Saving This VERY Low Mileage 1990 4Runner From The Shredder! Rad Rescue #1!

Рет қаралды 28,630

3 жыл бұрын

My name is Eric and I own and run a niche market auto salvage operation in the Saint Louis area. We buy certain cars and trucks, break them down and sell the parts. The vehicles I buy come from all over. Insurance auctions like Copart and IAAI, as well as off the street, tow lots, etc.
Sometimes a car or truck comes in that is just too clean, too nice, or too rare to part out and I set my business model aside to keep it on the road. I also have a soft spot for rad-era vehicles.
This 4runner is one of those. Its a 1990, with crazy low miles. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. In this video I show you what some people discard, and also why I don't like the 3VZ engine.
This truck is getting saved, with a 5VZ 3.4L 96+ 4runner engine much like my first 4runner.
This type of situation happens a few times a year where the right thing to do outweighs potential profit. Depending on the reaction to this video, I'll cover the others that get saved as well.
Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 156

@billwall6271 3 жыл бұрын

If this is your addiction, you don't need a cure. Carry on!

@simonseal3836 3 жыл бұрын

A profitable addiction is called a career after all.

@cma8165 3 жыл бұрын

Eric, you mentioned that you will be swapping a 3.4 liter V-6 from a newer 4runner to this 1990 4Runner and I think that's a neat, great idea! But please put out a complete video showing us, your subscribers, a full step-by-step show of you-while you are doing this incredible engine swap!! That would be awesome!!! Thanks.

@ExiledWolf84 3 жыл бұрын

I must be the only person in the world who is a fan of the 3VZE. The one in my 89' 4Runner that has been in the family since it was new has over 300k miles on it, and it runs perfect and averages about 17-18 mpg with the 5-speed. Kind of a pain to work on, but much better than some of the newer FWD V6's

@miatalife94 Жыл бұрын

same I have 1990 4runner with the 5speed and the 3.0 has been doing good, pretty sure the early 3.0s had a recall for the headgaskets because mine supposedly has been done btw it has 278,000 on it

@MiguelValencio-ks9tj 3 ай бұрын

I have the same set up as you with the 5 speed 4x4. Slow as a turtle, (which is fine for a truck) but lasts forever. Over 400,000 miles on mine.

@Pmpautogroup 3 жыл бұрын

"Pete on the East coast checking in" Yes, I'm a Sucker.

@shelby3822 3 жыл бұрын

In 30 years of driving I can honestly say my 08 Runner v6 is the first car I've owned that I absolutely love. Never knew this gen had such an anemic engine. Good score & look forward to seeing more.

@dskwared2u610 3 жыл бұрын

I had a 91 Tacoma with the 2.4 so I was a bit nostalgic looking at this interior.

@andrewl.8626 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 93 with that engine, good truck.

@drewscruis 3 жыл бұрын

I think that truck has more than 27k on it, the bolster on the drivers seat has some excessive wear for that kind of mileage.

@johnsanko4136 3 жыл бұрын

27k miles? It's a baby. Solid buy, I'd say. Just make sure the rubber fittings and wiring hasn't gone to pot thanks to father time, but otherwise it should be a great ride.

@tripresidue Жыл бұрын

Made me reminisce about my 2nd gen. Loved setting on the tailgate. In the end it had 200000 miles and went to a donation place. Got a 4th gen now.

@EricaMTB 3 жыл бұрын

I try to buy a car every week. I have found it's the best way to stop my wife talking to me.

@davidcannon1144 3 жыл бұрын

:-)

@jasonfoo8651 5 ай бұрын

I know this is an old video but you do gods work buddy. I hate how they just scrap cars like that when people like me would kill for parts.

@americanpatriot2.06 9 ай бұрын

My Dad had a 1993 4Runner fully loaded with leather interior, manual, and 4spd transfer case. It was a beautiful red. The 4spd transfer case was awesome. It was very rare 4hi or 4lo was ever used (maybe 6 times in the ten years my Dad owned it). Typically, 2lo was all that was needed. Put so many other 4wheel drive vehicles to shame. Sadly, my brother and his unwavering knack of destruction put it in the grave when he attempted to go too fast around a corner and wrapped it around a telephone pole. Needless to say, NO ONE ever let him borrow their cars, especially my Dad.

@robj2704 3 жыл бұрын

And some people think (including Scotty Kilmer) that Toyotas are bulletproof. There's always been a little prejudice when it comes to vehicles.

@andrey30008 3 жыл бұрын

This is great!!! can't wait to see what happens to the 4runner!!

