I have a neighbor looking to sell a very clean bone stock Runner w/165k for $3500. Looking for pro's and con's please??

Main usage will be tech wheel'n and not so much mudd'n so I need to know if it's practical or should I get something else??

Also, any info regarding drivetrain issues I should be aware of would be nice.

Thanks in advance <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Sure! Any Toyota truck is good for 4wheeling!

The V6 and 5 speed is a great combo.

The 3.0 V6 in that truck gets a bad reputation though. Headgasket failure is common, as well as burnt valves. Its hit and miss. Some have constant problems, some never do. I had an 88 that never had any of these problems, ran great.

Id do a GOOD test drive and see if it runs well. No misfire, no smoke, clean oil (not like a milkshake) clean coolant. And just see if you like the truck.

If it runs well and looks good, buy it.

Theres plenty of offroad goodies available for it.

Would you recommend I look for a 4cyl instead?

I noticed in a much earlier thread you guys discussed in great detail about diff year frames and susp strengths.
I was kinda overwhelmed with the huge amount of info provided so any worries for me here??

If I get it I plan on doin some susp mods but want to make sure I have a solid base first.

The 22RE in a Runner is a bit of a dog, as it's a lot heavier than the truck. Otherwise, X2 what Adam said. We also have the FSM for that year stickied in the early Toys section. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

You also have a fair amount of Yota yards down there, and EB just down the road. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

Ok, so it sound like you're giving it a general thumbs up, what would be the first suggested upgrade before anything else?

Possibly engine or susp or gearing or ?

Probably gearing if it were me for the bucks. Gear codes are in the Toyota FAQ above for your perusal; check the data plate.

There are now a few folks here who've done the 3.0 to 3.4 swap; that article is compiled in the 'Wire's portal section. That one starts with a 2" body lift and a good donor.

IF a guy couldn't do that right away, the header would be next, as the #4/6 exhaust valves get toasted with the stock crossover; sawzall is your friend on that one. This is where I'd try and get a leakdown before you bought it, or at least to have a point of reference once you do buy it.

That generation of pre-Taco runners are nice lookin' rigs too. Make sure all the controls for the rear window work as well.

For technical wheeling you say? Rockcrawling right?

Id say, a rear locker, bigger tires, lower gears, suspension lift.

Start off with a rear locker. It will get you further than any one of the others alone.

Yes, tech wheeling and moderate rock crawling. All my buddies wheel modified jeeps so i'll be try'n to keep up with them!

Since i'm not familiar with the Yota just yet, what's involved in installing a rear locker and what gearing would you suggest?

I figured a susp lift and tires would be the easy part.

33-35" tires on a IFS is a good setup. 4.88 for 33's and 5.29's for 35's.

Setting up gears is a difficult job and requires specialized tools. Read up here http://www.gearinstalls.com/

But, the good thing about Toyotas, is you can swap 3rd members with an already setup gear in no time and its very easy. Another good thing, you can find FACTORY 4.88 gears in 92-95 4Runners with a V6 and auto. Then you can just swap over the front diff and rear 3rd member and be good to go. Otherwise you can remove your diff, and send it to someone to have it regeared, or buy an already regeared and locked diff and install it in place of whats in there.

Is this your daily driver? Weekend warrior? Trail rider? That should tell us what kind of locker to reccomend. Daily driver I would recommend a manual locker like the factory toyota electric or an ARB air locker. Trail rig you could just weld up the gears or install a spool. A good comprimise between the two is an aussie locker.

100% Toy. Not sure how soon I'll have a trailer to cart it to wheel'n spots? Probably won't get too aggressive with gearing till I have one.

This is a completly stock 93 V6 5spd, what do you think it has for gearing and how do I confirm?