3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[mikey_mike]

Hi guys

Sorry if I'm posting this in a wrong thread, I’m new to here.

Can you please confirm that what I found on one of the pictures from a salesman is a milkshake issue that someone apparently tried to hide with red paint? From what I read here this means the transmission is broken. Does it even make sense to try to replace it or should I definitely walk away and leave this car alone?

The thing is that I live in Europe and it is extremely difficult to find a healthy 3rd gen 4runner here. Other than that it is in really good condition and everything about the car works (including the clock ) Should I even bother trying to find the transmission? The car is 900 miles away, I wanted to go to see the car until I found this.

 

[Bad Luck]

Hi guys

Sorry if I'm posting this in a wrong thread, I’m new to here.

Can you please confirm that what I found on one of the pictures from a salesman is a milkshake issue that someone apparently tried to hide with red paint? From what I read here this means the transmission is broken. Does it even make sense to try to replace it or should I definitely walk away and leave this car alone?

The thing is that I live in Europe and it is extremely difficult to find a healthy 3rd gen 4runner here. Other than that it is in really good condition and everything about the car works (including the clock ) Should I even bother trying to find the transmission? The car is 900 miles away, I wanted to go to see the car until I found this.

That red paint has nothing to do with the strawberry milkshake. Strawberry milkshake is when coolant and transmission fluid mix due to a failed transmission cooler in the radiator. This causes the transmission fluid to be milky, redish, and kinda foamy (kinda feels like glue too). I have no clue why someone would use red spray paint on the suspension. Maybe a rust repair and the guy didn't have black spray paint? Who knows!

 

[mikey_mike]

That red paint has nothing to do with the strawberry milkshake. Strawberry milkshake is when coolant and transmission fluid mix due to a failed transmission cooler in the radiator. This causes the transmission fluid to be milky, redish, and kinda foamy (kinda feels like glue too). I have no clue why someone would use red spray paint on the suspension. Maybe a rust repair and the guy didn't have black spray paint? Who knows!

Hi,
Thanks for answering, I think I didn't express myself correctly. This forum is an amazing source of information and I read carefully what strawberry milkshake is. My bet is that the red paint was put there to distract from the actual milkshake that can be seen on the left-hand side. It's harder to recognize pinkish spots on the sides when there's a huge red spot in the middle.
So my questions would be:

1) can you confirm that what the pinkish spots that can be seen on the left-hand side is a milkshake thing?
2) taking into consideration this model in good condition is extremely rare where I live and the rest of the car is in good shape, does it make sense to look for transmission? If so, can you recommend where I can buy one in good condition?

thanks!

 

[Bad Luck]

Hi,
Thanks for answering, I think I didn't express myself correctly. This forum is an amazing source of information and I read carefully what strawberry milkshake is. My bet is that the red paint was put there to distract from the actual milkshake that can be seen on the left-hand side. It's harder to recognize pinkish spots on the sides when there's a huge red spot in the middle.
So my questions would be:

1) can you confirm that what the pinkish spots that can be seen on the left-hand side is a milkshake thing?
2) taking into consideration this model in good condition is extremely rare where I live and the rest of the car is in good shape, does it make sense to look for transmission? If so, can you recommend where I can buy one in good condition?

thanks!

To check for the strawberry milkshake you need to look at the transmission fluid and coolant. That is the only way to check if it has that problem currently.

 

[maxus]

My first post also. Hope this is where this should be.

Thank you for in depth explanation re drive trains. Much appreciated.

To summarize: I live in city/town. Drive on paved roads 90% time. Rainy weather common. Occasional black ice, snow. I never off road.

If I understood the explanation, I want the multi mode center diff selector for awd.

My query: Would you please confirm that I should only be looking to buy a 2001-2002 4wd (any trim model). Alternatively, I could look for a 1999-2000 4wd Limited with the multi-mode awd selector.

Is there a 2wd model which offers the multi mode center diff?
Is there a way to adapt a 2wd to a multi-mode awd selector?

Thanks

 

[Jidaran]

My first post also. Hope this is where this should be.

Thank you for in depth explanation re drive trains. Much appreciated.

To summarize: I live in city/town. Drive on paved roads 90% time. Rainy weather common. Occasional black ice, snow. I never off road.

If I understood the explanation, I want the multi mode center diff selector for awd.

My query: Would you please confirm that I should only be looking to buy a 2001-2002 4wd (any trim model). Alternatively, I could look for a 1999-2000 4wd Limited with the multi-mode awd selector.

