Shopping for a 1st gen 4runner, any tips, problems to look for?

[neverestablished]

So after lurking around for a little while, I've finally decided that a 1st gen 4runner is what i want for my semi first trail/camping vehicle. I've had a couple of Jeeps before, 97 grand cherokee 2wd and 89 grand wagoneer 4wd. An xj was a close second but I just want to give toyota reputation a try and the body style is much cooler (convertible vs 4door, no competition). And i have a dream of putting a wildernest on the back. Most other brands and vehicles were ruled out because i want something common/easy to get parts for and four seats. I also have almost no experience except a year of auto shop so completely novice advise is preferable.

Im pretty familiar with the basics on them, sfa and ifs years and 22r and 22re years. Im open to all years because i think i wont be too tough on the ifs and i dont care if its carbed or injected. I do definitely want a manual which is more common anyways. AC would be nice. My budget is $2000 but if i can find something in good condition or an 85 i can probably go up to $3000 (saving for a house so im already overbudget before i start).

So does anyone have any suggestions of what to look for when inspecting them? Any problems to look for that i could find being a novice? Whats the most expensive problem that can arise? I'm probably going to see an 85 with a 22re/5sp in the next few days, is there any way to tell if an engine or transmission has been rebuilt? How much would it typically cost?

Thanks for your help in advance, my GF is blaming this forum is the single inspiration for me getting around to finally attempting to get another off road vehicle.

 

[RU55ELL]

Pretty much the same stuff as always, make sure it hasnt been wrecked (badly), clean title, etc. The only thing I can think of is the rust around the fenderwells.

 

[rdb4Runner]

I had a pickup with the 22RE 5spd, its still running like a champ over 300,000(not mine anymore). The timing chain ends up rubbing through the guards after awhile when it loses tension, so I'd check on that, whether the owner ever replaced it or not. You can hear the chain ticking against the metal if the guards are broken and haven't been fixed yet. I was going to get this kit when I did mine(I ended up just going OEM replacement) http://www.toyotacatalog.net/M1WebG...UniqueID=9587B2BE-4586-4F8D-A534-69F9E446E60D

good luck with your search.


P.S. you can also put your $3000 down on a car loan and get a 4th gen

 

[Martinjmpr]

I don't think it will be hard to find a vehicle like that, although it might be difficult to find one that hasn't been messed with. Personally I have a strong aversion to buying someone else's failed project, seems like buying a whole bunch of problems.

Just for fun the 2nd gen was also available with the 22re, so you might want to keep your eyes open for one of those, if you can live without the removable roof. You should be able to find a decent 2nd gen at the upper end of your price range.

I have been astonished at the number of 2nd gen 4runners I see on the road. I can spot the difference between a 2nd and a 3rd gen, now that I know what to look for, and it's amazing how many of those old 4runners are still on the road. I've heard horror stories about 3.0 V6 motors blowing head gaskets, but I sure see a lot of them around, so either the stories are exaggerated or these people are paying to have the HGs done, because they're everywhere!

EDITED TO ADD: My dad had a 1st gen 4runner. It was a 22re, 5 speed. He bought it new in 1988 and sold it to a neighbor 10 years later with over 200k on the clock. Last I heard the neighbor was still driving it around, 11 years later.

 

[E30RUNNER]

I had a pickup with the 22RE 5spd, its still running like a champ over 300,000(not mine anymore). The timing chain ends up rubbing through the guards after awhile when it loses tension, so I'd check on that, whether the owner ever replaced it or not. You can hear the chain ticking against the metal if the guards are broken and haven't been fixed yet. I was going to get this kit when I did mine(I ended up just going OEM replacement) http://www.toyotacatalog.net/M1WebG...UniqueID=9587B2BE-4586-4F8D-A534-69F9E446E60D

*2

I bought my 87 and didn't realize what the ticking noise was. My timing chain is loose and will need to be replaced soon but other than that it runs like a champ and It puts a smile on my face every time I get in it.

 

[Martinjmpr]

BTW I don't know what the market is like in SoCal but I just ran a quick CL search and found lots of 1st and 2nd gen 4runners in your price range, including several nice, clean 1st gens. You should have the pick of the litter.

 

[Cackalak Han]

I've got nothing to add except that whether it's a Toyota, Jeep, Ford, etc., parts wear and things break. I hope you're not expecting a maintenance-free vehicle, as it IS going to be 20+ years old.

 

[BIGdaddy]

they're great trucks. the 2nd gen v6 is prone to headgasket issues. but this was the stock headgasket from the factory. they've since updated the gasket from the dealer, so if it blows, you'll do it once and then never again likely. The design of the actual gasket was the problem.