@TomPauls007 3 жыл бұрын

Yup - I’m there, bro. I’m a piano technician and have severe emotional trauma walking away from a “low mileage” great piano that is cheap. My living room is now full and I’m on a forced piano diet! Need a warehouse (or a psychiatrist!).

@billyjoejimbob56 2 жыл бұрын

Had neighbors who literally could not GIVE AWAY a perfectly good piano when they moved. would have brought tears to your eyes.😧

@6thGearGarage 3 жыл бұрын

I came from Radwood, stayed for the 80 Series content!

@Eric-zf6gm 2 жыл бұрын

The 3VZ-E engine... All the power of a 4 cylinder with the gas mileage of a V-8

@davedeville3902 3 жыл бұрын

Good save sir, keep up the good work!

@sudd2685 3 жыл бұрын

Would make a great truck to drive back and forth to work, hunting fishing rig, thank you for your videos really enjoy watching.

@jerrynunya6205 3 жыл бұрын

I do the same thing but with the old ford rangers and explorers! Keeping it on the road for years to come!!!!

@brianszymanski2971 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome find with low mileage, and pretty straight. Who cares about the small stuff. Still has a decent paint job.

@senior_ranger 3 жыл бұрын

We all have our crosses to bear. I like fountain pens!

@peterscandlyn 3 жыл бұрын

I had something that looked like this. Bought as a beach truck so I could go fishing, so it spent a lot of time on the sand. Petrol, 4 cyl, 1600cc. Fully optioned electrics and auto, gave me years of service, never missed a beat, BUT, a day of heavy 4WD, fuel consumption kinda made my eyes water. Only downside. Great vehicle, liked yours.

@wickertwm 3 жыл бұрын

I loved my 3.0 l It was the smoothest engine I had ever had!!!

@hhgttg8034 20 сағат бұрын

I have and am still driving a 1990 Toyota 4Runner. Engine has 450,000 miles, SR5 4WD. Still passes smog. The engine swap option sounds interesting.

@BigLisaFan 3 жыл бұрын

That is better than my 350,000 mile 2007 Silverado!

@matthewpiper3288 Жыл бұрын

excellent save

@jessekauffman3336 2 жыл бұрын

Sweet looking ride

@31dknight 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video.

@michaelpaparelli3227 3 жыл бұрын

Had a 86 Sr5 turbo pickup. That 22RE was indestructible!

@802Garage 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha I absolutely have the same disease, but I don't even own anything this nice! This rig absolutely needed to be saved. With a new engine that's like a $4,000 rig minimum in the northeast.

@deancarver6899 2 жыл бұрын

That rigs 6 or 7 grand easily out west

@wtice4632 2 жыл бұрын

@@deancarver6899 maybe if it was a 3rd gen. Nobody wants a 2nd

@deancarver6899 2 жыл бұрын

@@wtice4632 even the old ones are ungodly expensive

@JamesBrown-gf6sc 3 жыл бұрын

Officer- is the key stock?? Driver- yea man, stuff happens 👍

@andrewl.8626 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 93 pickup with a 2.4 22RE 230,000 miles still runs like new. I purposely avoided the 3.0 when looking to buy an early 90s Toyota.

@liver.flush.maestro 2 жыл бұрын

"An alcoholic running a liquor store", LoL!!! Man, non stop laughing on each video!

@jeffwhite9001 3 жыл бұрын

They are a very popular truck here in New Zealand, but, we never had them come with that engine, most are 1KZ 3.0 Turbo Diesels.

@TwinTZGT 3 жыл бұрын

Badass, "some people just want to watch the world burn"

@DiamondDaveRoth 2 жыл бұрын

I've had a '94 Pickup with the 3VZ engine since it was new. Other than one blown head gasket, no issues, and 350,000 miles. When it turns 30 (in three years) I can put antique plates on it.

@tenmil1 2 жыл бұрын

That's absolutely awesome. I have a 91 4Runner with the 22re with 395k on it. Im going to rebuild it at work. It has low compression and burns tons of oil. I've had it since 370k so fairly new to me.

@robj2704 3 жыл бұрын

It is 30 years old though it does look pretty decent from 10 feet away, and it's super low miles so the drivetrain will probably last a long time. The engine has gone south but it has potential if you're a DIY'er. Couldn't justify paying a mechanic to get it back into good running condition. Parts are likely reasonably priced. So, go for it.

@Mis73rRand0m 2 жыл бұрын

I have a soft spot for old Toyotas as well... 77 2wd pickup, 84 4wd, and an 83 celica supra. They all need work but are worth it.

