This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I live in the FJ40 forum mostly but am considering a 2005 4 runner with v8 223K on odo.
Clean frame but cosmetically some large dents dings on outside. Aftermarket wheels. Hasn’t had timing belt done in a while according to service records, has had replacement exhaust manifolds done and engine compartment appears relatively clean from leaks. Sounds quiet, no rattles or weird things other than initial start the strong vacuum sound for about 20 seconds then when fan slows it goes away.
Also some cv/axle work up front and sway bar links. Brakes appear good. Interior beat up including electrical hack job around all speakers and stereo. Was told it had a drain traced to a dome light that would kill the car overnight (seemed odd to me). Transmission was a little stiff shifting between PND etc. did pop into neutral when getting up to get speed but did not do it again when attempting to repeat so I assumed it was operator error (me).
Few dash lights on, CEL, VSC Off etc. did not scan for codes but service work showed laundry list previously. Oil was clean in engine same with most fluids I could check.
Not knowing codes I ordered a scanner to check so let me know if too many red flags or when I get codes what to watch for.
Thanks!
Sounds like a basket case. I assume it is priced very low and that's why you're interested. Tons of info on the 2UZ in the 100-series subforum; it's worth spending some time reviewing common issues and things to look for there.
I would plan on doing the brake master soon (if it hasn't been done) and probably budget for a transmission rebuild and new radiator in addition to standard baselining items. Definitely need to scan to find out what the CEL codes are.
My 2004 had 230k on it when I bought it in the fall last year. One owner but 2wd. Decent shape. Paint fried but zero rust or body damage. No questionable maintenance/mods done in the past. I paid $4500. Not sure if that helps on perspective. But you do list a lot of things that would scare me. If it’s 4wd, and less than $2500, then I’d consider it. Otherwise I’d pay more for a good one. But even that is no guarantee. After I bought mine I learned about the master cylinder issue. I don’t think mine has it but I’m sure it’s coming.
Appreciate the advice. I offered lower than asking considering the issues and expected service. Stereo wiring is a no brainer to fix but just want sound mechanicals. Brakes incl. master are easy if reachable. The other two I looked at this week I could poke my finger through the frame and somebody’s cover up job was fiberglass meant to look like undercoating… of course kid selling it for his dad story line. Lol.
I’ll check 100 series and educate myself.
Thanks!
I ended up buying the vehicle for what I thought was a decent price $5K. So far just cleaning, fixing sunroof seal and checking things out as far as filters and codes. Runs and drives fairly good for a 21 year old vehicle. Will start tackling the air inject situation and relevant codes associated within next few weeks.
Fixing with my son as we go, sunroof, headlights, door check, undenting the rear lift gate and bumper adjusting. Sunroof won’t park fully sealed but it’s really close. Was able to reseal the rubber and remove the rust at least temporarily… Do I need to redo the poistion electronically with the switch vs the screws?
I did the screws and the resists about 1/4” too low at full height. Moving onto the codes next which will take the weekend I’m guessing. Never done timing belt so may hire that out but seems straight forward.
Few photos be sure we always like photos.
Also, if anyone has any photos of the actual JBL system setup and clips I could use that. Pretty certain this kid did not understand basic electrical and cut wires.
Last, is the 4Runners org better forming? Seems to be lots there, just can’t find FSM anywhere.
Did discover some rearward frame rust I’ll have to fix at some point but most everywhere else has not progressed.
Sunroof position is primarily adjusted with the bolts. It's possible somebody messed with the track positioning; you'd have to drop the headliner to access the entire track. Sometimes they don't seat perfectly when you use the "slide" function and going into "tilt" mode and back down will help it seat better. There are two "seals" on the glass. Plastic seal to glass is a common leak point; reseal with 3M 4200 or 5200 black. Outer weather seal can be replaced with new.
Forget about factory speaker clips. Just wire all new speakers in-phase and buy speakers with a crossover included for the front doors. If you don't have passengers riding in the back seat often, the system will sound better without the rear door speakers, so just remove them or at least adjust sound fully forward on your head unit.
2001LC (user) has a ton of very informative posts with photos on the 2UZ in the 100-series forum. Several videos and full walkthroughs of most maintenance and repairs, including timing belt. There are a couple of key steps you don't want to miss but it's pretty straightforward, just time-consuming.
Digital FSM harder to find. I ended up buying an authorized paper reprint off of
eBay, as I very much prefer having a paper book.
Did see 2001LC’s write ups and that’s what gives me some confidence I can handle it.
Appreciate tips on sunroof, did not notice the plastic seal your mentioning. going from the FJ40 to this there’s a technology jump. A bit of relearning to be done.
