3rd gen 4runner, any problems or issues? (1 Viewer)

[TrickyToy]

I'm going to look at a 97 4runner. I know nothing about the 3rd gen 4runners. Are there any problem areas or anything I should look for in the 3rd gen's??

All I know about it right now is from the guys ad......

"for sale is a 97 toyota 4runner, truck is lifted with oversize tires. 161000 miles. runs excellent. no fluid leaks of any kind. does not burn any oil."

I was looking for a 2nd gen (maybe a nice 1st gen) 4runner and came across this 97. Seems like a good deal.

Are all the 3rd gens Automatic??

Any help or info is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[raydouble]

I'm going to look at a 97 4runner. I know nothing about the 3rd gen 4runners. Are there any problem areas or anything I should look for in the 3rd gen's??

All I know about it right now is from the guys ad......

"for sale is a 97 toyota 4runner, truck is lifted with oversize tires. 161000 miles. runs excellent. no fluid leaks of any kind. does not burn any oil."

I was looking for a 2nd gen (maybe a nice 1st gen) 4runner and came across this 97. Seems like a good deal.

Are all the 3rd gens Automatic??

Any help or info is appreciated.
Thanks

First and foremost, look for rust. They are not as bad as the Tacomas, but they have rust issues. Look at the rear axle area and the length of the frame specifically.

I would want to know what kind of lift and what size tires.

Is it a V6? 2nd timing belt (and waterpump) is due at 180,000 if so.

I would want to change all the fluids as soon as I got it.

All 00-02 4runners are V6's with auto trannies.

Look through the FAQ stickied at the top of the section for common repairs.

Look at both the coolant and atf for signs of "pink milkshake" (also in the FAQ)

I can't think of anything else right at the moment.

 

[SteveH]

'96-00s can be had with a 5 speed. 01 and 02 are auto trans only.

The rear wheel bearings are ball bearings and many have failed by that time and been replaced. If you hear a 'bad wheel bearing' sound, that's very likely the problem. Figure $250/side for parts and labor. If the brake linings are soaked with oil, add more to that estimate.

My power window switches all failed (except the driver's door) but you can find non-OEM replacements on eBay. My pinion flange worked itself loose and it felt like a bad u-joint. There was a recall to replace the rear springs on earlier 3rd gens.

I wouldn't buy a lifted one unless I really wanted the lift and it was done right. I would also seek out a 5 speed and one with the optional rear diff lock (look for a switch to the right of the steering column and a sticker on the driver's door panel). Sloppy steering may be the result of the rack bushing being shot, but could be TREs - so check that out.

Mine has 165K, BTW.

 

[raydouble]

'96-00s can be had with a 5 speed. 01 and 02 are auto trans only.

Oops, you are correct.

 

[TheDurk]

Unless you have an ironclad warranty, scan your engine for readiness/pending CEL's before handing over cash. More than one seller has tried to hide a bad cat (or other problem) by clearing codes while selling to the unsuspecting. Scan should show all tests ready and no stored or pending trouble codes.

 

[TrickyToy]

I talked to the guy....its got 315's on it but the lift is ball joint spacers and stiffer coils and a body lift.
I'm pretty sure I'm gonna pass on it. Have a bad feeling about it, I live 2 hours away and asked the guy if he would meet me half way (we were talking about a possible trade of some sort for my fj60). He refused to drive anywhere to meet me. That was the first red flag. The second flag was that he said he works at a car dealership and wanted me to come see it there, kept saying that he would probably just leave it there. I asked if I would be able to drive it and he said "you might be able to take a quick spin around the lot.
He is asking $3,500 or best offer but after typing this I'm think I will just pass on it.

 

[Bighead]

I talked to the guy....its got 315's on it but the lift is ball joint spacers and stiffer coils and a body lift.
I'm pretty sure I'm gonna pass on it. Have a bad feeling about it, I live 2 hours away and asked the guy if he would meet me half way (we were talking about a possible trade of some sort for my fj60). He refused to drive anywhere to meet me. That was the first red flag. The second flag was that he said he works at a car dealership and wanted me to come see it there, kept saying that he would probably just leave it there. I asked if I would be able to drive it and he said "you might be able to take a quick spin around the lot.
He is asking $3,500 or best offer but after typing this I'm think I will just pass on it.

I think that is a good call.