Buying a 3rd gen T4R - got a few questions

[Ranger]

Hey there. I have been looking at getting a 4runner for a while now and am just about commit to buying a '99 at a local dealership. I need something capable of towing my 2500 pound race car to the track, but I can't afford a dedicated tow vehicle, and I don't typically like driving trucks. Not to mention the 4runner gets much better MPG than any of the full size trucks. The one I'm looking at is a one owner vehicle and has been exceptionally well cared for. But before I buy, I have a few questions.

First. This one has a manual transmission (a must for me ). I noticed that if I shifted from a high RPM (above 3k), I felt a vibration in the clutch pedal and heard a noise that sounded like a grinding or buzzing. Is this a common problem with these SUVs? What do you guys think it could be? The clutch pedal feels fine and the tranny shifts well so I don't think it's the clutch itself. Maybe throwout bearing? Or air in the clutch lines?

Speaking of common problems...what are they?

Also, I really don't care for the factory cloth seats...they're not supportive at all and the cloth pattern is ugly, not to mention they're a terrible brown color. Does anyone know how hard it would be to swap in a leather seat from the same generation? (Or a later one preferably.) What other options do I have out there in terms of seats? I doubt this is something that very many people do, but I've been driving a sports car with bucket seats as my daily driver for a while now and like that feel, so I want something a little more supportive.

Last but not least, while I thought the ride was nice, the body roll is terrible. Yes I know, it's a 4500 pound SUV...but again, this will be my first SUV and I think it could use some stiffer aftermarket springs. What's out there, and what would you guys recommend? Not looking to raise it at this point.

Other than that I love this 4runner. Been a Toyota fan ever since I bought my first car (a Camry) and I'm looking forward to owning one again. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

If I'm not mistaken towing is worse with a manual. 2,500 lbs will be about at the 4runners limit as far as towing.

Here is a thread that talks about common problems: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=40766

As far as the seats I think you could swap in leather seats without a problem. I'm not sure about sport seats though.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

go leather and heated to go big

The 01 and 02 power leather seats are heated also. If you are going to go leather that is the way to go.

Of course you would have to get power to them...

Aftermarket springs are Old Man Emu. Check out the Sonoran Steel website for all types of lifts for the 96-02 Runner.

I am on record as discouraging that kind of weight being towed with a Runner. Yes- it can handle it, no- I do not recommend a Runner as a tow vehicle on a regular basis.

Remember that the 99 is a tad taller than other 3rd gen Runners
you may prefer to sit a bit lower to tow more safely.

Life is a series of tradeoffs-don't skimp when towing. Trailer brakes are always a wise idea. Various experts argue whether a manual tranny is a good towing choice.

Rear axle seals are a common "gotcha" on these vehicles.

If this vehicle you are considering has not already had them done it will need them soon.

Be sure the new part number for the axle seal ends with #6.

Contamination of the rear shoes occurs when the seal "blows", doing the seals as a preventative measure will save money on new rear brakes. Telltale signs are greasy residue on the inside of the rear wheels/drum.

 

[riverrat44]

I'm virtually certain that the sport seats are a straight bolt-in with identical hole pattern. they have the bottom cushion height/tilt adjustment and lumbar support, as well as more substantial side bolsters. a very worthwhile upgrade, and better than the leather seats IMO.

 

[Ranger]

Hmm I'm not sure what seats I have then.

(Yes, I went ahead and bought it. )

The knob is for the bottom cushion adjust. No lumber support, which is what really bothers me I think. If I were to buy heated seats, I doubt I would ever use that function...do they make any leather seats that are not power? I was also considering buying some Corbeau bucket seats or something.

Also, I called several Toyota dealerships and they all said that there is no difference in towing capacity between the automatic and manual transmissions.

 

[riverrat44]

Hmm I'm not sure what seats I have then. The knob is for the bottom cushion adjust. No lumber support,

Those are the "sport" seats. There should be a lever on the inboard side that adjusts the lumbar support, unless they changed this on later model sport seats. Here's a pic I pulled off of eBay that shows it:

 

[fishrod]

Re: go leather and heated to go big

Aftermarket springs are Old Man Emu. Check out the Sonoran Steel website for all types of lifts for the 96-02 Runner.

