Replaced some leaky valve cover gaskets recently on our '91 4Runner.
Boy.....that engine is a PITA to work on. I really hate having to work
on it. Everything is so cramped and hard to get to.

The one thing I do like about the engine is that it is reliable and I
rarely have to get in there to work on it, but when I do, I hate the
layout.

BTW....thanks Toy Tech for the tips on the replacement.

Jay

I like mine, but I do hate working on it some times. That is why I replaced the passenger side exhaust manifold when I had the PS pump off. I also remove a lot of the non-working AC crap. If you get enough of the pieces, parts off then you can find the engine it is not that bad to work on!!!!!!!!:D :usa: :D

Aside from being under-powered, a PITA to work on, having an oil filter accessable only by a small contortionist.... I like mine. :)

Having DOA ported heads makes a nice difference as well.

Tell ya one thing, if I had to do it over again, I'd skip fixing the HG's and porting the heads and install a 3.4 instead!

:usa: I run the 3.0 V6 in two of my rigs and I like it.

The downer is that the front main seal and the gaskets for the valve covers
have a tendency to leak and yes they are hard to get to.

Once you remove the EFI/throttle body it is surprising to see just how
much engine is under there.

It is hard to find the oil filter but, my 4Runner got alot better with the SAS
and the body lift.

I converted my 4Runner to the V6 for two reasons:

1.) The 22R/22RE turn about 100 Hp stock and with mods including a
SuperCharger they can reach about 130 HP. The V6 factory stock is 150 HP
to start with. The 22RET was replaced by the 3.0 V6 because Toyota felt
it out performed the Turbo that was only made for a couple years.

2.) I had reached a limit with the 22R/22RE engine combos as far as power, and
eating trannies for lunch turning big tires (39" and up) and the 3.0 looked like a
good combination of more power, stronger trannies and emisssions legal.

*Also the addition of a electric fan will free up some space in the front of the
engine.

Over all I am very happy with it. It's not the engine for everybody but,
my needs are met so far.:usa:

Completely agree with you Jay. Were this engine not reliable or required a lot of work, it would have been gone a while ago. But in 104k, mine's needed hardly anything *knock on wood* - idler pulley and the HG campaign. All of the vacuum lines makes it look like a worm farm and space is at a premium, but it just keeps going...........

with a free shortblock @ 10 years & 185k how can you not like it? :D

The elimination of the stock fan, airbox and ex manifolds the view becomes much clearer. :eek:

It certainly is a pain to work on, but since it's so rare, we should be grateful................until we buy parts (ouch). :mad:

With the abuse mine has seen, you can't really knock it on the "overall" rating. :smokin:

Love mine? yes, PITA to work on? yes, but hardly ever have to work on it.

Do all you guys run stock timing spec. on you 3.0? When I first bought my runner I noticed it had quite a bit more power then anyother runner or p/u I had driven. Didn't think much of it really, until I was setting the timing after my T-belt had broken. It was advanced 16 degrees, where stock spec says 10 degrees thats where I set it. WOW I HAD ABSOLUTLY NO POWER at stock spec. I know advancing the timing will give more power, but man I'd say its at least another 20 horse.

I have no Idea how long it had been since it had been set that way, and the motor has 216,000 on it now and still runs like a champ. I realize this much advance will more than likely burn valves, but I can't stand driving it retarded, huge difference.

I have only noticed on problem, Ever since I've had my truck I've had to replace the plugs every 10,00miles(NGK V-power), it just kept burning them up, and now I know why. So I installed a set of BOSH platnum +4, only gone 3,000 since but they still loo great. So anyway I was wondering if anyone else had an experience with this before.

Originally posted by SUBLIME89
Do all you guys run stock timing spec. on you 3.0? When I first bought my runner I noticed it had quite a bit more power then anyother runner or p/u I had driven. Didn't think much of it really, until I was setting the timing after my T-belt had broken. It was advanced 16 degrees. Where stock spec says 10 degrees I set it there. WOW I HAD ABSOLUTLY NO POWER. I new advancing the timing would give more power, but man I'd say its at least another 20 horse. I have no Idea how long it had been since it had been set that way, and the motor has 216,000 on it now and still runs like a champ. I relize this much advance will more than likely burn valves, but I can't stand driving it retarded, huge difference. I have only noticed on problem, Ever since I've had my truck I've had to replace the plugs every 10,00miles(NGK V-power), these thing were burnt up. So I installed a set of BOSH platnum +4, only gone 3,000 since but they still loo great. So anyway I was wondering if anyone else had an experience with this before.

