Never owned before: advise needed: 94 4Runner to good overland.
- Thread starter Ndjinn
- Start date
taggart_lumpy
Adventurer
3.4 swap if the 3.slow
I also have a '94 pickup, same frame and drivetrain, different body and I'm curious, how do I know the gasket job has been done? I'm pushing 340000 km's and there aren't any running issues, minus two engine codes...
And whats the 3.4 and 3.slow? my truck certainly feels underpowered
And whats the 3.4 and 3.slow? my truck certainly feels underpowered
corax
Explorer
The dealer should be able to run the VIN and tell you if the head gasket recall has been done. Some people make it out to be more of an issue than it really is. Yes, the 3.0 is kinda underwhelming in power and fuel economy and the design wasn't Toyota's best, but it's no worse than any of the domestics.
3.0 = 3VZE engine
3.4 = 5VZE engine
Honestly, if you've built other rigs, this should be no different. The IFS is reasonably stout and should be able to handle 35's with no problem, but of course you'll want to regear if you decide to go that big. I think you should be able to fit 32's with no lift, using a ball-joint spacer lift or cranking the torsion bars for 1" lift should get you into a nice set of skinny 33's
3.0 = 3VZE engine
3.4 = 5VZE engine
Honestly, if you've built other rigs, this should be no different. The IFS is reasonably stout and should be able to handle 35's with no problem, but of course you'll want to regear if you decide to go that big. I think you should be able to fit 32's with no lift, using a ball-joint spacer lift or cranking the torsion bars for 1" lift should get you into a nice set of skinny 33's
tanglefoot
ExPoseur
It all depends on what you want to do with it. For a lot of stuff, it's probably plenty capable already. Those OME springs should give you better suspension flex to help keep tires on the ground and maintain traction.
If you do still find you're running out of traction, a differential locker is a big help to keep both wheels on an axle powering ahead. I put a LockRight from Powertrax in the rear axle because it was one of the cheapest to buy and I could install it myself without re-setting the gear contact patch. I'm really happy with it.
If you feel like you need lower gearing, there are plenty of options, to replacing the original low-range gearset to adding an additional transfer case. Marlin Crawlers and Advanced Adapters are helpful companies for this.
I would definitely feel out the truck on the type of terrain you want to cover and then decide what you want to change, if anything.
If you do still find you're running out of traction, a differential locker is a big help to keep both wheels on an axle powering ahead. I put a LockRight from Powertrax in the rear axle because it was one of the cheapest to buy and I could install it myself without re-setting the gear contact patch. I'm really happy with it.
If you feel like you need lower gearing, there are plenty of options, to replacing the original low-range gearset to adding an additional transfer case. Marlin Crawlers and Advanced Adapters are helpful companies for this.
I would definitely feel out the truck on the type of terrain you want to cover and then decide what you want to change, if anything.