FLORUNNER_
New member
Greetings 4R comrades. I'm fairly new to the 4R forum. I've taken a gander every now and then to solve my other Toyota problems from here. I now own a 3rd gen with 205k miles.
Back story, my family had 2 4Runners in the 90's. A 95' which my father flipped on the highway in heavy rain. The vehicle hydroplaned and lost control, crashed into the median and flipped over onto oncoming traffic. Luckily he was alright and no one else hit him. He then went back and bought a 97' SR5 in the rare anthracite metallic. 3 years later he traded it in for a 00 first gen Tundra SR5 access cab. That became my truck since 2008. Just last year I bought a 2001 SR5 4R 4WD feeling nostalgic for the days of the 3rd gens we owned.
This 4Runner was what my brother and I would call a gem even tho it was from a northern state. It had rust. The bumpers were rusted out, the chassis had some rust, suspension needed a refresh. The body was oxidized (Natural White/Millennium Silver), the center caps faded and yellowed, and a few scratches on the fenders. But the interior was immaculate. The previous owner maintained it well, she kept it very clean and minimal wear to the steering wheel and front seats. Even better, it drove like a car. I never drove a 3rd gen but I have driven a 4th gen. I was surprised how well it handled with the tired, old suspension. Owner kept all maintenance records from Toyota and she felt trustworthy, so I took it. Best vehicle I've driven that's not a CAR. These 3rd gens are light on their feet!
The 5vz motor is pretty well matched to the overall weight of the vehicle. I would know, my Tundra had the same motor and weighed 700 lbs more then the 4R. Many times the Tundra felt sluggish with the small 5vz for a full sized pickup truck. I am amazed at how durable some of these Toyotas are from the 90's and early 00's. I have never had a major problem with the Tundra in the 9 years I drove it. I expect the same from this 4R especially since it's manufactured in Japan. Better quality since it's assembled over there.
This is my daily driver to work. An hour commute everyday. Not the best for fuel, but rugged and looks classic because its a T4R! Smiles per gallon folks.
Some things I did since buying this 4R:
- Replaced the front bumper with valence (new and refreshed front fascia)
- Replaced front sway bar bushings and end links (more controlled ride now)
- Blasted away surface rust visible underneath and painted with rust inhibiting paint (I'm particular about clean undercarriages)
- Replaced fuel filter and fuel pump (thought it was causing my vehicle to shut off while driving, wasn't, but whatever)
- Disabled DRL (I like control of my head lights)
- Repainted center caps (huge difference in looks)
- Restored body with clay bar, light compound, polish, and sealant wax (Natural White by Toyota is stage painted, NO clear coats, so easy to restore to original shine)
- Replaced lower ball joints (OEM), inner/outer tie rods (solid feel on the road/highway)
- Tack welded the slip joint in the steering column as it was worn (tight, accurate steering now)
- Phillips 4000k halogens, bright white (headlight housing made for halogens, not HIDs DOT compliance):thumb3:
Future mods:
- New shocks (originals on there, like most other parts on the vehicle)
- 99' tall springs in the rear (driver side slightly sags, plus I like my rake)
- Replace rear bumper (rusty)
- New head unit w/ JBL subwoofer, stock speakers for now (system is missing low end bass, plus we all need an AUX!)
- Light bar (I like the off road worthy look)
- LED hvac/speedo lights (refresh modern look)
- Front skid plate (radiator exposed to an unsuspecting rut if encountered off road)
- Evap canister needs to change (annoying check engine, VSC lights)
- Rear Diff. breather mod (in case of some deep water encounters)
Will be wheeling the truck moderately in FL, not too many trails where I live.
Pics to come soon...
Back story, my family had 2 4Runners in the 90's. A 95' which my father flipped on the highway in heavy rain. The vehicle hydroplaned and lost control, crashed into the median and flipped over onto oncoming traffic. Luckily he was alright and no one else hit him. He then went back and bought a 97' SR5 in the rare anthracite metallic. 3 years later he traded it in for a 00 first gen Tundra SR5 access cab. That became my truck since 2008. Just last year I bought a 2001 SR5 4R 4WD feeling nostalgic for the days of the 3rd gens we owned.
This 4Runner was what my brother and I would call a gem even tho it was from a northern state. It had rust. The bumpers were rusted out, the chassis had some rust, suspension needed a refresh. The body was oxidized (Natural White/Millennium Silver), the center caps faded and yellowed, and a few scratches on the fenders. But the interior was immaculate. The previous owner maintained it well, she kept it very clean and minimal wear to the steering wheel and front seats. Even better, it drove like a car. I never drove a 3rd gen but I have driven a 4th gen. I was surprised how well it handled with the tired, old suspension. Owner kept all maintenance records from Toyota and she felt trustworthy, so I took it. Best vehicle I've driven that's not a CAR. These 3rd gens are light on their feet!
The 5vz motor is pretty well matched to the overall weight of the vehicle. I would know, my Tundra had the same motor and weighed 700 lbs more then the 4R. Many times the Tundra felt sluggish with the small 5vz for a full sized pickup truck. I am amazed at how durable some of these Toyotas are from the 90's and early 00's. I have never had a major problem with the Tundra in the 9 years I drove it. I expect the same from this 4R especially since it's manufactured in Japan. Better quality since it's assembled over there.
This is my daily driver to work. An hour commute everyday. Not the best for fuel, but rugged and looks classic because its a T4R! Smiles per gallon folks.
Some things I did since buying this 4R:
- Replaced the front bumper with valence (new and refreshed front fascia)
- Replaced front sway bar bushings and end links (more controlled ride now)
- Blasted away surface rust visible underneath and painted with rust inhibiting paint (I'm particular about clean undercarriages)
- Replaced fuel filter and fuel pump (thought it was causing my vehicle to shut off while driving, wasn't, but whatever)
- Disabled DRL (I like control of my head lights)
- Repainted center caps (huge difference in looks)
- Restored body with clay bar, light compound, polish, and sealant wax (Natural White by Toyota is stage painted, NO clear coats, so easy to restore to original shine)
- Replaced lower ball joints (OEM), inner/outer tie rods (solid feel on the road/highway)
- Tack welded the slip joint in the steering column as it was worn (tight, accurate steering now)
- Phillips 4000k halogens, bright white (headlight housing made for halogens, not HIDs DOT compliance):thumb3:
Future mods:
- New shocks (originals on there, like most other parts on the vehicle)
- 99' tall springs in the rear (driver side slightly sags, plus I like my rake)
- Replace rear bumper (rusty)
- New head unit w/ JBL subwoofer, stock speakers for now (system is missing low end bass, plus we all need an AUX!)
- Light bar (I like the off road worthy look)
- LED hvac/speedo lights (refresh modern look)
- Front skid plate (radiator exposed to an unsuspecting rut if encountered off road)
- Evap canister needs to change (annoying check engine, VSC lights)
- Rear Diff. breather mod (in case of some deep water encounters)
Will be wheeling the truck moderately in FL, not too many trails where I live.
Pics to come soon...
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