Calling all 97 SR5 5spd owners

[Shurick]

I have a 97 SR5 5 Speed 4Runner and I am having some issues with it which I hope someone else may have had.

One major thing that has been bothering me is the 4wd system. When I engage into 4HI nothing happens. In the winter I would shift into 4Hi and after about 10 miles of driving the little green 4 wd light would go on. Now, it doesn't go on at all. I've driven 200 miles and it still did not engage.

second issue I am having is the clutch doesn't feel feel exactly "right". A lot of times when starting off in first the car bucks. I've been driving stick for many years so I know how to handle a clutch, this thing makes me look like I've never touches a clutch. I don't know if the clutch is getting warn out or what, but the car has about 77k miles and the clutch is original.

Lastly, the previous owner replaced the brakes on the truck about 25k miles ago, now when I brake, the streering wheel virbrates. This is usually from warped rotors/worn pads, but 25k miles seems a bit low for this to happen. (maybe the previous owner was BS'ing me).

thanks guys.

 

[bflooks]

okay...non-sr5 owner here, but i have a 98 4cyl base with the 5spd.

my truck is starting to buck now in first as well. i am getting ready to replace the clutch due to the 127k i now have on the original. HOWEVER! i know the trucks are prone to doing it when the truck is cold. so it all depends on when it is happening.

about the brakes. depending on how he has driven the thing depends on how long the brake job will last. not to mention the type of parts he used. i have about 25k on my brembo rotor/pbr pad setup, and they still feel and stop like new. but i downshift when coming to stops all the way down to second. we have all been with those people who slap it into nuetral and let the brakes do all the work. if i do recall, some of the other manufacturers actually recommend having the brakes done every 20-30k.

i don't think i am missing anything here, but if so, i am sure others will chime in to help you out. best of luck!

 

[DC2LA]

The grabby clutch is (most likely) due to a warped flywheel. Mine does it also. It IS annoying, i've been driving stick for 15 years. I'm waiting till my clutch needs replacing before doing labor.

 

[lee]

are you sure the PO replaced the rotors 25K ago or just the pads?

 

[Shurick]

are you sure the PO replaced the rotors 25K ago or just the pads?

Just went through all the records he gave me, the dealer replaced pads and resurfaced front rotors at 47k miles. 77k on the clock. I guess there's my answer.

I'm still concerned about the 4wd system, Any insight?

 

[lee]

4wd system not engaging could be so many things.

you should just have it looked at at the dealership, and while youre there, ask them about the rotors.