How do I insert text? or can I?



I'm pretty sure you just copy and paste.

I like mine just fine. I noticed a big power increase with headers and exhaust. I do have leave valve cover syndrome, though. I did'nt know that these motors were bad about that. Is it a real PITA to change em? Anyway, i'm just waiting to burn it up so I can drop a 350 in it. Unfourtuanatly, I probably got at least another 100k miles to go.

[QUOTE]I'm pretty sure you just copy and paste.



It works now:confused: :confused: :confused:

I had a 3.0 at the machine shop I R&R'd what a PITA. It was even a pain takin it apart- crank bolt- never had this much trouble with any of my4's
I rebuilt the heads on it- good thing I didn't have to adjust the valves in it - I don't have that much patience doing shims - got burned out on the VW/ Audi 5 cylinder crap.

I'll stick to the 4's or a 4.3 to work on - Heck i think my Turbo Omni is easier to work on:D

3.0V6 + auto + 35" tires + 5.29 gears = :barf:

Originally posted by 2FNLOW


1.) The 22R/22RE turn about 100 Hp stock and with mods including a
SuperCharger they can reach about 130 HP.

Not true. Stock 22RE is 116 HP. Add headers, 2.25" exhaust, cam, and air filter and tweak the AFM and you can get around 140.

Originally posted by 2FNLOW
:usa: I run the 3.0 V6 in two of my rigs and I like it.

The downer is that the front main seal and the gaskets for the valve covers
have a tendency to leak and yes they are hard to get to.

Once you remove the EFI/throttle body it is surprising to see just how
much engine is under there.

It is hard to find the oil filter but, my 4Runner got alot better with the SAS
and the body lift.

I converted my 4Runner to the V6 for two reasons:

1.) The 22R/22RE turn about 100 Hp stock and with mods including a
SuperCharger they can reach about 130 HP. The V6 factory stock is 150 HP
to start with. The 22RET was replaced by the 3.0 V6 because Toyota felt
it out performed the Turbo that was only made for a couple years.

2.) I had reached a limit with the 22R/22RE engine combos as far as power, and
eating trannies for lunch turning big tires (39" and up) and the 3.0 looked like a
good combination of more power, stronger trannies and emisssions legal.

*Also the addition of a electric fan will free up some space in the front of the
engine.

Over all I am very happy with it. It's not the engine for everybody but,
my needs are met so far.:usa:

nice sig:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: R we looking like JU yet?????:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by SeaBass44

nice sig:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: R we looking like JU yet?????:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Not only that, but he sure likes oversized lifts...

Back on topic, I like my V6. Even with the auto, it pulls nicely, I still get about 19mpg overall with the 33s, and the constant oil leak keeps my underbody rust free. Damn that starter though...

So, you guys with headers, has anyone run them to dual exhaust, getting rid of the crossover completely? It seems like a nice way to open the airflow, clear the underbody a bit, and use nice cheap 1.5 inch exhaust stuff...

Originally posted by Pazuzu



Back on topic, I like my V6. Even with the auto, it pulls nicely, I still get about 19mpg overall with the 33s,


19mpg with an auto? How the hell you get that. With 31's I only got 13mpg. Manuals usually get about 18mpg.

Originally posted by ROKTOY
Replaced some leaky valve cover gaskets recently on our '91 4Runner.
Boy.....that engine is a PITA to work on. I really hate having to work
on it. Everything is so cramped and hard to get to.



Did you adjust the valves while you where in there? I have seen a few 3.0 V6's burn exhaust valves from lack of adjustment.

Originally posted by Pazuzu

Not only that, but he sure likes oversized lifts...

