Introduction and photos of my new project

[arehman11]

Hey guys,

I've always wanted a 3rd gen 4runner but was never able to find one that had a good enough frame. I couldn't sleep one night and managed to come across one in Oklahoma (no salt state) at a Chevy dealer for 2k. They said it didn't run well, a few min later guy called me back and said it didn't start up and they wanted it gone, sold to me for $900. Has a clean carfax, 3 owners, and 340k miles and a super clean frame and all original body panels with vin stickers in place. Newer tranny, alternator, and suspension components. Went to go pick it up and was able to get it to fire right up and it has a noise that is coming from the head that goes in and out, so that was good news. The bad news is that the interior is disgusting and will be gutted promptly! All in all I think I got a great deal on a project 4runner. I did pick up an engine from a 98 that I was able to start up and hear before it was pulled for $700 with 159k miles. Anyways, onto the pics!

 

[Brveagle]

Welcome.

 

[shootmymime]

sick man! have you been able to work on it? did you find out what they were having problems with it or what is/was wrong?

 

[NJCatalana]

welcome man, sounds like you got a good deal!
The "up late/couldn't sleep so I browsed the web for stuff to buy" scenario never turns out in my favor and is dangerous, but looks like it did for you

 

[arehman11]

sick man! have you been able to work on it? did you find out what they were having problems with it or what is/was wrong?

Thanks! I haven't yet, I brought it home in that snow storm on Saturday on a uhaul trailer and towed it with a 6.2L Escalade. Going to tear into it on Saturday and do a compression test. Already got new front seats, center console, radio panel, shift assembly and new boot and plastic cover for that. Just need kick panels, recover headliner and some other misc interior parts. If the compression test comes back fine, I'm going to replace the plugs, wires, fuel filter, drain and refill the oil and maybe seafoam it and see what happens. Will post up some updates. Plans are to clean up the exterior and shine up the paint a little, restore the interior to about a 8/10 condition, get some FJ wheels and new 31" tires and drive it!

 

[shootmymime]

dude i see your from kc mo! where are you at? i used to live up north by zona rosa and the airport.

 

[arehman11]

dude i see your from kc mo! where are you at? i used to live up north by zona rosa and the airport.

I live on the Plaza, however I am originally from Olathe.

 

[Salman]

Hello

Congrats. Just make sure this thing is mechanically sound before you start spending on cosmetic stuff. After Engine make suspension refresh or upgrade top priority. Best of luck and happy wheeling.

 

[lhsoulrebel]

Glad another 3rd gen is staying on the road!! Good luck!

 

[arehman11]

Congrats. Just make sure this thing is mechanically sound before you start spending on cosmetic stuff. After Engine make suspension refresh or upgrade top priority. Best of luck and happy wheeling.

Yup, that's the plan. Any advice you have for mechanical stuff? I'm more so thinking non engine things as my motor will be swapped. Lbj, radiator, bushings, brakes, fluids...any electrical issues that come up?

 

[Salman]

Yup, that's the plan. Any advice you have for mechanical stuff? I'm more so thinking non engine things as my motor will be swapped. Lbj, radiator, bushings, brakes, fluids...any electrical issues that come up?

LBJ - Yes first thing. Only Genuine parts.
Check for all bushings.


External Trans Cooler with new radiator.
All Fluids should be replaced.
Rust Proofing.

I am still in learning phase so can't give you expert advice. Buy Clinton or similar Repair Manual.

Great source of info for new owners http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/149916-master-directory-informational-threads-must-read-new-members.html

Add below link as Fav.

http://tacoma.site40.net/4Runner_96-02_Repair&Wiring/local%20files/repair.html

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Looks like a black diamond to me would make a good name for her....

 

[maverickhawk]

Good find, killer deal. It is good to see people from this part of the country posting. That's the type of truck I spend my free time looking for. I have two third gens from salty state's, so I am looking for a third one from somewhere down south. I am jealous.

 

[arehman11]

Thanks guys! Picked up my "new" motor yesterday, got a lot of weird looks as I used brveagles trailer and towed it with my Infiniti G37 lol, which has been my tow vehicle/daily. Going to gut the interior this weekend down to bare metal and check out the front suspension components.

 

[arehman11]

Just a quick update. So I tore into it a bit more and it turns out the motor is actually fine, it just has some valve noise that seems to be common. The dealership said it didn't start and of course it had no battery and was out of gas, so I filled it up and threw a battery in there and it fired right up and idled perfectly and had no CEL's. I then tried to put it in drive to move it, it just revved up, so I thought the tranny was done. It was just very very low on fluid, so did a drain and replaced the filter and didn't find any metal or burnt fluid beyond normal wear and tear, filled it back up and changed out all the other fluids and it appears that it should last at last another 50-100k miles. Decided to gut the interior and got a better condition used set of seats, beige katzkin seats covers off ebay for a steal, new carpet, new steering wheel and some misc interior trim pieces that were looking rough. Should look great on the inside and should clean up nicely on the outside. Also got a set of 5 spoke wheels locally with tires for 100 bucks!

 

[ajonesnv]

For future repairs and maintenance. 3rd Gen 4Runner FSM

Glad to hear that you landed such a great deal, oh and welcome!