Dependable smaller SUV - 2nd Gen 4 Runner

Have had my 1993 4Runner for 7 years (3rd owner) and put over 100K on it, now has 180K. Very dependable vehicle... so happy with that! Pulls my 2,000 lbs sailboat just fine.

My 3.0 V6 SR5 came with the factory option large 10.5 x 31 tires... teenager cool... but it was so underpowered... (living in Denver at 5,000+ ft does not help)... had to keep the overdrive off unless I was really out on an easy highway. It got poor MPG too.

I soon made some changes... put on 235 Mich tires inflated to recommended max (slightly larger than the standard 225's Toyota calls for), a K&N air filter, an expert tuneup and I now have a very OK performer. Not a neck snapper... but not a crawler any more. MPG went from low teens to the high teens... highway at 65 MPH I get 20 MPG. And I almost always have the overdrive on now.

Head gasket: mine did not have a problem. Toyota replaced it free for me anyway when it had about 90K on it... still no problems.

I did have to put in an aux transmission cooler. The Tran Temp Light would come on a few times a year when it was really hot out or I was pushing it hard on mountain highway driving. Fixed it right up.

Yes the back end sags. I do not plan on any of the fixes that are available.. do not want a stiff ride. My plan has been to torque down the front torsion bars 2 inches then next time I get an alignment but I have forgotten to do it for 7 years now.... must not be that important.

Update 3/08....
Learned 2 things this past year about my 4Runner.
1. The transmission temperature light was coming on because the transmission fluid was being restricted in the radiator (previous owner had it replaced... turned out to be a lemon. Put in a new radiator... all is well. P.S. Do not over fill your transmission with fluid... a bit short is better than a bit over full. If too full it aspirates (mixes with air) and can not cool/circulate properly.
2. Replaced the rear coil springs with stock after-market parts from Moog. (Not heavy duty or lift... just progressive stock replacements.) Good move... back end sag is nearly gone both loaded and empty. Did not have to mess with front torsion springs.