Back on topic, I like my V6. Even with the auto, it pulls nicely, I still get about 19mpg overall with the 33s, and the constant oil leak keeps my underbody rust free. Damn that starter though...

So, you guys with headers, has anyone run them to dual exhaust, getting rid of the crossover completely? It seems like a nice way to open the airflow, clear the underbody a bit, and use nice cheap 1.5 inch exhaust stuff...


No, mines run into a single exhaust, but some mods may be needed in the future. I have heard that a dual t-case will hit the y-pipe. so, maybe i'll look into it when i get duals.

Originally posted by SuperRunner


19mpg with an auto? How the hell you get that. With 31's I only got 13mpg. Manuals usually get about 18mpg.

I was getting over 20 with the 31s and 4.10s...
It's called not gettin' it awn :D
Actually, I've always been suprised by the mileage. Mostly highway (65-75MPH), I can get almost 300 miles on a tank before the light comes on. While driving to Seattle, with the 31s and 4.10s, hitting speeds of 95+, I got 22mpg for one tank...100% highway.
Oh, engine had 150K, I've put over 60K on in less than 2 years.

Actually I was just thinking about 90-95 Runners. Trucks and Pre 90 Runners probably get better. I only got around 13mpg. As soon as I stuck on 35's even with 5.29 gears I dropped to about 9.

Right now I get 11mpg with 35's and 4.10 gears but I have 300+hp :D Can't wait till I pu in the 4.88's

Originally posted by gadget


Did you adjust the valves while you where in there? I have seen a few 3.0 V6's burn exhaust valves from lack of adjustment.

How long has anyone gone before deciding to perform the valve adjustment?

Very reliable!!
VERY gutless!

I never had any leaks. The head gasket problem was gasket design flaw an hey after 155,000....Toyota rebuilt my whole engine for free.
They've earned my respect forever.
Tom

I like my 3VZE. 150K miles, runs fairly strong. Had the head gaskets done already so I don't have to worry about that. I get 19-21mpg in it, and it has plenty of power for me. If I keep the RPM's between 3500-4500, I can climb just about any mountain pass at 70-80mph if I want to, although I usually don't push it that hard. When I had 29" tires I got 20-22mpg easily, and that was with a big lumber rack on. Took that off, put 31's on, and get 17-20 most of the time. I recently took it on a 1000 mile trip down to LA and back (to Reno) and got 20mpg average. Not bad!

I like my 93' V6 just fine, we've put about 12,000 miles on it and had it about 18 months. Toyota done the HG's on 60,000 on warrenty for the previous owner so dont expect to many probs.

Yeah, its tight under the bonnet, but the oil filter not a big deal with one of those 3 leg spyder filter removers that go on a socket. the only other job has been the starter contacts.The wife even changed the plugs herself when I serviced it :D

We easly get 20-25mpg on a run,without going nuts. Its all stock apart from 31' A/T's and 2" rear coils. the electric fan made a noticeable difference to economy (and noise when its cold).

On the power thing, We dont get nice V8's and full size trucks like you to compare with. Its rivals are the Mitsubushi Shogun/Pajaro's, Ford Mavericks and Nissan Patrols,etc and It hasnt been embarressed yet :) (most people here buy deisels and these are no problem to out perform).

Overall, I've been very happy with my 3.0 V6. Bought it at 88,000 miles, has 146,000 on it now. Doesn't have a lot of power, but I've driven worse. Gas mileage stinks, have never gotten more than 280 miles to a tank, and that was once. In the winter I typically get 200 miles/tank, rest of the year 230 or so. MPG doesn't improve much on the highway. As to the complaints about the oil filter, I have never felt that it is particuarly hard to change. I just turn the wheel all the way to the left, sit in the wheel well, and reach right in. No biggie. Since I bought it, headgaskets were done at 95,000 free by Toyota even though they were not blown, waterpump started leaking just before that, and it leaks oil. Had rear main seal replaced and oil pan resealed this summer as they were both leaking. Tech said valve cover gaskets were leaking too but I opted to not change them yet, so it still leaks a little, but nothing to worry about as I loose/burn about 1/2 quart in 3000 miles. So besides the oil leaks, the engine has been bullet proof. No other problems with it yet (knock on wood).

