Looking at a '95 4Runner.....

Searched around here a bit, but would really like some good knowledge from people who any of the 2nd generation Runners or just know about them.

This is a '95 with 132K on it, Auto tranny. I know a lot of the quirks of the 3.0 already, or the 3slow, as it's known, which is the firs quirk. I know about the head gasket issue, as I have had 2 friends blow them in the pickups. Just really wondering about the auto tranny and rear end in these 4Runners. Is this a strong automatic? I know it all depends on how it was cared for, but in general is it a decent tranny. Would have preffered a 5spd, but they are impossible to find, and if you do find one they are beat up or have 200K on them.

I assume the rear end is the same as the pickups, seems to be a pretty tough rear, but looks a little small to me, but then again I am used to Nissan rear ends, which are huge.

So any useful all around info on this vehicle would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

Mine's a 5spd, so i don't know about the automatic, but i'd assume because of the 3.0 vs. weight issue, it's just enough. if you're not aware of the butt sag on this generation, it's considerable. half of the runners i see are suffering. the rear also rides tight, like the pickups.

Yeah I've noticed the "butt sag" for years seeing them on the road, but this one doesn't seem to have it. I always thought it was due to weak leafs in the back, but when I looked under this thing today, it had coils and control arms links, I was surprised. What exactly causes the sag, is it weak bushings or crappy coils?

The truck is real clean, tranny pan, transfer case and oil pan are all dry. The engine runs nice, idles smooth, but I did notice a loud "squeaking" type of noise on top front driver side at idle, near where the air plenum comes down by the valve cover, couldn't tell excatly where it was coming from, but it seems to me that I've always heard this 3.0 be a little squeaky and loud on my friends pickups. The squeak went away when I took it off idle, but comes right back at idle, and pretty loud. Is this a known thing on the 3.0?

Also noticed that when I rev the engine the Temp gauge bugs out, and the needle jumps down to C, and then back to the middle. I'm thinking either the coolant temp sensor is shot or possibly some air in the cooling system.

Seems like a great truck though, any opinions on this generation 4Runner would be great. I'm pretty psyched on this thing. Wish it was 5spd, but what can you do, they are tough to find.

Mike

mmcpeck, Hi there I thought I would add my 2 cents on this one.
I have a 1994 4Runner 3.0 Liter with auto locking hubs and an auto tranny.
I've had my yoda for 9 years now and except for the problems with the head gasket and there is a recall on the front end, I can't think of the name of it jezzz, its a pitman arm or something like that. I'm sure Brian would know what I mean, BUT it has a Recall and is totally covered by toyota costing you zilch, unless your have a wheel aligment and I'm Not sure if thats covered after replacing the pitman arm or not?
But I love my 4Runner and they will bury me in it if at all possible lol. I did have a Major Problem with it hesitating and stalling but I had that fixed and it turned out to be , in my case, the sensor at the rear of the engine close to the firewall. I was told it was damaged when the head gaskets were replaced but that it took a while to completly die.
The auto tranny has and still is working great, I have No Major Issues with my 4Runner at this point and like I said I'll be buried in it if it's up to me lol
I also love the ECT button for extra power , especially on the highway, it really makes a Big Difference when you need that Extra Power For Passing cars on the highway. I've Never used it while I was in 4wheel drive for extra pulling power so I can't say whether it helps in that department or not, but it adds Alot of Power For You on the Highway BUT if also Eats the Gas while your using it.
The only other problem I can think of the actuator in the front end that locks in your front end for 4 wheel drive may get bad on you but thats not a major cost either. Oh and the coils in the rear end are what cause the Butt Sag noticable on almost all older 4Runners so new coils will fix that.
All in all I love my Yoda and wouldn't get rid of it for anything else out there as far as a 4wheeler.
This is just my opinion and my 2 cents worth.
But if you think you found a good rig and if it works as good as mine does you'll Love It.
Good Luck, mmcpeck.
Later, Ozzy :smokin:

I am with OzzyO, I do drive an 89 4Runner but have put a 95 V6 in mine and well I love it. Completely reliable, chews a bit of fuel but it gets me every where I want to go and in good time. Rain, Snow whatever the weather. Mountaineering, Snowboarding all things it does what I need and then some and never complains. The but sag I put a "helper" leaf in, and I have no issues. The whole loud squeaking thing I think I read an article here about it quite a while back and it was a loose nut or something by the front end some where, maybe the front seat bolts causing it? I may be wrong as I have been on a number of occasions but seems slightly familiar to me. As for the recall on the front end ??? That I don't know and would like to know anything I could on it. My head was done a while back and have had no issues since the recall fix. Still I love my 4Runner and have since the day I first ever jumped into one. They are excellent vehicles in my opinion.

The recall on the "front end" you refer to is for the steering relay rod.