3rd gen 4runner engine rebuild

I don't know the best way to approach my new situation, but as of yesterday I came to the very audible news that my 3rd gen needs engine work at 160k miles on the clock. I don't really do any crazy wheeling in it but I do go overlanding in it so the engine hasn't had a hard life. But I was wondering if you guys could give me advice on weather or not to rip into it or swap it. I'm in the Denver metro area so if you live in the that area and have suggestions on shops or people to reach out to let me know. I do have my own tools to work on it I just don't have the knowledge or confidence to do so

 

Why do you think it needs a rebuild? You'd be one of the few with miles that low that has an engine that is in need of a rebuild.

Best thing is to find out the extent of what is needed. For example, if you have good compression, then just about anything can be fixed and not worth a swap.

 

Perfect advice!!. Find the problem and then decide. These engines have super long lives with good maintenance but no engine can survive a bad overheating episode or running without oil. NO engine not even Cummins or mercedes or toyota.!!!

 

I found the problem. The intakes for the valves is completely dirty and full of a dirt oil mixture from a tear in the gasket.
Also the head gasket leaks but I cant figure how to remove exhaust manifolds without pulling the engine which I dont wanna do unless it last resort. Do you guys have any advice

 

I think you unbolt the exhaust manifolds from near the firewall and from the heads. There are youtube vids on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in4VdfnHdI0

 

Ok ill ch3ck that video out. I hope the bolts aren't to rusty