I do find the maze of vacuum lines a pain , but the positives of this motor really outweigh the negs . For me , it's my daily driver . Had it since day one ( June 1991 ) , and it's never really let me down ( k.o.w. ) . Pretty decent fuel milage ( average 19 mpg. in summer only ) even with 33's , and I just love the feel of her in 4low in the mud . Once past three grand , it's like a two-stroker . She'll happily buzz around my local stomping ground all weekend ( the foothills of the Rockies ) , and smoothly take me home with nary a hiccup . And other then maintanence or warrenty work , I've never put a dime into it yet ( n.o.w. ) .
Also , Sublime89 , I too have noticed a difference in power between a buddies' and mine . It pisses him off that mine had just a bit more ummpff . Now I know why , thank you . And no , I wouldn't be telling ...

After reading this thread I guess I will set timing back to adv. 15 degrees (its at 0 now) and see how it goes. Im having trouble in 1 gear / low rpms.

stock 89 4runner. 270,000km. Still runs like a champ. No leaks after changing the valve cover gasket. Head gasket never done. I am the 3rd owner. What an energizer bunny.

I have (had) a 88 Runner 3.0 V-6, 2nd owner, just turned 190k, never had a head gasket problem , and seemed to run around 3500 to 4800 rpm just fine,!!,

BUT,,,,,,
I layed the Runner over last year (passenger side),, and had to pull all 6 plugs to get it started again, a PITA,, but it started eventually,,,


3 weeks ago I wasnt as lucky ,:(
I again layed it over, (passenger side again),, this time when trying to start it,(plugs in) just a click,(like a dead battery),, so out came all 6 spark plugs again,!! ONLY this time when cranking the engine over, (only made about 1, 1/2 revolutions), there was a bang,!
the damage consisted of a broken rod (#6), and the broken rod took out the main bearing cap webbing,, (lots of parts in the oil pan)

OH well, I now get to decide to either V-8/V-6, (GM), or 22re my Runner ,, the 3.0 ,is a thing of the past in my world!!
,
...funny thing is a friend layed his 83 Toy 22r over in the exact same spot about 15 minutes before me,,
and after uprighting his rig, he casually hit the starter and fired it right up,, it smoked for about 5 minutes and off he went;!
:confused:

Originally posted by webilt
I layed the Runner over last year (passenger side),,
I again layed it over, (passenger side again)

I've learned that the oiling in the V6 is assymetric, the drivers side is weaker. NEVER EVER lay your V6 rig on the passenger side ;)

The cam I damaged was the driver's side...and when the oil is low, I can tell because sharp left turns pulls the oil from the driver's side enough to give valve noise, while the same right hand turn doesn't make any noise.

I love mine. Made it to 190k on the original motor and HG. But it started using oil. and i layed it on the pass side. About 2 months later it blew a HG and when the heads came off there was some serious cylinder wall scoring. So its all rebuilt now with lots of DOA goodies and headers. What a difference that made. BUT If i was to do it over i would have put a 3.4 with a SC in it. for about the same cost.

the old lady bought her 94 runner w/ auto ( stock 4:88 gears ) about 2.5 yrs ago w/ 170,000 miles on it and i haven't had any trouble from it at all really. had to replace a power steering pump and brakes and thats about all i have had to do to it. the oil pan gasket is leaking pretty good and i need to do that ( need to search up a little bit on the PBB for info on it) this winter. it isn't a workhorse motor,but i have no complaints besides the fawkin auto trans :D

but she said after she gets a new runner,i can either turn it into a new trail rig ( i doubt it with its size and weight) or i can swap out the rearend (v6 w/ 4:88 gears) and other parts for my trail rig ;) or maybe just strip it all and throw it into a buggy :)

Originally posted by Pazuzu


I've learned that the oiling in the V6 is assymetric, the drivers side is weaker. NEVER EVER lay your V6 rig on the passenger side ;)

The cam I damaged was the driver's side...and when the oil is low, I can tell because sharp left turns pulls the oil from the driver's side enough to give valve noise, while the same right hand turn doesn't make any noise.

