Just picked up my first 4Runner

[Kiotae]

I just bought my first 4Runner today. After lots of reading and getting some solid advice from the good folks on this forum.

'98 Limited w/223k w/factory rear locker. All the correct major maintenance done. New rear springs, new rotors, new tires (exactly tires I would have bought also), rebuilt tranny. Only low spot is some rust on the rear diff casing and trailer hitch, but otherwise the frame is as rust free as I'll find around here. Seems to be all too common, and it didn't seem like I was going to find anything completely rust free in my price range.

I plan on keeping it stock except for an external transmission cooler, but once I get in there, I might opt just replace the radiator.

 

[WillK]

Welcome! Nice lookin' rig! Where in VA are you located...???

 

[shadow247]

That's a nice find. I'm in Hampton if you ever want to meet up for maintence or to just shoot the bull and have a few beers.

 

[Kung]

That's a nice find. I'm in Hampton if you ever want to meet up for maintence or to just shoot the bull and have a few beers.

Any decent microbreweries around? There used to be a few when I lived there, but that was 1999 - 2003.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Welcome!

 

[Kiotae]

Thanks all. I'm in Charlottesville.

I am thinking I should do the lower ball joints soon. They seem to be in good shape, but they are the original ones. If I can track down the tools, it looks like something I can do myself.

 

[absalom]

Thanks all. I'm in Charlottesville.

I am thinking I should do the lower ball joints soon. They seem to be in good shape, but they are the original ones. If I can track down the tools, it looks like something I can do myself.

LBJ's are cake to do on your own, there is a write-up detailing the entire process. Since you have to get an alignment after replacing, you may as well replace the inner and outer tie rods, steering bushings, and swaybar bushings. All of this is very easy, very cheap, and incredibly effective at restoring a better then stock ride!

 

[Kiotae]

Little surprise when I was taking a closer look at the radiator today. There appears to already be an external trans cooler hooked up. That is unless there's a smaller black radiator that normally sits in front of the stock one. It was raining and cold so I didn't get on the ground to trace the lines.

I feel like an idiot for missing it while going over the vehicle before purchase. Didn't occur to me to look and see if someone had already put one in.

 

[madbomber08]

That could be the AC condenser. Is it the same height as the radiator itself?

 

[Kiotae]

To clarify, are you asking if its as tall as the radiator?

 

[Kiotae]

Looking at some more pictures, I think you're right. I didn't realize all the picture I was looking at of external coolers had them installed in front of the ac condenser, effectively hiding it from view.

 

[ICD]

Welcome!

LBJ's are cake to do on your own, there is a write-up detailing the entire process. Since you have to get an alignment after replacing, you may as well replace the inner and outer tie rods, steering bushings, and swaybar bushings. All of this is very easy, very cheap, and incredibly effective at restoring a better then stock ride!

Whatever you do, do not go into these guys build threads it'll make you want to spend a whole lot of money lol. :tea:

I've already started down that road

Congrats on the new ride.

 

[Kiotae]

I am doing the steering bushings, cheap enough that it would be silly not to. I'll add outer tie rod ends to the list, but they'll come later. The ones on there appear to be in good shape and the LBJ is more important.

It's definitely an external trans cooler. Made my day.

 

[BlackCat]

Congrats on your new favorite vehicle!