i need help... 4wd question---1996

[MY1STRUNNER]

hi guys....

i am debating on purchasing a 1996 tonite. guy is selling for 3000..... its a 96 with 173000 on it....

am i getting a good deal? he had difficulty engaging the 4wd. it would not engage at a stop but he states it engages if the vehicle is moving.

is this normal? or is this 4wd not working?

how can i be sure its working? any way to know?????

thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ogden8]

4wd is probably alright. You have to put it in 4wd, and then move forward in my 98 to engage. But that price does seem fair, ask him if the timing belt has been replaced. If he says no, barter him down and complain that you have to drop 700 to do it. If it has been replaced, ask him when, because it is due for another at 180000 miles (every 90k miles needs to be done).

Good luck

**EDIT** I just got my 4runner a week ago, so I'd wait until a vet chimes in.

 

[YotaZach85]

4wd is probably alright. You have to put it in 4wd, and then move forward in my 98 to engage. But that price does seem fair, ask him if the timing belt has been replaced. If he says no, barter him down and complain that you have to drop 700 to do it. If it has been replaced, ask him when, because it is due for another at 180000 miles (every 90k miles needs to be done).

Good luck

**EDIT** I just got my 4runner a week ago, so I'd wait until a vet chimes in.

That's good advice. I'd be a little weary of the 4wd thing though, I've never had any issues engaging 4wd at a stop before but all of my trucks have been manual trans.

 

[nistecmec]

Just a side note check the frame above and in front of the forward leaf spring shackles for rusting through. I have been seeing a lot of issues in these areas and also the rear heater lines rotting out.

 

[YotaZach85]

Just a side note check the frame above and in front of the forward leaf spring shackles for rusting through. I have been seeing a lot of issues in these areas and also the rear heater lines rotting out.

96 doesn't have leaf springs...

 

[j.james]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html#post706217

3rd gen buyers guide, details everything a prospective buyer needs to know.

hope it helps.

 

[nistecmec]

My mistake been looking at to many rotting tacomas lately. But still look the frame over really good I've been seeing 96-01 runners with less than 130k miles on them with holes in the frame

 

[YotaZach85]

My mistake been looking at to many rotting tacomas lately. But still look the frame over really good I've been seeing 96-01 runners with less than 130k miles on them with holes in the frame

The front leaf hanger is where my Tacoma rotted out, too, I had a feeling that was what you were thinking.