Major Problem Areas on 3rd Gen?

[MunkeyTX]

Howdy guys, great site you've got here!

I literally just sold my 2002 F-250 V-10 4x4, and I want a 4Runner!

The F-250 was my 'dream' truck...well the dream changed and I want something cheaper and more economical.

I've read a lot, and from what I gather, the main problem areas for 4x4 3rd Gens are the timing belt, and the rear axle seals. Is there anything else I should add to this list?

I'm very mechanically inclined, and my brother-in-law works at a local Toy dealership as the parts manager, so it's a no brainer that I slide into a 4Runner.

I'm hoping to squeak out someone with a 3rd Gen for no more than $5000, if not, I'll move into a 2nd Gen.

Is there anything that would sway your decision between 2nd & 3rd Gens? I'll mainly be using the truck as a daily driver, and some moderate 4x4 use (beach, hunting, camping in BFE.)

Any suggestions or tips on what I should be looking out for when I search for my new T4R?

Thanks!

 

[Mitchc4216]

Howdy guys, great site you've got here!

I literally just sold my 2002 F-250 V-10 4x4, and I want a 4Runner!

The F-250 was my 'dream' truck...well the dream changed and I want something cheaper and more economical.

I've read a lot, and from what I gather, the main problem areas for 4x4 3rd Gens are the timing belt, and the rear axle seals. Is there anything else I should add to this list?

I'm very mechanically inclined, and my brother-in-law works at a local Toy dealership as the parts manager, so it's a no brainer that I slide into a 4Runner.

I'm hoping to squeak out someone with a 3rd Gen for no more than $5000, if not, I'll move into a 2nd Gen.

Is there anything that would sway your decision between 2nd & 3rd Gens? I'll mainly be using the truck as a daily driver, and some moderate 4x4 use (beach, hunting, camping in BFE.)

Any suggestions or tips on what I should be looking out for when I search for my new T4R?

Thanks!

Hmm well my knowledge on the 2nd Gen isnt great but since i own a 3rd Gen i would def go in this direction and the pricing that you are offering.. Its ok from what i know you might have to put a little more out if you want a nice Runner. Now do you want a Limited or a SR5? Theres a Big difference. Give us some more information on what your looking for in a 4runner im sure people here will help you out

 

[MunkeyTX]

Interior creature comforts really don't matter to me, I've always bought my vehicle based on the mechanical abilities.

Auto or 5spd, I've got no preference...about the only two main interior features I want are A/C, and cruise control.

That being said, for example, if I can only get a rear locker in Limited trim, then it's a no brainer that I'm going to go that route. Extras like a moon roof, and 'sport seats' are just fluff in my book. I need something that:

1. Mechanically sound
2. Relatively easy to work on
3. Relatively cheap to maintain
4. Puts a big grin on my face when I push it to it's abilities.

Function is definitely before form in my book.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I'm not positive about prices in TX, but around here I don't think you could get a decent 3rd gen for under 5k.

I would rather have 3rd gen over a 2nd gen personally.

 

[RevengEngine]

i was actually just searching Ebay for 4runners to see what dealers and owners want for them. (about 1 week ago)

some dealer in TX had a supercharged 99 and were asking for $3900. i have no idea if this truck was in good condition but if i remember correctly, the mileage was around 90k.

hope that helps, check out Ebay.

 

[Mitchc4216]

Hmm i agree your going to have a tough time finding a 4Runner under 5 that runs good and looks good.


I would suggest you go for a SR5 they are more of the rugged type i should say? The limited is more smoother i think? But still both of them are great off the road

 

[NickF]

I just paid $5500 for mine and felt I got a good deal on it. Toyotas hold their value and its hard to find em cheap!
However, I would definantly rather a 3rd Gen over a 2nd Gen, especially if you just sold an '02 F-250 with a V-10 o_0.
The 3rd gens look pretty similar to the 2nd gens, but looks is where the similarity ends. The 1st and 2nd gens are based on a Toyota pickup frame, but the 3rd gens evolved into a frame based on the Land Cruiser. It also was given a bigger, more powerful engine (3.0 vs 3.4 litre), ABS, more interior space, upgraded suspension and more.

 

[JC_ez]

If you are going to do any offroading, look for a 3rd gen with the factory rear locking diff. Also, I believe the models with the 16 inch wheels had the slightly bigger front brakes.

