First Time 4Runner Owner - 99 LTD in Seattle/Redmond

[shamading]

Greetings All!

I ditched my 2011 Ford Explorer Limited after being fed up with the Sync system and thinking I could do a better job myself in a more affordable rig.

I did my research and found a 3rd Gen 4Runner was the one for me. Specifically a 99 Limited. So after a fair amount of searching I found a 99 4Runner with 84k miles, 4WD with rear diff locker, one owner, and no accidents according to CarFax. The radiator and timing belt was replaced at 64k according to a sticker inside but otherwise not much verifiable maintenance info. There is a small amount of rusting in spots underneith which I plan to address asap. I paid 12k for it.

The first thing I did was tear off the running boards (one of which was almost rusted off), install an iPad mount, 4 sets of speakers, an amp, and a single DIN deck that interfaces with my iPhone. I also tossed a can of SeaFoam in the tank and threw in some all weather mats.

Ive been through 6 tanks of gas so far and am bummed Im only seeing 14mpg on average. I will replace the plugs and wires as soon as I get moved into my new place.

Anyway, I hope to drive this thing for years. Quiet it down a bit (already bought some rubber undercoating to put on after the rust is addressed), get a bigger battery, and make it nice and comfy. I have been lurking on the 4Runner forums for a couple weeks now and already know they'll be tons of help!

Thanks for being here!

 

[4-Ripcord]

You need three things:


A tune up..


Pictures!..


and a :welcome:

 

[shamading]

Update

OK. Ive got some pics from when we had our little snow flurry in January (the first is the day I bought it however..first thing I did was tear off the running boards). She handled great and I got to use the AWD around Seattle as well as when driving to Stevens Pass and Snoqualmi to go skiing.

Since these were taken the ride got real rough. I took it to a wheel shop to get road force balanced while I was shopping around for shock/strut quotes and found the tread was separating. I got a new pair of Cooper (Discovery?) tires on there and the difference is night and day. Much smoother now but still have a little of that "boat sway" so still looking to get new shocks/struts but maybe this summer.

Also have the windows tinted now.

Reading around these forums I have lots of ideas.

Im getting my first oil change next week and think I'll add some seafoam to the oil the day before to see if it can clean that out at all. Will look into new plugs and wires in a couple months when I get the time and funds.

 

[gptoy96]

That's a sweet color combo, looks to be in great shape too.

Enjoy!

 

[Volley]

Great color combo. Welcome!