What to watch out for on a 3rd gen 4runner?

[bikerjosh]

Ok, please keep the flaming to a min. Can someone point in the direction of an existing thread or info on what to look for in a used 3rd generation 4runner? After looking over all the options a 97-00 4Runner is going to fit the bill. What should I be looking out for, I know the general timing belt, h20 pump but what other deferred maint issues are going to hurt me?
By the way looking for a 3.4, 4x4,AT and locker.
thanks Josh

[Mr. Leary]

Rear axle seals, pink milkshake, finky MAF sensors.

For exhaustive info, go to T4R.org

[CYi5]

99-00 have better interiors and the last chance for the locker option. 99-00 limiteds also have selectable AWD.

[Applejack]

Depending on mileage (over 100k) it would be nice to know it the transmission has been flushed.
There really isn't much to look out for in these beyond your normal used vehicle inspection.
We are on our 2nd '99 and they are a very trusty vehicle.
Good luck!

[SilverBullet]

Watch out for fallign love with your truck, you may get atached...

I loved mine, but situations changed and now I have a 2nd gen. crawler. Like it too, but still loved aspects of my 98.

After 160,000 miles, no major troubles, just take care of it and it will take good care of you and your family.

[mtnbike28]

I have 180,000 on my 1998 - well my wife/daughters, but it was mine.

ONLY things we have done. (remember this is in salty NY)
Timing Belt, Trans fluid a couple of times, rear axle seals, a starter (really only the brushes, but it stopped working when it was very cold, and I didn't want play with it) and exhaust.

I love my Tacoma, but several things about the 4rnr make me miss it too!

[4x4mike]

If you're looking for an auto and locker chances are it may end up with a limited. These vehicles are getting older so the interior (leather) doesn't look as good. Like mentioned above check out the transmission. A plus would be if it has an aux cooler installed. Check to see if the locker works. Stop, shift transmisson in N and t case into 4lo. RR Diff Lock light in the dash should blink. Move forward and make a slight turn, when the locker engages the light stops blinking and goes solid.

Bad rear axle bearings leave a mess on the inside of the rear wheels and back of the backing plate for the brakes. Check for proper function of the sunroof and all other electrics. There are a lot of little cheap mods that can be done to a 3rd gen. If it has any of these done chances are the vehicle was taken offroad or pushed a little more than your average grocery getter.

[SilverBullet]

My 98 SR5 had locker, so you can aviod leather if you look.

[RusM]

I recommend buying an already built truck, there's some awesome deals out there right now (and some not so awesome deals!). Don't spend more to buy a truck built than what it would cost you to buy a stocker and mod it. I have a very refined Toyota vehicle test drive procedure, start it up, listen to it run, and then take it for a drive. If it's a good truck, it'll drive and run like a good truck and won't make any funny noises or smells. Good luck! Also, don't be afraid to wait a while and find what you really want.
Here's an idea of what you can get for the money, it's going to 35's in the next couple weeks and the price will go up commensurately.

[98roamer]

I love my 98 Limited. 146k and going.
confirmed strawberry milkshake issue, replaced radiator,
rear axles seals= very easy and cheap,
timing belt and h20 pump= not a problem if done on time
rear clunk= easy fix,
cracking leather= it happens
sagging rear spring= replaced with OME
Power Radio antenna= not a big issue with me
Undersized brakes= upgrade to Brembo rotors and Hawk pads, looking at tundra upgrade
surface underside rust = welcome to ohio
not much more I can think of