First time 4runner buyer, have some questions

[Mustang302]

I am a first time 4runner buyer, and just had a few questions for you guys before i go and buy one. Whats the towing capicty on these things? I have a drag car that i want to tow to the race way and would like to be able to tow it with my SUV that i plan on purchasing. I found this 4runner on ebay, and i LOVE the looks of it.
4runner on ebay

But it seems that most of the other 4 runners for sale dont look like that? Dont have the rims, dont have the nice fender lips or side panels. Can anyone explain on what kind model this is that it differs than the other ones?

Also, what are the things that tend to go on 4 runners, and is buying one at 150k miles safe. Thanks!

 

[Guest]

It looks like a nice, stock Limited Edition 4R!
The trim, fenders, etc are because it is a "Limited"-high line version.

150K miles-depends on how well it was cared for.
I think you definitely need to know if the Timing belt was changed and what have you

Towing...I know yotatech.com have alot of 3rd Gen like the one you are considering and tow without problems.

Go over and post questions on yotatech.com (or search button the forum). They might be able to tell you the things to look out for.

Also check out the true value over at edmunds.com (used car section) to get an idea if the price is reasonable.

Good luck!

 

[peter78]

Welcome to the board. The towing capicty is 5,000 pounds. Like most tow numbers it is best to go with 3/5 of that number. Maybe 4,000 pounds would be better. I noticed it is a 2WD model, meaning the rear wheels are the only one with power.

The side molding and fender flares are from the Limited Model. Here is some info. on the different models:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html

 

[ycart1201]

If you buy that runner... please... please take off that broken bug deflector... makes you wonder how well the rig was taken care of if they cant even replace a $40 item... 140K miles isnt much for a toyota engine if it was taken care of properly.

I have no idea about towing...:

Nathan
ycart1201

 

[khaug]

I put ~25,000 tow miles on my '98 Limited with zero problems - the only things I replaced were the shocks and one oxygen sensor. Even the tires (Michelin LTX M+S) and brakes were original when I traded it at 75K miles, and it still looked and drove like a new truck. I did add Air Lifts in the back to level the rig when towing.

Several suggestions, if you're looking for a 3rd gen 4Runner ('96 - '02):

-'98 models and older have part-time 4WD (no center diff). The 4WD systems in later models get better as they get newer.

-3rd gen trucks are starting to have problems with failure of the rear axle oil seals. This lets diff lube leak into the brake drums, ruining the brakes. Some folks have found the problem can reoccur very quickly after it's repaired. Look for diff lube spattered inside the rear wheel rims as a tipoff there is a problem. And the early '96 models had head gasket problems. Otherwise, these trucks are extremely robust and bulletproof.

If you buy one to tow with, be aware the brakes won't handle long, steep downgrades - you will utterly lose your brakes. Plan to take it slow and downshift to a very low gear before you start down so that the engine can do most of the braking. Also plan to
spend lots of time at high rpms in 2nd gear climbing grades with a trailer. My '98 spent lots of time at 5 grand in second climbing WVA mountain grades on the Interstate with my 4,000# trailer behind me. The engine didn't seem to mind this at all! The truck would give 16 mpg towing at 70 mph (Porsche 911 on open aluminum trailer).

I loved my '98, traded it on an '03 V8 and still sorta miss it!