Is there a 2wd model which offers the multi mode center diff?
Is there a way to adapt a 2wd to a multi-mode awd selector?

Thanks

Yes, you want multimode. You're right about the models it's found in.

Multimode is a type of 4WD, so obviously you can't have 2WD with multimode. There's no center diff on a 2WD vehicle. Some folks on here have done a 2WD to 4WD conversion, but it's time consuming and expensive. Just buy a truck with multimode.

 

[maxus]

Yes, you want multimode. You're right about the models it's found in.

Multimode is a type of 4WD, so obviously you can't have 2WD with multimode. There's no center diff on a 2WD vehicle. Some folks on here have done a 2WD to 4WD conversion, but it's time consuming and expensive. Just buy a truck with multimode.

Great. Thank you.

 

[slump_lumpy]

Super helpful post and helped me buy my first 4runner!
Silver '02 with e-locker.

Cheers!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Silver '02 with e-locker.

You sure about that?

 

[jprolfes]

Do i need to be concerned on milesage?

Wanted some advice I had a 1995 sr5 and sold it 10 years ago and have a lot of regret. now have an oppty to buy a 2002 SR5 limited for $4300 but it has 220K miles. it has been well maintained and recent timing belt change how concerned should i be by the mileage? do i go for it?

 

[JBurt]

That's pretty average miles for an 18 year old car. At that price (assuming 4x4) you'd be hard pressed to find a lower mileage one. Have you looked at the buyers guide thread?

 

[xfitr911]

This write up is freaking awesome! I’m going to look at a ‘98 SR5 Limited that has new looking Goodyear Wrangler tires, lift and tubular front bumper with winch. It has 205k and looks clean, but I’ve been studying this guide to make sure I cover my bases before I buy it. I’m 99% sure I’ll be driving it home tonight.

 

[xfitr911]

I’m looking a 2001 and really only thing that I’m seeing wrong with it is the rear control arm where it connects to the frame is rusted through on one side. Is this something that can be fixed? TIA

 

[jack.hanks02]

I’m looking a 2001 and really only thing that I’m seeing wrong with it is the rear control arm where it connects to the frame is rusted through on one side. Is this something that can be fixed? TIA

I would run away from that mess. Or have a mechanic inspect it.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

 

[Thebeastlives]

It can be fixed. I once saw I guy do a trail fix on his control arm after it broke. He had his welder fix it on the trail. The question is where is the vehicle rusted elsewhere? I'm sure that isn't the only major rust on that beast

 

[JBurt]

That's probably the most common place for the frames to be rusted through. I would be wary, but I, like many others, am spoiled by the desert southwest lack of rust.

It can definitely be fixed. I remember some time ago that someone sold a patch kit. I would definitely check the rest of the frame and rear axle with a fine tooth comb. The rear axle gets pinhole leaks often. For a 20ish year old vehicle I think you'll be lucky to find a rust free one, unless you have one shipped from someplace without rust. Good luck with whatever you find!

 

[datsuyama]

Dang, this is awesome and the very reason I joined the forum as I'm getting a 3 gen this weekend!! Thank you so much for the hard work!

 

[befr3]

The 13WL brake can also be found on these cars too:

TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003-2005
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2007-2014
TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2003-2007
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2000-2006

 

[Bad Luck]

The 13WL brake can also be found on these cars too:

TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003-2005
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2007-2014
TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2003-2007
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2000-2006

Some of the years and vehicles you listed had more than one caliper option. Something to be aware of if you are ordering based on year and model. For example: 2000 Tundra could be 13wl or 13we. 2005 Tundra only had 13wl.

 

[Sebasgonz56]

Potential Buy??

Hey guys, new to the forums. Found this 1998 4runner Limited. Its got 267,000 miles. No tears in seats, newly upholstered drivers seat. All the windows and locks work. Everything looks great, light surface rust underneath. I'm waiting for the seller to send me the list of dealer upgraded parts. It looks like original lower ball joints and factory radiator. I also saw grime build-up from the valve cover. Seller reports no transmission problems, but I'm prepared to replace the radiator if I decide to buy. My question being, is $5000 a good deal? He originally had it for 6,000 but I'm sure he wants to get rid of it now as its been on the market for a while. It also comes with a rod rack. Thanks for any help, I greatly appreciate it. (sorry for HUGE pictures) Also timing belt replaced at 220,000 miles.