300,000 Mile 4runner Budget Build

ADVtotheBeat

ADVtotheBeat

New member
Finally! It has begun, the day where I say, enough is enough. The day that this unicorn of a rig magically appeared to me in one of USA’s mystically beautiful states. That is right, I am talking about this 1997 Limited Toyota 4runner that I picked up for a ridiculously low price, how ridiculous you ask? RIDICULOUSLY LOW! Where at? In the state of Washington, home to the Olympic mountains and the last temperate rainforest in the U.S. the Hoh Rainforest. For quite some time now I have been waiting for the moment to find the right rig for the right price to start my budget build and after many years of driving a so so Chevy and my wife’s Jesus Chrysler (Town and Country) I finally obtained my own vehicle and I couldn’t be more excited to join this community.

So here is the stock photo of my new to me rig.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/34192316016/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="20170420_215021"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2848/34192316016_5531a31ecd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20170420_215021"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The original owner bought it brand new in ‘97, driving only highway miles with her kids, then it was passed on to her daughter before she came in to trade it in at my dealership. All the service had been completed with routine oil changes.

When we took it in I was a little skeptical, thinking that it would have a nice oil or radiator leak, but to my surprise, after the rig sat for about 4 hours, nothing. No drips, no spatter or pitter patters this rig was in near pristine condition and ready for a mission!

So I ran back into the office and told the sales manager I would take it. Giving me a weird look as if to say, are your serious? This guy is crazy! Crazy as a crazy as can be when I know what I have. To understand where the sales manager was coming from, this truck came into us with 307,000 miles on it. Yep, I said 307,000 miles no more, no less. The greatest thing, I got it for $500 the price of the rear locking axle on this rig! Obvious to me that this is a win-win situation.

So first things first, I had to get it into the shop and get her on the lift to see what we were dealing with.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/34192302726/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="part0"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2834/34192302726_7ac66b0ee0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="part0"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Here one of our techs is taking a look at in the shop. We performed a quick oil change and did a look over to see what it needs. Right off the bat, I knew it needed new rotors and brake pads, I was getting the Harlem shake in the steering every time I’d hit the brakes.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/34232779825/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="20170421_153537"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2817/34232779825_8c616a5e44_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20170421_153537"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Underneath the hood it looked pretty clean, but while looking underneath it seems to me that we need to replace the valve cover gasket for preventative maintenance along with a serpentine belt.

After taking a look at the shop, I started to do a little shopping around myself for parts and next action steps to get it ready for some serious off road. But don’t worry, I plan to take it out bone stock at least once. Before I do that, I needed to change out the air filter.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/33391382454/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="20170421_203555"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2870/33391382454_caec7d1ff0_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="20170421_203555"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

For the time being, I quickly grabbed the STP Premium air filter. I plan on getting the K&N air filter down the road, I just wanted something to get started.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/34192308196/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="20170421_203533"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4164/34192308196_645294b469_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="20170421_203533"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That's all I have so far on my first day with my new rig. I will update this thread when I have made a few more changes and a few of the adventures I am sure to go on!

ADVtotheBeat Out!
:rockon:

Located in Olympia, Wa.
1997 Toyota 4 Runner Limited
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/34192316016/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="20170420_215021"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2848/34192316016_5531a31ecd_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="20170420_215021"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
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ADVtotheBeat said:
That is right, I am talking about this 1997 Limited Toyota 4runner that I picked up for a ridiculously low price...I couldn’t be more excited to join this community.

So here is the stock photo of my new to me rig.
Click to expand...

Congratulations on your new rig and welcome to the community. I don't want to bridle your enthusiasm for your build, however, I would like to offer you a few pointers. There's an old saying that I try and stick to with anything I do; "measure twice, cut once." Keep this in mind with your build.

Here are my priorities (in short):

  • Knowledge and understanding. Read as much as you can on this forum and learn as much as you can.
  • Maintenance FIRST in the following order, with three exceptions (see below):
  1. Engine
  2. Transmission
  3. Suspension
My exception -
  • Lower ball joints,
  • New radiator,
  • Transmission drain and fill.

