Author Topic: Is it worth it? (Read 3291 times)

Keesey · « **on:** Dec 02, 2013, 07:39:26 PM »

Ive been on this site before (I just forgot my username and password its been so long). Anyways Ive got an 88 4Runner that Ive had for about 7 years now and Ive been really attached to it since I got it but now Im starting to run into some engine trouble..... My question is... is it worth it to drop a bunch of money into it and try to save it or should I just part ways with it and get a new truck? I don't do a lot of offroading anymore but I do go hunting a good bit but its also my daily driver. All the mechanics we are taking it to keep saying the same thing that its gonna cost a lot to fix. Yes before anyone asks a few of them we have taken it to are trusted mechanics we have used for years. This is my first car Ive ever owned and I love it (minus the no A/C in summer, but I deal with it) but I just cant afford to drop 8 grand into it to only have it last a few years longer. If I won the lottery or had a bigger pay check this wouldn't even be a question I would fix it immediately but sadly I don't have that kinda change laying around

Any thoughts on what to do?

toyotaman88 · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 02, 2013, 07:56:17 PM »

What exactly is the issue with the motor thats goona cost 8 grand

Keesey · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 02, 2013, 08:33:31 PM »

They said there is like a crack in the block or something like that. One of the other mechanics said there was something wrong with the seal on the head. From everything Ive been told is its either gonna cost a lot to rebuild it or I will have to put a new engine in it

Rocksurfer · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 02, 2013, 09:03:37 PM »

I'm thinking you are being ripped off, period! $8,000.00 would get you a completely restored 88 4Runner. I don't even think a Toyota Dealer would charge that much for an engine rebuild. Hell if you want I'll cut that price by $2,000.00, take it to my mechanic and pocket the extra $3,000.00.

jimbo74 · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 02, 2013, 09:15:27 PM »

8k?!

you can get a brand new built engine from lc engineering for way less than that, and then even pay someone to put it in......

lc has top notch stuff.......

8k for an engine is ridiculous...... with the runner already, you could replace the entire drivetrain including adding a doubler, and custom shafts and pay someone to install it with the engine, for under $8k!

Snowtoy · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 02, 2013, 10:49:36 PM »

What else is wrong with the Runner?, with a price of $8k they have to be doing more than just an engine rebuild/swap with a new/used engine. For $8k you could have a 3rz, 3.4, 2jz(w/w/o turbo), with a few $1000 left over.

toyodaaddict · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 10:27:39 AM »

im assuming 22re? $8000

if all we're talkin about is an engine rebuild thats outrageous. an option im considering is 22re performance check it out. are you up to pulling/installing it yourself? i think your looking at more like 2-$3000 for a quality long block. the answer is simple fix that toyota and keep on

1985CRAWLER · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 11:08:56 AM »

these guys are all correct! one word.. 22reperformance.com . if it really does need a new motor id go with them or LCE.

8K? you can get a fully built rig for less than that. i just did a motor swap over the summer in my 85 4runner and it cost me a little under 2K. i did everything myself except for the machine work. had jim over at 22reperformance handle that part and the intake porting. he ships long blocks as well all over the country.

as for labor if u cant do it yourself, a shop shouldnt charge anymore then 1k id say. it doesnt require alot of time to swap a 22re. ..hell id do the swap for 500 just cuz i find it fun working on toyotas.

it could just need a new head gasket or have a cracked head or have a oil/coolant leak that makes them think it has a crack in the block. unless it overheated i doubt it has a crack in the block but who knows...

DON'T PAY 8K!

twistedtoy92 · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 02:00:19 PM »

I'd build you 3 engines for that price! Someone is dicking you around.

You can buy used Japanese engines for less than a grand all day long.

H8PVMNT · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 03:29:13 PM »

2 in the head, you know their dead...

Keesey · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 06:23:43 PM »

Thanks for the info yall. I kind of felt like it was a little bit too much but just thought I would ask here first and see what everyone thought. I'm definitely going to go check out those sites and see what they have to offer. Like I said I've really become attached to the truck and don't want to get rid of it if I don't have to

Honestly I'm not up for doing it myself one because I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to car stuff. I never had anybody that would show me how to do it

4runner · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 06:49:52 PM »

where are you located.....maybe one of us on here could give you a hand and a few pointers

Rocksurfer · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 07:06:50 PM »

If you are anywhere near Norco, Ca or Culver City, Ca I have two really good friends that will do this for you. I've known both of them for many years as friends not just a mechanic and both do very good work and are reasonable since they don't have the overhead of a shop.

Keesey · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 09:00:54 PM »

I live in North Georgia…

twistedtoy92 · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 09:37:18 PM »

if you are on a budget I highly recommend buying a used japanese motor!

Cheesemaker · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 03, 2013, 11:30:38 PM »

22RE's is a stupid easy swap. I just followed the FSM to the letter and no issues. And I've never pulled a motor before.

Hayestiffin · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 07:38:55 AM »

If you are in north ga. There is a Toyota savage yard in Cleveland tn. www.importsupportcars.com or check Craigslist of Chattanooga.

Vang530 · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 04, 2013, 03:41:44 PM »

rebuild it yourself for 1k+
buy a new one for 1.5k-2.5k+
take chances a used one for 400+

the 22re is really easy to work on for any beginners, invest $200 on tools, rent an engine hoist, get a buddy or two, and swap in a new one in less than a day! there are a boat load of videos on youtube and forum posts like us and yotatech that can help you along the way, including service manuals.. but if this is your daily driver and you need it back on the road asap just buy a new engine for 1.5k+ and pay a mechanic to drop it in and only cry once. $Beer Chug\'n$

Snowtoy · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 06, 2013, 03:34:39 PM »

Quote from: Keesey on Dec 03, 2013, 06:23:43 PM

Honestly I'm not up for doing it myself one because I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to car stuff. I never had anybody that would show me how to do it

If you have any mechanical ability at all, you should be able to do a straight long block swap, it is barely harder than changing a tire, you just need to take your time with the removal/install. If you can take the time and have the room to try it, attempting it shouldn't hurt you financially, you could always resale the used engine along with the Runner.

Cheesemaker · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 06, 2013, 09:51:29 PM »

When I swapped over motors, I pulled the old one, set it right beside the new one, took each part off, cleaned it, painted them and installed them on the new motor. One part at a time. The only hard part for me was getting the old motor to break away from the bellhousing, and lining up the input shaft in the pilot bearing of the new motor. Alot of cussing, and beer drinking to think out the problem. I wouldn't hesitate in doing a swap again.

UndefinedTaco · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 07, 2013, 09:48:33 PM »

I can take out a 22RE and put another one back in the same truck in less then 10 hours and it be driving down the road..while drinking beer(of course when the swap is taking place). If you have the correct equipment and all your tools layed out ahead of time...The last one I did with help of a buddy...we did had the motor out in 2.5 hours..the other one all fully dressed within 3 hours of drinking beer and cleaning...then back in with the rest of the time..
Hell I took a 22R out of my 1st gen(with help of a forklift), in like a hour and a half LOL.
I had all the tools layed out I knew I needed..down to exact amount of extensions.
No air tools, just my cordless 1/4" impact for small bolts.

You can get a reconditioned 22re for $1000 if you look around..

22re swap for swap are dumbass easy....

Keesey [OP]

Keesey [OP]

Keesey [OP]

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