Looking at a '03 V8..

[WXman]

Hey guys, I'm a newb. I've owned dozens of 4x4s over the years, but I have never owned a foreign brand. I am now looking at buying a 2003 4Runner SR5 with the V8. I would like your opinion because I don't know anything about Toyotas. I have a lot to learn.

Anyway, this 4Runner has 130K on it. It drives really good. Has cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, etc.) but nothing horrible. Interior is good except the headliner is scuffed up. The guy hauled stuff in it. It's a one owner vehicle. The only mechanical thing I can see that's wrong is I could not get it to switch to 4-low. It just beeped at me and the light flashed.

They will sell it to me for $11K. Is this a safe buy? Or should I continue looking?I do have the service records on it including the timing belt was changed by the previous owner at 105K. Advice?

 

[NJshadow93]

It appears that the previous owner never used 4lo, and the actuator has seized up. That is a somewhat common problem when they are not exercised every so often. I would not buy it with this issue. It is a bonus that the timing belt service was done, though. If you really want it, you can try tapping on the actuator while attempting to switch to 4lo. That sometimes frees it up. If not, you're looking at a $2k+ repair bill, so maybe you can negotiate the price with that in mind. Good luck.

 

[aha2988]

Hey guys, I'm a newb. I've owned dozens of 4x4s over the years, but I have never owned a foreign brand. I am now looking at buying a 2003 4Runner SR5 with the V8. I would like your opinion because I don't know anything about Toyotas. I have a lot to learn.

Anyway, this 4Runner has 130K on it. It drives really good. Has cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, etc.) but nothing horrible. Interior is good except the headliner is scuffed up. The guy hauled stuff in it. It's a one owner vehicle. The only mechanical thing I can see that's wrong is I could not get it to switch to 4-low. It just beeped at me and the light flashed.

They will sell it to me for $11K. Is this a safe buy? Or should I continue looking?I do have the service records on it including the timing belt was changed by the previous owner at 105K. Advice?

I've found my 03 V8 to be a great vehicle. If your pleased with the condition the price seems fair considering all the maintenance is up to par.

with the 4 wheel drive situation, are you certain you engaged it properly with these trucks to go from 4hi to 4lo you have to have the vehicle stopped in neutral to engage 4lo otherwise it will beep at you telling you your not doing it right. If you did engage it properly and got that effect then there is a problem with the actuator and that is costly expensive to repair especially if you have to pay someone else to do it. If the actuator isn't functional I would seriously consider a different 4runner or negotiate the price lower to compensate.

 

[aha2988]

It appears that the previous owner never used 4lo, and the actuator has seized up. That is a somewhat common problem when they are not exercised every so often. I would not buy it with this issue. It is a bonus that the timing belt service was done, though. If you really want it, you can try tapping on the actuator while attempting to switch to 4lo. That sometimes frees it up. If not, you're looking at a $2k+ repair bill, so maybe you can negotiate the price with that in mind. Good luck.

he may not have engaged it properly. even dealer sales people don't know how to engage it properly most of the time lol.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I'm going to side with Aha2899, are you sure you were properly shifting the system into 4Lo? As was stated, 4Hi-4Lo requires you to be stopped and in Neutral to properly engage. If you are doing this properly and the vehicle is not shifting (you cannot hear anything happening) I would attempt to have someone tap on the transfercase near the actuator firmly a few times to see if it engages. If it fails to engage it will require replacement of the actuator which requires the transfer case to be torn down because the shift forks are pinned internall to the actuator.

 

[WXman]

Thanks guys. No, I'm not 100% certain I did it right. On my Jeeps you just shift while rolling slowly and boom you're in 4-low. I'm not used to the system on the 4Runner at all.

What I did was I stopped in a parking lot during the test drive, put it into Park, then shifted to 4-Lo. It started beeping. So while it was beeping I shifted to Neutral. Still got nothing. So then I let the vehicle roll a few feet. Still got nothing. So then I assumed it was not functional.

I pushed the center lock button and it lit up on the dash solid...as if it was working fine. But the 4-Lo won't engage.

The dealership (A Jeep dealership) has it in their shop looking it over right now. Aside from this problem, I see no leaks at all. It drives great. This 4Runner also does not have XREAS or RAS...judging from the fact that the shocks have no lines on them and there are no air bags in the rear.

If I do buy it, I plan to lift it 2" and fix the broken plastic trim piece that covers the key hole on the lift gate. Maybe fix the headliner. Hopefully I can find those parts still available. Right now I'm just waiting to hear the diagnosis on the transfer case.

