New 4Runner + New to Forum

[DudeMan]

Just scored a 'new' 4Runner for 3k out the door. Not too shabby, but I have some rust issues to deal with which is why the steep discount. I couldn't let the manual tranny slip away (this is my 3rd 3rd Gen, first with a manual). Attached pics are purchase pics - I will take more pics, and of the rust ASAP. I do think the frame rust is manageable by me (no holes...yet), but there are a few smallish body holes - right around the 4 corners of the lower-inner wheel well. One can be fixed with a new driver-side fender, the others need a pro welder (not me). Sucks, but what can you expect for 3k. It drives nice though!

Specs:

• '97 SR5 4WD
• White w/ 3.4L
• 136k Miles
• Manual Tranny
• Timing belt changed at 67k in 2002
• Yakima Roof Rack Included - WooHoo!

Known Problems:

• Rusty (no frame holes that I can see)
• Wont go into 4hi (damnit)
• Light clutch chatter (I think, could be diff) after each shift
• A/C isn't cold

Plan of Attack Within 1st Month (Before Chi Town Winter):

• Hopefully fix 4wd issue!
• Oil/Filter Change
• Air Filter Change
• PCV Valve Change
• New Accessory Belts
• Radiator Swap w/ Toyota Red (Have this sitting around, why not)
• Redline GL4 MTF
• Redline GL5 75w90 F/R Diffs; T Case
• RustBullet on Frame & Rear Axle
• Eastwood Interior Frame Coating
• New OEM Lower Ball Joints & Bolts
• Tundra Wheels (16" 5 Spoke) w/ Used 265/75/16 Goodyears

Anything else you suggest I look at or replace right away? I live in the city so am traveling an hour to a DIY garage to make these repairs, and need to really plan and get my parts together.

Looking forward to contributing to this forum - thanks for looking!

 

[nissanh]

You might want to take the truck to the dealer and have them check whether the front lower ball joints has been replaced, you can also call them and give the VIN. I heard the recall is only for 01 and 02. IF you are lucky, they might replace it for FREE!!

You have 135 K miles and it is too early to replace the OEM lower ball joints (assuming you still have the OEM ball joints)


Timing belt has to be replaced every 60 K miles or every 5 years (which ever comes first). You passed 60 K miles and it is 10 years since it is replaced.

I have the same interior. good thing about fabric is you can sit on it even on a HOT HOT summer day and will last longer.

Get dual ground spark plugs (OEM)

blow some pressurized water 90 degrees to the front AC condenser (90 degrees will not bend the aluminum fins in the condenser). You might have clogged AC condenser, so air won't pass through. There is an AC drier (bottle) right under the front horns. There is a glass on top of it. When you have AC on, see whether you see some bubbles. Little bit is OK but a lot is bad, meaning you need gas.

 

[BlackCat914]

nice, I was looking at that on craigslist. Where abouts are you? I always like to wrench.

 

[DudeMan]

nice, I was looking at that on craigslist. Where abouts are you? I always like to wrench.

BlackCat - I figured I wasn't the only one checking it out. They only had it a few days before I snagged it. The guy gets these from auction in Green Bay - can't even imagine how little he paid for it.

I am located in the north side of the city, close to 90/94 and N. Damen. The plan right now is to collect some parts over this weekend and next week, and then taking it to this "I can fix it" DIY auto shop in Gurnee the weekend of the 3rd. They have air tools, hand tools, torches, etc. that you get to use when you rent a lift. I think it's about $15 an hour to rent a lift bay. A great option for people like me who live in the city and don't have a garage!

If you have any work to do to your truck you should come on up!

http://icanfixthisshops.com/index-1.html

 

[DudeMan]

You might want to take the truck to the dealer and have them check whether the front lower ball joints has been replaced, you can also call them and give the VIN. I heard the recall is only for 01 and 02. IF you are lucky, they might replace it for FREE!!

You have 135 K miles and it is too early to replace the OEM lower ball joints (assuming you still have the OEM ball joints)


Timing belt has to be replaced every 60 K miles or every 5 years (which ever comes first). You passed 60 K miles and it is 10 years since it is replaced.

I have the same interior. good thing about fabric is you can sit on it even on a HOT HOT summer day and will last longer.

Get dual ground spark plugs (OEM)

blow some pressurized water 90 degrees to the front AC condenser (90 degrees will not bend the aluminum fins in the condenser). You might have clogged AC condenser, so air won't pass through. There is an AC drier (bottle) right under the front horns. There is a glass on top of it. When you have AC on, see whether you see some bubbles. Little bit is OK but a lot is bad, meaning you need gas.

I checked the VIN on Toyota Owners website, and there is only one record of service done at a dealership, and it did not include the balljoint recall. I wonder if they have more info than what is listed there? I might try to swindle some new ball joints, who knows. Even though Im only at 135k, I really want to do them just for safety reasons and preventative maintenance.

I'll probably tackle the timing belt and water pump next spring or maybe even into the winter if this heated shop I plan to use is still in business.

I will definitely pick up some OEM spark plugs - any suggestions on a specific part # I should look for?

For blowing out the A/C condensor fins - you think a hose would work with a sprayer nozzle attached? I might try that. Thanks for the tip to look for bubbles, I'll keep an eye out.

And YES - I love the fact that I have cloth this time. This is also the first 4Runner I've had that doesn't have the Oak colored interior, so I am happy about that as well.

Thanks for the advice!