Frustrated-4Runner just doesn't seem like mine yet

[laureena23]

Just need to vent! I don't know what it is but something just doesn't seem right with the Runner I just bought.

It needs some work and I don't know if that's my problem, or if I have a woman's intuition that something wrong is going to happen, whether it be mechanical or physical.

I ordered some vent shades and a bug guard the other day to help it look not so "naked". I really need some rims but financially just can't afford those now.

*sigh* This is really a pointless post but has anyone else felt this way about theirs?

 

[bpowa]

If your not happy with it.. SELL IT!

 

[Brian757]

Wait, so you possibly have something mechanical going wrong with your truck and your worried? Or am I misreading?

If you suspect an issue, don't spend your hard earned cash on rims wheels. I'd rather have a functioning vehicle rather than one broken down on the side of the road with new wheels.

However, I do understand your a female and tend to look at the form rather than function and I get that. I also notice you've been on the forum for around 7 years, so this isn't your first rodeo. You know these vehicles. Go with your gut.

Also, you could give us a list of your future potential investments for your 4Runner and we can prioritize them accordingly if that would make you feel more at ease.

And to answer your last question, YES, I feel like my truck is never complete, and I'm never satisfied. I could really use a new steering rack, re-gearing, locking, 35's, wider wheels, bumpers, winch, lightbar, supercharger, water/meth injection, etc. etc. etc.

 

[NateMob]

*sigh* This is really a pointless post but has anyone else felt this way about theirs?

I understand what you are saying and to some degree experienced the same thing for a short while after buying mine. In its stock/plain form it just wasn't anything outstanding to me. I knew it had tons of potential and would be solidly reliable for many years to come but wasn't sure i would ever have that "connection" i had with most every other vehicle i have owned.

A few weeks went by and i began to trust in it more and work/mod on it and that "connection" grew and now I love my truck. Its got quirks and shortcomings like anything but i dont second guess buying or owning it. Hang in there and try and come up with some things you would like to make it your "own" and i think you (or it) will come around. Good Luck.

OR i am completely in left field.

 

[laureena23]

No theres nothing majorly mechanically wrong with it, I am just well aware that something COULD happen based on my last 4Runner.

It does need a valve cover replacement, an alignment, brakes, basic maintenance work done and I think I'm just overwhelmed at the moment based on those things. Its all easy stuff just the fact of doing it.

I only paid 3K for it so I think that's why I have a feeling like I do, almost like too good to be true? lol

 

[Brique]

Interior led conversion is a great low cost way to make it more "yours". You get to pick the dash lighting color and you get to feel like you're really getting your hands into the truck while you're doing it.

With a good write-up, it's something even a novice can do.

 

[Parker1938]

I know how you feel. I suppose it isn't that strange to feel that way. When I want to get to know my vehicles I do a very detailed wash and wax and then spend some time under the hood and under the vehicle looking for any clues if anything needs to be addressed right away.

You could start with the safety items like brakes and alignment and then address the radiator and LBJs. Once you get started I am sure you will make that connection.

 

[amalik]

No theres nothing majorly mechanically wrong with it, I am just well aware that something COULD happen based on my last 4Runner.

It does need a valve cover replacement, an alignment, brakes, basic maintenance work done and I think I'm just overwhelmed at the moment based on those things. Its all easy stuff just the fact of doing it.

I only paid 3K for it so I think that's why I have a feeling like I do, almost like too good to be true? lol

Alignment is easy stuff? You must have quite the setup at home!

 

[MojaveMadMan]

Felt a similar way about mine about 2 months ago. Almost sold if ofr a 4th gen. Glad I didn't!!! I took some of my "fun money" and invested it in some not fun maintenance things my runner needed, and honestly I felt better about my rig. I got about $800 in maintenance stuff into mine, then rest is stock, but I like it more. Now I have a stable rig to build up and it is exciting again.

 

[laureena23]

Alignment is easy stuff? You must have quite the setup at home!

No, I drop it off and have someone else do it..lol

 

[hrt4me]

No theres nothing majorly mechanically wrong with it, I am just well aware that something COULD happen based on my last 4Runner.

what happened to your last 4Runner?

 

[Nervo19]

I'm the same way when I get a new vehicle. I was just on here the other day listing all the stuff I hate about my new 2008. I wish I could find a Limited for 3K. It sounds like you got a great deal. Firestone runs a lifetime alignment deal for something like $130. I'm going to get it when I put on the tires I just ordered for my 2000. Personally I think 3rd gens are the greatest 4WD out there.

