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

[BlueBomber]

One more thing about the 22RE. If you find one with a warped head, pass! You can get the block and head milled straight, but it will still probably smoke. The thermostat will get stuck and cause the temp. gauge to get all the way into the red before it "pops" unless you drill a small hole in it to let a small bit of coolant pass. Something about the cold coolant on one side keeping it from opening. Drilling the hole lets warm coolant past the thermostat and lets it warm up evenly, allowing it to open. Thats about all the 22RE "problems" I know of. good luck in your search!

 

[BlueBomber]

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/index.shtml

this website has a diffrent way to fix the Thermostat problem. lots of cheap tricks, too!!!!

 

[neverestablished]

How can i tell if the head is warped?
That website looks useful.

 

[BlueBomber]

The one my dad bought ran like crap and when we pulled the plugs there was crap stuck to them and it smelled of antifreeze. sometimes oil will show up in the radiator or coolant will be in the oil (it looks like a dirty milkshake when you pull the dipstick).

 

[Gatordoc]

I own an 88 V6 1st gen 4runner, and perviously owned a '94 V6 pickup, both 5 speeds. I didn't have a lick of trouble with either of them, in spite of the common perception that the 3VZE is junk. The one in the 4runner had 280k miles on it when I rebuilt it, I sold the pickup with 190k on it and it was running fine at the time.

That being said, I would still recommend the 22R(E) engine over the 3VZE because: 1) it gets much better better fuel economy (20s vs mid teens) 2) it is more reliable and MUCH easier to work on 3) there is a huge aftermarket for 22R series engines, not to mention the countless number of them to be found in junkyards; not so much with the 3VZE.

Just be patient and get exactly what you want; I bought mine on impulse and while I don't exactly regret it (I love my 4runner!) I know that I could have done better if I had been patient.

SoCal is an IDEAL place to buy older cars as they are generally in decent shape and mostly free of rust.

Good Luck!