FS: $2,000 -1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 V6 4x4 - 185,xxxmi - UPSTATE NY
NEEDS REPLACEMENT REAR AXLE, BUT RUNS/DRIVES FRONT WHEELS FINE AND CAN BE MOVED AROUND TOWN WITHOUT A PROBLEM
I'll try and make this story short, but I want to include everything I can about the vehicle and it's history. I'm probably going to make it sound worse than it is, but hey, full disclosure. She's not pretty, but she's legit.
I bought this truck so my ex could drive my main vehicle, as hers died, and I'd have a winter warrior for my long, upstate commute. It was my main vehicle for about 6-8 months, and the only eventful moments were when an O2 sensor popped out, and when I replaced the original radiator. I put on new shocks and brake pads, and otherwise just did normal oil changes. The engine, timing belt, and transmission are rock solid and tight as a drum. I kept the inside and outside spotless while it was my DD. I was looking forward to having a long-term upgrade project, and planned on selling my main vehicle when….
..it got hit while it was parked in front of my apartment. A 10-mph Ambien cadet hit the bumper and grazed off the wheel. The collision dinged my rear left bumper corner, but two weeks later the rear axle went. Insurance covered it, since there was obvious damage from the left side. I lost my job at the same time and used the insurance money to pay bills, but found a $300 replacement assembly and had my mechanic make a frankenaxle. It blew up too, which wasn't entirely surprising given the condition of the replacement. Currently, it can be driven fine in 4x4 mode, with all the power going to the front wheels. I'm not sure I'd go cruising at 75 mph on the highway for long stretches, but otherwise it runs strangely fine in gimp-mode.
I'd keep the truck and save up for a decent replacement axle, but I really rather have money than a project. This would perfect for someone to turn into a winter truck or off-road platform. I'm looking for $200
Known issues:
- Previous collision left a dent in the rear-driver side body panel, below the window. It was bond'd over, but that's cracking.
- Front and rear chrome bumpers were spray painted by the previous owner. The front paint is chipping off. I planned on replacing the rear bumper, so I used it to test an Eastwood spray. It's not very pretty.
- Rear bumper is hanging loose, and the right side bumper corner is dented
- Paint is chipping roof and faded on hood
- Hatch lock doesn't work
- Only driver side door unlocks reliably
- Connector for speedometer must be loose, as it will dip down- and cruise control turns off - when you hit bumps every now and again on the highway
- Interior is scratched from previous owner's construction tools. Nothing terrible, but there are some gouges, and the rear cargo area carpet is stained.
- Exhaust is kinda loud. Fine, but a little loud.
- Came with a Manik Brush Guard that I'll include, although its not currently mounted
- Average underbody, superficial rust; a few small spots of body rust but no rot at all
- Rear passenger console with a/c vent and ashtray is stripped bare
When I bought it, I did the following:
- KYB Gas-A-Just shocks in the rear
- Monroe Sensa-trac struts in the front, KYB shock mounts
- Replaced the rear axle seals, cleaned the brake drums
- Energy Suspension poly bushings for the sway bar
- Wheeler's off-road bushings for the steering rack
In trying to diagnose what was eventually a bad tire belt, I took her to many suspension and Toyota experts who otherwise gave the chassis clean bill of health. The springs were already replaced as part of the recall.
ALBUM
Interest, thoughts, or comments are welcome and appreciated. I'm including pictures from a few weeks ago, and some from younger, healthier days.
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