 

[aha2988]

Thanks guys. No, I'm not 100% certain I did it right. On my Jeeps you just shift while rolling slowly and boom you're in 4-low. I'm not used to the system on the 4Runner at all.

What I did was I stopped in a parking lot during the test drive, put it into Park, then shifted to 4-Lo. It started beeping. So while it was beeping I shifted to Neutral. Still got nothing. So then I let the vehicle roll a few feet. Still got nothing. So then I assumed it was not functional.

I pushed the center lock button and it lit up on the dash solid...as if it was working fine. But the 4-Lo won't engage.

The dealership (A Jeep dealership) has it in their shop looking it over right now. Aside from this problem, I see no leaks at all. It drives great. This 4Runner also does not have XREAS or RAS...judging from the fact that the shocks have no lines on them and there are no air bags in the rear.

If I do buy it, I plan to lift it 2" and fix the broken plastic trim piece that covers the key hole on the lift gate. Maybe fix the headliner. Hopefully I can find those parts still available. Right now I'm just waiting to hear the diagnosis on the transfer case.

well you had the right thought process to shift from park to neutral. the kicker was you left the switch selected to 4lo while you shifted.

with the 4wd drive switch selected to 4hi stop the vehicle hold the brake place the vehicle in neutral then flip the switch over to 4lo should shift right in. If the center diff isn't seized then im betting the 4lo isn't either.

also if you look up and read the card in the sun visor it explains how to engage 4lo :

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Yeah... its just them being anal retentive. You have to actually be in Neutral FIRST then select 4Lo before it shifts. Its a little different.

 

[aha2988]

oh and check with villagetoyotaparts.com for the headliner and the plastic piece you spoke of they tend to have the lowest prices for dealer items. and a pre-welcome to the forum if you decide to purchase!

 

[WXman]

Thanks a lot guys I will check this out. If the 4-lo works, then I am betting this truck will be solid for a long time. I have the Carfax in hand, and it shows where the previous owner had all the oil changes done at the dealership, timing belt replaced, trans. fluid replaced, coolant flushed, cabin air filters replaced twice, etc. So he obviously took care of it mechanically...just not cosmetically.

We'll see what they say...

 

[WXman]

The techs looked it over and said the PO probably never used 4-low. I was like no kidding. So tomorrow they are supposed to let me know whether they will cover it or not before I buy it.

Do these 2003 V8 models all have 3.73 gears? Also, can you lift them 3" without causing vibrations and driveline problems?

 

[aha2988]

The techs looked it over and said the PO probably never used 4-low. I was like no kidding. So tomorrow they are supposed to let me know whether they will cover it or not before I buy it.

Do these 2003 V8 models all have 3.73 gears? Also, can you lift them 3" without causing vibrations and driveline problems?

yep they have the same axle as the land cruisers the Toyota turbo v6 8" ring an pinion 3.73 gear ratio.

three inches is the max, adjustable upper control arms are needed at that height to get the caster back. diff drops are not necessary but do relieve some wear on the cv axles. recommended extended rear sway bar end links as well as either removing the front sway bar or at least extending those as well after stiffer springs are installed. trimming and body lifts become necessary for 33's and up pending width, wheel spacers and or wheel offset. pending your off-road desires the computer stability control systems may or may not be in your favor. if you seek water crossings and or muddy adventures a diff breather extension on the rear is recommended as well as tranny and transfer case. if you become interested in gears or lockers talk to www.eastcoastgearsupply.com best value and bolt on ready differentials. if you lift it your likely going to need to replace the cv axle boots and or replace the entire cv half shafts. as the boots tend to fail after the negative angle is increased.

did anyone attempt to engage the 4lo properly?

what did they determine to be the issue

 

[toyota4]

Axman I had the same problem with my first 04 runner and I got reed of it cause couldn't fix it(vary pricey and lots of work...) I didn't wanna keep it cause I wouldn't put money into it to lift it and still not b happy so I got another 4runner this time it was a v6 with less mile ans 3rd row and vary clean for less than what I sold the first 1 so this time I knew the 4l is not working but just couldn't say no to this deal...3 weeks ago I sold it and 3days ago I got my new 04 runner.... The first thing I did b4 I even went to look at the car was telling the saller to get into the car and put it on neutral shift to 4l and tell me if its working... It did and now she's mine lol
( 11k might be too much where do u live? )

 

[bradentyrer]

Hey guys, I'm a newb. I've owned dozens of 4x4s over the years, but I have never owned a foreign brand. I am now looking at buying a 2003 4Runner SR5 with the V8. I would like your opinion because I don't know anything about Toyotas. I have a lot to learn.

