98 Anything to check out?

[BearChest]

My girlfriend just bought a 98 2wd SR5 3.4L. I used to have an 88 but kind of rolled it a couple years ago .

Anyway I was wondering if there are any problems that arise with the 3rd generation 4Runners. The main thing I am worried about is the auto tranny, should I install a better aftermarket cooler?

 

[clin9383]

not sure if this applies to you but check to see if needs the headgasket recall and rear coils replaced. you probably wont need a tranny cooler unless you tow alot..

 

[toybox]

a cooler certainly would not hurt even if you don't tow. But did all the 3rd gen's come with a tranny cooler? You say get a better one, it may not have one at all.

The cooler running fluid MAY extend the life of the tranny. That and change fluid and filter every 24k and that is about as best as you can do.

 

[mikes4runner]

Did the 3.4L have a head gasket recall?. I know the 2nd Gen. 3.0L had a head gasket recall and problems with the rear sagging because of coils. 3rd Gen. did too.

 

[Thai]

Here are some older threads on the topic:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=787&highlight=head+gasket

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=677&highlight=head+gasket

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=476&highlight=head+gasket

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1301&highlight=generation

Hope this helps.