bigger audience?

[swatman1331]

well, i posted this message somewhere else, and im wondering if this will get me a bigger response. i am most likely about to buy a green 96 4Runner LTD. i'm looking for opinions and suggestions for it. i am looking at it friday night and if i buy it should have it for saturday. please post anything you have to say. if you want to know something just ask...i'll see what i can do. thank you

 

[Tucson T4R]

Looks pretty sweet. Do you have any details on the milage, service history, number of owners, etc?

 

[khaug]

The only problem w/ 3rd generation 'Runners that's cropped up often on the forums is failure of the rear axle seals, which lets differential lube leak out and contaminate the brake shoes. This is expensive to repair correctly ($600-800), and repairs often seem to fail again very soon.

Look at the inside of the rear wheels: If you see splatters of lube, the seal(s) have failed. If you don't see lube on the inside of the rear wheels, the failure could still be there, but at an early stage.

Otherwise, the 3rd gen trucks seem to be bulletproof and very durable. 4WD trucks only: Be sure to grease the (7?) driveline Zerk fittings at each oil change. If you neglect this, the slip yokes will start to bind, and you'll get a "clunk" when you stop and then release the brakes.

Also, some '96 - '98s got recalled to replace rear springs and relocate the bump stops. A dealer can check to see if your truck was included.

You DO realize that the '95 - '98 models have no center differential and therefore have only part-time 4WD, yes?

Good luck. The 3rd gen 'Runners, though less sophisticated than the 4th gen, are great trucks with lots of character. I loved mine.

 

[swatman1331]

lets see...it has 160,000 miles on it. the seller bought it as a third car, kept it garaged all the time, and had it detailed, in and out every six months. i dont know if they are the original owners.

what is that about part time 4WD? i assume that means that you have to move the lever to put it into 4 out of 2. is that correct or what dont i know?

about the seals...is that one of theose if it didn't happen before 'x' miles..it wont happen? or can it happen anytime?

 

[fourwd1]

...
You DO realize that the '95 - '98 models have no center differential and therefore have only part-time 4WD, yes?...

You say that like it's a bad thing.
A part-time system decreases wear and tear on the front-end components, and decreases drag, which inturn increases mpg.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

The axle seal problem usually doesn't rear it's ugly head til after 100k which IMO isn't that bad of an issue and you can get the repair done including new brake shoes for about $400 with a non-dealer mechanic.

the seals failed at just over 100k on both my '97 and '99.

 

[swatman1331]

so, i should ask if the seals were ever replaced, and check the wheel wells and brakes? and also...if it is what you are saying...i can choose whether it is in 2wd...4 hi or 4 lo, is that correct? that is what i've been thinking all along...i dont see it as a bad thing.

 

[MicaBlue03]

swatman1331, you are correct as far as you go. The lack of a center differential means that you should only use 4WD on low-traction surfaces such as snow/ice, gravel, loose dirt, etc. Basically its for offroad and poor road conditions.

When the vehicle is making a turn the front axles and rear axles need to turn at different speeds, and that's what a center differential allows. Otherwise you get "binding" when traction is good, and that's hard on the driveline. Not to mention unsafe at speeds.

That's the short (and correct, I hope!) explanation. Post more questions or do a search if you want more info.

 

[swatman1331]

wow, thanks...i had no idea about the differential thing. i'm sure i'll have plenty more questions.