1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Sad Day

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by Day5fishing, Sep 22, 2016.

  1. Sep 22, 2016 at 6:30 PM
    #1
    Day5fishing

    Day5fishing [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2016
    Member:
    #1519
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Vehicle:
    2003 silver sr5
    My 03 SR5 V6 255000 miles finally took a dump. Pretty sure the left bank blew the head gasket. The veh I bought new with 7 miles on her, and she has served me very well and very reliable. From what I have read it will cost from 2000 to 4000 to fix. I just don't know with 250000 if it would be worth it to fix. The car in in great shape and still looks fantastic. I just can't justify spending that kind of money on her. What to do? I guess I am looking for my fellow loyal Toyota gals and guys advice. I don't know how to post pictures of her but could email if anyone would like to see her. I am in central Florida just north of Orlando and west of Daytona beach. Thank you for reading and hearing my my sad tale.
    Jim
     
  2. Sep 22, 2016 at 6:33 PM
    #2
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2014
    Member:
    #12
    Messages:
    2,580
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ethan
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4X4 Galactic Gray
    If you're comparing cost vs vehicle value then it doesn't make sense to fix it, but if you have emotional attachment and are willing to spend the money, why not? It's basically a down payment for another car, and if you think you can get another 250k then that's all up to you. At this point the vehicle doesn't really owe you anything
     
    Bob likes this.
  3. Sep 22, 2016 at 8:21 PM
    #3
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2014
    Member:
    #55
    Messages:
    1,376
    Gender:
    Male
    "Not all who wander are lost"
    Vehicle:
    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    Let me help you out a little bit man. I have had this same conversation many of times with customers at my counter at our family's automotive shop so hear it goes.

    No matter what anyone tells you a headgasket will have to be replaced at some point period. It's a gasket just like a rear main seal, valve covers gaskets etc etc etc.

    Is this repair exapensive,yes it is. It's not cheap I never sugar coat it BUT hear is the good news. Other than you not changing the oil and throwing a rod out of the engine block you will not be doing any repairs for quite a long time because everything from the head gaskets will pretty much be new because it comes as a complete kit for all the gaskets. New spark plugs will be installed, new ignition wires and everything will be cleaned and serviced while it's apart ( It better be anyway!)

    The options while it's apart are to do the timing belt kit and water pump if it not been changed and also think about changing the other fluids if you can swing it that way everything is done and fresh. This will buy you 100,000 miles of almost trouble free drive in the car baring an altornator or battery dosent die on you but that about that only other thing in the engine bay that dosent get replaced or really serviced. The only other possible thing that might cost you some real money down the road is a rear main seal that might leak because that's on the back of the engine and not the top of the engine were all the work will be done and the front of the engine to fix this 4runner right.

    Now also think about this. Two things- if you put 4-5k down on a car next month and for the next 48-72 months you will still be getting a bill for the new truck or car.

    Next if you go and buy a 4-5k car I promise you that you will be spending more money to fix the issues it has because it's a used car.

    My advise to you. FIX the 4runner. It's a nice rig from the sounds of it and you took care of it. This is a normal thing that happens and so many have been in your shoes.

    I hope this help you out. I just this on 99 and did all the work myself and I wish I would have paid my own shop to do it. I did it but fuck my time was worth something but it was fun and o know it inside and out.

    Blue
     
    xdelmar, J-ROC, TN_TRAIL and 4 others like this.
  4. Sep 22, 2016 at 10:09 PM
    #4
    tpham18nm

    tpham18nm New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2016
    Member:
    #2479
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    Id rather put 2-4k down to fix the runner rather than purchase a new car/truck. 4Runners are reliable and you have it's full service history. Think it'll go another 50k? If so, 2-4k for another three to four years of driving doesn't seem too bad.
     
    Husky Driver and brnt2180 like this.
  5. Sep 22, 2016 at 10:29 PM
    #5
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2014
    Member:
    #55
    Messages:
    1,376
    Gender:
    Male
    "Not all who wander are lost"
    Vehicle:
    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    It will go Alot more than 50 after that bud... Alot more
     
  6. Sep 23, 2016 at 7:22 AM
    #6
    SuthrnT4R

    SuthrnT4R New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #2664
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kyle
    Vehicle:
    2003 T4R SR5 V8 4WD
    Email me the pics and i'll post them up for you.
     
    Bob likes this.
  7. Sep 23, 2016 at 8:15 AM
    #7
    G8R

    G8R New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2016
    Member:
    #2710
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    South Bay, CA
    Vehicle:
    94'Runner-Pearl
    This recently happened to my 4Runner, I had the work done and few more repairs (mentioned above) and don't regret it at all.
     
