1997's vs 1998s?

[Chuck]

Ok im looking at buying a 4runner, i have my eye set on a 1998 4runner limited, but i have a few worries about it, like when i first test drove it, the steering wheel shook on the highway, which was just that the tires needed to be rotated, and when i put it in 4wd, the front right wheel would make this weird noise, like something in the axle area was trying to turn but wasnt (i wasnt moving or anything, just the second i clicked the 4wd button) even though i test drove it again, later after new tires were put on, and the 4wd worked perfectly...

Anyways my question, is a 1997 any worse then a 1998, for some reason i believe ive heard people saying that 1996's and 97's have had some problems with them, like neededing new head gaskets, or other mechanical problems at high mileage, and the cars im looking at is a 1998 4runner with about 130k miles on it and a 1997 4runner with about 104k on it. oh and im looking for a 4wd vehicle only.

Any suggestions/advice would be much appreciated

Thanks,
Chuck

 

[gonzo]

as far as i know, the head gasket problem was only in the 3.0 liter engines, which they did away with in 1996. the 1997 and 1998 were pretty much identical. in 1999 some changes were made to get a better crash test rating. there are several places to look for ratings on vehicles. for example, you could go to the library and pull out an old consumer's report or check out what edmunds.com has to say.

in deciding between two vehicles like that, i would go with whichever one looks like it has been taken better care of. make sure to look underneath the vehicle, it is tough to hide off-roading scars.

 

[peter78]

as far as i know, the head gasket problem was only in the 3.0 liter engines, which they did away with in 1996

There was a head gasket problem with the 96 and early 97, however it was different than the older 2nd generation. The problem would show up early, i.e. within 20,000 miles or less. I wouldn't be overly concerned about a 97, if it had the problem, it would either be fixed or not running.

As far as the differences, there is not much. The big changes came in 99. So you are stuck with the cheesy cup holders in both 97 & 98. I would go with the best rig between the two years.


For detailed changes from year to year click here:
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html


(I moved this to 3rd generation forum since we are talking about 97 & 98 units.)

 

[lee]

Ok im looking at buying a 4runner, i have my eye set on a 1998 4runner limited, but i have a few worries about it, like when i first test drove it, the steering wheel shook on the highway, which was just that the tires needed to be rotated

no, the tires need to be BALANCED.

and when i put it in 4wd, the front right wheel would make this weird noise, like something in the axle area was trying to turn but wasnt (i wasnt moving or anything, just the second i clicked the 4wd button) even though i test drove it again, later after new tires were put on, and the 4wd worked perfectly...

you need to be in motion to engage 4wd. pushing the button, then moving forward will create a noise as its trying to engage but hasnt yet.

Anyways my question, is a 1997 any worse then a 1998, for some reason i believe ive heard people saying that 1996's and 97's have had some problems with them, like neededing new head gaskets, or other mechanical problems at high mileage, and the cars im looking at is a 1998 4runner with about 130k miles on it and a 1997 4runner with about 104k on it. oh and im looking for a 4wd vehicle only.

Any suggestions/advice would be much appreciated

Thanks,
Chuck

i wouldnt worry too much. it was early 97's that had the issue, and chances are it has been fixed. check with a dealership (or the dealer youre currently talking to) to see if it was done.

give the 98 another chance.. sounds like out of balance tires and improper use of the 4wd system are the causes of your dismissing it.

 

[Chuck]

Wow, I appreciate all of the feedback, and how quick it came.

thanks soo much,
Chuck!

ps, could you explain how you have to be in motion to engage 4wd? that means if im driving lets say 10mph, i need to press the button, and then from 4h, what do i need to do to get to 4L? just shift it there? or would i need to stop and put it in neutral and what not?

Thanks again!

 

[lee]

you must be under 55-60mph, foot off the gas for 4wd to engage.

to switch to 4L, you stop, shift to N, then shift the 4wd shifter to 4L... SLOWLY.

 

[Chuck]

and how do i know if the car im looking at has an elocker? and if it doesnt have an elocker is it that big of a deal? I would mostly go over mudded turn roads and the such to get to hunting spots. and anything else to look for/more tips would be much appreciated

 

[lee]

it will have that RR DIFF LOCK button.

the e-locker is helpful if you plan to really wheel... otherwise, for on-road, regular 4wd should suit you just fine.

 

[Chuck]

ok another question, the 4runner im looking at, the gas pedal is pretty stiff... is this comon on 4runners? this is the 98. oh and would it be possible to go to the toyota dealership and get an e-locker added to the car? and if so how much would that cost?
thx,
chuck

 

[lee]

that would cost WAAAAY more than you want to deal with.

you can get a runner with an elocker cheaper for that price... you can add in an arb air locker or something like it later on.

are you sure you need it? doesnt sound like youre looking to wheel in any hardcore way.

as for the gas pedal.. the stiffness seems normal to me... maybe the car your coming from had a light pedal?

 

[bflooks]

i believe they added the passenger side airbag in 98.

 

[peter78]

i believe they added the passenger side airbag in 98.

You know we have a good bit of info on this board. We have "evrything to wanted to know about 4Runners here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=4297

And in that we have " generations of 4Runners" here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=1091

And in that thread we have a write up on the 3rd generation here:
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html

In that last reference it says"1996 :
Toyota introduces the third-generation 4Runner. The 4Runner receives a complete redesign for 1996.........Safety hasn't been ignored in the revamped 4Runner, which sports dual airbags and three-point ALR/ELR seatbelts in all outboard positions (ELR seatbelts only on driver seat).

So, all 3rd generations have dual airgags. That section"everything you wanted to know about 4runners" has a wealth of info, if you have a free night and want to know more.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=4297