Interesting you say that, I rolled mine good a few years back on the passenger side onto the roof, and I must've burnt out something cause I had a dead cylinder for a while then the whole engine died shortly after.
Great engine though, I got a used replacement for 600$ and its been running ever since. Definately lacking in power, but it runs great and keeps running. I've never had to think twice whether or not it'll start up.

Originally posted by rockota
Aside from being under-powered, a PITA to work on, having an oil filter accessable only by a small contortionist.... :)



Can always remote mount the filter or put the filter int he middle of the block like the 2wd 1 tons do

My favorite moment with my 3VZE was when I drove to the wrecking yard after hours, unstrapped it from the tail of my trailer, got back in the tow rig and floored it...

So far so good with mine. 111k miles. I bought it with 87k from the original owner. I've put the downey headers on it with the dual cases (downey's crossover wouldn't work with the dual cases). I've also put on the DOA bored throttle body. It'll easily run up over Donner pass (well over 7000 feet elevation) at 75 mph on the 35's. It does have the passenger side valve cover leaking, not looking forward to changing it. Had fun this weekend outrunning my buddies 4.0 wrangler over the pass.

I really like mine too, with 155,000 no probs thus far, and I have a friend with 245,000 on his and so far he's just had to rebuild the head. Pretty good dont ya think?
I'm glad to see all of the positive feedback on this thread, considering all the bad rap these motors have gotten in the past. I've always liked mine and I laugh at all my buds with their 4 bangers on the way to the trail, and on the trail, because my motor has got gobs more torque. It makes my stock t-case ratio almost liveable, so when I go duals with 5.0's in the rear case I should be pretty damn happy.:)

P.O.S.

I'd rather have a 21R-U.

mine made it to 86k replaced the HG, went another 80k, then got a burnt valve, the mechanic messed up the whole motor. I replaced it with a motor from japandirect.com. So far this motor has performed well, if I would have been on POR then I definately would have gone with the 3.4. Had a hell of a time finding a good replacement 3.0, I think 3.4 are more available.

Originally posted by Heavy Metal Toy
P.O.S.

I'd rather have a 21R-U.

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I don't know if I would go that far....

I think for it's time and the emissions challenges Toyota faced at that time, it's a decent engine. I think the 88 models have more nuts, but have never had one on a dyno to prove it.

The same vintage 305 and 350 GM engines are a gutless POS for the most part too, and plenty of them have blown the HGs, just happens that GM didn't choose to do a campaign like Toyota, so you never hear about them.

I think overall the engine just got a bad rap for the HG problem, but Toyota made it MORE than good with the campaign with most I know. It lacks power and uses more gas than it should for the power, but it will do it all day long for years and years.

I don't know, I've somewhat lost faith in mine. Had the HG fixed at around 60k on toyota, then again at 120k but this time we had to pay. Just recently, at 170k I had to have the PS pump rebuilt, and the waterpump replaced but that's to be expected at 170k. In the back of my mind I keep thinking it's only a matter of time before the HG goes again. I'm just hoping it'll last long enough that I'll be able to buy a house, and a DD so I can really build it up. That'll be a couple years though.

For all the crap the 3-vze has gotten from various people running it, there is clear evidence that it runs forever if taken care of properly. When I originally bought my 90 Toy it had the 3-VZ and had a pretty bad knock. The truck had also been sitting for over four years. So with fouled gas and some major rod knock I managed to get the thing started. Unfortunately the lines were so rusted that the gas would leak out before it reached the injectors. The motor was tough though. Still turned over and it had over 210,000 on it. I bought the truck with the blown motor because I had plans of installing a 4.3. Well, pulled the 3.0 and still managed to get $350 for it on ebay complete with accessories. Not bad. So overall I think if you aren't too concerned with torque and overall hp, it is a reliable motor. Just get a manual if that is possible, the autos suck horses and mpg

I rolled my 94 truck over on roof when I got it flipped back over I pulled the plugs, cranked it, added more oil and ran it. it ran strong considering the air box crushed the distriputer (sp) cap breaking 2 cables off. so basicly it became a V4:D next day got new dis cap and its runs like a champ.

also before all that happened my friend has the same truck with 22re we both have 31" and I could fly by him up hill with a full load when he is empty.

