First off - sorry for what may become a somewhat long post. I've been looking for an older pickup for a trail rig. I found a 1989 4x4 with a 22RE, 5 speed, and 230K miles. The timing chain and clutch were replaced about 3 years ago by the owner previous to the current owner (work done by himself - not a mechanic). I encountered a couple of issues during an inspection that I would like your opinion on.

Shifting the transmission into second gear I can only describe as notchy - it took a medium amount of force to get it into second gear like something was going into a notch. The other gears shifted smoothly. The transmission has 230K miles - I'd like your opinion if you think that it's rebuild time or if Redline fluid/shifter bushing might fix this. I've encountered worn shifter bushings before, and this didn't seem the same.

The other issue was, when I took off the radiator cap to inspect the coolant level (engine cold), the coolant came gushing out when the cap was released from the neck of the radiator. I've never had this happen with all the other Toyota vehicles I've owned, and am concerned that the coolant may be getting pressurized. I checked the oil via the dipstick and under the filler cap for evidence of a head gasket leak, and didn't find any milky fluid. I also didn't see any white smoke or sweet exhaust smell when I started it. The owner had it parked during the winter and when he started it up a week ago, it leaked a few drops of coolant on the ground at the back of the engine (couldn't tell where the leak was coming from). He took it to a mechanic who couldn't reproduce the leak. I'm not sure if the HG has been replaced. At any rate, I'd also appreciate any thoughts regarding this pressurized cooling issue.

Thanks for your help.

How much is he asking?

The 3rd gen(89-95) transmissions if serviced regularly should last several 100k, like the engine. If you want to get a good listen to the tranny w/o road or driveline noise, turn the engine on and leave the E-brake on, then shift the T-case in neutral, you can then accelerate the engine and shift through the gears while sitting still. You will be able to hear if the tranny is bad.

When you say the radiator fluid came gushing out did it spray out or just bubble out? When it is a warm or hot day mine will sometimes do that even when the engine is cold.

Depending on the asking price even if the tranny needs to be rebuilt and the HG replaced it could be a good buy. Here in CA it would sell for around $2k for a stock rig needing an HG and tranny rebuild, providing the rest of the rig was clean.

I'd rather not disclose the price in the event he is a member here; it is priced in the range of the kelly blue book for private party sale.

Snowtoy, thanks - that's a great suggestion for the transmission. Regarding the coolant - it was rainy and 44 degrees when I looked at the truck. I put my hand on the valve cover and radiator to feel for heat - I obviously didn't want to release the radiator cap if the engine was hot. It is quite possible that he started it earlier in the day but cooled down and still had residual pressure. Toyotas are very reliable, but I think that with 230K miles both the engine and transmission are at the end of life and need rebuilding.

My concern is economic as well. I live in Michigan where vehicles are dominated by the big three. The market here for a Toyota with 230K miles is non-existant. When it's time to sell, it will be difficult to recoup the rebuilding cost.

The hard shifting in the tranny could be as simple as the shifter seat bushing being worn out. $16 part from Marlin Crawler and about an hour to change it, includung making a make-shift shop-vac attachment to get all the old pieces out.
Bian894x4 has a great writeup on this process.

Welcome to the board!
I also live in MI, not many Toy's around my area either.

as for resale ,Ive never seen any body have a hard time selling a toyota of any year.heck around here raged out parts trucks that dont run and have no title can go for 3-500.you wont have to look hard to find a buyer for a decent toyota truck of any year.for that matter sell it right here,or check out the 4sale area and see.what ever is wrong with it its easy enough to fix and 230k doesnt mean its at the end at all,maybe if it was one of the "big three" but not a toyota.If you like the truck get it,if not dont.but if you dont someone else will <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/sleeping.gif" alt="" /> ,toyotas just dont sit around 4sale for long be it a car truck or whatever.just my 2cents

230k isn't bad at all if the engine has been serviced regularly. My Dad's '86 2wd has over 300k(all original miles) on it and the engine compression is still in the 150psi range. Since the '89 is priced in the KBB range I would do a compression check and valve adjustment(if needed), then recheck the compression. IIRC, the comp range is iether 125-175psi or 135-175psi for the 22r(e). If the compression is anywhere above 150psi you are good for sometime to come. If you don't want to do the check yourself, take the truck to a Toyota dealer or import mechanic who is experienced with Toyota's and have them inspect it. It shouldn't run you more than $100-150, and would help your peace of mind, if you do decide to buy it.