Do your homework FIRST. use the search feature, look at other builds, read the FAQ's, etc. Budget is good, but cheap isn't.

Have fun.
 
Rock_Rat said:
Congratulations on your new rig and welcome to the community. I don't want to bridle your enthusiasm for your build, however, I would like to offer you a few pointers. There's an old saying that I try and stick to with anything I do; "measure twice, cut once." Keep this in mind with your build.

Here are my priorities (in short):

  • Knowledge and understanding. Read as much as you can on this forum and learn as much as you can.
  • Maintenance FIRST in the following order, with three exceptions (see below):
  1. Engine
  2. Transmission
  3. Suspension
My exception -
  • Lower ball joints,
  • New radiator,
  • Transmission drain and fill.

Do your homework FIRST. use the search feature, look at other builds, read the FAQ's, etc. Budget is good, but cheap isn't.

Have fun.
Click to expand...

Rock Rat, thank you for the advice I greatly appreciate it! I plan to do the truck up properly and the next steps are some of the things you mentioned which reassure me that I am going in the right direction. :D
 
Congratz! When was the timing belt and water pump replaced? Like mentioned I'd probably replace the radiator, hoses, thermostat and gasket (jiggle valve at 6pm) UBJ/LBJ, ITR/OTR sway bar bushings (and end links if in bad shape) and the rear diff breather.
 
audiness said:
Cringing at the thought that truck might still have the original ball joints
Click to expand...

^^ "Crying at the thought", that a Dealer would sell a rust free 4Runner, for a mere $500...in running condition.

ADVtotheBeat - give that salesman a free case of 24 / and ask for a phone call, when future T4R's are traded in...You Did Awesome man !!
 
Last edited:
Beaumont67 said:
^^ "Crying at the thought", that a Dealer would sell a rust free 4Runner, for a mere $500...in running condition.

ADVtotheBeat - give that salesman a free case of 24 / and ask for a phone call, when future T4R's are traded in...You Did Awesome man !!
Click to expand...

Haha, it's a good thing that I am a salesman there. That is why I got the hook up. We took it on trade for $500 and I took it off the dealerships hands. :lightsaber:
 
A running, rust free limited with e-locker for $500? I just thought I got a good deal on mine.

You should also buy a lotto ticket.
 
I'll probably see you around as I'm in Lacey. Let me know if you need a hand. I have some good usable front rotors you can have for free if you want.

I also have the front bumper piece that looked dented on yours. I just did plate bumpers and it's not doing me any good.
 
Quick Update

So I picked up valve cover gaskets to stop the little oil leak that I have and getting prepared to do the work on that.

In between, I was able to start collecting my suspension pieces and some other fun little things.

My first stop was to All West Coast Auto Wrecking to pick me up some Land Cruiser springs.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/33894434033/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="Al West Coast Auto Wrecking"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4180/33894434033_f276417277_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Al West Coast Auto Wrecking"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After that I found a quick little detour route to let this lady touch some dirt.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/34319785030/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="Taking a back trail by the lake"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4176/34319785030_5c7170f805_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Taking a back trail by the lake"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

and I had to pose her by the lake that this trail took me to.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/34573370351/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="The 4runner posing."><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4163/34573370351_cbd084fefc_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The 4runner posing."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I also found this cool little shovel. I am sure it will come in handy soon!

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14062011@N07/33894433003/in/album-72157682985454655/" title="Quick Little Goodwill Find."><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4156/33894433003_6735e8b162_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Quick Little Goodwill Find."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That is all I have for my update right now. I am saving up to take care of some maintenance items that has been mentioned on this thread by all of you.

Thank you again everyone for your input!

- ADVtotheBeat
 
Awesome find and quick move on the deal - well played :thumb3:

Like others have said, do your PM ASAP
  • LBJs
  • Brakes
  • Radiator, hoses
  • Timing belt, tensioners, water pump, thermostat, rad cap
  • Belts

Check your sway bar bushings all around, they are probably crushed
Shocks probably need freshening up
IAC okay?
Wheel bearings and u-joints?

Congrats, man :cheers:
 
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