Originally posted by montezuma
Add some headers and exhaust, and you will run this motor into the ground with 170+ horse power.

170+ HP???

good one...

a few years ago, i saw one mag with a dyno on it. 110 rear wheels HP.

when i get off my lazy butt, i'll dyno mine.

the (now leaking) downey headers didnt do jack for me.

the 150 HP numbers that toyota put on the sales brochures is crank HP numbers...

Mine's a big turd w/ shitty mileage. Used to be reliable though, until this:

http://wburke.home.insightbb.com/forums/HGFail015.jpg

Now it's still a turd w/ shitty mileage. :flipoff2:

136k and the HG is still holding......knock on wood.

Jay

Our 1995 4-Runner only has 60k miles so far. No problems
to date. No HG replacements. Only mod so far is
a set of 32-11.50-15 MTs on stock aluminum wheels.
I wish it had more power but don't want to give
up on the reliability.

The manual says it's time to adjust the valve lash
on this thing. What's involved? On one of the above
posts I saw a reference to shims? Do the rockers not have
an adjustment?...

I've got mixed feelings about my 3.0. I had the HG go out around 130k or so, and Toyota replaced it. That was all great until about 160k when it threw a rod bearing. I replaced it with a rebuilt one from a shop at it's run great ever since.

I'll agree that it's a biotch to work on, and there's very little room under the hood for any thing else like air or an onboard welder set up. With the right gearing, the power is fine for day to day driving and nice for some wheeling situations.

I'll also agree with the above post, my Downey headers didn't do shit for me other than force me to run a 2" body lift cause they didn't fit! I still won't buy anything from those jerks cause of that whole ordeal!

My 1989 4-Runner V6 has 232,300 on it and still runs like a champ! I have owned if for just over a year. Bought it with 200,000 on it. I feel like if this thing dies then great. It has performed well over what I though possible. I did own a 1991 Toy V6 extra cab, HG went at 91,000, Toyota did fix it under the campaign but it never ran the same. Sounded like shit and mileage was pathetic. It was stolen with 115,000 on it and it was still running. Over all I say these motors are great. You will never get as many miles with an American engine. These things just keep running with little in maintenance costs. That’s my two cents.

I just got mine this last summer. 94 extra cab, had 195,000 miles, 100,000 since toyota replaced the engine (HG). Couple days after I bought it, check engine light came on, been getting like 13-14 mpg, even cruising steadily from one side of washignton to the other. Runs ruffer than my shitty carbed mazda I had before. Replaced spark plugs, they were pretty fouled up and had twice or more the gap the book says it needs. Distributor was worn down, so I replaced it, no change. Does seem a little under powered for a 6. Air filter seems pretty clean. Found one vaccuum tube that just has a screw put in it, but cant find where it goes to. Its on the right in the back of the compartment. Any ideas? hahaha...

:flipoff2: me for not looking closer at the engine compartment...
and :flipoff: the guy who sold it to me, probably reset the check engine light when I tested it.
KHull

wow, didnt see how old this thread was. oh well.

they suck......you need parts?

haha

yeah probably need parts, but two problems
1. dont know which parts
2. going to school right now, no money.
:flipoff2: school. i should be finishing a paper right now

My first toyota had the 3.0 in it. I was told by many people that the head gasket was the first thing to go bad on them. Two months after i bought it, they were right the head gasket died. After being replaced though, it did have adequete power. I could break my 33's loose on pavement. Now with my new mall cruiser the 2.4 has a hard time with the 39 inch boggers.

that underpowered POS motor. i swear toyota measured the outside dimensions of that motor and designed an engine compartment that was only a 1/2" bigger than the engine all the way around it.:flipoff2:

i got lucky, sold my 94 runner with 198,000 on it and it still ran good. everytime we drove it with that many miles on it, i felt like a time bomb was gonna go off.

