Is a 1994 4Runner any good? Or should I go with a 1994 Jeep?

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Soybomb

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Jun 30, 2000
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Yikes the head gasket and exhaust valve thing scares me.....those are some expensive parts. I'd rather fix an air conditioner than have to have my engine taken apart, but I have no idea how common it is. Toy's have a pretty decent reputation off road. Is it 4wd or AWD? I'm partial to 4wd off-road over awd.

If you're interested take a look at the jeeping trip I went on this lastweekend. We didn't get many of the impressive pictures because riding is more fun than being out taking pictures ;)
 
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Soybomb

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Jun 30, 2000
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You're not looking very hard if you cant find a cherokee until 10K though :)
 
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urbantechie

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What do you think would go better in hot and cold conditions? If the Jeep and take Death Valley then i'll go with Jeep :)
 
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Soybomb

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Jun 30, 2000
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If its got 4wd and a/c I think you're good for both hot and cold conditions :) II'd take a jeep over a toy, well except if I want a truck with a bed, then i'd take a toy since jeep doesnt make one!
bbiaf:gotta run to the store.
 
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huypham

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Oct 11, 1999
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Man...

I love my Emerald Green 4runner. Gone through hell with it... great car to drive when you just start out =). FOUR WHEEL DRIVE... you can do some crazy stuff w/ that.

Huy
 
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Farbio

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Apr 9, 2000
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if you're going to seriously go offroad on more than just a rare occassion, definitely go with the jeep, they are so much better than toyota's in the dirt. you will have no serious problems with a jeep either, the 4.0 liter 6 has been around forever and is pretty damn bulletproof
 
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urbantechie

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Ok, but then what about this JAP VS US quaility? What engine does the Jeep use? I know Dodge use to use Mitsubishi engines.
 
geno

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
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The Jeeps can have 4.0 V8's. Jeeps are very good with reliability across the board, not to say the Toyota isn't, but IMO the Jeeps are more solidly constructed, I've driven in both
 
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Soybomb

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Jun 30, 2000
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The 4.0L in the jeep is a straight 6, a very awesome engine, been around a long long time. My friend averages like 23 mpg on his with a couple small mods.

The V8's are nice too, the 5.9L V8 is quite the powerhouse and with 4wd makes for fun at the stoplights even!

So you found some grand's in your price range then? :)
 
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Soybomb

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Jun 30, 2000
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Actually my jeep is a 1980 CJ5, back when amc owned jeeps, I'm just friends with ALOT of jeepers who go wheeling often. In thos pics the big silver grand that has the CMPTR97 plates is a 94 Grand Cherokee. The only work that's come to mind to me thats been done to it is related to our beating on it :) We upgraded the transfer case with a new (able to take more abuse) one that we installed over last spring break and stuff like that. Otherwise its been a pretty good jeep and I think he's happy with his investment. We've also replaced the stereo system, done a tad bit of brake work too. I think most of that can relate to how hard its beat on the trails (you should see the body damage from where he leaned it on its side on a rock face!) Go drive one and see what you think of it!
 
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urbantechie

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Ok, hows the interior? Nice? I'm a pretty short guy so I hope it's not as big as a Surbuban or something ;)
 
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Soybomb

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Its been a while since i've been in a 'burban, but I'd say its a tad smaller than it. The front seats will slide back to give me plenty of leg room and I'm a pretty tall guy at about 6'2". They'll slide forward far enough too though so you can reach the pedals :) There is a good amount of cargo space too since the rear seats will fold down flat. Go sit in one. If its too big, try a cherokee :)
 
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Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
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Stupid opera crashed after I typed my reply.....

Anyway like I had just got done typing before:

On the whole that list looks alot better compared to that of the 4runner. The headgasket and valves don't compare in severity to the viscous coupler, which is the only real one I've heard of as being that common of a problem. I'm guessing too that the ones that you'll be looking at will have enough mileage on them that they will have either been replaced already or are fine. If you go to look at one let me know and I can inform you of a pretty easy way to tell if its going out or not by just driving it.
 
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Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
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Lol just remind me, I'll probably still be here. Or for that matter just look for some jeep bulletin boards. I think its pretty safe to say that jeeps are the most popular off-road vehicles out and there is a TON of info on the net out about them.
 
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Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
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It depends on the year. The 94 that my friend has is full time, but has a low gear that locks the front and rear together (good for offroadin'). There might be different transfers cases in that year though as well as others. You'll just have to see when you drive it. We eventually swapped out his transfer case for a different one that has the option of all time 4wd high, part time 4wd high (front and read locked), 4wd low, and 2wd. It was swapped in for gas mileage and off-road reasons. You chose which you want to run in by pulling a level that is to the left of your shifter, none of that pansy button stuff ;)

I'm assuming you know the difference between how awd and part time 4wd works. If not read up about how differentials in axles allow wheels to spin at different speeds. An awd system uses this between the two axles. A part time 4wd system is like having a spool between the axles and thats why you aren't supposed to use it in dry conditions on road :)
 
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urbantechie

Banned
Jun 28, 2000
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What? :confused:

LOL!! If you ask me on all the Japanese stuff (Turbo..etc) i'm a pro but when it comes to this AWD/4WD i'm clueless!


I am planning to get a automatic though, I don't want to be fiddling with a stick/clutch/gas/brake when i'm stuck on a hill thank you ;)
 
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Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
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Turbo isn't japanese boy :) I've got a couple of fine pieces of chrysler engineering from 1987 and 1988 that feature intercooled turbocharged 4cylinders :D

Don't worry too much about the different types of 4wd systems now. If its in a jeep its going to work well offroad. If you're really intersted in how they work and distribute power pm me and i'll write something up tomorrow. If you're familiar with limited slip differentials and the like let me know as that will simplify my explanation :)
 
geno

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
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<< The 4.0L in the jeep is a straight 6, a very awesome engine >>


I coulda swore I've seen a few where they say &quot;4.0 V8&quot; on the back - but you're much more familiar with Jeeps, so I'll take your word for it ;)
 
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