Just snagged a 3rd gen tonight. 2000 SR5 with the Sport package. Pumped to be back in a 4Runner, even for a few months a year.

Will need the timing belt done, came with the parts for the job. Will also likely need a full exhaust system. BUT the frame is very clean and the body is very clean. Paid $2800, looking forward to putting some time and miles on it! Will add more pictures once I get it home

Congrats!

What's the mileage?

195k on the clock

Hmm. Well the excitement was short-lived, as it were.

Found a soft spot on the frame when I got it up on the lift and got some serious lighting underneath it. Not nearly as bad as I've seen on the forum at times, but frustrating. Spent 10 minutes under this damn thing two separate times and missed it both times...



Pics to follow. Making an appointment with the mechanic to get it checked out.

Took some time up on the lift and actually wire brushed the frame near the perforation. Becoming increasingly more disappointed in myself that I missed this.

But, this is the bed I've made, and I'm going to have to lay in it.





Looks like about a 12" section that will need to be repaired. Not good, but definitely not the worst I've seen on this forum. Hopefully this won't hit the wallet too hard. First step is getting the truck safe, then I can spend time in getting it road-worthy. Appointment with the mechanic this week.

Gave the rest of the frame a thorough inspection, and all looks well. We shall see what the mechanic says Tuesday.

Will also be replacing front swaybar end links and the bracket bushings, along with LBJs. They're cracked and noticeably leaking. (Something on my list already, as it were)

Couple little projects that turned into big ones yesterday: Replacing headlight and license plate bulbs. Driver side bulb was, somehow, fully in the housing. When I unplugged, it just fell right in. Turned into a grille and housing removal. Was wondering why the D/S beam was so far off...

Then moved to the back of the truck and the screws on the license plate bulb housing were so corroded that the screwdriver ate away the head of the screw. Have some tools to deal with buggered screws, so hopefully there's enough good metal left to get it removed. Of course the one screw I couldn't get out is on the side of the failed bulb. Lovely.

Looking at LBJs - looks like I can get Toyota LBJs off of Amazon for a total of $190 with free shipping via Prime.

Has anyone seen better prices?

Sorry to hear about the frame.

Might check into this thread:How frame repair should look

He's in the NJ area as well so not too far from you.

Thanks. I do have the means to get it to him on a trailer, but will see what my mechanic says this week. Biggest priority will be getting this safe and inspectable.

Good news: frame is repairable, rest looks good. Mechanic willing to do the work.


Bad news: Head gasket is blown.




So far beyond frustrated. Disappointed in myself.


The debate this week, once I get the quote for the repairs: Keep and fix, or part out?

Dang that sucks. You'll take quite a hit parting it out. I say fix it and see how you like it. In my experience when you get such a bad taste in your mouth you'll never fall in love with the truck but I'd at least fix it and maybe it'll end up being nice! Good luck! I think at that price you could still come out alright

I'd be more mad at the seller than myself! How can you, in good conscience do that?

Oh, I'm thoroughly pissed at the seller. Gave me a damn story and I bought right into it.

However, I should have been smarter with my inquiries and followed up on some of the things that raised concern. I took him at his word (he is a 'yota guy) and definitely got burned for it.


Oh well. Will have to assess pros/cons and get it sorted. Will continue to update.

Is it 4WD?

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Don't beat yourself up, we've all been screwed over at least once...or will be. We fall in love at first sight and then think we know everything to look for when it's impossible to look at everything in a matter of minutes.

That suuuuuuuucks dude. Been there done that.