My name is PitbullRescuer, and I'm an addict...

PitbullRescuer

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# 7. Yesterday I purchased my 7th 3rd gen 4Runner. This was actually for sale on eBay by a local Toyota dealer. I was the high bidder on it twice but didn't hit the reserve price. Called the guy and we worked it out.

Details:

'98 SR5
239K miles
5VZ-FE
Automatic
4x4
Evergreen Pearl
Tan Cloth
EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAN

It does need some work, I was actually impressed how much the dealer disclosed:
Steering Rack is leaking
Tech says it needs front calipers (read: Tundra Brake Upgrade)
Sunroof is inoperable
Needs a rear wheel cylinder

However, it is incredibly rust free for being a PA vehicle it's while life. 3 owners, very good CarFax, no body or paint work that I can find and has a very good maintenance history with it.

This one is going to be similar to my '97 Limited Budget Build. Doubt I'll lift it, I'm just going to fix what needs fixing and use it as a kid/dog hauler as well as my snow, beach and city vehicle so I can keep the miles off my 740i.

I know, I know :worthless









 
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PBR works for one of the other car companies. They are upset about so many people desiring to buy and drive older third gens instead of a new SUV.

His mission: buy all the used third gens in Philly so no one else can.


Theory #2: he has 6 kids all Near HS age and is prepping to have them all drive 3rd Gens when they turn 16.
 
Ha. I should've been more clear. I only currently own one. 3 of the previous ones were drivers for me for a time and then I flipped them. The other 3 were purchased only with the intent to flip them.

These things are getting old. There are a lot if people who have them that have given up on them. They don't want to put money into them, etc. I try to buy those cheap. I do all the work myself or with friends. Then there are people like us on this forum that aren't afraid of a truck with some miles on it if its a solid truck. They're all over them after I'm done doing my thing to them. In fact, 4 of the previous 6 I had we're sold to members if this forum.


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Nice to see you back. I wish I had the income to buy and sell them. There are a ton around the bay that go cheap, but just need a little loving. Looks like a great platform for a activities vehicle.
 
I've thought about doing this down the road, too. I just bought my '02 but I already want a another 3rd gen w/locker, a cheaper one that I can really work on.
 
As alluring the 740 may be to some, PBR's weakness is buying 3rd gen 4runners.

I am glad you have come back to the stable. What name will you be giving this one?

There have been some really good 4runners to come out of Philly in the last year that have been listed on Ebay.
 
There have been some really good 4runners to come out of Philly in the last year that have been listed on Ebay.
I've looked at most of them in person. Not as nice as they seem on eBay. But go figure. This one was on eBay too, surprisingly they way under presented it IMO.

And thanks for the Welcome Back guys.



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Not much progress yet. Bought a set of 5 Stars for it and some Firestone Destination A/T's. 265/75/16.





I also bought a new steering wheel for it as the one in it was trashed worse than anyone I've ever seen. Bought a sunroof motor too. Thanks DeathCougar.

Today I spent a few bucks:

Front & Rear O2 sensors
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
PCV Valve
Koyo Radiator
Hayden Trans Cooler
New Brake Shoes
New Wheel Cylinders
New Rear Brake Hardware
New Rear Sway Bar Links (to be used with the Addco Sway Bars I already have.

Will be buying LBJ's, OTRE's, Steering Rack & Tundra Brake Upgrade very shortly.

Then I got a lot of work to do...
 
who are you getting the steering rack through? i know you dont plan on keeping this one but i got my safari ltd rack for like $540 shipped to my door, and the dealer wanted $570 with my discount for a steering rack. the difference is the safari rack has brass bushings and sleeves were as the dealer rack has nylon, and they are not replaceable. this is why the racks leak, the nylon bushings leak allowing the seals to distort, get pushed passed their intended location and or allowing foreign debris in and furthering the decay of the rack. -its the same rack that guys in iceland and north pole expos are running. i figure if its good enough for them with their large balloon tires and extreme conditions then its gonna be just fine for me and the wheeling i do. they also come with a two year unlimited mileage warranty -not that you care about that as your probably just gonna flip this one.
 
Thanks, I'll check them out. Haven't decided on one yet which is why I don't have one enroute yet. :) I'm not sure this one is going to be a flip either. I won't have it forever but this one serves a few important purposes for me. So for now it stays.
 
How many have you flipped rescuer?
6 so far. But I did drive some of them for a while before selling them.

A little update on this one: I think the steering rack is fine. Feels okay, no real leaking. I think the tech at the dealer was just being ultra picky about it. So for now I'm going to leave it alone, just do the bushings and the OTRE's & LBJ's. Still have to order my Tundra brakes too.

Hope to tackle the radiator, tranny cooler, and tune up items this weekend.
 
Took the day off on Tuesday and did a little work to her. (been busy as hell with work)

Installed the Tranny Cooler
Installed the New Radiator
Flushed the cooling system (had green in it)
Installed new Thermostat
Refilled with Toyota Red Coolant & Distilled Water
Gave her an oil change

And, bought but didn't install yet, my Tundra 231 Brake Upgrade. Will hopefully get to wrench on it some more next week.
 

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