Some problem areas I can think of are:

-Rear axle seal leaks all over the rear drum brakes

-Earlier models 1996-1998 had a rear suspension recall to change the bumpstops

-Starter contacts wear out (no need to replace starter, just the contacts)

-Some newer models 1999-2000 have a faulty gas gauge

-Very early 1996 models may have a head gasket issue, but I think this is rare

 

[peter78]

If you are going to do any offroading, look for a 3rd gen with the factory rear locking diff. Also, I believe the models with the 16 inch wheels had the slightly bigger front brakes.

Some problem areas I can think of are:

-Rear axle seal leaks all over the rear drum brakes

-Earlier models 1996-1998 had a rear suspension recall to change the bumpstops

-Starter contacts wear out (no need to replace starter, just the contacts)

-Some newer models 1999-2000 have a faulty gas gauge

-Very early 1996 models may have a head gasket issue, but I think this is rare

I think that is a pretty good list. I might comment on a few of those, the started is also very hard to replace.

There was another recall for the 2001 model for suspension / steering. Mine was not recalled, so I am not quite sure of the details.

The faulty gas gauge is that the gauge reads lower than it should. When it reads empty, it is really 1/3 full.

The head gasket recalled also affected some 1997's. It was a different recall than the second generation models. If you had a problem, it would so up early, in the first 20,000 miles.

Now, I might add two more. Two affected me, but I have read other people have had problems with these two things also.

1.) The dreaded antenna for the radio not working. It goes up and down and will wear out.

2.) 02 sensor fails. A pretty easy fix, but I have heard from a lot of members with the same problem. These sensors also go out on other cars.

3.) The front brake caliper warps and has to be replaced or turned. This has not happened to me, but I have read about this.

 

[peter78]

Oh, one more thing. The concern about the timing belt. From what I have read, they do seem to last longer than the recommended time for replacement and it is a non-interference engine. Still, it is a belt and needs repalcement eventually.

 

[p nut]

I wouldn't consider the timing belt as a problem area. I have rarely heard of them failing before 90k and few members have reported having 200k+ on the original belt. Not that I recommend that, but they are pretty strong. Plus the engine is a non-interference engine, so not a huge deal if it goes (unless you're out in BFE). Still, ~$300 or less if you can do it yourself every 90k miles isn't bad at all. Just use all OEM stuff, and you'll be good.

Rear lockers can be had in other trim levels, too, but they are the most common in the Limited trims. Also, Limited only came in Auto, so if you want a 5-sp, go with an SR5.

Another weak point, IMO, is the steering rack. The bushings tend to go as early as 80k miles. But get a set of poly bushing kit from Wheeler's and you're set (~$30, I believe). Also, little things like the sway bar bushings, endlnks (if they're broke, do not get the OEM replacements. Go with something like wabfab.org quick disco's--very stout).

You should be able to find something in the $5k range now-a-days. I'd only get it from private sellers that have kept good records or people that you trust. Also, in my experience, private sellers are more flexible on pricing. However, be prepared to spend a little bit more if you find one that's immaculate. I bought my Tacoma from the original owner with good maintenance records.

...but the 3rd gens evolved into a frame based on the Land Cruiser.

No, it isn't. It's based on the Hilux.

 

[riverrat44]

...Another weak point, IMO, is the steering rack. The bushings tend to go as early as 80k miles. But get a set of poly bushing

The steering rack bushings are the first thing I needed to replace on my 2000 with 91,000 miles, which I have owned for about 10 days now. The Les Schwab Tire shop where I was getting an alignment replaced them with Energy Suspension poly bushings, a very noticeable improvement.

 

[NickF]

It's based on the Hilux.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_4-Runner

his similarity largely ended with its looks. It carried over the basic design and concept, but executed it differently with an all-new body shell on an all-new chassis. This time, it shared virtually nothing with the pickup it had originally evolved from, and had more in common with the Land Cruiser, as it shared its chassis with that of the Land Cruiser Prado.

 

[riverrat44]

I'm hoping to squeak out someone with a 3rd Gen for no more than $5000, if not, I'll move into a 2nd Gen.

While I agree that you might be hard pressed to find a 3rd gen in good condition for $5K, I would advise against a 2nd gen, mainly because both engines that it came with have some drawbacks.

The 22RE is a great motor and came in a small percentage of them, but it struggles a bit with the extra weight over the 1st gens. Such a vehicle might be acceptable to you with some engine mods and a 5-speed transmission, but probably not after owning a V-10 Ford. The 3.0L 2nd gen V6 ("3.slow") has a history of head gasket issues and factory recall, is somewhat of a dog for its displacement, and gets pretty crappy mileage.

