First 4Runner...

[gcates]

So, recently returned to US soil after nearly 3 years working in Afghanistan and needed to purchase a vehicle as I had sold mine back in 2010 prior to leaving. Was looking for a Cherokee, but as the search wore on the 4Runners really caught my eye and I ended up with this '96 SR5 Limited.

197k on it but clean with a very comprehensive service history (registered VIN with Toyota.com/owners)...whoever owned this previously loved it to death and took care of it. These are just some basic shots...nothing crazy.

Thinking about doing some mods, but for now just loving it as is. A lift, some rock sliders, potentially a new front bumper. Definitely going to replace the busted PIAA on the front end, but might just go an entirely new direction with lighting depending on what I do with the front bumper. Also need a new brake light on the passenger side...hit some junk yards yesterday in search, but no 3rd Gens to be found.

I don't believe this one has a locker (no button and it's an auto), but not sure I would ever need one either. Time will tell.

New to all this, but glad I found this forum...you guys have some gorgeous vehicles and a wealth of knowledge that I can benefit from.

Anyway, thanks for looking...I know it isn't fancy (yet), but I love it all the same.

 

[HiLife]

Welcome back to the greatest nation in the world gcates!:usa2:
You are lucky to have scored on a very well maintained 96! That should save some few bucks towards putting on what you really want.
My Grand Cherokee was ok. I'm loving the whole 4Runner lifestyle,
and I'm sure you will too.

 

[Granada7]

Your gonna be sooooooo much happier with your 4runner than a grand cherokee i had one that was same year as my current 4runner and theirs no comparison in how good this is copared to the the crap we call a jeep. Maybe try plasti dipping some of the gold limited stuff and interior led's they look great are cheap and less strain on battery! Anyways welcome home and welcome to the family!!

 

[Brique]

 

[jgue467]

Thank-You for what you do for our Country!

And Welcome Back!! Yes - nice choice, much better than i hate to say it the
'american' brand has become-just not reliable unfortunetly.

Yup many things you can do with the runner. Pretty darn reliable, i think the only potential downside applies to the 4wd models (someone correct me if i'm wrong here). They have a factory tranny cooler in the lower part of the radiator that has a potential to leak inside the radiator, mixing the fluids and ruining the tranny. Just check that yours has no lines from tranny to radiator. If it does, just check this sites main page, its got several how's to, its a cheap/ez repair-no worries!

Enjoy!! :cowboy:

 

[Salman]

Welcome to T4R Community

First, Many Thanks for your service.

Welcome to T4R and congrats on your first 4runner. Your T4R looks really nice. You can buy used tail light from ebay or just search around here on classified section. Head lights need some restoration/cleaning.

This website has ton of information for new member like you and me, just search around.

 

[jgue467]

Didn't see ur headlite covers...

check out youtube, search for toothpaste headlite restore, there's a guy who shows how to do it on the cheap using plain 'whitening' type toothpaste, took him 15 mins and it looks Super!

 

[gcates]

Forgot to mention, those were actually plastic headlight covers that I have since taken off and cleaned the headlights underneath. Threw the covers in the back in the event I want to use them down the line.

I'll absolutely look into the potential radiator/tranny issue...thanks for the heads up on that.