4runner life span ? Thoughts anyone ?

[Mellemel]

My 4runner is a 97' V6 3.4, I have owned it for the last 2 years, she's an elderly lady, but running well. I am keeping up on maintenance and general repairs. Just had the rear springs and shocks replaced and the mech found a couple of rust holes in the frame next to the rear shock mount. It's going to need some welding to pass the inspection this time.
This 4runner has 360,000 kms and for 17 years old is running great. Living in New Brunswick Canada the winters are hard and the amounts of salt put down on the roads are insane. I am surprised it has lasted so long without rusting even worse.
Has anyone else had to do much welding to keep their 4runner on the road, I am wondering how much longer left I can keep her going. I use it as my daily drive as a second vehicle. My mechanic keeps asking me if it's had a head gasket done, I am sure it hasn't, but isn't showing any signs of needing one either !
I don't think this motor is prone for HG failure is it ?
How many 4runner owners have older vehicles still in daily use ? Would be interested to hear.

 

[woodro]

I have a 99 limited and I had to fix some rust holes in the frame , very easy to do if you know how to weld .

Mine is not a dd because of lift , tires and mpg' but I would not hesitate to dd it , I would drive it across the country without thinking twice .
These trucks are very very reliable if maintained correctly.
I see them with way over 200,000 miles all the time . Even saw a few with 300k !

 

[jstim]

Everyone in this section, ok...maybe not everyone, but there are tons man. I think some of these guys have insane miles on their rigs. Evaluate your rust problem, and determine whether its worth cutting out, welding in new, and trying to treat the rest of the frame. Just my .02

 

[wc11]

1998 LTD. Bought new. Regularly serviced. Oil every 5k
Currently 503268 kms. Daily driver. Rust proofed twice a year. Spring and fall.
Just had it in for it's spring "whatever it needs" service.
No head gasket but I did do valve cover gaskets last year.
Always been dealer serviced and the dealer gives 20% off service to high mileage vehicles.
A few small rust spots have finally shown up under the door seals which I'll have taken care of this summer.
No hesitation or reservations on going anywhere with it. take care of it and it'll take care of you.
Can't get much more reliable than that. Pretty much bullet proof.

 

[StreetCreeper]

366,000 miles on my 1997 limited and it still has original engine, transmission and suspension. I'm about to put on rear springs and shocks to fix the sag.

I picked it up for free off the inlaws after a LBJ failed on the passenger side and the wheel came off. I'M slowly bringing her back from the grave. So far I've invested about $1,300 in parts (including tires) and have done all repairs aside from tire mount and balance, myself.

Great trucks to own, drive and learn how to repair on. If I wrecked it tomorrow—I would just buy another one.

 

[scrapper]

Well said. That is why I haven't been seduced by another truck since 2002 when i saw my 02...it was love at first sight

 

[TCMach]

[MENTION=56044]downpour11[/MENTION] is over 400k, even has a solid axle on it now. If he is still alive on these forums :becky:

 

[amalik]

There's an active member with 400k on here. It's not magic, but you have to take care of them.

Read some of the preventative maintenance items on all the various threads here.

 

[arehman11]

I purchased mine with 340k on it, supposedly had issues, but turned out to just need a tune up and fluids. hoping to hit 400k on this drivetrain as it checked out once I tore into it. I do have a motor sitting around though for the day it does go.