Anyway, this 4Runner has 130K on it. It drives really good. Has cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, etc.) but nothing horrible. Interior is good except the headliner is scuffed up. The guy hauled stuff in it. It's a one owner vehicle. The only mechanical thing I can see that's wrong is I could not get it to switch to 4-low. It just beeped at me and the light flashed.

They will sell it to me for $11K. Is this a safe buy? Or should I continue looking?I do have the service records on it including the timing belt was changed by the previous owner at 105K. Advice?

Hey, I have I 2003 V8 and I live in KY too. I love mine, so you cannot go wrong there. I would not buy if the actuator is seized up, but I can't help but ask, was the car in neutral with the brake firmly pressed when you tried to switch the car into 4lo? That could be your problem.

 

[talonjade]

my 03 is running like a top with 117K (drove through the worst winter blizzard I have even been in {44 miles of 12-25MPH} got to a semi road block hauling a 5X8 u-haul I snaked through them and made it out it was super satisfying I never slipped an inch) I switched to full synthetic fluid everything and she purrs where-ever she goes....its a great truck in good weather but in bad weather its marvelous!

sounds like you got a winner on your hands!

 

[WXman]

I went back yesterday and drove it again. Pulled onto a gravel emergency lane, stopped, put truck in neutral, held the brake, waited a second or two, then shifted to 4-Lo. Light just flashed. If I then shifted to drive it started beeping. Went back to neutral, shifted to 4-High. Waited a second, then tried 4-Lo again. Nothing.

I've tried everything...but it's stuck. Shop says the t-case is full of fluid and they can see where the shift actuator tries to engage, but then stops. Apparently it is gummed up. They are saying anywhere from $500-$1,800 and they can repair it for me. If I let them do that...I'll be paying about $13K for this 4R which is around where book value is on it. OR... I can buy it as is for a discounted price and take the chance on being able to fix it myself. Trying to decide what to do. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, and my father is a master mechanic of 35+ years experience so I'm sure that I CAN get it done, just trying to decide if I WANT to...you know?

Other than that, this 4R is a cherry. Yes it has 129K miles on it...but it's a 1 owner and I have all the service records including timing belt, coolant flush, trans. flush, etc. And it drives perfect with no funny noises at all. So I'm very tempted to buy it.

I'm still trying to track down body parts...specifically the tailgate trim piece that covers the key hole. Can't find a replacement anywhere. The one on this truck is cracked and broken.

 

[01grander]

Get the shop to write an estimate in your favor and take it to the dealer. If they won't budge then I'd say walk away.

I got my 03 V8 4x4 Sport for $10,800 last July with only 82,000 miles. Obviously most people can't find something like this but why put in the effort to get it repaired for the bb price?

Get a high estimate and then do it yourself.

 

[WXman]

I found out today that the salvage yards around here can get me used transfer cases as complete units, in good condition, for $500 bucks. So now I'm thinking about buying the 4R as-is and using it's flaws to drive the price down as much as I can, and then tinker with the actuator and see if I can get it to work. If not, worst case scenario is I drop $500 on another t-case. Could probably save a lot of $$$ that way.

If this deal goes through, it would be my first Toyota ever and I'm actually kind of excited about it. It's hard to get excited about things anymore in your 30s hahaha but this 4Runner kind of excites me a little. We'll see what the dealership says.

Thanks for all the advice so far.

 

[WXman]

Well I ended up having to pass on the '03. Found a '04 Limited that has leather and nicer interior and the transfer case works! It's got a slightly mismatched color driver's door where it was in an accident and they didn't blend the paint to match properly, and it's got the usual Toyota rust on the chassis from being in a snowy climate for the first two or three years, but other than that this one is a cherry. I got to drive it over the weekend and I fell in love with it!

I'm going to try and trade my '12 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in on the 4R tomorrow. Hopefully it'll work out.

OH, almost forgot..one thing I also noticed was the TPMS light is on solid and I checked all the drive tires and they had 36 psi in them. Does this mean a TPMS sensor is dead? Do you have to go to the dealership to get these programmed for the truck?

 

[04rnr]

OH, almost forgot..one thing I also noticed was the TPMS light is on solid and I checked all the drive tires and they had 36 psi in them. Does this mean a TPMS sensor is dead? Do you have to go to the dealership to get these programmed for the truck?

did you check the spare tire ? I had the same issue, but have since got bigger tire and had the TPMS taked out, and did the TPMS mod :thumb3: