Common repair questions

[185Runner]

I have been researching 3rd gens for a while (yes I know this is 4th). I have found a guy with a 4th for a great price and some mods, but it also has 200k on it.

What are some common maintenance items I should be looking for?

Common failures? (Similar to the lbjs on 3rds)

Any advice you can give would be awesome.
Thanks!

 

[CXS]

I have 205k on mine and beyond regular maintenance I've had zero issues. I have replaced both CV's but that's from wheeling pretty hard. In other words, if it's been maintained I wouldn't fear the mileage.

This thread will answer your questions - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

 

[CruzadoBlanco]

I (very much like CXS) wheel the crap out of my 4th gen with ~110K and besides general maintenance and the parts ive broken from taking sweet lines nothing major really shows up.

the only thing i can think of to check is the exhaust manifolds on the V8s like to crack, and the head gaskets on the early 4.0s had a design issue. of course there's small things like the softtouch dashes like to crack (getting currently replaced under toyota extened warranty), and the lumbar support going bad in the drivers seats. i wouldn't be afraid to buy a runner with 200K as long as it had been maintained

 

[185Runner]

Excellent! I am still reading through the above link. So I thought I'd ask to expedite the process. It does have the earlier 4.0 so I will keep and eye on the head gaskets. I have a Subaru so I know they can be done with the right tools.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[TrueBlue]

Pretty much look for leaks and rust. The vehicle will be in whatever shape the previous owner wanted it to be so look through as much as you possibly can. These motors are bulletproof so if he was on top of his oil changes you should be fine regarding the internals of the motor.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[bob3dsf]

I got my V6 at around 40k if I remember right. I had to change my front wheel bearings at about 75k. IDK if that was early or not, though it seemed so to me. However, it's and easy change-out if you go with the pre-assembled bearings/hubs. It's just a teensy pricey compared to only changing the bearings, you just have to have a shop press or access to one. I replaced my CV's, but that was just a torn boot. I have my originals to re-grease/re-boot. Pretty easy as well. Make sure the 4WD settings work. If it hasn't been regularly exercised, the low range actuator will freeze and create a huge PITA, so check that, check the center diff lock for the same reasons. Find out if all the fluids were changed at the proper intervals. A truck with the sealed tranny is probable that it wasn't done unless you know the prior owner was good about that stuff. Otherwise, not a lot of repair issues on these rigs outside of routine stuff and the very few other specific issues.

 

[proz07]

Aside from regular maintenance here is a common list you'll find.

CV boots leaking (stock or lifted)
Front Brake calipers seizing (northern/ salt belt)
Rear drive shaft clunk (requires greasing)
Rear hatch release button melting (just the rubber part)
exercise diff and 4 wheel actuators (also a northern thing having issues i think)

Thats what I can think of right now other things would be not so common but things do happen outside of the ordinary.

I have 166k on mine and owned it since 63k here is my list of repairs/maintenance.

Rear hatch button (common issue)
Timing belt, waterpump, plugs at 100k (normal)
Tires, alignment 110k (normal)
Brake rotors/pads 120k (normal)
Both front CV axles 130k (common issue)
Front left wheel bearing, alignment 140k (vehicle pulled/tires wear)
timing belt/water pump 160k (waterpump failed)

oh and just had to redo the timing belt as it skipped timing. there was grease or something on the pullies not sure if i just didnt clean it at all last time or got too much coolant on it and didnt clean it when i installed it... may have been drinking.

hope that helps.
Z

 

[185Runner]

I really appreciate all the help fellas. So glad to be joining this community.

 

[bob3dsf]

Yea I forgot about that stupid melted rear hatch button.... I can say, however, that my replacement has survived this summer's heat..

 

[RKurz]

I have similar questions to the OP. The list provided is a great starting point of things to look for when used car shopping.

I am comparing to a 1st gen Taco. I found a few links that point in favor of the Tacoma:
Lowest Maintenance Cost
Low Insurance Cost

Do people have any opinions on 1st gen Taco vs 4th gen T4R, in terms of overall ownership cost?

Also, I found this post which lists the 5 most expensive Taco repairs. Anyone know of a similar list for T4Rs?

 

[sr3tlaw]

Aside from regular maintenance here is a common list you'll find.

CV boots leaking (stock or lifted)
Front Brake calipers seizing (northern/ salt belt)
Rear drive shaft clunk (requires greasing)
Rear hatch release button melting (just the rubber part)
exercise diff and 4 wheel actuators (also a northern thing having issues i think)

Thats what I can think of right now other things would be not so common but things do happen outside of the ordinary.

I have 166k on mine and owned it since 63k here is my list of repairs/maintenance.

Rear hatch button (common issue)
Timing belt, waterpump, plugs at 100k (normal)
Tires, alignment 110k (normal)
Brake rotors/pads 120k (normal)
Both front CV axles 130k (common issue)
Front left wheel bearing, alignment 140k (vehicle pulled/tires wear)
timing belt/water pump 160k (waterpump failed)

oh and just had to redo the timing belt as it skipped timing. there was grease or something on the pullies not sure if i just didnt clean it at all last time or got too much coolant on it and didnt clean it when i installed it... may have been drinking.

hope that helps.
Z

Damn near everyone lol