  8. Sep 23, 2016 at 8:52 AM
    #8
    UssMoGn

    UssMoGn That Vegas Dude

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2015
    Member:
    #558
    Messages:
    426
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    1996 TaCoRunner
    Extented Coil Lift. Custom bumpers
    Happend to me too Only 160 Miles short of 200k :( Blew a head gasket near cylinder 3 was burning coolest. Spend 2k to have a Rebuilt and machined with new rebuilt kit. When I got it home spend about another 200 on replacing starter/Timing/Alternator,thermostat, water pump. She runs like a champ now ready to go for another 200k. I was able to dodge some cost cause i have replace parts before from auto zone life time warranty . Just swapped em out to new. I got a few pictures in my Build page of me taring it down to find the issue and a video of the reinstall.
     
  9. Sep 23, 2016 at 8:58 AM
    #9
    UssMoGn

    UssMoGn That Vegas Dude

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2015
    Member:
    #558
    Messages:
    426
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    1996 TaCoRunner
    Extented Coil Lift. Custom bumpers
    If your looking for tools Harbor freight has cherry pickers and Engine holders for cheap. They work well and will hold. Just dont use them on LARGE motors.
     
    brnt2180 likes this.
  10. Sep 25, 2016 at 3:55 PM
    #10
    Day5fishing

    Day5fishing [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2016
    Member:
    #1519
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Vehicle:
    2003 silver sr5
    So, where is the most trusted site to buy a complete engine I have the 1GR-FE 4.0 L. I am thinking that a complete swap out would be the best route to go. You would probably have less in labor to do the swap. I am not capable of doing it myself, I could help but my experience is not that great. If you change the heads out you would still have 250000 miles on the bottom end. Still trying to do my research.
     
  11. Sep 27, 2016 at 3:55 PM
    #11
    surfrunners

    surfrunners New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Member:
    #2739
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    ingemar
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 sports edition
    lifted
    if u still love your truck, then fix it!
     
  12. Sep 27, 2016 at 6:38 PM
    #12
    SuthrnT4R

    SuthrnT4R New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #2664
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kyle
    Vehicle:
    2003 T4R SR5 V8 4WD
    Here is Day5fishing beautiful 4RUNNER!






     
    Bob likes this.
  13. Sep 27, 2016 at 10:07 PM
    #13
    brnt2180

    brnt2180 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2016
    Member:
    #2732
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    clifton
    Vehicle:
    96 4runner
    none
    I've found a ebay seller, ummm..JDM I think. They sell low mileage engines imported from Japan. They claim 35-65,000 miles only. Reading up on japan's pollution laws, it seels like a good place to start. I found one for my 96 for $600- $800. Still talking the wife into let me get it.:ballchain:
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #13
    xdelmar likes this.
  14. Sep 28, 2016 at 4:21 AM
    #14
    Day5fishing

    Day5fishing [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2016
    Member:
    #1519
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Vehicle:
    2003 silver sr5
    I am researching that as well. Do you know anyone that has a good experience buying one of these engines. There seems to be quite a few sellers of these engines WHO DO YOU TRUST?
     
  15. Sep 28, 2016 at 5:40 AM
    #15
    brnt2180

    brnt2180 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2016
    Member:
    #2732
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    clifton
    Vehicle:
    96 4runner
    none
    I've personally never purchased an engine from them but I have heard that the few that did,(I've heard from a friend of a friend of a friend) got good results. In going to need a good working engine, trust isnt a factor. I'm pulling the trigger as soon as I'm given the green light. I don't trust anyone, but this is business. Always choose wisely.
     
  16. Sep 28, 2016 at 5:50 AM
    #16
    Day5fishing

    Day5fishing [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2016
    Member:
    #1519
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Vehicle:
    2003 silver sr5
    My grandfather always told me to "trust everyone but brand your cattle". So i get it. do you have a name of a source for these motors.
     
    brnt2180 likes this.
  17. Sep 28, 2016 at 6:13 AM
    #17
    brnt2180

    brnt2180 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2016
    Member:
    #2732
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    clifton
    Vehicle:
    96 4runner
    none
    Unfortunately, no I don't. I've had nothing but good experience with purchasing items, of all price ranges, off of eBay. Short of looking at seller up for you, that's all the advice I can offer. Now, if you wanna rebuild it yourself, from what I've been reading over the past few days, there is an abundance of information on this site and guys willing to give advice. Hell, I'd even "look over your shoulder" if you decided to go that route. 20 years wrenching professionally, I'm sure I can remember a thing or 2.:thumbsup:
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #17
  18. Sep 28, 2016 at 7:52 AM
    #18
    UssMoGn

