- Location
- United States
The story:
2nd owner, purchased at ~60k miles in 2003. Decided in late 2009 that I was going to turn it into an expedition vehicle for weekend trips (attending overland expo, became an avid reader of expeditionportal.com). Unfortunately, my new job is in Los Angeles and I no longer have space for a second vehicle. I drove the 4Runner up from San Diego to my parents' place in San Jose a couple months ago when I moved to LA. My dad has been driving it once a week on the weekends, but it's no longer getting the use it deserves.
The specs:
~184k miles
1997
SR5
V6
5-speed
4wd
Factory locking rear diff
The aftermarket:
- Sonoran Steel System 1.2 lift
- Stubbs Welding HD-SKO sliders
- BudBuilt skid plate
- Toyo Open Country M/T (255/85r16) + full size spare
- 4Crawler polyurethane 0"/stock body mounts + hardware kit
- Polyurethane steering rack bushing kit
- Tundra brake upgrade
- Roof rack with snowboard/ski mounts
Maintenance/repair notes:
- Re-manufactured steering rack installed at ~170k miles because the old one started leaking
- Rear diff replaced ~160k miles because The Truck Shop recommended it when I was having them help on the expedition build
- Clutch replaced at ~90k miles, still going strong
- Transfer case seals replaced at ~80k miles because they started leaking
The bad:
- The driver ride rear corner was hit on the highway in 2004. I had the bodywork fixed by some guy in a parking lot, so it could be a lot prettier, but I've never been one to care much about cosmetics on a truck.
- It's not pretty. There are a good amount of scratches and the truck was parked outdoors most of the time I've owned it.
- The chrome on the front bumper is peeling and the surface below is rusting. Not a problem if you plan to get a real bumper (that was my plan).
- The clutch pedal bushing is due for replacement (again, replaced twice already).
- Timing belt is due for replacement (last replaced ~5 years and 60k miles ago)
- The rear driver side wheel needs to be aligned with shims, I have been quoted between $200 and $300 for the work. The truck tracks straight, but the tire wear isn't optimal on the new mud terrains. My last set of tires (AT T/A KOs) lasted 60k miles.
- The amp in the aftermarket sound system (previous owner installed) failed a month or so before I moved to LA, and I never got around to replacing it. I know the head unit still works because I have plugged computer speakers into it and verified the output.
The good:
- All maintenance (including oil changes) has been done on schedule for as long as I have owned it
- Has never had trouble passing smog
- Very reliable. I feel confident driving 400+ miles in one day without any problems
- Gets about 15-16 mpgs combined, usually not any better than 17 on the highway but also not worse than 15 in the city.
I snapped a few quick pictures of the truck before leaving it in San Jose (hasn't been cleaned): 4Runner Photo Album. I can get take some better shots on Friday if there are requests.
I'll be in San Jose over the weekend for Thanksgiving. If I can't find a buyer on this short notice I will be trying again over the winter holidays. I have spent well over $5k in the last couple years on upgrades, but given the short notice and the condition (cosmetic) of the vehcile, I am listing it at $4k and hoping to sell it this weekend.
- Puneet
pkhattar at gmail dot com
2nd owner, purchased at ~60k miles in 2003. Decided in late 2009 that I was going to turn it into an expedition vehicle for weekend trips (attending overland expo, became an avid reader of expeditionportal.com). Unfortunately, my new job is in Los Angeles and I no longer have space for a second vehicle. I drove the 4Runner up from San Diego to my parents' place in San Jose a couple months ago when I moved to LA. My dad has been driving it once a week on the weekends, but it's no longer getting the use it deserves.
The specs:
~184k miles
1997
SR5
V6
5-speed
4wd
Factory locking rear diff
The aftermarket:
- Sonoran Steel System 1.2 lift
- Stubbs Welding HD-SKO sliders
- BudBuilt skid plate
- Toyo Open Country M/T (255/85r16) + full size spare
- 4Crawler polyurethane 0"/stock body mounts + hardware kit
- Polyurethane steering rack bushing kit
- Tundra brake upgrade
- Roof rack with snowboard/ski mounts
Maintenance/repair notes:
- Re-manufactured steering rack installed at ~170k miles because the old one started leaking
- Rear diff replaced ~160k miles because The Truck Shop recommended it when I was having them help on the expedition build
- Clutch replaced at ~90k miles, still going strong
- Transfer case seals replaced at ~80k miles because they started leaking
The bad:
- The driver ride rear corner was hit on the highway in 2004. I had the bodywork fixed by some guy in a parking lot, so it could be a lot prettier, but I've never been one to care much about cosmetics on a truck.
- It's not pretty. There are a good amount of scratches and the truck was parked outdoors most of the time I've owned it.
- The chrome on the front bumper is peeling and the surface below is rusting. Not a problem if you plan to get a real bumper (that was my plan).
- The clutch pedal bushing is due for replacement (again, replaced twice already).
- Timing belt is due for replacement (last replaced ~5 years and 60k miles ago)
- The rear driver side wheel needs to be aligned with shims, I have been quoted between $200 and $300 for the work. The truck tracks straight, but the tire wear isn't optimal on the new mud terrains. My last set of tires (AT T/A KOs) lasted 60k miles.
- The amp in the aftermarket sound system (previous owner installed) failed a month or so before I moved to LA, and I never got around to replacing it. I know the head unit still works because I have plugged computer speakers into it and verified the output.
The good:
- All maintenance (including oil changes) has been done on schedule for as long as I have owned it
- Has never had trouble passing smog
- Very reliable. I feel confident driving 400+ miles in one day without any problems
- Gets about 15-16 mpgs combined, usually not any better than 17 on the highway but also not worse than 15 in the city.
I snapped a few quick pictures of the truck before leaving it in San Jose (hasn't been cleaned): 4Runner Photo Album. I can get take some better shots on Friday if there are requests.
I'll be in San Jose over the weekend for Thanksgiving. If I can't find a buyer on this short notice I will be trying again over the winter holidays. I have spent well over $5k in the last couple years on upgrades, but given the short notice and the condition (cosmetic) of the vehcile, I am listing it at $4k and hoping to sell it this weekend.
- Puneet
pkhattar at gmail dot com
pm sent im in union city / fremont area
