1987 Toyota 4 cyl, 1994 Toyota
6 cyl, and currently, a 05 Wrangler 6 cyl. So, i 'm used to slow cruising.
I'm looking for something thats reliable, can sleep in, and decent on gas and I'm definitely on a budget.
In response to red87runnerATX, my last day of work is the end of 2011. So, trip starts after the holidays. How about you?
6 cyl, and currently, a 05 Wrangler 6 cyl. So, i 'm used to slow cruising.
I'm looking for something thats reliable, can sleep in, and decent on gas and I'm definitely on a budget.
In response to red87runnerATX, my last day of work is the end of 2011. So, trip starts after the holidays. How about you?
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
The V6 is notheing to pay extra for... The 5spd is desirable, but a high milage 3.0 COULD give you problems unless it's been gone into recently. I'd say there are better deals out there. I know these trucks are getting rarer, but there are still a TON of them out there really. I see multiple every day. Does that mean people are selling them??? No cause they're alot of fun to drive 
but they're out there. Keep looking mate, you'll find one.
On the milage front, it's all about GEARING GEARING GEARING... You've had a 94 22RE so maybe you already know this, but gear it to the tire size you want: IE 4.30 for 31's 4.88 for up to 35's and really 5.29's for anything over 35" tall. Skinny tires help too as you can fit 35X10.50's with ZERO lift on these old trucks (same drivetrain/suspension as your 94 as they have leaves out back like the P/U - something I really LIKE about them as it makes them ahndle a load better then alter 4-Runners w/ alot less Modification.) I would highly suggest OME springs and shocks for it as I absolutely LOVE my 1st gen. I'm 5"11 200lbs and the GF and I can sleep in the back VERY comfortably. I'd highly suggest going through ROdger Brown's 4Crawler web site as he hsa alot of practical knowledge and experience modifying these trucks and alot of easy fixes for common problems like the back window (including how to hot wire the control box so the switch works w or w/o the key in the iognition - something that is a must IMO for sleeping in the back)
ANy other Questions, just ask amway mate, there are more then a few of us here who have alot of time and love into these older trucks and I'm sure ifg you have a problem, one of us has gone though it an fixed it @ some point DaveinDenver, DieselCruiserhead (as well as many others I'm forgetting for some reason) are a great wealth of info and have helped me out in the past with simple answers and alot of knowledge..
Cheers
Dave
OOps... You had an 87 22RE... Well then you already know these trucks well enough I could imagine. TO me, the 3.4 5VZ-FE is a great motor to throw in ANY old truck or the 2.7L 3RZ if you want a 4cyl... It's been done SO many times and it's well doumented and now fairly afordable to do. I wanted to swap in a 1KZ-Te but couldn't find a good price on a Half-Cut or a decent import motor so I went back the drawing board and built a stock 22RE... slow as all get out, but it just keeps going. Realy this truck is part tractor, part semi-highway comptent cruiser. Course I'm sometimes in 3rd or even 2nd with the flashers on doing 45 going over Mt. Hood... SO they have their advantages and disadvantages eh. Depends on wether you want something more rugged or more powerfull and more comfortable (speaking 3rd Gen -vs- 1st Gen.) since the 1st gen is really just a short cab short bed P/U with a pass-through and a factory canopy of sorts on it. It's also the closest thing to a "world-truck" toyota as we ever got (well the 83 and 84-85 SFA's although EVERYONE got the IFS 4Runners...) More so then any other N.American Toyota has been since it. I love thse old trucks so much. I alwasy marvle at how over-built they are compared to their rivals of the same era and even alot of newer trucks
