looking at an 03 - transfer case question

[ColoRig]

Hi All,

Looking at an 03 for my girlfriend. It's in great condition body wise but needs a little maint like cv boots, front struts, but minimal. Had it checked out by a mech and he was unnerved by the fact that the transfer case has been removed and painted. All seems to work fine. Is this something to be concerned about?

My thought is someone had it repaired, possibly O ring leak and then painted to let others know work had been done.

Here's the deal, I have made a few recommendations in the past that haven't gone well, i will never live these down even though I mean well

Forget it and move on? The 4Runner, not the gf.... Well, it is a nice Runner.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[RUN-4-LIFE]

Actuators are known to fail. If you don't use it you'll lose it.

This may have happened, to repair it requires removal of the transfer case. Giving opportunity to paint it.

Just make sure you test 4H and 4L and that they fully engage. Do it multiple times. Check fluid levels. Earlier 4runners had head gasket issues, check smoke from tail pipe etc.