what 4runner would you pick?

[SixLug]

SO, I sold my truck and now want another 4Runner. I loved my last one and still miss it. I have two really good choices and I need help.

#1. 92 with 200K on it, *5 SPEED*, excellent condition, new clutch, no mention of a headgasket recall done, couple of minor small stuff it needs like a pass. side window switch, but otherwise ok. $3500 but might be talked down. Red. 3.slow

Likes: 5 speed, b/c I will be doing a lot of interstate travel with it.
Dislikes: Red, 200K on the clock, but otherwise nothing else.

#2 95 with 157K, Auto, excellent condition from what I can see, grey, brushguard, sunroof, running boards, just a nicer looking 4runner. $4000 also 3.slow

Likes: all except the auto
Dislikes: AUTO!

What do you guys think??? Help! What do you all think is better for an expedition style platform?

 

[Dave Bennett]

The 95 with the slushbox is my pick :costumed-smiley-007

 

[SixLug]

Thanks, any particular reason?

 

[slosurfer]

The '92 with the manual.

Why you ask, because I have a '93 with an auto. :wings: I love my rig but really wish it was a manual. The OD on the auto's is so high that it won't hold OD very well even with stockers on. 3.0 with the auto is rediculously slow, especially when you are climbing grades at altitude. For an expedition rig, I think the manual would be more reliable. I do like the auto on the trails though.

 

[SixLug]

Yeah, I loved my old rig with the auto for wheelin, but on the interstate and just around in general, it was S-L-O-W. Thanks for ya'lls input. The other bad thing about the 95 is that its at a dealer, so they'll want more plus all the "fees".

Another good point someone on Yotatech brought up was that I should get the vins and see if they are eligible for the headgasket recall.

 

[Arivalsend]

Go with the 92

I would have to vote for the 92 on this. I am all about the 5spd. I like them better for all around driving but I really find them excellent for offroad. They just let me feel as though I am driving and not my damn slushbox. The mileage is a drawback and will require you to do some investigation before purchase. I would do a coverall kind of check of the vehicle. Its older and has it been maintained. The clutch is a good thing, but it is a given as well. How much blow-by the the engine have? Is it leaking fluids that you can see? In my experience the 3vze engines are very reliable if they have been maintained. I have had two of them now that I have been over 260k with. One I rebuilt at 90k so that one was easier to go the distance with. I would also say that their price could be budged pretty easily when you tell them that you are going to have to do the usual mods they will get (ie brakes, suspension, tires, water pump, timing belt. Also make sure this thing is not ticking. I have had many encouters with the wrist pins on these binding up. In most cases from no fault of the engine design just poor ownership. If its tapping audibly dont bite on it. These are overhead cams and they dont tap

In my experience though that truck is a pretty good one. I like the frame setup and parts have held up well. I had a 94 with the same setup. They are good rigs. Good luck on the choice. I would say no way on the auto in this engine though

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I put Downey Headers on my 3.0 and a Magnaflow High flow cat and muffler. Also a littler larger at the rear tailpipe (not too wide, you still need some backpressure). ..........and my power is just fine.

But if it were me...........

I would not again choose a 4Runner with the 3.0 V6. Study up A Lot on the 3.0V6 before you buy and you will then understand.

I would hold out for a little bit newer model with the 3.4V6.

But I still love my 4Runner!


.

 

[SixLug]

I would have to vote for the 92 on this. I am all about the 5spd. I like them better for all around driving but I really find them excellent for offroad. They just let me feel as though I am driving and not my damn slushbox. The mileage is a drawback and will require you to do some investigation before purchase. I would do a coverall kind of check of the vehicle. Its older and has it been maintained. The clutch is a good thing, but it is a given as well. How much blow-by the the engine have? Is it leaking fluids that you can see? In my experience the 3vze engines are very reliable if they have been maintained. I have had two of them now that I have been over 260k with. One I rebuilt at 90k so that one was easier to go the distance with. I would also say that their price could be budged pretty easily when you tell them that you are going to have to do the usual mods they will get (ie brakes, suspension, tires, water pump, timing belt. Also make sure this thing is not ticking. I have had many encouters with the wrist pins on these binding up. In most cases from no fault of the engine design just poor ownership. If its tapping audibly dont bite on it. These are overhead cams and they dont tap

In my experience though that truck is a pretty good one. I like the frame setup and parts have held up well. I had a 94 with the same setup. They are good rigs. Good luck on the choice. I would say no way on the auto in this engine though

awesome info, thanks for the help. I am personally leaning towards the 5 spd, but just wanted some opinions. I will check all those things though. Thanks!


