Bought this 1998 limited for a really low price

[blaize444]

Hello. Just bought my second 4runner. It's a 1998 limited with 135,000 miles.

I'm super excited to start this project, I have little to no mechanical experience so we'll see what I'll be able to do on my own. I bought it yesterday for $5,200 - which is a pretty good deal right? I've been seeing them sell on craigslist for $7k-$10k pretty consistently.

I have a budget of $3,600 for this car to spend on upgrades. For the car, I would like one that can be used on long trips, have a very smooth feeling, is quiet, is good looking, and will last for a long time.

To get there I feel like I need:

Suspension?

Tundra brakes?

Rims / Better tires?

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Any suggestions to get me where I'd like to be as far as my ideal car would be greatly appreciated. I have no clue where to start when looking for suspension or rims or tires.
Also. I will be taking it to the mechanic in a few days for a tune up/diagonsis, anything you guys would recommend asking him?

 

[gamefreakgc]

Great purchase. I would start here as it will identify the few trouble spots our vehicles have: 3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide.

If you want a suspension that is smooth, quiet and has great road manners look into '99 4Runner shocks and springs from Toyota as they made them a little taller than in '98. If ride height is not an issue then can also just go with '98 parts. New coils and shocks all around will make it drive like new again.

Bushings, bushings and more bushings help as well. Sway bar bushings, sway bar end link bushings, replace them all. Make the steering tight and responsive.

Tires... well only you can decide that one. On road? Off road? Sand? Mud? Pavement? Hard to say without knowing how you will use it.

 

[jgue467]

Very nice find and yes a very good price. Got inside pics? I completely agree with gamegreakgc on suspension, did mine last summer, 62 new parts and it rides fantastic, smooth on roads, yet firm when needed off roads, could not be happier.

Just me but I'd get rid of the Damage Multiplier upfront, they're great for brush yet no so much on a 5mph bumper bash - it'll move back and damage hood, grill, lights. I know this because it happened to a buddy of mine in a parking lot, no damage to other car yet over $1500 to his, ouch.

Enjoy and good luck.

 

[96RedRunner]

Great deal and low mileage barely broke in Congrats. Bushings were mentioned my lessons learned the hard way.
For Ball Joints upper and lower, Control Arm bushings front and rear go OE. More cost up front longer life by far.

Remove Damage Multiplier upfront. X2

 

[T4topher]

Have to say it but always maintenance before mods. Greatest resource we have is Timmy the toolman on YouTube. First thing id do is change every fluid (engine/transmission/transfercase/front+rear diffs/coolant/brake fluid/power steering). Next id change the radiator/lower ball joints (uppers + outer tie rods + sway bar end links for extra credit)/spark plugs+wires/steering rack bushings/maybe timing belt. More extra credit: bushings for front + rear control arms/sway bar bushings/starter rebuild/alternator brushes. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head but after you’ve done most of that the 2 first mods I’d go for is tundra brakes and headlight retrofits if you do any night time driving. Make sure you go OEM Toyota for the lower ball joints, everything else is not fully necessary but highly recommended to be OEM. Best OEM websites to order parts from is partsouq or mcgeorge toyota parts. Usually I look at the diagrams from partsouq to get part #’s then if they don’t have it in stock I’ll order from mcgeorge.

 

[diverscale]

Agreed 100% with above post. Put the mods on the side, you've got so much maintenance to do on a new used vehicle, you'll have enough to keep you entertained for a few weeks.

One pink milkshake and you can say bye to your transmission, and one lower ball joint failing you're also a few thousands in damage. That rear diff also surely have old oil in it.

First thing I personally would do is replace lower ball joints, replace the radiator which also gives you new coolant, and then replace ALL fluids. Yeah, even that old contaminated brake fluid you have in your lines. For the trans, only drop what is in the oil pan (approx 4 liters) and add new fluid (dexron III or above).

 

[blaize444]

Have to say it but always maintenance before mods. Greatest resource we have is Timmy the toolman on YouTube. First thing id do is change every fluid (engine/transmission/transfercase/front+rear diffs/coolant/brake fluid/power steering). Next id change the radiator/lower ball joints (uppers + outer tie rods + sway bar end links for extra credit)/spark plugs+wires/steering rack bushings/maybe timing belt. More extra credit: bushings for front + rear control arms/sway bar bushings/starter rebuild/alternator brushes. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head but after you’ve done most of that the 2 first mods I’d go for is tundra brakes and headlight retrofits if you do any night time driving. Make sure you go OEM Toyota for the lower ball joints, everything else is not fully necessary but highly recommended to be OEM. Best OEM websites to order parts from is partsouq or mcgeorge toyota parts. Usually I look at the diagrams from partsouq to get part #’s then if they don’t have it in stock I’ll order from mcgeorge.

Thank you so much, I will be following this to a tee!! Really appreciate it.