With the 80 off to a new home soon, it was time to pick up another daily. While I loved having the space and unmatched capability, I missed the smaller dimensions of the 4Runner and wanted a little more engagement in my drive. Was originally looking for a 2nd gen 22RE with a 5 speed, but found this one instead up in the Bay Area. 1997 3rd gen 5 speed with 4WD, Lavender Steel. Geez what a wussy name for a great color. Kids had named it Frank before I even got it home.
First time I’ve done a fly and buy. I reached a deal with the seller around 11am, was on the plane by 2pm, on the drive home by 4pm, and home again by 11pm. Busy day.
Radiator is new Denso (China) and filled with Toyota red. Clutch is relatively new, has a quality respray that color matches excellent with the door jambs, done mainly to correct for peeling clear. They painted the bumpers too, though, so may fix that sometime. 4WD engages smoothly, new front brakes, all else is in good working order. Does have a few needs, particularly upper and lower ball joints (baseline), shocks are really bad and probably original, and it has a minor steering wheel shake at around 60-70 mph. Taking out the ball joints first, hoping that does it but we’ll see. 168K miles.
Interior in good condition, typical wear and a small tear on the outer bolster on the driver’s side seat. I was able to find the covers and non-sport seat pad on Amayama, so those are on order. Replaced aftermarket stereo with my favorite single DIN Toyota head unit out of a Camry with a Crux BT adapter, my third one of those.
One of the best parts of LC ownership is the community here on Mud, look forward to sharing more as work progresses.
First time I’ve done a fly and buy. I reached a deal with the seller around 11am, was on the plane by 2pm, on the drive home by 4pm, and home again by 11pm. Busy day.
Radiator is new Denso (China) and filled with Toyota red. Clutch is relatively new, has a quality respray that color matches excellent with the door jambs, done mainly to correct for peeling clear. They painted the bumpers too, though, so may fix that sometime. 4WD engages smoothly, new front brakes, all else is in good working order. Does have a few needs, particularly upper and lower ball joints (baseline), shocks are really bad and probably original, and it has a minor steering wheel shake at around 60-70 mph. Taking out the ball joints first, hoping that does it but we’ll see. 168K miles.
Interior in good condition, typical wear and a small tear on the outer bolster on the driver’s side seat. I was able to find the covers and non-sport seat pad on Amayama, so those are on order. Replaced aftermarket stereo with my favorite single DIN Toyota head unit out of a Camry with a Crux BT adapter, my third one of those.
One of the best parts of LC ownership is the community here on Mud, look forward to sharing more as work progresses.
