3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[jremus]

I have an '00 Limited, but it has a scoop hood. Was there any factory package that included this combo?

Highlander option started in 99 it looks like.

more here:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/706221-post4.html

 

[Collkid]

I see that the OP isn't maintaining this Guide regularly any more but I'd like to pose a suggestion regardless.

I think a problem under the "KNOWN ISSUES & RED FLAGS" section is in order to warn about the ABS Power Brake Pump Master Cylinder Booster Assembly leak/failure issue and the approximate cost of the repair, common in the 2000-2002 T4Rs. As these vehicles are now reaching an average age of 180,000+ miles (probably higher) I am seeing more complaints about this issue across many automotive forums. Its a $1200 part (OEM) and 5-hour shop time charge, costs that could be the deciding factor between a purchase or "walk away".

My recently purchased T4R's assembly is leaking. Had I known to look for this I probably would have passed on the purchase, despite the great price.

Just my $.02

Uhhhh what?!

First I'm hearing of this.

 

[214K_02T4R]

Uhhhh what?!

First I'm hearing of this.

It's probably as common as the "strawberry milkshake" thing and there are dozens and dozens of threads on it. Searching takes some patience because most people initially post about it thinking they have a general braking issue or a leaky master cylinder reservoir... then they take it to a mechanic or worse yet a dealership who presents them with a $3000+ repair estimate. Also, very few report back if/when they've resolved it.

Here is a quick selection of threads:

Master Cylinder failure(s)?

Another...
Major ABS Issue..?

Discussion on price of MC/ABS/TC
Brake Master Cylinder Pricing???

Another...
Master Cylinder Pressure Sensor - C1246

Another...
Master Cylinder Problems

Another...
T4R from 2001' year traction control problem

ABS Pump here...
Soft brake pedal

Another...
abs/brake issues

Another...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/171342-brake-vsc-off-vsc-trac-abs-lights.html

Another, this at Yotatech
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/trac-off-vsc-trac-abs-lights-45153/

Same issue on the Gen.4
Brake Booster/Accumulator/Master Cylinder Assembly Replacement

Gen.4
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/176224-brake-accumulator-master-cylinder-replacement-squeal-fix.html


...I could continue but you get the point, there are a lot of people having brake system issues and a heads up in this thread would be helpful in pointing people in the right direction or at least mentioning the price range of the repair.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Give me the cliff notes on some of the red flags for this and best fixes and I'll look into adding it, don't feel like reading all those threads lol. Through reply or PM is fine.

This master cylinder issues is new info for me too.

I realize literally ANY part on a used vehicle can go bad, this thread is more for the common and easily identifiable issues.

 

[4-Ripcord]

And btw I just went through and removed a lot of the dead links, replaced some missing pictures, and fixed the YouTube embed from when the site format was updated a few months ago.

 

[EAJ4runner]

And btw I just went through and removed a lot of the dead links, replaced some missing pictures, and fixed the YouTube embed from when the site format was updated a few months ago.

In the event no one else says it, I want to say thank you for all you've done for this thread as it's helped a ton of people including me who had no idea about 4runners when I started looking.

 

[4-Ripcord]

glad to help!

 

[214K_02T4R]

Give me the cliff notes on some of the red flags for this and best fixes and I'll look into adding it, don't feel like reading all those threads lol. Through reply or PM is fine.

This master cylinder issues is new info for me too.

I realize literally ANY part on a used vehicle can go bad, this thread is more for the common and easily identifiable issues.

I'll get you a synopsis in a couple days. I just received my copies of the Toyota Workshop manuals so I can put together a game plan on the fix, which will help me to walk backwards form solution to symptoms.

Thank you, I appreciate it!

 

[Collkid]

I'll get you a synopsis in a couple days. I just received my copies of the Toyota Workshop manuals so I can put together a game plan on the fix, which will help me to walk backwards form solution to symptoms.

Thank you, I appreciate it!

That would be really interesting.

I don't know much about brakes failing on these rigs.

Rather get ahead of it!

 

[JBurt]

I think it's important to note that this type of brake failure only applies to 01 and 02 (and maybe 2000) 4runners. The older ones have a different master cylinder/abs pump unit.

 

[Dreadnaught]

Very and I mean Very impressive guide. I'm looking now for a 3rd gen and this is my new bible. Thank you so much.

 

[jgue467]

I see that the OP isn't maintaining this Guide regularly any more but I'd like to pose a suggestion regardless.

I think a problem under the "KNOWN ISSUES & RED FLAGS" section is in order to warn about the ABS Power Brake Pump Master Cylinder Booster Assembly leak/failure issue and the approximate cost of the repair, common in the 2000-2002 T4Rs. As these vehicles are now reaching an average age of 180,000+ miles (probably higher) I am seeing more complaints about this issue across many automotive forums. Its a $1200 part (OEM) and 5-hour shop time charge, costs that could be the deciding factor between a purchase or "walk away".

My recently purchased T4R's assembly is leaking. Had I known to look for this I probably would have passed on the purchase, despite the great price.

Just my $.02

It's DIY with a $300 part, NBD. My dos centavos worth. :cowboy:

 

[ztphillips93]

wish I would have seen this when I bought mine!!!!

 

[Timjtitus]

I think it's important to note that this type of brake failure only applies to 01 and 02 (and maybe 2000) 4runners. The older ones have a different master cylinder/abs pump unit.

My 2000 had a brake booster failure with about 165,000 miles. Replaced with junkyard booster, been fine ever since.

 

[gsb77]

Thank you to the OP & everyone that has added to this thread. Like some others I am late to the game. I will do my homework before asking any Questions, that I already have. I just bought a '97 that shows 119,XXX. LBJ & Tbelt have supposedly been done. Radiator needs flushed & Trans cooler will be installed before it's driven much. Is there someplace to run the VIN # to see what it came factory with?

 

[ad_robotics]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to all of the nice guides. It helped me dodge some bad 3rd gens I was looking to buy a while back.

 

[T4R2014]

My 2000 had a brake booster failure with about 165,000 miles. Replaced with junkyard booster, been fine ever since.

Yeah, that's the cheap booster.

 

[OutdoorDave]

Question re VIN and Rear E-Locker/RR Diff Lock

Can it be determined if a 2000 Limited has the Rear E-Locker option by analyzing/breaking down the VIN?

Thank you in advance for your time; I really appreciate it.

 

[qrohlf]

Might be worth adding the Radiators - Koyo vs The Rest thread to the Radiator Resource Threads section.

Specifically, I found this post about the differences between the OEM part numbers super helpful (16400-75181 is the original japan-made part that came stock, and the cheaper part numbers like 16410-AZ011 are Taiwanese-made parts re-badged with OEM labeling that Toyota introduced to compete with cheaper aftermarket options)

 

[4-Ripcord]

good suggestion. I added it