replacing head gasket on old toyotas?

Hey all,

This seemed like the best place since im trying to figure out how hard it is to replace the head gaskets on old toyotas. im looking at a few 87-95 trucks and 4 runners. A lot of the ones I have found say the head gaskets are bad. Apparently this is a common problem on the older yotas.

how hard would it be? I just have the basic tools but am pretty good at learning things.

this isnt going to be a dd. just a trail rig.

 

If its just a trail rig then it should be a lot easier for you since you wont need to drive it. It is a fairly easy job just get an FSM and pay attention to where everything goes that you pull off.

I recommend engnbldr for parts. I would also say that since you are getting into the motor that far just rebuild the whole thing. Engnbldr rebuild kits are under $300 and have everything you need

 

ah so im guessing an engine lift is going to be needed?

 

No you dont need an engine lift to replace the head gaskets....

 

k thanks.

 

shoot me a pm. I'll tell you about the ins and outs. Ive done the 22re and the 3.0 v6 head gaskets

 

No you can do the headgasket with the engine in the truck. I am assuming you are talking about the 22re though. I have never done anything on a 3vze and now that I think about it those are the ones that always have bad headgaskets

 

my buddy has blown his head gasket on his '88 22re a couple of times and I killed my '91 3.0 v6 a couple of times too!

 

thanks guys. yeh im talking about the 22 re engines. glad to hear I can do it without pulling the engine.

 

I replaced the head gasket in my 93 4x4 pickup with the 22re a couple years ago and it was a fairly easy job. Get a good quality torque wrench for tightening down the head bolts. Also there is a hidden allen head bolt under the throttle body that will have to come out, its mid head, pass side, well hidden. If you over-heated its probably a good idea to get the head pressure tested for warping....

 

thanks. from all the info i have gotten on the vehicles the owners say the car had overheated. i will keep the testing in mind in case i get a rig that has done this.

 

And remember that head bolts are one time use only so get new ones when you do it

 

will do. thanks!