    UssMoGn That Vegas Dude

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2015
    Member:
    #558
    Messages:
    426
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    1996 TaCoRunner
    Extented Coil Lift. Custom bumpers
    http://www.lcengineering.com/

    Try calling these guys, they usually work in older motors but might have some info on a newer one. I know they sell parts for newer motors. Ive always heard great things about these guys. They seem to love Toyota about as much as all of us.
     
    brnt2180 likes this.
  19. Sep 29, 2016 at 5:35 PM
    #19
    G8R

    G8R New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2016
    Member:
    #2710
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    South Bay, CA
    Vehicle:
    94'Runner-Pearl
    http://www.engineworldusa.com

    Try here as well. I had this process done a month ago but I don't recall where my engine came from. My mechanic bought it locally and was very thorough with pictures and took me through the entire process. Went down to the shop to see it before install. Took it in after 500 miles for a break in check up etc... the engine has a 6month warranty and the new parts that went on are covered for 36k or 3 years. Feels like a new truck, we are very happy we pulled the trigger.
     
  20. Sep 29, 2016 at 7:16 PM
    #20
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2014
    Member:
    #55
    Messages:
    1,376
    Gender:
    Male
    "Not all who wander are lost"
    Vehicle:
    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    All the guys at yoatshop.com also. With one call you know you are talking to guys who eat breath and drink yota. They know there shit up down and sideways. I got all my engine parts from them and it was a great experience and far far less for much better parts from japan too boot. Not the cheap crap with crazy mark up! If I remember correct a dressed long block is 3100.00 from them and that is not bad for a good engine that you can almost just drop in. Things to think about.

    Blue
     
    ThorInc likes this.
  21. Sep 30, 2016 at 11:57 PM
    #21
    Husky Driver

    Husky Driver Kyna's chauffeur

    Joined:
    May 21, 2014
    Member:
    #140
    Messages:
    79
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kipp
    40°35'09.0"N 105°04'38.3"W
    Vehicle:
    2k T4R3 SR5 Highlander Sport TRD
    Toytec Ultimate 3" lift susp w/ OME 891 rear coils, Bilstein 5100 shocks front & 5125 rear, ARB 'Roo Bar, Warn VR10k, 0.7, 2 & 11-meter 2 way radios, Nitrogen inflated 33" BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s, FlexFuel E-85 conversion, AFe lifetime filter, Savage Offroad rock sliders, Ryno All Terrain 4.5mm skid plates, Line-X coatings on the armor, LifetimeLED & Rigid Industries LED headlights, UltraGauge 1.2, T3q 4.10 eLocker with armor from LROR, AmsOil lubricants used throughout. CBI plate rear bumper with swingaway, SPC Light Racing UCAs, ARB SS170HF Safari snorkel w/ Afrikaans centrifugal pre-cleaner, Tacoma antenna mod, TRD Supercharger w/ URD 7th inj. & URD pulleys, Anti-Dark engine bay lighting system. Having gone 250k, Aug 2016 was the time to replace the original clutch & get the driver's seat rebuilt/stuffed. Front & back Weathertech liners. Tundra front disc brake swap. Full length Rocky Mountain Rack with 40" lightbar & alternating strobe rear dust lights. I used a warm weekend in March 2022 to finally install my brand new from old stock 2000 4Runner driver's seat. $800 directly from the factory in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
    I've been running Toyotas most of my adult life. You already know what is wrong with your engine. Get a rebuild kit installed on it & fix what you have. Don't buy someone else's problem child & expect it to be perfectly fine. They're not going to tell you how many times it fell off the engine stand/pallet/forklift before it got to you. I did that ONCE & learned my lesson. Keep your engine & just get it rebuilt. I've read repeatedly from various sources that my 5VZ-FE will go 300k-400k before needing to be rebuilt. After the rebuild, it'll go another 300k-400k. There has been some speculation that you can do this for 3-4 rebuild cycles before hitting a service life maximum.

    There is also this thread to look at regarding your problem. Looks like all you need is the new style head gasket to solve your problem

    Like what Ol'Blue said:

     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2016
    SuthrnT4R likes this.
  22. Dec 23, 2016 at 2:13 PM
    #22
    Day5fishing

    Day5fishing [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2016
    Member:
    #1519
    Messages:
    12
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Vehicle:
    2003 silver sr5
    After must thought and research I have decided to not fix her. Going to put her up for sale as is, so if you guys are machanically inclined here is a great opportunity to pick up a good 4Runner not sure what to ask any help would be appreciated
     

Products Discussed in

To Top