Wonderrunner....Ive had a 2nd gen before so I know about how weak that 3.0 is...I cant really wait or afford a 3rd gen right now. But the 3.0, minus the stupid headgasket and poor exhaust design, is pretty freakin strong. Thanks for you input though!

 

[Jacket]

I would not again choose a 4Runner with the 3.0 V6. Study up A Lot on the 3.0V6 before you buy and you will then understand.

I would hold out for a little bit newer model with the 3.4V6.

.

x2. It wasn't what you asked, but having owned a 2nd and 3rd gen myself, I'd try and find a 3.4 V6 in your price range. If not - then I would opt for the 92 with 5 spd (that's exactly what I had). I wouldn't want an auto tranny with the 3.0 V6.

 

[Clay]

x2. It wasn't what you asked, but having owned a 2nd and 3rd gen myself, I'd try and find a 3.4 V6 in your price range. If not - then I would opt for the 92 with 5 spd (that's exactly what I had). I wouldn't want an auto tranny with the 3.0 V6.

I had an '89 4runner with a 3.0 and an auto and I would NOT recommend this tranny. They suck the power out of this motor in a serious way. I would also recommend trying to hold out for a latter model with a 3.4 if you could.

 

[kcowyo]

x2. I wouldn't want an auto tranny with the 3.0 V6.

x3.sl0

I'm another who had an '89 with the 3.0 and the auto tranny. I absolutely loved the body style of the first gens but I was completely underwhelmed by the 3.0 and AT combo.

For reliability it was fine though. The last time I saw my old '89, it had over 211K on the clock and was still rolling. So I believe they will run forever with good maintenance and some TLC.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Thanks, any particular reason?

You cant beat the auto for easy trail driving, thats why I crossed over to the slushbox camp a few years back... I drove manuals for 20 years before I saw the light.

Now, for the 3.0 engine and the auto tranny, I havent driven one so I defer to those here who know how that combo performs.

The 3.4 is obviously preferable... but so is the 4.0 :shakin:

I'm another who had an '89 with the 3.0 and the auto tranny. I absolutely loved the body style of the first gens but I was completely underwhelmed by the 3.0 and AT combo.

I had an '88 with the 22RE and 5-speed and it was gutless with 31's... but I loved that thing and it could damn near climb a tree in 4LO!

 

[SixLug]

Ok, so nevermind on the 95 with the auto. Like ive said, I owned a 93 with the auto and 3.0 and it was slow, you all just reminded me of that. So no to the auto.

I do not, repeat, DO NOT have the option to get a 3rd gen at this time. For 2-3 grand less, I can get a 2nd gen with the same miles. So thats what Im gonna do.

Thanks to all for your input though..I did find it helpful. One day, I will own a 3rd gen tho.

 

[Cackalak Han]

If you don't have the option for a 3.4L, I'd go for the 22RE. At least you will have better MPG's and a timing chain.

Here's how I'd rank the engines:

1 - 4.0L V6
2 - 3.4L V6
3 - 22RE
4 - 3.0L V6

 

[Westy]

If it hasnt been said enough already...

The Auto trans and 3.0 results in terrible gas mileage and bad shift points, no power. The R150, 5 speed that was available for those 4runners is one of THE best manual transmissions that Toyota put in the trucks/4runners.

I would highly recommend finding a Toyota with a 22RE, they are hard to come by in a 2nd gen 4runner though.

-OR - save up some more and buy a 3rd gen 4runner with the 3.4.

Good luck in your hunt.