I'm looking at a clean '99 4R 3.4/auto. It has around 100k on it. I don't know a lot about these trucks, but it doesn't appear to have any leaks and runs/drives well. Are there any common problems that I should look out for? The body and frame are clean, but the rear bumper is kinda rusty. I think it used to tow a boat. Does anyone manufacture a low-profile steel off-road type bumper?
Questions on '99 4Runner
- Thread starter JJS
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Check the frame. I know there have been some complaints about frame rot like on the tacoma. Not that I would expect it but better off to check it.
As for the motor I had a 3.4 in my tacoma and loved it. Never had any problems with it and it always ran smooth.
As for the motor I had a 3.4 in my tacoma and loved it. Never had any problems with it and it always ran smooth.
All the bumpers on 90's 4Runner rot out, My wife's 94 if junk. They hold all the snow and salt that get's kicked up in the winter. Look to Demello, Marlin, or All-Pro for potential bumper replacements.
I have an 98 (wife's) with 140k, no problems but I did replace the bumpers about 4 years ago, and I undercoated the insides on the replacements and cleared the outside of the rear to keep surface rust from forming which seems to be working. I love the truck, it's a Limited and it has a rear locker which is very cool. It also gets like 18-21mpg which I think is pretty decent.
I have a 99 with the e-locker (find this if you can) and it has been a terrific truck across the board. Frame rot was an issue with the Tacoma since they were made in the USA. 4Runners of that vintage are made in Japan did not have the same frame issues. That said, in the Northeast, you will get a bunch of surface rust on the frame that should be touched up over time. Some other thoughts:
- 1999 was the most "lifted" from the factory. Almost 2" total over that later 3rd gens. I am biased, but a 99 w/ e-locker is THE 4Runner to get.
- I have 110K miles on mine. I have replaced: brakes, exhaust, shocks, timing belt, radiator and fan clutch. Only the fan clutch (easy repair and a $100 part) and the radiator fall outside what I would consider to be normal maintenance.
- The radiator sprung a leak into the part of the radiator that cools the tranny and mixed coolant with with tranny fluid. Unusual, but not unheard of. I shut it right down, flushed the tranny and all was good. replaced radiator and installed a $50 remote tranny cooler. Problem solved.
- The rear seat heater pipes are known to corrode after 6-7 years. Easy fix, but you should do it before it fails since it can strand you. I just bypassed the rear heater. 15 minute free repair.
- I also had a blower on the truck for 50,000 miles with no ill effects. It is no longer on it, but it was awesome.
- The truck gets 17-22mpg, runs regular gas and does not burn oil. I regulalry see folks in the forum with 200K+ miles on the 3.4. It is truly bulletproof.
- The car is tight, rattle free and still rides nicely.
- Replace shocks with Bilsteins and you will never replace them again. Stockers are only good for about 50k miles.
BTW, I beat the living crap out of my truck at the Fall gathering a couple weeks ago. It did beautifully while keeping up with much more built, lifted and locked vehicles.
Hope this helps.
- 1999 was the most "lifted" from the factory. Almost 2" total over that later 3rd gens. I am biased, but a 99 w/ e-locker is THE 4Runner to get.
- I have 110K miles on mine. I have replaced: brakes, exhaust, shocks, timing belt, radiator and fan clutch. Only the fan clutch (easy repair and a $100 part) and the radiator fall outside what I would consider to be normal maintenance.
- The radiator sprung a leak into the part of the radiator that cools the tranny and mixed coolant with with tranny fluid. Unusual, but not unheard of. I shut it right down, flushed the tranny and all was good. replaced radiator and installed a $50 remote tranny cooler. Problem solved.
- The rear seat heater pipes are known to corrode after 6-7 years. Easy fix, but you should do it before it fails since it can strand you. I just bypassed the rear heater. 15 minute free repair.
- I also had a blower on the truck for 50,000 miles with no ill effects. It is no longer on it, but it was awesome.
- The truck gets 17-22mpg, runs regular gas and does not burn oil. I regulalry see folks in the forum with 200K+ miles on the 3.4. It is truly bulletproof.
- The car is tight, rattle free and still rides nicely.
- Replace shocks with Bilsteins and you will never replace them again. Stockers are only good for about 50k miles.
BTW, I beat the living crap out of my truck at the Fall gathering a couple weeks ago. It did beautifully while keeping up with much more built, lifted and locked vehicles.
Hope this helps.
When I was going through my Tacoma frame buy back I spent a lot of time doing reseach and I saw a number of people who posted up pics or 4Runner frames on of this vintage that were as bad as the Tacomas, far worse than my Tacoma. People were pissed that Toyota was doing it for Tacomas and not their trucks.
True the Tacoma frames were made in the USA and the 4Runners were made in Japan. Living in the Northeast is a harsh enviornment and with salt comes rust. Any Toyota with the exception of on new of the lot I will verify there is no frame rot. Just my 2 cents.
I just picked up a 97 back in May with a 3.4L V6, 5 speed, and factory rear locker. Had it checked out, no frame rot or rust that I can see. This is the first time I've heard of any issues with 3rd gen. 4Runner frames, so I will keep checking. I just got back from a driving trip from Boston to Detroit and back, and the rig ran beautifully. I also wheeled my rig at the FG (stock run) with no issues, didn't even have to use the locker once. The only thing I had to do was change a shock when I got it, and two of the Michelin tires that came with it blew. I replaced those with a slightly used set of Goodyear RT/S tires that I hope will get me through the winter before I throw on the Yokos, BFGs, or other Goodyears I like.
Limiteds are nice trucks, good luck to you with it.
Limiteds are nice trucks, good luck to you with it.
- Thread starter
- #10
I passed on the '99. The mileage was actually 144k on that one. I looked at a couple and confused the mileage with another. I think the guy was on crack for what he was asking.
I've been looking at a '00 SR5 with 69k miles for a better price, but I'm dragging my feet since no one will give me crap for my pickup in trade. No locker but I'll take that as a tradeoff for less miles and better condition.
I've been looking at a '00 SR5 with 69k miles for a better price, but I'm dragging my feet since no one will give me crap for my pickup in trade. No locker but I'll take that as a tradeoff for less miles and better condition.
eBay it. you'll get a little more
Nope, 96 and up have coil spring fronts. better than the 95 and earlier with torsion bars.
I've had 3 3rd gen. 4Runners and all saw trail action, and I don't remember any issues with front suspension articulation. In fact, some in YT were pretty impressed with how well it did, for a bone stock rig, especially at Miller Time and Ma Bell.
- Thread starter
- #14
I'm hoping to pull the trigger on this '00 in the next week or so. I tend to procrastinate which anyone familiar with my old 40 build will tell you. I'm going to cut my losses with the Ferd and trade it in to save myself a hassle. I still haven't sold myself on wheeling it yet. Thanks for all the input.