1998 Limited 4wd with ELocker

[eng208]

Hey guys. Just took a road trip to pick up a 98. This is my fourth 4runner, second 3rd gen. I have two 4th gens. This is my first 4wd though and I've been looking for the white/platinum Limited combination with a locker for a long time. I've baselined two other third gen 4wd and replaced the water pump/timing belts on those plus my 99. So, I am no stranger to these and I love them.
This one has 220k miles on it and has recently had new tires, shocks and front struts put on. New brakes also. With the exception of the tranny, it has had all oil fluids changed within last 1000 miles. It looks good. It appears to have had the flares repainted fairy recently and a minor injury to the front. The bumper, facia and blinker lights are new. However, the frame supports are original and look good.
The only issues I have found so far are:
Original radiator
A bump in the steering column when off road and hitting bumps
The shifter is very loose. Have not seen that before.
And a slight leak on the right rear axle
The tranny fluid is dark, but my 99 gets dark too. I will flush this tomorrow. It shifts OK.
It doesn't seem to have as much power as my 99, but my 99 is tight with 218 k miles. I've owned it since 62k.
This unit does not show any blow by when running with the oil cap off. I will
Load a few pics.
My plans are to take the boards and new bumper off to sell. I'll replace them with platinum painted sliders and an ARB front unit.
It does not have keyless entry that I can tell. That is odd for a 98 Limited I think. My 99 SR5 has it. I'm sure I can add it right?

 

[gmcmanus663]

For your keyless entry check under the drivers seat for a small square unit with a green button on the side. Also even check the driver and front passenger door windows for the anti-theft stickers. Also the if it has it, usually when all the doors are shut and you turn the key to the on position they will lock. If it does have it it should be the rs3000 system. My old truck, a 98 had the system but no fob. I bought a used oem but very good condition fob on ebay for $60. I don't know how hard it is to install on a vehicle without it though I would imagine it wouldn't be too bad as it was usually a port installed accessory.

Anyways the truck looks great! Good luck with it

 

[Mark_BC]

Save some of your tranny fluid for analysis, it may be discoloured from the pink milkshake. Replace the radiator right away.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I looked into adding keyless entry, I remember the wiring needed made it not worth it for me.

Looks good, clean body which is getting hard to find! The rest is all fixable, hope you've done a rear axle seal before!

 

[eng208]

Save some of your tranny fluid for analysis, it may be discoloured from the pink milkshake. Replace the radiator right away.

It's not from pink milkshake. It would be Limeade slushie on this one. Lol. But thanks for the suggestion. I'll be flushing the tranny and changing the radiator as soon as it comes in.

 

[GHARP57]

If you shoot me the vin I can check to see if it had the keyless entry and the people lost the factory remote over the years.

 

[GHARP57]

Here is your shifter assembly [MENTION=25953]eng208[/MENTION]

 

[eng208]

Thanks! Probably going to find one of the detent balls worn and missing or linkage loose. It functions fine, the shifter is just much looser than it should be. And I don't like that!