@Mis73rRand0m 2 жыл бұрын

Also the lotus is my wife's dream car. May have to own one myself eventually.

@Ram14250 3 жыл бұрын

will you be putting a 3.4L in it now? Hoping you do a video on it!

@deadestduck 2 жыл бұрын

1uzfe is a popular conversion too

@nickma71 3 жыл бұрын

I changed a bunch of head gaskets on those and the pickup. It wasn’t called the Tacoma. V06 campaign if I remember right.

@jeffm2787 Жыл бұрын

If they hit the tow lot for more then a few days your odds of being able to afford to get it back goes way down. Yes I'm being facetious, mostly.. 😁

@daverunner3397 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2000 4 runner SR5 with over 300,000 miles on it, hell of a vehicle.

@CMgraffix 2 жыл бұрын

love it

@fidellaboy-negron5816 3 жыл бұрын

I'm very much interested on this one

@Critter0817 Жыл бұрын

My grandma had a 1990 4runner 3.0. Headgasket claimed it from us. To my knowledge its still driving to this day but by someone else

@charlestaylor8228 2 жыл бұрын

Just rescued 1995 SR5 4x4 4 runner with a 3VZ 3.0 it has 302k. It has that same knock ✊ 😂

@wallyg4445 3 жыл бұрын

I have the same disease, Eric!! Lol

@tombeilman5579 3 жыл бұрын

You have a few LS 1 motors laying around

@scrappyjunk8793 3 жыл бұрын

its a addiction when you panhandle money on the exspressway exits for car money lol

@chaoszombie9995 2 жыл бұрын

who the.. does that.. with something THIS nice..

@FabiusMaximus1000 3 жыл бұрын

I've been looking for something like that as a project. All the ones I find they want a fortune for or are too far gone.

@100amps 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it is a disease in the clinical definition too. 😎 There's a medical textbook out there with a link to your channel in it. Keep up the good work. Are you going to part out that engine? Too old right.

@rc846 Жыл бұрын

I loved my 1990 4RUNNER but it hade a head gasket flaw.

@craigiefconcert6493 2 жыл бұрын

I was just looking yesterday on Kijiji at a 93 4Runner where the guy says it has a bad head gasket and he has the heads pulled off. After reading about this engine it wouldn’t be worth rebuilding even if everything is good. It would be nice to do a swap…

@kevinhumphrey3228 3 жыл бұрын

Have you ever done a teardown video of a 2az-fe. They have very expensive parts the block isn't cheap and it is usually just bad rings that cause people to scrap them.

@rk22cc 2 жыл бұрын

I'm babying mine now

@broncotrolly Жыл бұрын

I just got a 93 with 2700. Seriously. The previous owner put headers on it and other upgrades to mitigate the head gasket problems

@turkeyssr 3 жыл бұрын

It's always good NOT to throw something that is "perfectly" good in the trash.

@brandonupchurch7628 3 жыл бұрын

The exhaust being replaced on a 30 year old 27k mile vehicle doesn't surprise me the condensation from short trips will rust exhaust out pretty quickly, my dad had a lifetime warrantied muffler replaced a couple times and I think even a cat in a short period because he mostly drove his car to work and then back home which was like 4-5miles and never got the exhaust up to temp and the condensation kept destroying the exhaust.

@paulmayo6006 3 жыл бұрын

I had one of those, send it to the scrap heap.

@000AJGS 10 ай бұрын

How do I check if my 4x4 is in neutral? I just bought a 1990 and the differential was blown

@chubbysumo2230 3 жыл бұрын

Daddy Doug would probably love this car.

@chubbysumo2230 3 жыл бұрын

Also, a perfect candidate for hoovies garage.

@markae0 3 жыл бұрын

If you have the parking spot and can pay the licensing fees... is it a problem?

@kpitts8921 2 жыл бұрын

Say what you will about a 3.0 but ive pushed them past 200k. Im more afraid of and avoid the automatic transmissions from these years.

@flyonbyya 3 жыл бұрын

What’s the goal? Fix up n sell...or keep ?

@12345....... 3 жыл бұрын

I can't stop myself 🤣

@hounddog21 3 жыл бұрын

It's not a disease. It's a gift.

@HomelabExtreme 3 жыл бұрын

Will we get a teardown of that engine? 😁

@clifbradley 3 жыл бұрын

Apocalypse build or overland build?

