I am picking up a 1994 4X4 Extended Cab Toyota Truck with a 3.0 V6 tomorrow.I am not super familar with the truck as I am a recently recovered Chevyaholic. If you could help me answer just a few quick questions that I have I would really appreciate it.

How do I find out if this truck has a P-Trac rear end?

Is it normal for the valve covers to start leaking at 180,000 miles?

What are the best or most important mods for this truck?

Timing belt, water pump and Plug wires replaced 10,000 ago. Are there any other things that should be replaced or serviced?

How about air bags support for bed loads and trailer pulling?

Thanx in advance guys for your help.

1. psoi trac? no they never came with it from the factory. but you can do tests to see if the diff contains a locker or a LSD or some other traction aiding device...

2. yes...

3. to do what?

4. infamous head gasket recall. see if thagt was done on it. otherwise, this truck just needs the normal TLC...

5. look for AILINK, IIRC. i bought a set for my 4runner which uses coils instead of leafs for your truck. they do sell a coil spring assembly to bolt between the frame and the axle... check your local RV shop...

I would have the valves shimmed, it runs about $400, they will replace the valve cover gaskets, upper intake gaskets etc, when they shim the valves. The main problem with these engines is that they do burn exhaust valves, mainly the #5 and #6 valves, so staying on top of them can reduce this problem. Some here have done the job themselves, too much of a headache IMO, and I have rebuilt the top end on this motor.

Upgrades other than the exhaust(muffler and cat) are pricey. The mod's I have done to mine(in order) K&N FIPK plus my own custom cold air induction system for about $300, Jacobs ignition system for about $500, a Black Magic electric fan for about $250, and after my 2nd burnt valve in 6yrs a set of headers and exhaust for about $600. I am not sure about overall HP gains(too cheap to pay for a dyno), but I can climb to 7k ft summitat 70-75 and still get 17-21 mpg on the highway with my truck weighing over 5200lbs with all of the usual airflow reducing 4x4 upgrades(lift, large tires, lights rack, big flat bumper, etc.). IMO the upgrades helped, no individual one shinned by itself, but together they work well.

An airbag kit for it will run about $250 not including compressor, check Summit.com, or a tire/service store like Les Swab.

I am excited. I am going to pick it up today. Anyway, As far as mods go I want to get the best mpg I can get out of it. I will hauls some pretty heavy loads for the constructions sites but it will be a rare occassion. I do like to go off road frequently and have owned several 4X4 trucks averything form stock up to an 8" lift that I did myself. I do not plan to lift this truck initially but a few more horses would be nice.

I would see how it performs for your needs before putting a lot of money into performance upgrades, it may be enough for you. I know back when my rig was new and still stock it was fast enough for my needs,

Another popular upgrade is to do an engine swap when the 3.0 gives up, is to do a 3.4 swap, or the Vortec 4.3, both run about $4500, some have done it cheaper, it depends on how many parts you buy or are able to make yourself. I considered the 3.4 swap 2 yrs ago, but I was unable to rebuild the top end and add headers for about the same cost as the wiring conversion harness at the time.