AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Got a call from a friend yesterday, their 2004 4.0 4Runner has been down on power some, took it to an indie who had been a Toyota tech, found low compression in 1 cylinder. They bought it 3 years ago with 180k, now at 230k, not sure how long this has existed, wife primarily drives it. It's a no rust car in great shape otherwise and they want to keep it for the long haul. Being advised a reman short block may be best choice for intended long term ownership, finding and fixing the exact problem was also discussed. So far the diagnosis is the weak cylinder (wasn't told the numbers). My friend thinks this indicates poor maintenance in it's history since it should run 300k trouble free and asked my opinion on course of action. I don't know these engines and am the wrong person to ask since I've never even owned a 180k car much less bought one at 180k intending long term ownership. I'm confused about the short block option, as that would require rebuilding the existing heads to use, no point putting 230k heads on a new short block is there? I'm sure he said short block.
This thread isn't a bash on the indie, he's a respected local mech and offered options. The short block option is being considered as a one and done fix rather than the potential of having this happen multiple times and dealing with being without the car for weeks again etc at a time moving forward. My only thought was if he thinks it's because of poor maintenance is he willing to replace the trannsmission, transfer case, differential rebuilds, etc as they would have received the same neglect. If he's lost faith in the car fix the exact problem and sell it and find another one. Thoughts from those with experience with these 4.0 Toyotas?
This thread isn't a bash on the indie, he's a respected local mech and offered options. The short block option is being considered as a one and done fix rather than the potential of having this happen multiple times and dealing with being without the car for weeks again etc at a time moving forward. My only thought was if he thinks it's because of poor maintenance is he willing to replace the trannsmission, transfer case, differential rebuilds, etc as they would have received the same neglect. If he's lost faith in the car fix the exact problem and sell it and find another one. Thoughts from those with experience with these 4.0 Toyotas?