@bumpedhishead636 3 жыл бұрын

I doubt that is a 27K mile truck. The odometer was either disconnected, turned back or replaced.

@mathuetax 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, 1990 with less than 30,000?

@anthonyjernigan5607 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like you have another motor to tear apart

@markvietti 3 жыл бұрын

careful those things role super easy.

@billyjoejimbob56 2 жыл бұрын

Engine sounds like a concrete mixer! Trash the engine and A/C, swap in period correct 4 cylinder, 5-speed, and manual transfer case. Would make a great winter daily driver.

@STREETCARCULTURE 3 жыл бұрын

👌🏽

@Jhonnyblaze28 3 жыл бұрын

Dude I didn’t realize how short u were until u stood up against this 4Runner

@I_Do_Cars 3 жыл бұрын

I’ll be honest, most of my life I wished I was taller until the last few years. I can fit in ANY car. Some of my taller friends have trouble getting in miatas, my lotus, etc. I never have to concern myself with that and that makes me pretty fortunate.

@cdabg 2 жыл бұрын

@@I_Do_Cars Your legs reach the ground, thats all thats important!

@ogonbio8145 2 жыл бұрын

hey i need that driver seat

@johnalees99 3 жыл бұрын

Throw a V8 in it. Or a Buick 3800. Be a nice 4 runner with a bit of work. Not many good ones left in Australia.

@davidstygler8681 3 жыл бұрын

They designed the exhaust to wrap around the rear of the heads and the left bank I believe flowing into the outgoing design. They sayheaders on the 3.0 has more gains than most any engine. That’s how bad the exhaust design in. Plus they have the pucks for valve adjustment. Nissan 3.0 way better engine

@hackfabrication139 3 жыл бұрын

'It's a diseases..' Oh, you're preaching to the choir right now!....

@fidellaboy-negron5816 3 жыл бұрын

HOW MUCH CAN U TAKE FOR IT,??

@luiscruz-no3ib 3 жыл бұрын

Passenger side door lock is got key code number take to locksmith and have key made

@I_Do_Cars 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome tip! I’ll do it

@youtbe999 3 жыл бұрын

It may not be the original odometer.

@VoVilliaCorp 3 жыл бұрын

Something happened to the previous owner, because it does come off as they tried to care and maintain it, I can't see why else it would just end up rotting away

@stewartmorley2683 3 жыл бұрын

Hey I’m in the St. Louis area! What’s your shop called?

@I_Do_Cars 3 жыл бұрын

We are importapart.

@elcompavergolia9986 3 жыл бұрын

Well as long as you are not stealing nor asking people for money, your adiccion is fine.

@12345....... 3 жыл бұрын

The registered owner can go to the dealership with the VIN and get a new key cut. No original key required

@I_Do_Cars 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I’ve already got one coming!

@LX450_Adventure 3 жыл бұрын

There is no way that only has 27K miles unless they were the hardest 27K miles known to man. The dirt at the bottom of the door and worn steering wheel at 3:58 The driver's seat left side wear at 6:52 The tailgate cover and rear carpet in poor condition at 7:11 My guess is that the odometer was changed at some point and that mileage was recorded when it went into service for the engine knock.

@I_Do_Cars 3 жыл бұрын

I think it’s original. It’s had a hard 27k, but carfax backs up the mileage. It’s missing a radio and had some strange wiring in it which leads me to think it was used as a security vehicle or maybe an on-site vehicle somewhere.

@LX450_Adventure 3 жыл бұрын

@@I_Do_Cars Yep, I could see that.. like working mall security and idling around a mall parking lot at 5 mph for years...lol

@I_Do_Cars 3 жыл бұрын

Karl Bellve would be automobile torture

@brendanschroeder1862 2 жыл бұрын

Yeh there’s no way, def swapped out. The wear points just don’t make sense with 27k. I don’t know anyone who buys i new car and then just trashes it immediately

@FIVEVEEZEE 3 жыл бұрын

Somehow I suspect odometer rollback.

@Templar50401 3 жыл бұрын

How hard would it be to stick a JDM 3.0 diesel in it?

@I_Do_Cars 3 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure, but the 3.4 swap is so easy it’s a no brainer. Cheap too!

@THE_BATLORD 3 жыл бұрын

I WAUNT IT

@CharlesVanNoland 3 жыл бұрын

Rad Rescuer!

@JustAnAverageBrad 2 жыл бұрын

ya just dont see those anymore up in canadaland...used to be tons but the bodies just rotted away so quick ...thats the problem with toyotas up here the engines last forever but the bodies sure dont