Known issues with 1991 PU

[TwoTrack]

I am looking to buy a new truck, well, not new but anyway. What should I check out on a 1991 Toyo PU? It has 94k original miles and is a 4cyl 4x4. If I bought this truck Im not sure if I would use it as a DD or if I would turn towards expo style. What is the aftermarket support like with a truck this old?

Here is a link to the posting.

Thanks for you help.

 

[Applejack]

No real issues with the 4cyl trucks especially with the pre-Tacoma trucks.
That mileage is incredible for a '91 too.

 

[TwoTrack]

Yea, its one of those "It looks to good to be true". Its banged up a little bit but not bad at all for being a 91.

 

[Toyotero]

Known issues? Pretty much none.

The 22RE is considered underpowered by most US customers. 110 hp... to make up for it, it is one of the engines that Toyota's built its reputation for reliability. The auto transmissions are good too, although they sap more power from the engine than a manual trans.

If you go to see this truck, check out why the hood is a little open in the photos... it could be that they simply didn't lock it down, but it could be evidence of a collision and rebuild. Get a carfax report on the VIN.

The price is a high, but that mileage is a great selling point. At 100K miles, the 22RE is just now broken in. Seriously... you could expect to get another 100K-200K miles out of it if it was not horribly neglected.

An FYI History lesson:

• Tacomas (1995.5-present) are a USA only model, manufactured in the USA for the domestic market (NUMMI in CA, then moved to San Antonio plant)
• Pre-1995 Toyota trucks are Hiluxes, although they weren't badged with a nameplate for the US since the 1970s, with some 1991-1994 manufactured at NUMMI.

Aftermarket support for this model is HUGE. It was basically the same vehicle from 1986 to 1994 in regards to engine, suspension, etc. The 22RE was in them from 1982 (or 81?) to 1994 (as well as the Celicas, Coronas and 4Runners). Repair parts are cheap, both new from auto parts stores and used from salvage yards.
www.marlincrawler.com, www.allprooffroad.com, www.trail-gear.com, etc, etc, etc...


It looks like a good truck to me. Check the frame for rust if it might have been in an area where they salt the roads in winter.


EDIT: the FSM (factory service manual) for this model/year is available free online.
http://www.yotatech.com/f128/toyota-factory-service-manuals-fsm-all-years-156128/
get it and dig in.

Best of luck!

 

[PirateMcGee]

No real issues........ask if the timing chain has been done

as for aftermarket parts, I would say only second to Jeep and only second because there is not as much stupid crap for the yota's as there is for jeeps.

 

[Co-opski]

Never heard of a 91 Tacoma.

 

[TwoTrack]

Never heard of a 91 Tacoma.

Yea, that was my fault. I was corrected by toyotero which you can read above.


Title changed.

 

[tanglefoot]

I'm a big fan of the 22re. It isn't fast, but it's so easy to own.

What are you saying about a '91 being old?! :sombrero: I'd consider that to be quite new.

Yes, you might want a new timing chain soon if it hasn't been done. I believe the replacement interval is 75k but I don't think it's a problem to stretch it out to about 100k. The chains aren't nearly as volatile as the belts.

Yes, you can get any imaginable replacement and aftermarket part for them...the support is probably better than most new cars.

Just take it for a drive and try everything out...the T-case, the front hubs...listen to everything.

I imagine the hood just isn't clicked down but you could find out. There is a threaded, adjustable rubber damper under the hood on each side. If it won't latch, you can screw them down a little. If the hood rattles when it's closed, you can thread them upwards a little.

 

[1911]

The 22RE engine is one of the best Toyota has ever produced (for its purpose) IMO. Easy to work on, easy to hot-rod, easy to rebuild. The only real maintenance/longevity issue with this motor is the timing chain guides, which were made of plastic and tend to wear out and break at +/- 100,000 miles. If they break and are not replaced (the truck will keep running very happily with them broken) then the timing chain has enough slack in it to eventually saw through the timing case into a coolant gallery, thereby mixing your coolant and crankcase oil. So be sure to check the radiator for "milkshake" instead of coolant, and if the chain guides have not been replaced then replace them very soon with metal guides from D.O.A. Racing Engines : http://www.doaracingengines.com/page13/page13.html

Replace the timing chain, sprockets, and the front main oil seal while you're in there for cheap insurance.