We are the happy new owner of a 3rd gen runner. I actually traded down from an 04 sequoia that was too big, shiny and I didn't care for driving 39k down the road ;-) I actually like beater cars the best, but this 4runner with 110k miles is great. Tight, clean and 3rd gen 4runners are my favorite. I love the classic style vs new ones.

Just wanted to say hi and I'm grateful I found this forum to answer any questions that come up. I've read all the threads and learned alot already. We had the rear brakes adj and cleaned, timing belt, all other belts, water pump, thermostat, transmission flush, driveshaft lube, and minor tuneup plugs only. Compression was 128 and cyl leakage and balance tests were excellent. We'll change the differential fluids at the next oil change.

It was a previous 1 owner vehicle that had regular oil changes, but nothing elses besides new pads, rotors, and master cylinder at midas which raped the guy according to his records. Dealerships had no record of it. It even had the original plugs! I was hoping to find a used vehicle with service records, but they are hard to find. This one ran smooth compared to the other 2 that I was considering.

All 3 of them had low, weak brake pedals, and the oversized tires on them turned me off to the other 2. I couldn't convince myself that the grinding noises, floor shake and rough ride were tires alone, so we went with the smooth riding one. The others were 98's with a little more mileage.

This is our 8th Toyota, so we know the quality and plan to meet it's every need maintenance wise..... and drive it into the ground at 300k+ miles. We had a camry that went almost 300k before selling for a good price that ran like new. You just can't beat Toyota's. We've even had $500. salvage title toyota's that the engine purred like a new car.

The only thing I don't like about the runner is the brakes (weak) and the seat bottom could be longer for my long thighs. Other than that, it gets me where I'm going and we can off road with it when we camp. I noticed alot of 4runner owners here are former Jeep owners. Us too. I still miss my 89 Laredo 4x4. That car had great seats.

I'm sure I'll have questions down the road, but just wanted to say hi and say that you have a great forum with many knowledgable posters. It's nice to find a vehicle enthusiast forum. I'll keep a watch on your 4 sale sub-forum for a 2nd runner for our son. I could buy 3 third gen's for the price I sold my Sequoia for, so I'm very pleased.

ps to add a quick question. I got the original equipment list from an email to toyota and it has 16" alloys, that look aftermarket. Can I put 235/75/15's on 16" rims? If so, will it lower the height of the vehicle by much? I have a set of Pirelli LT Scorpions that I took off my Jeep last year with less than 500 miles on them. I like Pirelli's in the rain and the ride is smooth, yet they have light truck tread and load capacity.

thank you.

YES! Another 99! my favorite year! Welcome. You should post some beauty pics of your ride. The 3rd gen is my favorite body style too.

no, you cant put those tires on... and if you did, yes theyd lower the ride.

stay around 265/70/16 or 265/75/16 to keep the height and driving habits on par.

welcome and congrats!

Thank you Lee for the tire information. Bummer. I'm at Sears site now looking at the sizes you recommended. Ouch! 16" will run around 600+.

The runner has Coopers on it now with about 20k miles on them. The tread looks good with approx 1/2 life wear, but the runner pulls a little to the left and one or more of the tires is off balance at 60-65mph. I don't think if I got the tires balanced and an alignment, that they'd warranty the results.

I'll see what deals I can find locally on an LT tire. I prefer LT's over passenger tires for the added tire strength. Do you guys have any recommendations for brand for good wear, strength and rain handling?

Also, on a gravel road the other day @ around 25mph the rear end slid out on a washboard section of the road. Is that normal? I was in 2wd. The runner seemed light in the rear end for a heavy vehicle. I don't recall my Jeep ever doing that, and we off-roaded alot in it.

yes PioneerMeta4 - I like the cup holders, bumper and new headlight changes in the 99 vs 98. I wish the 4th gen's had cleaner lines, better window visibility (I love the 3rd gen windows) less paint on bumpers and wheel flares (maintenence!) and that all the car manufacturers would quit copying each others styles.

That sequoia I had was AWFUL for interior scratches because of the inferior interior material compared to older Toyota's. This runner has the old interior material that is durable, rather than a thin layer of color on the trim.

It's definitely a keeper!

Are these the Bridgestone dueler's that I've seen recommended for the 4runner?



LT265/75R16

Sears item #09563768000 Mfr. model #183989

Dueler APT III offers an aggressive, all-terrain design without sacrificing a smooth, comfortable highway ride. Innovative tire design improves handling in wet or dry conditions and reduces irregular treadwear.

UTQG Ratings:

Treadwear Grade 400
Traction Grade A
Temperature Grade B

no, youve probably heard the bridgstone dueler a/t REVOs being touted.

those, and bfg t/a ko's are the most popular in general, though the REVOs seem to get better response overall.

revo: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

bfg ko's: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

thanks for the info Lee. I think I'll go with the Revo's. Appreciate not having to search for which Bridgestones were recommended.

good, man. im sure you wont be disappointed.

Don't buy tires at Sears,go to a tire place like Discount or something if you want a complete package. I'm looking at a set of Revos from Costco and the 265/75s should run under $600 easily.

wow, really? thats a great price. is that installed and warrantied??

With taxes and stuff it'll be a little over $600.

http://www.costco.com/Tires/Product....ed=S&Width=265

Hope to do these shortly after I do the Bils and PP springs.

that is a good price. Unfortunately, no Costco's in this state. Sears is cool for lifetime no hassle rebalance, as long as you don't let them touch the rest of the car (they always break something)

I have yet to find a place that will put the wheel weights on so they stay on. Some places are so bad the weights go flying off on the way home from the shop. We've got about 5k or more waiting for a sale. Will definitely get Bridgestones though.

What about some Michelins? I run BFG MT's and AT's on my 2 CJ7's, but michelins on everything else. Since the 4runner is my wife's car and won't be offroad (that's what the jeeps are for) I don't need anything aggressive. I'm going to be getting tires probably next year. I have Michelin Xradials on my 93 accord and they currently have 90K on them and still have 5/32's tread. I'll probably replace them this summer, but will get another set just like them. They've been smooth ride and you can't beat that kind of milage. I notice Michelin makes an Xradial for trucks too with a 60K tread life. Any problems with these?