Advocate III
- 5,584
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Rose
- Member #
-
20990
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- W7FSB
- Service Branch
- US ARMY Retired
Its time for me to upgrade my wife into her own overlanding rig. She has her heart set on a 4Runner. She doesnt have her heart set on an exact one yet, we are just entering the research stage at this point. And as I (the lead mechanic and bread maker) have been researching the Runners, I quickly realized how little I know about them. Which has led me to several huge questions.
What is the generation break downs?
What engines and or generations were known for head issues?
How common are the head issues?
Is there a perminant fix for the said head issue?
What are the pros and cons of 2nd to 5th generation 4Runners?
I live in the Pacific North West, so rust isnt too bad around here, so what else do I need to be looking at in a used 4Runner?
Last question for now and probably already know the answer but want to hear others opinions.
If I found say a 1998-2000 4Runner for under 1500 with a V-6 and the add describes a blown head gasket, but the rest of the rig looks sound in the pictures do I even entertain the idea of purchasing the rig knowing I probably need to replace the heads as well? Rough esimate on how much it would cost to replace the heads myself. While I am in there what else should I fix? I know check the cylinders for scoring, wear on the cam, probably a good idea to replace timing components, water pump, thermostat, radiator, thermostat, heater core, and maybe the fan clutch while I have the top end apart. Or should I just set aside enough money to rebuild the engine from the get go?
Also on this hypothetical rig, its going to have an automatic transmission. Are there any known problems with the transmission that I wouldnt be able to tell existed before fixing the engine problems?
I know you guys are going to ask what the over all goals for the rig are going to be.
The 4Runner is going to be a daily driver, seeing mostly city driving to the grocery store, 30 mile round trips taking our daughter to and from school along with visiting my dad on weekends. Its going to be the dedicated family rig. The 4 runner is going to see mild trail use, might pull my 12' aluminum boat to the reservoirs for weekend camping trips at camp grounds, but nothing too agressive. For our typical overlanding expiditions we have my Bronco that is getting fully built for play, and winter use to get me to and from work (if I ever go back to work).
First and foremost we want a reliable rig that will fit the three of us compfortably even on long road trips. And we both feel that the 4Runner will fit our needs, and if purchased smartly can be achiveable with my limited income.
What is the generation break downs?
What engines and or generations were known for head issues?
How common are the head issues?
Is there a perminant fix for the said head issue?
What are the pros and cons of 2nd to 5th generation 4Runners?
I live in the Pacific North West, so rust isnt too bad around here, so what else do I need to be looking at in a used 4Runner?
Last question for now and probably already know the answer but want to hear others opinions.
If I found say a 1998-2000 4Runner for under 1500 with a V-6 and the add describes a blown head gasket, but the rest of the rig looks sound in the pictures do I even entertain the idea of purchasing the rig knowing I probably need to replace the heads as well? Rough esimate on how much it would cost to replace the heads myself. While I am in there what else should I fix? I know check the cylinders for scoring, wear on the cam, probably a good idea to replace timing components, water pump, thermostat, radiator, thermostat, heater core, and maybe the fan clutch while I have the top end apart. Or should I just set aside enough money to rebuild the engine from the get go?
Also on this hypothetical rig, its going to have an automatic transmission. Are there any known problems with the transmission that I wouldnt be able to tell existed before fixing the engine problems?
I know you guys are going to ask what the over all goals for the rig are going to be.
The 4Runner is going to be a daily driver, seeing mostly city driving to the grocery store, 30 mile round trips taking our daughter to and from school along with visiting my dad on weekends. Its going to be the dedicated family rig. The 4 runner is going to see mild trail use, might pull my 12' aluminum boat to the reservoirs for weekend camping trips at camp grounds, but nothing too agressive. For our typical overlanding expiditions we have my Bronco that is getting fully built for play, and winter use to get me to and from work (if I ever go back to work).
First and foremost we want a reliable rig that will fit the three of us compfortably even on long road trips. And we both feel that the 4Runner will fit our needs, and if purchased smartly can be achiveable with my limited income.