but they're out there. Keep looking mate, you'll find one.On the milage front, it's all about GEARING GEARING GEARING... You've had a 94 22RE so maybe you already know this, but gear it to the tire size you want: IE 4.30 for 31's 4.88 for up to 35's and really 5.29's for anything over 35" tall. Skinny tires help too as you can fit 35X10.50's with ZERO lift on these old trucks (same drivetrain/suspension as your 94 as they have leaves out back like the P/U - something I really LIKE about them as it makes them ahndle a load better then alter 4-Runners w/ alot less Modification.) I would highly suggest OME springs and shocks for it as I absolutely LOVE my 1st gen. I'm 5"11 200lbs and the GF and I can sleep in the back VERY comfortably. I'd highly suggest going through ROdger Brown's 4Crawler web site as he hsa alot of practical knowledge and experience modifying these trucks and alot of easy fixes for common problems like the back window (including how to hot wire the control box so the switch works w or w/o the key in the iognition - something that is a must IMO for sleeping in the back)
ANy other Questions, just ask amway mate, there are more then a few of us here who have alot of time and love into these older trucks and I'm sure ifg you have a problem, one of us has gone though it an fixed it @ some point
DaveinDenver, DieselCruiserhead (as well as many others I'm forgetting for some reason) are a great wealth of info and have helped me out in the past with simple answers and alot of knowledge..Cheers
Dave
OOps... You had an 87 22RE... Well then you already know these trucks well enough I could imagine. TO me, the 3.4 5VZ-FE is a great motor to throw in ANY old truck or the 2.7L 3RZ if you want a 4cyl... It's been done SO many times and it's well doumented and now fairly afordable to do. I wanted to swap in a 1KZ-Te but couldn't find a good price on a Half-Cut or a decent import motor so I went back the drawing board and built a stock 22RE... slow as all get out, but it just keeps going. Realy this truck is part tractor, part semi-highway comptent cruiser. Course I'm sometimes in 3rd or even 2nd with the flashers on doing 45 going over Mt. Hood... SO they have their advantages and disadvantages eh. Depends on wether you want something more rugged or more powerfull and more comfortable (speaking 3rd Gen -vs- 1st Gen.) since the 1st gen is really just a short cab short bed P/U with a pass-through and a factory canopy of sorts on it. It's also the closest thing to a "world-truck" toyota as we ever got (well the 83 and 84-85 SFA's although EVERYONE got the IFS 4Runners...) More so then any other N.American Toyota has been since it. I love thse old trucks so much. I alwasy marvle at how over-built they are compared to their rivals of the same era and even alot of newer trucks
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RockyMtnFamily
Explorer
I had a 1985 Toyota XCab 4x4 that was lifted, stock gearing and had 33x12.50 tires on it. I averaged 25-26mpg on the highway and got 22-23mpg driving from Phoenix, AZ to Guatemala with a 1981 Toyota Longbed 4x4 Hitched BEHIND the truck (Flat towing). It had the power to do it but I had to do so at a leisurely speed. I would not hesitate to take a vehicle of this vintage on that same trip again in proper condition.
Kevin
I have wanted a first gen 4 runner since I was 14 years old, so 20 years later I finally got one in June of 09. I wanted a V6 5spd and found one for $1800 with a little rust, sunroof, tach dash, and overall pretty good shape. I fixed the rust, built some bumpers and sliders, beefed up the suspension with an extra leaf and shackles and love this thing. I specifically wanted a V6 5spd because of how easy a 3.4 swap is going to be. It bolts to the motor mounts and the more desirable R150 transmission. My 3.0 has 228K miles and actually pulls pretty well. I have a 1998 3.4 sitting in my shop and am excited to get started later this fall. I love these trucks and think the one you posted pics of looks to be in great shape. I would try to bargain the guy down a little and drop a 3.4 into it instead of rebuilding the 3.0. Good luck and keep us posted on what you do.
PirateMcGee
Expedition Leader
I don't really believe those fuel numbers man.......
a 2wd definitely, a 4wd maybe with stock tires, with 33's very unlikely, while towing uhhhhh noooo
unless of course you were towing down hill or at 35mph
Is this the coveted 1985? http://www.buysellcommunity.com/sale/YDHZGMSF/
Whitey
Adventurer
That is a pickup, not a 4runner.
