1995 SR5 3.0V6 4WD

I just wrapped up a solid round of work on my ‘95 SR5 3.0 V6 4WD, so I figured I’d throw it into the 2nd Gen Builds thread for the folks who like the gritty stuff.
The rig had a rough life before I picked it up—blown head gasket, trashed suspension, steering so loose it felt like a suggestion, and a hacked “cold air” intake that was just a cone filter sucking in hot engine bay air.

Here's what I’ve tackled so far:

• Head gasket replacement
  
  
• Full fuel system overhaul
  
  
• CV axles
  
  
• Stock intake reinstalled (found it on eBay)
  
  
• Cap, rotor, plugs, wires
  
  
• Water pump
  
  
• Power steering pump
  
  
• Alternator
  
  
• Entire brake system (except for shockingly clean front rotors)
  
  
• Complete steering replacement
  
  
• Upper/lower ball joints
  
  
• ARB OME 2” lift (shocks, rear coils, front torsion bars)
  
  
• Wheels/tires from a 2005 Tacoma
  

Now the fun part—rust.
Everything steering-related fought me the whole way. Idler arm bolts were practically fused, and I had to torch a couple off. Pitman arm was absolutely seized on the steering box—took heat, a puller, and a lot of colorful language. Even the CV axles didn’t want to come out clean, but I was expecting that. I had to go slow with the torsion bar work too. Getting the old ones out meant breaking out the big hammer and soaking everything in penetrating oil for a few days before even touching a wrench.

Rear end sag was brutal—over 3 inches lower than stock ride height—so the new coils brought it back to life. It actually sits a bit proud now, which is fine by me since I’m planning on a rear bumper/tire carrier and other weight.

Steering now feels tight, braking is solid, and the stance finally looks like it should.

Still to come:

• Lockers
  
  
• Winch bumper
  
  
• Rear bumper with swing-out
  
  
• Rock sliders
  
  
• Skid plates
  
  
• Addressing rust (cut, patch, and preserve)
  

For being 30 years old, it is surprisingly functional—only the A/C and one door lock motor are dead. All in, I’m still under $7K total.

 

Nice work, I'm jealous. My old 95 hit a head gasket failure a few months and we decided to let it go. Still looking for a buyer!

 

The head gasket honestly is not that bad to replace. And while you're at it, a new water pump... it was like a 5 hr job in the garage.