1997 limited 4wd 4runner (3.4)

J

jaszmine9

New member
Hi there! so i recently bought a 97 limited 4runner 4wd 3.4
im in love with these vehicles and want to make this my forever car.
before purchasing it i noticed the valve cover gasket is leaking and i looked underneath to see lots of engine oil everywhere. looks like its been that way for some time now. also i read that the timimg belts need to be changed out every 60k.? it was also modified from previous owners and has a 2 inch lift with lager tires that look agressive/allterain tires. i notice when i drive its not as smooth as i was hoping. the previous owners did new front end work. control arms, tie rods and ball joints. i had to get it aligned as best possible considering its modifications. i read about putting weights in the back for smoother ride? also id love to hear anyone ones input for a newby 4runner owner and also new to owning a 4wd!:wave:
 
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jaszmine9 said:
Hi there! so i recently bought a 97 limited 4runner 4wd 3.4
im in love with these vehicles and want to make this my forever car.
before purchasing it i noticed the valve cover gasket is leaking and i looked underneath to see lots of engine oil everywhere. looks like its been that way for some time now. also i read that the timimg belts need to be changed out every 60k.? it was also modified from previous owners and has a 2 inch lift with lager tires that look agressive/allterain tires. i notice when i drive its not as smooth as i was hoping. the previous owners did new front end work. control arms, tie rods and ball joints. i had to get it aligned as best possible considering its modifications. i read about putting weights in the back for smoother ride? also id love to hear anyone ones input for a newby 4runner owner and also new to owning a 4wd!:wave:
Click to expand...

First off, congrats on being a new 3rd gen owner and welcome to this website!

The valve cover gaskets on our rigs are notorious for leaking. They are not hard to replace but when doing so, consider doing the "total job" and re-sealing the half moons and the cam covers on the back of each valve body. Sometimes the leaks come from those areas as well as the valve gasket.

The recommended timing belt change is every 90K miles. However, many get many more miles than that. It is also recommended to replace the water pump, thermostat and all drive belts at the same time. For me, I always put in new pulleys and a new tensioner.

I don't know about putting weight in the back for a smoother ride. Sounds like the bigger tires and the 2 inch lift kit are the biggest culprits in a "not so smooth ride".

You will find this site is a great resource in taking care and repairing/maintaining your 3rd gen 4Runner. Lots of knowledge and good people on here.

COUPLE OF QUESTIONS: How many miles on your rig? Any timing belt "change" stickers on the vehicle?
 
I believe timing belts get changed ar 90k. It's a huge belt and when I did mine at 90k and 180k the belt looked great.
 
BamaDrewski said:
First off, congrats on being a new 3rd gen owner and welcome to this website!

The valve cover gaskets on our rigs are notorious for leaking. They are not hard to replace but when doing so, consider doing the "total job" and re-sealing the half moons and the cam covers on the back of each valve body. Sometimes the leaks come from those areas as well as the valve gasket.

The recommended timing belt change is every 90K miles. However, many get many more miles than that. It is also recommended to replace the water pump, thermostat and all drive belts at the same time. For me, I always put in new pulleys and a new tensioner.

I don't know about putting weight in the back for a smoother ride. Sounds like the bigger tires and the 2 inch lift kit are the biggest culprits in a "not so smooth ride".

You will find this site is a great resource in taking care and repairing/maintaining your 3rd gen 4Runner. Lots of knowledge and good people on here.

COUPLE OF QUESTIONS: How many miles on your rig? Any timing belt "change" stickers on the vehicle?
Click to expand...

i have 186k and no i didnt see anything but i asked the guy i bought it from and he said it was his dads so hes not too sure. ill be sure to get that done asap just to be safe
 
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