Do you have pictures and what trouble did your last 4Runner cause you?

 

[Colorado Bulldog]

Well, if it's any consolation, I was just through much the same thing. I was somewhat worried about an out of state title on the 4Runner we just got my wife (I'm still trying to figure out how to swap her for my Tacoma.) Anyway, sailed through emissions this morning and then on to the DMV for new plates. Title changed over in the matter of minutes.

Damn, it felt good driving with the sunroof open, back window down and brand new Colorado plates on her.

Now, I wish I could say it was officially mine.

 

[laureena23]

My last 4Runner was a 1999 and it ended up having the dreaded pink milkshake. We just didn't have the money at the time to fix it, I had it for about 5 years. I traded it in for a Dodge Cummins.

Here is a pic of my new 1998, cell phone quality of course

 

[fightman80]

That's a great platform! You even have the limited flares! Be patient with the truck, and start modding it. If you don't fall in love with it... I'll take it off your hands...

 

[THatfield]

woohoo! another buckeye!

It is rough not having any play money, but you do gotta keep the truck on the road. It looks great with the meaty tires you have on there, and it looks like a small lift.

Sometimes it helps me to just wash my truck. It's therapeutic for me and it just feels good to know that the nice shiny clean truck is mine.

As for the maintenance worries, make a list and prioritize them. As per usual, ATF Cooler would be near the top. I know I'll be putting one in as soon as it warms up.

 

[Kafka15]

upgrades

Just need to vent! I don't know what it is but something just doesn't seem right with the Runner I just bought.

It needs some work and I don't know if that's my problem, or if I have a woman's intuition that something wrong is going to happen, whether it be mechanical or physical.

I ordered some vent shades and a bug guard the other day to help it look not so "naked". I really need some rims but financially just can't afford those now.

*sigh* This is really a pointless post but has anyone else felt this way about theirs?

Wheel options, i painted mine with some automotive paint. Simple and looks great, painted em flat black. Also after i took the running boards off I ran about a 2 inch thick black strip where the running boards were to tie in more black to my rig.
98 4wd Lifted runner
3' body lift on 33' adventuro mud terrains
brush guard w/ lights
roof rack w/ lights

 

[Mindomission]

:tape:

No theres nothing majorly mechanically wrong with it, I am just well aware that something COULD happen based on my last 4Runner.

It does need a valve cover replacement, an alignment, brakes, basic maintenance work done and I think I'm just overwhelmed at the moment based on those things. Its all easy stuff just the fact of doing it.

I only paid 3K for it so I think that's why I have a feeling like I do, almost like too good to be true? lol

I had that feeling when I bought mine. It was immaculate inside and out. The undercarriage was almost clean enough to eat off of. On the test drive though the brakes shuddered. Asked the dealer to have it checked. The rotors and pads were replaced on their dime. He even put on a new set of tires, stock-size. It was dealer maintained up to 10k before the sell and couldn't find and he couldn't tell me when the timing belt, water pump and thermostat had been changed. He offered to have it done for the cost of labor. "Great!" I said, "let's get it done." A couple weeks after the purchase the starter contacts started acting up and had to replace those. I started questioning whether we made a good purchase or an acquisition of a money pit and a certain part of my body would pucker every time I thought about it! Since then I have added a transcooler and and a few other things, and did all the baselining one thing at a time each week. I slowly but surely lost that apprehension.

7 months later it runs like it's brand new and it still seems surreal that I own the one vehicle that I fell in love with in '99, some color and all. I will have my T4R for at least as long as my second vehicle of 16 years ('74 Ford F100)! Given that I can now prevent rust rather than try to get rid of it, makes the ownership seem that much more pleasant.

If you love it, take care of the critical maintenance first, then prioritize the less safety-critical tasks. Take a deep breath and realize that it can be done and that you don't have to eat the whole enchilada in one bite! Enjoy and please keep us posted!

 

[laureena23]

Yea it is a limited, tires are rubbing pretty good when I back up because I wasn't sure how much of a lift was already on it.

And btw, whats up with my front bumper? I've seen a lot of them hang like that on the side.

 

[THatfield]

looks like it might have been tapped in the bumper on that side. a bent bumper support will cause it to hang like that.