So I think a 3rd gen is the way to go, even if you have to pay a bit more for one. You'll be happier in the long run.

 

[MunkeyTX]

Thanks for all the tips guys, I'm actually driving from Corpus Christi, TX to Austin, TX to check out two '98's.

One is a Limited w/ 115k, asking $4500, I didn't get to see any good pictures so I'm worried about the overall condition of it based on the price, but it checks out A-OK on CarFax.

The other is a SR5 5-spd w/ 247k, asking $4000, looks pretty good inside, some paint fading outside. I'm kinda leery about this one due to the miles, but the seller says she has all the maintenance records since when it was new.

I've also got two 'fall back' 2nd Gens in case both these '98's are total turds; gotta have something to look at so the trip isn't a total waste!

Again, thanks for all the comments, and I'll post up with what the outcome is!

 

[MunkeyTX]

Well, I'm back and I've got a 4Runner!

I saw the Limited, and while it looked good on the outside, it was TRASHED on the inside. Holes in the carpet, leather cracked badly, dirt and grime all over. It baffles me on how someone can show a car they are hoping to sell in such a filthy condition. I did like the fact that it had the rear locker and only 151k miles. The registration and inspection stickers were both waaay past expiration (Feb 2007!), made her an offer of $4k as long as she gets the tags current. Said she'd call me back after showing it to two other ppl later in the day...she never did.

I also saw the high mileage 5spd SR5; interior was good, just needed a good cleaning, engine looked good, did have some oil stains, but they appeared to be from the oil fill neck (spilled oil?), and not from valve covers, etc. Original owner put 254k miles on it running sales calls around the Austin area, sadly she passed away and her daughter took ownership. It's sat since 2007 with a touch over 3k miles put on it since then. Hood and roof are badly faded; needs some minor work (sunroof doesn't open, rear window only goes down 1/4 way, sounds like something is stuck and rattling in the A/C blower, and i broke the dang cup holder ) .

I took it home for $3800 with the promise that I'll give it a good home; the lady looked like she was going to cry as I drove away, guess she was very sentimental about it being her mothers car. Her husband had bought a Tacoma, put new rims on it, and put the Tacoma rims on the 4Runner, so I've got the original rims too boot!

I'm happy with it, it drove a touch over 250 miles, and it was a smooth ride. I did have some vibrations come from the rear end every so often while on the interstate; I couldn't tell if they were from the roads I were driving on, or if they were mechanically related...the 4Runner rode SMOOTH over our crappy roads here in Corpus Christi. I had one HUGE scare when my wife, who was driving behind me, called me and told me that the muffler was hanging by a rope!! :rant: Turns out my wife doesn't know a curved steel exhaust hanger, from a 'white, big, dirty rope', as she put it. :bonk:

After I get it titled, licensed, and inspected, I'll post some pictures to show it's condition.

Thanks for all the help, and I'm sure I'll become a regular here in no time!

 

[BTLFED]

Congrats on the purchase! And LOL at your wife and the "dirty rope" she saw. :biggrin2:

In for pics!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Congrats man. It seems like you have a good bit of work to do, but you should be able to do it all and still come away pretty cheap.

 

[MunkeyTX]

Update!

I've been spending more and more time over on YT/Marlin/Pirate, but I can't forget where I first started!

Here's some pics w/ updates:

Old Betsy:

She has some hood and roof issues:

Engine a little dirty (nothing a good cleaning can't fix!):

Compare the miles...ya think it's time to replace it again?

Just finished steering rack & swaybar bushing replacment:

Now I need to fix this! (Seat mount):

:biggrin2:

 

[shawnstcyr]

I have a '99 SR5. I presently have 209,000 miles on it. I am very satisfied. Highway mileage is between 21 to 24 MPG, depending on where I am going. My first project was replacing a bad axle seal. Now a broken harmonic balancer. My gas guage does fluctuate and stick if I am offroading at extreme angles. But once I get level I just turn the key off and it resets.
I am very pleased with this truck. In fact I am a dedicated Toyota customer from here on out. I have had her in the California mountains and sand dunes, the Colorado mountains at 12,500 ft., the Wyoming mountains, and good old Texas mud. She never lets me down and is always willing to run balls to the wall.
If you get a 'Runner let me know. I could use a new Texas trail experience.