Red Leader
New member
Hey guys! This is my second or third post here at the 4runner forums. So far people have been super helpful and friendly. I posted in the classic 4runners sub forum initially since my wife and I were taking a look at a 1992 earlier today. The vehicle turned out to be a no go, and while I was browsing the classifieds, came across another 4runner, took a look this evening with my better half, and put a down payment on it!!!! Okay here are the details:
1998 4runner
Color: white/ Interior: tan
Engine: 3.4
Trans: 5-speed!!! (really wanted the 5 speed!)
4x4 of course
236k on the clock
Now I know what you're thinking, because I thought it too...that is a LOT of miles! However, I was very impressed to see that the vehicle came with an IMPECCABLE service history - all the scheduled was performed. The owner (who bought it from the original owner who had owned it for over 10 years) told me that the first owner had used the vehicle for work and that the bills for the service went on the company tab, so there was no reason to not take care of anything it needed...and if I was to add up the bigger services, it would have been in the thousands $$$.
My wife and I test drove it. It sounded great, was smooth, no weird vibrations, no suspension sag, alignment was good, steering tight. felt really good. Body was straight, with hardly any rust. There were a few rust dots along the bottom of the passenger windows, and some light rust inside the bumpers, other than that, CLEAN. The undercarriage and frame was beautiful, no rust here. Engine bay was decently clean, and NO LEAKS! I checked the drain plug and was amazed so find no dirty oil covering the bolt and pan.
Only negatives are that the antenna motor runs to try and pull the antenna down, but the antenna is frozen, back window jams when going down, and had a slight fender bender (literally) where the front fender got bent in an inch on the right passenger side and moved the front headlight a few mm and put a small crack in the front bottom orange light.
Windshield was replaced about a year ago. Tires about a year ago, too. We are getting it for around 4k.
I'm really excited but at the same time have a little trepidation about the whole thing! I've never owned a 4x4 before, just little cars. I'm very interested if you have any tips for a new owner-to-be! I will want to do most of the maintenance myself, so if you have any suggestions about tires, spark plugs, oil, gear oil, collant, all that jazz. Also, I'm interested in knowing what first upgrades you would recommend. We are looking to raise it just a little bit, put on some lights, get a winch, just basic things to make it a little more off road worthy. Also, I've heard a little about manual locking hubs, but don't know that much about them. Any modification advice will be definitely well received. Also, since I know as some of these vehicles age, they become susceptible to rust, so I'm interested in getting some POR15 for the frame or spray on rhino liner for the bottom body panels or maybe you guys have some better suggestions.
In any case, convince me we're doing the right thing!!!!:dancin:
Thanks guys!!!
1998 4runner
Color: white/ Interior: tan
Engine: 3.4
Trans: 5-speed!!! (really wanted the 5 speed!)
4x4 of course
236k on the clock
Now I know what you're thinking, because I thought it too...that is a LOT of miles! However, I was very impressed to see that the vehicle came with an IMPECCABLE service history - all the scheduled was performed. The owner (who bought it from the original owner who had owned it for over 10 years) told me that the first owner had used the vehicle for work and that the bills for the service went on the company tab, so there was no reason to not take care of anything it needed...and if I was to add up the bigger services, it would have been in the thousands $$$.
My wife and I test drove it. It sounded great, was smooth, no weird vibrations, no suspension sag, alignment was good, steering tight. felt really good. Body was straight, with hardly any rust. There were a few rust dots along the bottom of the passenger windows, and some light rust inside the bumpers, other than that, CLEAN. The undercarriage and frame was beautiful, no rust here. Engine bay was decently clean, and NO LEAKS! I checked the drain plug and was amazed so find no dirty oil covering the bolt and pan.
Only negatives are that the antenna motor runs to try and pull the antenna down, but the antenna is frozen, back window jams when going down, and had a slight fender bender (literally) where the front fender got bent in an inch on the right passenger side and moved the front headlight a few mm and put a small crack in the front bottom orange light.
Windshield was replaced about a year ago. Tires about a year ago, too. We are getting it for around 4k.
I'm really excited but at the same time have a little trepidation about the whole thing! I've never owned a 4x4 before, just little cars. I'm very interested if you have any tips for a new owner-to-be! I will want to do most of the maintenance myself, so if you have any suggestions about tires, spark plugs, oil, gear oil, collant, all that jazz. Also, I'm interested in knowing what first upgrades you would recommend. We are looking to raise it just a little bit, put on some lights, get a winch, just basic things to make it a little more off road worthy. Also, I've heard a little about manual locking hubs, but don't know that much about them. Any modification advice will be definitely well received. Also, since I know as some of these vehicles age, they become susceptible to rust, so I'm interested in getting some POR15 for the frame or spray on rhino liner for the bottom body panels or maybe you guys have some better suggestions.
In any case, convince me we're doing the right thing!!!!:dancin:
Thanks guys!!!
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I have read about how some guys mangled their seals trying to get them in the housing, and I definitely don't want to do that! I've asked around locally but can't seem to find a axle seal driver. Any ideas?
