4X4 Mechanical question

[Maxil]

As I am looing around for a good 4runner for sale in my area, one concern was that many around Georgia rarely use their 4x4. Do these have any problems if they are not used very often? Main reason I asked is one I am looking into looks very good, but neither he nor the original owner ever went offroad. He likely checked the 4 wheel drive when buying it years ago and hasn't used it since.

Are there any signs when checking it if it is okay or having issues. I have never driven a 4x4 and wouldn't know what is a good or bad sound or reaction.

Thanks a bunch,
Maxil

 

[theizzardking]

this is pretty common, the manual says to use it about once a month just to make sure everything is moving freely, but to be honest in some places the truck can be 10 years old and have never had the 4x4 engaged, it should be fine, the only advice anyone can give on this sort of thing is to turn it on and try it out.


when you engage it to test it do it in a gravel parking lot or some other non cement like surface, if you have to try it out on cement go very slow and don;t turn your wheels to tight. you should feel a noticeable difference in how it handles, run it through a couple of times.

be sides that maybe take it to a shop and get it inspected, it should cost around $100-150 for them to check all of the fluids and all of the major systems of the truck , like compression,brakes,trans ect ect ect.

 

[Maxil]

I appreciate the help, It seems he posted an ad for his T4R before he had it fully checked out. He knew it needed belts, but after visiting a mechanic it appears it also needs a valve cover gasket. Total for both is about $550. He hasn't had it done yet, but did mention he may be willing to negotiate that off the price, but would it be usable for a while with a bad valve cover gasket?

The belts needing replacement are Alternator, A/C, and Power steering belts, oh and front brake pads as well.

I do have a friend that could repair it for cheaper, but will that valve cover issue leave me stranded on the trip home, 8 hours or so?

I certainly appreciate the help,
Maxil

 

[brian2sun]

Valve cover leaks on the 3.4 are common and usually no big deal to drive like that for a while unless you're losing a lot of oil. You might just try to tighten the screws down first, many times that will stop the leak.

 

[Maxil]

Valve cover leaks on the 3.4 are common and usually no big deal to drive like that for a while unless you're losing a lot of oil. You might just try to tighten the screws down first, many times that will stop the leak.

Thanks, I will look further into now.

Maxil

 

[Castaflie]

Another ? Regarding this issue

this is pretty common, the manual says to use it about once a month just to make sure everything is moving freely, but to be honest in some places the truck can be 10 years old and have never had the 4x4 engaged, it should be fine, the only advice anyone can give on this sort of thing is to turn it on and try it out.


when you engage it to test it do it in a gravel parking lot or some other non cement like surface, if you have to try it out on cement go very slow and don;t turn your wheels to tight. you should feel a noticeable difference in how it handles, run it through a couple of times.

be sides that maybe take it to a shop and get it inspected, it should cost around $100-150 for them to check all of the fluids and all of the major systems of the truck , like compression,brakes,trans ect ect ect.

Is it possible for HL4 to engage but not H4? I was putting my 1999 in 4 wheel drive for it's monthly maintenance and I didn't notice a difference in difficulty turning or turning radius from 2 wheel drive while in H4. I did inn HL4. Thanks.