1st gen runners generally have no issues other than the normal starter, alternater stuff. They don't run hot or have electrical issues, and though parts can be expensive, they are readily found everywhere. the best of the first gens is thought to be the 85 because its the last year of the solid axle and the first year of efi. I had an '86 and later an 87 with ifs, and they really aren't a problem as far as strength goes up to about a 32-33in tire.

All-pro offroad, Trailgear, Marlin-Crawler, ARB, etc all will help empty your wallet and build the truck to be the best it can. Lots of options.

It's going to suck getting people in and out of the back, but once they're in there, its a very comfy ride. Fit and finish inside is very Asian:tight, strong, drab looking, but lots of up-grades are available both in the custom sense and aftermarket.

the 22re is going to return 20's as far as MPG and get ready to go 55 up hills unless you re-gear. I was fine trading the utmost in reliability and offroadability for a rig that wheezed up the grapevine. neither truck ever left me stranded in my years and years of ownership.

Brian

 

[SAR_Squid79]

Crawl all over the exterior of the vehicle. Search high and low. Look at all the windows, windshield, doors, tailgate, fenders, bumpers. Look underneath the truck. Look under the hood, and all over the engine bay.

...If can find any indication what-so-ever of a TTORA decal - RUN! :sombrero:

 

[BlueBomber]

Some came with a turbo 22RE called the 22RTE. Its a good motor. The 22RE will be a little slow in a 4 runner (when compared to pick-up) but should keep going for a long time.

fun 22R trivia: when you start getting to 350hp, red RTV is needed to keep the flywheel bolted on the crank. not just on the bolts, but on the flange too.

 

[neverestablished]

I know to definitely check for the clean title and making the seller smog it too (been ripped off on both before). I know im buying a truck thats as old as me so im planning on spending on maintenance. I just wanted some tips to be able to spot a complete lemon that would need $2k worth of repairs right away.

I want to stay with a 1st gen to try out the Wildernest idea and for next foreseeable future it will be just me and the girlfriend with more passengers on occasion so the 2dr doent bother me. Definitely want to stay away from payments since this is taking away from a house down payment already.

I know there are plenty of them around socal but they seem to go pretty fast less then a week usually. and since im on the outskirts in Oxnard, i dont always have time to go see them.

Most of the ones i have seen seem to be at least lightly modified with 30-32" tires. I think this is a good size to start off with. Or should i aim for a completely stock rig?

I always hear of toyotas runnig to 300K but not really any more than that, does something happen at 300k? Most of the ones i have seen are in the 200k and up.

Thanks for the timing chain bit, anything else to look for???

ps nice meeting you this weekend BigDaddy
pss 22rte only came with an auto, i think. Soft of rare too.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

When you find one you like, you could always have a pre~purchase inspection done.

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/articles/Used-Car-Pre-Purchase-Inspection

This could actually save you a lot of money in the long run. It would also give you more bargaining power with the owner. Especially if the mechanic finds that expensive repairs are needed.

I would even negotiate the cost of the PPI with the owner. If you walk away from the buy, you would Not want to have paid the full cost of the PPI and hand a free PPI to the owner.




.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Previously, I had an 88 4Runner SR5 and it was an excellent vehicle.

22RE is the preferable engine in these IMO for reliability and MPG. I prefer the 5 spd manual with this engine vs. the automatic for obvious reasons.

IFS "Hi-Trac" system is good, but there is a known weak point on the frame at the rear of the lower A-arms... this can spread out if jumped or be bent in slightly during vigorous off roading - if it is bent one way or the other it will throw off the alignment or the steering wheel wont center.... There is a brace that addresses this issue (SWR has one on his)... look for this issue to ensure the frame is true. The auto hubs that come on some models are actually quite robust and I preferred them over the manual hubs.

.02

Read all about them here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_4Runner

 

[Whitey]

Definitely want to stay away from payments since this is taking away from a house down payment already.

My budget is $2000 but if i can find something in good condition or an 85 i can probably go up to $3000 (saving for a house so im already overbudget before i start).

This is just my opinion, but this is a screaming red flag. If you are even remotely serious about buying a house then you should do whatever it takes to get one in the near future. These trucks will always be around. You will never see these house prices and interest rates again.

 

[neverestablished]

I was seriously considering having it inspected. It does add $100 everytime i do it but its better than a $1000 mistake. Will a dealership mechanic be familiar enough with these trucks to see potential problems?

As far as getting the house, its not happening for at least another year because i dont even know where to buy it yet since my job is with a really small company in Oxnard far from my friends and family and i wanted to move back to OC or nothern san diego when i buy a house. My GF and i are both savers so were saving about half my income right now (shes unemployed) so when he time comes 3-4k wont make a huge difference in the down payment.