3rd gen lifespan

[amalik]

I'm new to the forum and figure this is the correct place to ask this what is the life expectancy of a 1996 transmission assuming correct maintenance? Forever? I ask because I found what I think is a good deal but the transmission and transfer case have 325k miles.

Thanks in advance

Forever is obviously not realistic.

325k is up there, I wouldn't expect much after 400k... which is basically unheard of in the first place.

It is a mechanical device at the end of the day.

PS - I didn't say they won't GO PAST 400k. I said you maybe shouldn't *expect* them to. There is a subtle difference there

 

[J i m s t e r]

My 96 Surf is in for a new head. 310KM (it's the 3.0). 6 years with no issues, then seems to have shat it's coolant while crawling in a 40 minute queue. Head has a crack in it, could have been there a while I guess as most of my driving is at highway speeds and it's probably not helped that I am putting 500 miles a week on it.

In the meantime, I've been hiring cars every week. The fact that they do twice the mpg offsets the cost of the hire. So I've had new BMW 1-series, Mini, Renaults (do you get these in The U, S and A?), Volvos and a Merc.

They go OK and as I said, are twice as economical. At the pump of course. I'd have to buy one if I had to replace the Surf so then there would be the monthly repayments to factor in against the fuel. They don't have much space to be honest - I've not been able to move my mountain bikes for fear of ripping some trim on a car that isn't mine. The Surf can swallow the bike whole.

The electronics are a chore. They all seem to have "Virtual" clocks and loads of screens to play with, which at the end of the day, are distracting. I've been having to put air in a lot of tyres as the pressure sensors keep throwing pressure warnings for tyres that look fine. I can't drive them with my elbow resting on the door card top. They all look bland.

Can't wait to get the truck back. Getting new rad, head, thermostat and aux transmission cooler. Should run better than ever. Underside is completely Dinitrol coated (we use salt in the UK too). Only jobs left are to fix the bits of laquer peel and repaint the screen frame, which had a bit of surface rust when I replaced the screen last year. Rust was cleaned up by the installer but it's on my list.

Hoping for another 10 years.

 

[Qmb9015]

I was finally able to create a new post if you want to take a look there.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/227077-would-you-buy-4runner-325k-miles.html

Forever is obviously not realistic.

325k is up there, I wouldn't expect much after 400k... which is basically unheard of in the first place.

It is a mechanical device at the end of the day.

PS - I didn't say they won't GO PAST 400k. I said you maybe shouldn't *expect* them to. There is a subtle
difference there

Thanks. The one I'm looking at has had all of this done recently.
New tires, new radiator, new water pump & timing belt, new brakes, new ball joints, new cv axles, new fuel pump & filter, new spark plugs and wires, fresh fluids in whole vehicle, power Everything, has been driven daily for the past 5 years and well maintained. Never let's me down. Body has 325k, engine has 120k, runs perfect. Everything works except for sunroof.
List of modifications:
- 3" Toytec suspension lift
- 285/75/16 Kenda Klever MT
- CBI Offroad Fab Front bumper
- Smittybilt 8,000lb winch
- Cree LED pods and 20" light bar
- Curt Safari rack with extension
- 99+ model Sport model hood with scoop
Interior Mods:
- Sony head unit
- Polk Audio high quality waterproof door speakers(4)
- JL Audio 12w2v3 sub in custom box($400) with 2000w amp
- Interior LED swap on map/cargo lights

Any red flags? I assume since no tranny swap that milkshake hasn't occured.

 

[shoota]

This thread makes me sad. I think the 3rd gen is the most perfect vehicle for me. As you can see I also have a 4th gen that I like a lot less. Why does Toyota have to continue to make them bigger and bloated? Why don't they have a comparable small SUV. The RAV 4 is TOO small. If they still made the 3rd gen I would have purchased one new in August. My son was leaving for college and we had to disown his 2000 Tacoma so I traded it for a 2016 Tacoma 4Dr and gave him the 2000 4Runner. He was just home for the weekend and we polished his 4Runner together. I miss them both, here he is in the 1997 4Runner I bought when he was born. It got wrecked so I got the 2000:

I'm with you, makes me sad and worried. I have so many fond memories involving my 3rd gens I just can't imagine not having one.

 

[Jhelms]

230 / 250K on both my gunners. Both run strong and as new. With how the motor and trans feel on both, I would not be surprised if they see 350-400K easily. Time will tell. Both are maintained to a silly level so this may help them live a long strong life.

 

[shoota]

Both are maintained to a silly level

I need to be better about this :/

 

[TheDurk]

My 96 Surf is in for a new head. 310KM (it's the 3.0). 6 years with no issues, then seems to have shat it's coolant while crawling in a 40 minute queue. Head has a crack in it, could have been there a while I guess as most of my driving is at highway speeds and it's probably not helped that I am putting 500 miles a week on it.

If it stayed cool at speed and overheated stopped in traffic you probably have a bad fan clutch. Might want to check that out before you kill another head.

 

[J i m s t e r]

If it stayed cool at speed and overheated stopped in traffic you probably have a bad fan clutch. Might want to check that out before you kill another head.

Will do. The rad is coming out anyway so ideal opportunity.