Hello everyone,
I recently made a foolish purchase of a very rotted 1998 5-speed 4runner with 190k. The condition of the T4R is fairly standard for my area (Michigan). At the time, I was convinced I could make it into something I could daily drive/weekend warrior and still have some dignity left at the end of the day. At last, I faced my fears and admitted the amount of work it needed to get to that point was simply not worth it. I have accepted my mistake and its consequences (mostly money), but am determined to make the most of it.
Several weeks later, after joining the forums and the 3rd gen Facebook group, I learned A LOT more about these trucks and what they're worth. One fateful evening on FB Marketplace, a 2001 Limited with 235k was listed for sale near me with a blown auto transmission for $1200 and I convinced my friends we could throw a new transmission into it and flip it for a quick buck. After reading other 5-speed swap threads, I decided the swap would solve most of my problems as follows...
1. I made a mistake purchasing the 1998, but I could salvage all things necessary for the swap, then part out the rest to make some of my money back.
2. I did not have to search for a new auto trans for the 2001, replace it, list it, and hope we make enough money back for my work to be worth it.
3. The 2001 has very limited rust and is very clean for my area and has no visible rust, the rust that can't be seen can be addressed.
4. I run a small mobile auto detailing business and needed a vehicle to haul my tools + look presentable at a client's home. My current daily driver (2008 Honda Civic 5-spd Coupe) has almost no clear coat on the roof/hood/trunk - NOT presentable and limited storage space.
5. As I am half-way through the swap while typing this, I have learned A TON. I had very limited mechanical experience before attempting this swap - this is something, I think, anyone can do with enough time and determination! Prior experience only included small regular maintenance items. I am doing all work without a car lift, only jacks, jack stands, a driveway, and a piece of cardboard to lie on.
Enough backstory for now... here are some photos of the rust damage on the 1998. More pictures to come.
I recently made a foolish purchase of a very rotted 1998 5-speed 4runner with 190k. The condition of the T4R is fairly standard for my area (Michigan). At the time, I was convinced I could make it into something I could daily drive/weekend warrior and still have some dignity left at the end of the day. At last, I faced my fears and admitted the amount of work it needed to get to that point was simply not worth it. I have accepted my mistake and its consequences (mostly money), but am determined to make the most of it.
Several weeks later, after joining the forums and the 3rd gen Facebook group, I learned A LOT more about these trucks and what they're worth. One fateful evening on FB Marketplace, a 2001 Limited with 235k was listed for sale near me with a blown auto transmission for $1200 and I convinced my friends we could throw a new transmission into it and flip it for a quick buck. After reading other 5-speed swap threads, I decided the swap would solve most of my problems as follows...
1. I made a mistake purchasing the 1998, but I could salvage all things necessary for the swap, then part out the rest to make some of my money back.
2. I did not have to search for a new auto trans for the 2001, replace it, list it, and hope we make enough money back for my work to be worth it.
3. The 2001 has very limited rust and is very clean for my area and has no visible rust, the rust that can't be seen can be addressed.
4. I run a small mobile auto detailing business and needed a vehicle to haul my tools + look presentable at a client's home. My current daily driver (2008 Honda Civic 5-spd Coupe) has almost no clear coat on the roof/hood/trunk - NOT presentable and limited storage space.
5. As I am half-way through the swap while typing this, I have learned A TON. I had very limited mechanical experience before attempting this swap - this is something, I think, anyone can do with enough time and determination! Prior experience only included small regular maintenance items. I am doing all work without a car lift, only jacks, jack stands, a driveway, and a piece of cardboard to lie on.
Enough backstory for now... here are some photos of the rust damage on the 1998. More pictures to come.
izza::snacker:
