From what I have read, noone likes their 3.0L, it is bad on gas and it is a dog as well. But I have been in the market for a 4runner 86-89, and i am picky. I found one that has everything i want it and how i want it and for the right price, BUT it is a 3.0L V6, which i would rather not have.
Should I continue to shop for another, or is the 3.0L V6 not as bad I i have been lead to believe? Is there any drive train or brake upgrades on the V6 models?

yep, the V6 pickups and 4runners have better front calipers, a larger master cylinder, and stronger rear 3rd member.

In my opinion the 3.0V6 is only a dog so long as you are considering it against the potential of a 3.0 V6. It's a bit of a pig on gas mileage, but only a little worse than the four banger.

Muffin Man

The biggest worry about the 3.0 is the headgasket issue. In my opinion, the only saving grace is that there are a lot of Toyota V-6 models out there with either nearly brand new or rebuilt motors from the factory for a decent price, because Toyota replaced a heck of a lot of short blocks and rebuilt a heck of a lot of motors during that recall. Just be sure when they said it was rebuilt that it was done by a dealer or reputable person. A new motor would be best.

Then again, if all they did was replace the headgaskets, then you risk problems in the future if they didn't do the job properly or if the motor overheated and it warped the heads etc.

If the truck has the original headgaskets you have even worse problems. Any dealer can run the vin to find out what the warrenty work history is.

The advantages of the 22RE are better mileage, bulletproof motor as long you replace the timing chain when it comes due and simplicity. Plus parts are a dime a dozen.

I don't mind my 3.0.It has 254k on it and is apart right now for headgasket replacement but I have an auto trans so the V6 is a must.My brother has an 85 4runner and with the 5spd has enough power and has rolled 300k.I think if I was in the market for an 85-89 I would get the 22re for the reasons stated above.If I was getting a 90-95 I would get the 3.0 but check the history and be careful what you buy.If you get the VIN I can run it for open Campaigns just shoot me an e-mail at [email]kcourtright@germainlexus.com.[/email]

Yeah, but I run 33x12.5 Pro Comps with my 22RE and stock gearing. I still get 19-20mpg. I don't know many 3.0's that can boast those numbers. If they can, chime in! I had the option of buying a cheap 4Runner is really good shape, but ended up walking away because it had the 3.0. There's nothing WRONG with the engine (besides the recall and gas mileage), but personally, I'd stick with the 4 banger for its added reliability. (Not sayin the 3.0 isn't reliable) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I love my 3.0. I really don't know why some people call it a 3.slow. When the 3.0 came out, GMC was using a 2.8 V6 in their trucks. Now, THAT was a horrible engine.

It uses more gas than the 22R. But, the extra horsepower is worth it. I've drived 22R trucks and I would never want to go back.

The headgasket problem was only for the 1990 and newer models. In fact early 3.4s had the same failure. It isn't like 22Rs don't have headgasket failures. I've replaced plenty of them for friends. And, dare I bring up the 22R's plastic timing chain guides?

Basically, the 3VZE is just as reliable as the 22R. It is just as easy to work on. The only downside is that it comes with a chain driven transfercase. But, Marlin has a solution for that.

I to love my 3.0 so far i have installed the k&n intake and a magna flow exhaust. I also just recently upgraded to 33X11.0 and have found my mileage has only droped 1 mpg (from about 17-18) and i dont think thats to bad for it also being an automatic

Had a 3.0 4 runner, I hated it, slow and awful on gas. I would never stray from the bullet proof 22re again.

Actually the earlier V-6 models had problems too, but the recall for them ended early because Toyota chose to make the cut off for '87 and '88 models, 10 years.

Any headgasket issues with the 22R series is almost exclusively related to overheating the motor. When overheated, the headgasket can fail, just as it can on any motor, but headgasket failure on the 22R/RE because of defects are almost unheard of. Most 22Rs go many hundreds of thousands of miles on the original head gaskets. The timing chain is definately an issue, but for the most part it's predictable, you get an audiable warning for a period of time and for anyone with a basic mechanical knowledge it can be fixed for only the cost of parts. Then you have another couple hundred thousand worry free miles ahead of you.

The problem with the V-6 headgasket issue is that damage to the block and cylinder can and does occure without the owner even knowing about it as the leak is usually internal and slow. That's why Toyota had to replace so many motors. So, as if replacing the headgaskets wasn't enough of a pain, now you have to worry if the block was scorched as well. If it was still under recall, it wasn't as big a deal, but now any damage will come out of your pocket. Its not as easy of a fix for the backyard mechanic either.

Otherwise, the V-6 is a darn good motor. Heck, much of its design was carried over for the 3.4 V-6 and most of us wish we had that wonderful motor in our trucks instead. If I was looking for a V-6 truck, I'd look for one with a newer motor that was replaced by Toyota. Then at least it would be worth it. Usually the price doesn't reflect the new motor.