I have a 93 4Runner with the 3.0 V6. It's sluggish as hell. It needs a new exhaust, but other than that it's stock. The truck drives terribly. For a given example; it will be at something like 3000 rpms and will only drop down to 28 or 2900 rpms on the upshift. Also, fuel economy is not exactly nice. My gas gauge drops like the economy after September 11th on every trip I take. The transmission also doesn't like to shift into overdrive sometimes. How can I fix this? Also it has 106k miles and it's rear springs are sagging. How much to replace those?

 

See this site for Downey Springs and Bilsteins, I wish I would have done so sooner - much better ride. Then replace the air filter with a K&N or Amsoil. Then finish the tune up - plugs, all fluids including the drive. Great pictures and article so you can do it yourself.
See Downey Off Road for the springs- then shop the internet, I got mine cheaper. Same with the Bilsteins. Good luck, write me if you have questions or issues - again the tech article is great. Brian (the4wills@comcast.net)

 

when was the last time you or the prev owner had the tranny flushed? sounds like it may be that time. ~$80 with generic fluids

 

3-4 cans of Seafoam

 

Sea foam, a tranny flush, plugs, springs and shocks, filter, anything else?

 

I had good luck advancing the timing on my '90 3.0L which was really noticeable when hill climbing, towing, etc., although I had to go to 89 octane most of the time. I would check the ignition wires; anything to ensure you have a good, hot spark. But don't expect miracles. The 3.slow is a workhorse and not a street racer. At 106,000 miles it's barely broken in.

As far as the rear spring sag, you may want to search the forum regarding a spring replacement campaign. I can't remember if the '93 was included in a TSB on sagging rear springs but there were previous threads about that.

 

Try the "maintenance" area of the forum and check your vehicles suggested service at your mileage intervals. That should give you a good idea where to start.

 

A complete tune-up, replace all plugs and wires. Replace all fluids, have transmission flushed. Get your injectors cleaned or run some cleaner in the tank. Replace the rear springs with either Downeys or OME via Extreme Off-Road in our vendors section.