My girlfriend bought a 92 Extra Cab with a 3.0 a few months back after she rolled her cherry 90 4 cylinder 4runner. It came with the head gasket recall done and a mere 110,000 miles. So far, it has ran like a champ. It is a bitch to work on sometimes, but overall i like the truck. doesnt seem that much more powerful than my 22RE with headers and exhaust but it gets her around fine. Shitty gas mileage though...now the bitch had better keep this truck on all fours.

Replaced some leaky valve cover gaskets recently on our '91 4Runner.
Boy.....that engine is a PITA to work on. I really hate having to work
on it. Everything is so cramped and hard to get to.

The one thing I do like about the engine is that it is reliable and I
rarely have to get in there to work on it, but when I do, I hate the
layout.

BTW....thanks Toy Tech for the tips on the replacement.

Jay


I just had to go threw this. Wow what a PITA one of my bolts in the back snapped. I said fuck it and it's not leaking thankfully but damn it's tighter then a nuns ass

Oh my holy gawd this engine is a complete PIA to work on!!!!!

However, it is a pretty decent engine in regards of power over the 4 banger and it has been fairly maintenace free.... even with 240k on the odometer.

And yeah I know it's an old thread:flipoff2:

Just wanted to say again, FAWKIN PIA to work on the3.0!!!!!!!!!!!

My girlfriend bought a 92 Extra Cab with a 3.0 a few months back after she rolled her cherry 90 4 cylinder 4runner. It came with the head gasket recall done and a mere 110,000 miles. So far, it has ran like a champ. It is a bitch to work on sometimes, but overall i like the truck. doesnt seem that much more powerful than my 22RE with headers and exhaust but it gets her around fine. Shitty gas mileage though...now the bitch had better keep this truck on all fours.

You better hope "The Girlfriend" doesn't read this post or your nuts will be hangin from the front door my friend.

The 3.0 slow is the best engine ever huge hp and a shit load of torque. Very easy to work on if you have a sawzall, plasma cutter, and a couple of hand gernades, parts are dirt cheap and pulling your hair out is so much fun when working on this awesome motor. Resurecting old threads is also fun Woot Woot.

You better hope "The Girlfriend" doesn't read this post or your nuts will be hangin from the front door my friend.

The 3.0 slow is the best engine ever huge hp and a shit load of torque. Very easy to work on if you have a sawzall, plasma cutter, and a couple of hand gernades, parts are dirt cheap and pulling your hair out is so much fun when working on this awesome motor. Resurecting old threads is also fun Woot Woot.

If 'the girlfriend' was going to read it, she would have 4 years ago when that post was made..

Since we are here.. Are there any good resources on what vacuum stuff is necessary? There is a giant box in the intake tube connected to a vacuum line. My shock hoop wants to be there.

I had a 88 x-cab that could light up some bald 38s I never took it soft with that truck wound up hydro-ing the sucker cranked it by hand then turned over till i put two rods through the block and drove it 12 miles back to town I love them for that but for anything else i have owned they suck hard

If 'the girlfriend' was going to read it, she would have 4 years ago when that post was made..

Since we are here.. Are there any good resources on what vacuum stuff is necessary? There is a giant box in the intake tube connected to a vacuum line. My shock hoop wants to be there.

Get a manual and figure out what's what, and it should be clear as to what you can ditch and what you can't. I know on my 22RE I've only got 3 vacuum lines after de-smogging. Only un-needed thing I left is the idle up for the steering.

I had a 88 x-cab that could light up some bald 38s I never took it soft with that truck wound up hydro-ing the sucker cranked it by hand then turned over till i put two rods through the block and drove it 12 miles back to town I love them for that but for anything else i have owned they suck hard

i had a moped that would spin the tires easily, especially on gravel

Replaced my 3.0 with a 3.4 and it has more power, better mileage, and simpler to work on.

My 3.0 was a crappy.

My next vehicle, if it has a 3.0, will get swapped as well.

let me clear that up bald 38s on dry pathment i guess i got the lucky pos engine

200,000+ miles on mine. The speedo cable hasn't been hooked up for two years since I did dual cases. Not a daily driver though. Mine will spin my 36" Iroks on pavement if I want it to. I have no complaints with mine.