My Old Man (hehe) Bought some Old Man Emu shockers/springs for his Landcruiser back in Australia and did a couple trips through the outback and wasnt happy after being told they needed replacement after something like only 30,000 kms.

If your not going to be using them for 4x4'ing then they might last a bit longer, he wasnt too happy though and wont be buying that brand again.

 

[p nut]

Hmm I'm not sure what seats I have then.

(Yes, I went ahead and bought it. )

The knob is for the bottom cushion adjust. No lumber support, which is what really bothers me I think. If I were to buy heated seats, I doubt I would ever use that function...do they make any leather seats that are not power? I was also considering buying some Corbeau bucket seats or something.

Is that a 5-sp AND rear locked? Nice combo (and rare).

If you just want leather and no power, might as well just get yours covered. But I guess it won't get you more support. Recaro or Corbeau probably will fit you better.

FWIW, I've never had any problems with my 4Runner or Tacoma seats (6+ hours of driving).

 

[RickC]

How about wet okole seat covers?

www.wetokole.com

 

[Ranger]

Is that a 5-sp AND rear locked? Nice combo (and rare).

If you just want leather and no power, might as well just get yours covered. But I guess it won't get you more support. Recaro or Corbeau probably will fit you better.

FWIW, I've never had any problems with my 4Runner or Tacoma seats (6+ hours of driving).

Yes it is! I was very happy to find this one given the condition it's in, and reasonably priced at that. It had 99k miles when I got it and I paid around $8k. By the way, after adjusting the lumbar I really like the seats. They could be a bit more supportive still, but they're comfortable on long trips. It's given me no problems so far...now I just need more power.

Unrelated question, but still related to the thread...is there any way to tell if a timing belt has been changed? Any noises I can listen for if it's going bad, or any other symptoms? I have no idea if the previous owner had it done at 90k.

Another question...my factory 6CD changer doesn't work. I put a CD in and it attempts to load it, then spits it back out. This happens in all slots and with any CD. Anybody know if this is a common problem with these? Any idea as to the cause? I'll replace it if I have to, but it's a bummer if it's not fixable. The cd changer is one of the reasons I liked this particular vehicle.

 

[KellyJ]

Another question...my factory 6CD changer doesn't work. I put a CD in and it attempts to load it, then spits it back out. This happens in all slots and with any CD. Anybody know if this is a common problem with these? Any idea as to the cause? I'll replace it if I have to, but it's a bummer if it's not fixable. The cd changer is one of the reasons I liked this particular vehicle.

I haven't hear there being too many problems with the factory changer, mine has worked extremely well, and I am about to replace it with a new head unit, so I might be able to get you a 6 disc unit. It will be coming from a 2002. PM me if you're interested.

 

[p nut]

Yes it is! I was very happy to find this one given the condition it's in, and reasonably priced at that. It had 99k miles when I got it and I paid around $8k. By the way, after adjusting the lumbar I really like the seats. They could be a bit more supportive still, but they're comfortable on long trips. It's given me no problems so far...now I just need more power.

Unrelated question, but still related to the thread...is there any way to tell if a timing belt has been changed? Any noises I can listen for if it's going bad, or any other symptoms? I have no idea if the previous owner had it done at 90k.

Good price. The seats aren't plush, but comfortable enough. As far as power, the only way you will squeeze and noticable gains from this engine is going FI. Not worth it, IMO. My old 98 was supercharged. It was fun, but for me, it wasn't anything to write home about. Maybe it's just me, but I ride motorcycles and sports cars, so a semi-quick SUV does nothing for me. I'd rather keep the wear and tear down by keeping it N/A and driving it for a long time.

On the timing belt cover, the mechanic will usually put a sticker that says the date and mileage of the belt change. If there isn't, chances are, it hasn't been changed. You can take off the cover to inspect the belt. Mine has not been changed and I have 116k on the clock. It's a non-interference engine, so I'm not worrying about it. Plenty have gone many miles above 90k and had no problems. Even at 160-200k, people said that the belts still looked great. I am probably going to wait till 150k, unless the water pump starts to give. I think two belt changes at 300k is acceptable.