i want to join the family

[derKster]

hey guys,

I wanted a Tacoma for the longest time, but after thinking and thinking some more i realized that i don't need a truck. I don't tow anything, i don't haul much stuff so it would be overkill.. So i looked at the next best thing, which is the 4runner.

I have an 87 supra turbo so i'm no stranger with the Toyotas. However i've never owned a truck before and i'd love a 4runner.....I've read about head gasket failures. Is this only for the 2nd gen 3.0L models?? also I'm looking for the 4x4 model and i see that they have it in the 2.7L I4. How capable of a motor is it for such a big truck?? sure it gets "better" fuel consumption then the 3.4L V6, but if the V6 is more smoother and a lot more peppier while only sacrificing a few miles on every tank i think i'd rather get the V6.

BTW i'm looking at the 3rd gen models. Anything in particular i should pay attention to when buying one?? for instance, supras are PRONE to headgaskets, leaky targas, rod knock and hatch squeek....stuff like that for the 4runner??

Thanks!

 

[Rock Slide]

Originally posted by derKster
I've read about head gasket failures. Is this only for the 2nd gen 3.0L models?? also I'm looking for the 4x4 model and i see that they have it in the 2.7L I4. How capable of a motor is it for such a big truck?? sure it gets "better" fuel consumption then the 3.4L V6, but if the V6 is more smoother and a lot more peppier while only sacrificing a few miles on every tank i think i'd rather get the V6.

Yes the 3.0 Slow (as I like to refer to it since I used to own one), in the 2nd gens had the head gasket failures. Corrected in the 3rd gen I believe. I never hear about 3rd gens having this problem.

I can't speak for the 2.7L in the 3rd gens since I've never owned one w/ that engine. I love my 3.4L and would highly recommend it. I love the power and I usually get 18/22 in city/highway mpg in my '02 4WD 3.4L. Others will tell you to go w/ the 2.7L. If can always test drive them both and make you own decisions. Ultimately, you're the one driving it everyday.

Originally posted by derKster
BTW i'm looking at the 3rd gen models. Anything in particular i should pay attention to when buying one?? for instance, supras are PRONE to headgaskets, leaky targas, rod knock and hatch squeek....stuff like that for the 4runner??

These trucks are known for reliability, and as far as I know, there really isn't a history of any common parts failures. They all make a lot of whirring & clicking sounds, especially right after start up. I believe the owners manual even mentions it. Be sure to check for the common problems of any vehicle...rust, leaky gaskets, a new paint job (could've been involved in an accident), if it has a sunroof, check for water damage to indicate a leak. Other than that, have a qualified mech. look it over to give you peace of mind.

I'm sure there's more info out there on this subject, so others can probably give you more info than I can.

Let us know how the search goes. Always good to have another member join the family! :bigok:

 

[mx52nr]

Hey derKster...

I recently purchased a 3rd gen 4cyl t4r (with a 5 speed). I was kinda in a similar situation - I wanted a Toyota 4x4 truck, but it would have been overkill, the t4r was a more practical alternative. Although it's been less than a month since I've bought it, I really love the truck.

IMHO - the t4r is one of a few "real" suv's, designed for people who actually use them. It's not going to have a quiet Escalade-type ride, keep that in mind. It's got all kinds of squeaks and rattles, but you get used to it. And it's no Supra Turbo - you've got to get used to driving a slow vehicle. My suggestion is to keep the Supra if you can, speed's addictive, and the t4r's definitely no speed demon. I kept my Miata, and it's a total trip to drive the 4 Runner all day and at night drive a low-slung sports car...

I test drove a few v6's, and did find them to be a bit smoother and more refined, but for me the gas savings were worth buying the 4 cylinder. Just make sure to get a manual transmission with the 4 - I couldn't imagine how an auto would fare, it wouldn't be pretty. My suggestion is to drive them yourself. Ultimately you're the one that has to live with it everyday...

As far as mileage, on one freak trip with the wind behind my back, and at a steady 70 mph I got almost 28 mpg on the highway. I've never gotten that before, and I'm thinking I made a mistake on the math somewhere. Normally I've been getting 22-25 on the highway, and 18-22 with mixed city/highway. It's not going to make Prius owners stalk out T4R's, but it's about the same I was getting from the Infinity the truck replaced, so I can't complain...

Good luck! I checked out a few other suv's before deciding on the 4 Runner (Discovery, Pathfinder, Explorer, CRV, RAV4, Sportage), but I found the 4 Runner the best out of them all...

 

[NCarolina4Runner]

I was in the same boat as you about 3 weeks ago. I have a 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder with custom fabricated turbo setup, and I was looking for a Toyota truck. I found this website and read through it for about a month and then decided on a 3rd generation 4runner.

