FS/FT: 1998 4Runner 4x4 V6 3.4L Auto
The 3.0L SOHC V6 (3VZ) that was used in 4Runners and pickups from '88 through '95 was indeed famous for blowing head gaskets. It was not a matter of if, but when with those. Replace with better quality parts, and they are fine. I had an '89 pickup, V6, 5spd, and it was great, but it did happen.
The 3.4L DOHC V6 (5VZ) that was used starting in the 1996 model year is a different engine, and not associated with the dreaded head gasket issue. They can, like any other car, also suffer a blown head gasket, but, these are not the ones that absolutely will. I have a buddy who has a '99 4Runner that he daily drives from Alameda to SFO area with well over 200K miles on it, on the original head gaskets.
As always, have a compression check done - it's cheap and easy and dumb not to do it. Do your own research. Tip your servers. Please have lots of fun!
The 3.4L DOHC V6 (5VZ) that was used starting in the 1996 model year is a different engine, and not associated with the dreaded head gasket issue. They can, like any other car, also suffer a blown head gasket, but, these are not the ones that absolutely will. I have a buddy who has a '99 4Runner that he daily drives from Alameda to SFO area with well over 200K miles on it, on the original head gaskets.
As always, have a compression check done - it's cheap and easy and dumb not to do it. Do your own research. Tip your servers. Please have lots of fun!
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The 3.0L SOHC V6 (3VZ) that was used in 4Runners and pickups from '88 through '95 was indeed famous for blowing head gaskets. It was not a matter of if, but when with those. Replace with better quality parts, and they are fine. I had an '89 pickup, V6, 5spd, and it was great, but it did happen. The 3.4L DOHC V6 (5VZ) that was used starting in the 1996 model year is a different engine, and not associated with the dreaded head gasket issue. They can, like any other car, also suffer a blown head gasket, but, these are not the ones that absolutely will. I have a buddy who has a '99 4Runner that he daily drives from Alameda to SFO area with well over 200K miles on it, on the original head gaskets. As always, have a compression check done - it's cheap and easy and dumb not to do it. Do your own research. Tip your servers. Please have lots of fun!
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