3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Im very glad I joined. I came in thinking I wanted to buy a 01-02 and learned the 4Runner for me is a 99-00. Thanks for all the amazing info. Now off to go find one
 
4-Ripcord said:
As discussed earlier, AWD (all wheel drive) is when the front and rear drive-shafts leaving the transfer-case can rotate independent of each other. AWD (center diff unlocked/open) is the only safe way to deliver power to all four wheels on high traction surfaces such as paved roads. Think of this as another "open" Diff, but instead of wheels at the end of these drive-shafts (axles), there is just the front or rear diff & axles. AWD is meant for ice covered roads where "true 4x4" should still not be used. True 4x4 is where the center diff is locked like a regular transfer-case always is. With this transfer case locked, both front and rear drive-shafts must spin at the same speed. Having the center diff locked is bad for on road use becuase when you corner, the front wheels make a larger diameter turn than the rear wheels And that means the rear drive-shaft needs to spin at a different speed to keep pace with the front.. which it cant if the transfer-case is locked.

In terms of off road ability, the unlock/lock feature on the Multi-Mode t-case does not add anything. It only helps sketchy on road conditions. The rear e-locker is the only option above normal 4wd that actually increases off road ability.
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You say multimode locked shouldnt be used on road correct...?
But then you say its main purpose is for helping on sketch road conditions.

There's NO benefit to locking the T-case while off roading? It can remain unlocked?
 
Bijan said:
You say multimode locked shouldnt be used on road correct...?
But then you say its main purpose is for helping on sketch road conditions.

There's NO benefit to locking the T-case while off roading? It can remain unlocked?
Click to expand...

not quite.

Multi-mode unlocked is just all wheel drive (open center diff). This is what you use when on road. All wheel drive, while being better than just 2wd, is pretty useless offroad.

When offroad, lock the multi-mode to reach true 4 wheel drive.
 
I have a quick question being that I have been looking for some time now for a 3rd Gen. Is a replaced radiator necessarily a bad thing?

2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 AWD

There is the link and he said it was replaced around 20k miles ago. Does that mean maybe the tranny is going bad? I might text and ask for records or something of the like if he can produce them.

Thanks.
 
Not necessarily. Some people replace them as routine maintenance.

If its been 20k miles since then, I would doubt the transmission has issues. But still look into it.
 
biggestmexi said:
What do you guys think of this?

2000 Toyota 4Runner for sale in Decatur - JT3HN86R3Y0302553 - Tom Kelley Chevrolet Buick

I am not willing to pay that price though. The carfax is there but it doesn't state the timing belt was changed. I also sent an email to the dealer to find out more.
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Dealers will always be overpriced and they won't budge as much. A private seller will be cheaper. I'm not sure of your local market, but in overpriced California that would be around $5500-$6000 range.

Check the undercarriage for any rust, then take it out on freeway speeds to see if there's any of those annoying vibrations or steering wobble.
 
He I am sitting in Rochester, MN looking at 2 4runners.

Both are 2000 limiteds with multimode.

One had 135000 miles timing belt done but the steering wheel is crooked, more body rust, brakes shudder, and the truck vibrated a bit under heavier acceleration. HAS LOCKING REAR DIFF. Newer tires.

The other had an aftermarket radio and remote start but I don't care about it. It had 152000 miles, no timing belt that anyone knows of. But it just seems tighter and no brake shudder. I would replace anyway. A rather clean body, much better than the other one. 2 tires would need to be replaced soon. But you can see from the pics with the rusty around the front window. NO LOCKING REAR DIFF.

SAME PRICE FOR EACH. I'm only here until Monday and have a 5 hour drive home...



Imgur
Imgur
 
biggestmexi said:
He I am sitting in Rochester, MN looking at 2 4runners.

Both are 2000 limiteds with multimode.

One had 135000 miles timing belt done but the steering wheel is crooked, more body rust, brakes shudder, and the truck vibrated a bit under heavier acceleration. HAS LOCKING REAR DIFF. Newer tires.

The other had an aftermarket radio and remote start but I don't care about it. It had 152000 miles, no timing belt that anyone knows of. But it just seems tighter and no brake shudder. I would replace anyway. A rather clean body, much better than the other one. 2 tires would need to be replaced soon. But you can see from the pics with the rusty around the front window. NO LOCKING REAR DIFF.

SAME PRICE FOR EACH. I'm only here until Monday and have a 5 hour drive home...



Imgur
Imgur
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Cooked steering wheel is no big deal. Just needs alignment. Sounds like the second is better deal assuming the price is ok
 
Potential Purchase

Looking for opinions on this, only real worry is that it was stored for the winter and I have heard that can cause issues.

1998 sr5 150k miles. Owner claims no rust or mechanical issues. $4700. Seems really clean. Going to see it in two days to verify if it is as good as it seems.
 

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ld-schmidt said:
Looking for opinions on this, only real worry is that it was stored for the winter and I have heard that can cause issues.

1998 sr5 150k miles. Owner claims no rust or mechanical issues. $4700. Seems really clean. Going to see it in two days to verify if it is as good as it seems.
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Well you didn't give us any info on it really. Could be a fine truck, could have lots of problems. Just make sure it is up to date on everything. But storing it over winter is no big deal. Just make sure the oil was changed before/after that.
 
Thanks

4-Ripcord said:
Well you didn't give us any info on it really. Could be a fine truck, could have lots of problems. Just make sure it is up to date on everything. But storing it over winter is no big deal. Just make sure the oil was changed before/after that.
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That's all I really know about it, more just confirming that the price with stated condition line up and appreciate any tips on what to look for when buying. Thanks for taking the time to compose this thread, it is very informative.
 
disccop75 said:
Going to look at this one tomorrow. The price seems high but my negotiations and trade will hopefully take care of that. Thoughts? Things to look for since I don't know a mechanic up there? And of course... Thank you in advance for anything you can provide!

Used 1999 Toyota 4Runner For Sale | Jacksonville FL
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Well the dealer ads never have any info, so all I have are pictures and a price. I have no idea if it is a good price because I do not know the maintenance.

And why ask what to look for? You do know thats the entire subject of this thread right?
 
00 4 runner

I'm eyeing this t4r, what would you look for besides rust/leaks and the general maintenance records and items pointed out in this thread for a high mileage car?
 
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