I ended up getting a 1999 SR5 3.4Liter 4X4 in automatic trans. I have not regretted it once. I love this truck. This is my first 4runner and my first truck. I have only drove my MR2 twice since I bought this truck. I'm a speed demon. I regret to say I've had 3 tickets in the last year in excess of 120mph on the highway. So, i love speed. Though, I've finally learned to take it to a track, since my next ticket will get my license revoked for five years. But I'm telling you I have had little desire to speed since I bought this truck.

I changed all my fluids over to Amsoil fluids, did a timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and tuneup.

It does have some rattles and creeks, like any Toyota TRUCK. This is afterall, a TRUCK. I love it so much, I'm actually looking for a second one for myself. And now, my wife has fallen in love with it, and she wants one.

You owe it to yourself to go drive a few.

Don't forget, the 3rd gen 4runners still have the nicest looking body.

Since you're a Toyota Supra guy, thought I'd attach a pic of my Turbo'd Spyder.

Goodluck with your search for a 4runner.

 

[derKster]

hey nice MR2!!what kind of power she puttin down??

here's a quick pic of my toyota...

i read some more and i found out about the rears of the T4rs sagging. IS this true?? and if they do sag, what is the average cost of fixing and if you do fix it is it better to just get it lifted at the same time??

 

[mx52nr]

Clean Supra & nice MR2!

 

[NCarolina4Runner]

hey nice MR2!!what kind of power she puttin down??

i read some more and i found out about the rears of the T4rs sagging. IS this true?? and if they do sag, what is the average cost of fixing and if you do fix it is it better to just get it lifted at the same time??

Apparently the 96-98 year models tended to have the sag problem. If I'm correct, this was addressed and fixed in the 99 models as toyota put in heavier duty springs. From what I could find here on the forum, it seems like alot of guys like the Moog Heavy Duty springs. It also looks like there was a recall on the toyota springs of some models but I'm not sure which years it applied to. Try a search on the forum using "sag" or "sagging" and you'll get a lot of results back. The 99 models seem to have the highest factory height which is one of the reasons I bought a 99 model.

WOW! beautiful MK III. I have always thought the MK III Supras were the prettiest. Is that still you're original paint job?

My last dino plotted 221hp at the wheels with 8 pounds boost off a Garrett GT28RS which starts spooling at 1700rpms and is fully spooled at 2400 rpms. I'm feeding the intake with a methanol injection. Doesn't seem like to much power does it? Here's the fun part, my Spyder weighs 2200 lbs. I'd like to build up the internals before I boost much more. Technically, I can boost up to 12 pounds safely...but I like my Spyder to much to push the limits on stock internals. Besides, 8 pounds gets me from point A to point B lightning fast.

Good luck on your 4runner search. There's alot of info here on the forum, and some really nice people to help you out.

 

[derKster]

holy crap!! 221 HP out of that little beast must be a BLAST to drive. In comparison, my supra is pushing close to 300HP, but my tank weighs in at approximately 3500+ lbs those GT series turbos are something else i tell ya.....they're like frankenstein turbos. QUICK QUICK QUICK spool but it doesn't affect their power making capabilities.....keep up the good work and leave her stock looking!! nothing llike getting smoked by a sleeper :bigok:

alright so it seems like 99-2003 were the heavy duty years for this truck......i was looking for a 98, but if i can find a 99 for the right price i might as well buy.

Thanks for all the help guys!!

 

[NCarolina4Runner]

I was actually looking for a 98 Limited initially...then I ran across a 99 SR5 and fell in love. I'm glad now that I bought the 99. I'm going to be having a Powertraxx locker put in the middle of this summer. I'm looking very forward to that. There are times I wish I had gone with a 99 Limited and had the option of full-time 4wd...but then I don't think I'd ever actually need it. I think I'll be happiest once I get the Powertraxx. Either way, I'm completely in love with the 4runner. Once we find my wife one (she wants an 00-02 Limited), then I'm going to start looking at the T4R's big brother...yep...LANDCRUISER.

Yes, the dual ball bearing Garrett series are nice. With the dual ball bearings they spool up lightning fast. I'll have to take some more pics...I've added a bottom mount intercooler, so you can see it ever so slightly if you're looking from the rear. Since the turbo sits right at the bottom rear of the car it is really loud when it starts to spool up...there's no mistaking it. There are some guys on SPyderchat.com that are pushing 265 WHEEL hp on slightly built internals. My rear tires are 8.5inch already and they still have a hard time sticking to the ground...I don't want any more power.

300hp ain't to shabby on that Supra. Anybody can build up a new MR2 if you have a few thousand bucks. But you my friend are riding in a CLASSY vehicle. I'd trade my MR2 tommorrow if I could find a MKIII Supra that was well taken care of.

Is that the original factory color on your Supra?? It is gorgeous.