Newbie - Need advice on common failures

[JeffJ]

Hi,

Just bought a 3rd Gen 4Runner (3.4 manual) to take to Africa. I'm not really familiar with this Toyota model, so my key question is what parts should I take with me?

Obviously, a supply of filters, plugs, pads etc. What I'm really looking for is common failure points. I will be able to get parts there (eventually.....), but it would suck to be hung up waiting for something I could have anticipated would fail.

So, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

state the mileage please

Rear axle seals are a typical sore spot.

Timing belt/water pump change at 90K recommended interval

 

[KellyJ]

Woah, when I went in to get some parts for my car the other day, someone there was taking their 4Runner to Africa too.

Im at 131k and still havne't encountered any axle seal problems (knock on wood...) but with regular stuff like you have mentioned, you should be okay.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Hi,

Just bought a 3rd Gen 4Runner (3.4 manual) to take to Africa. I'm not really familiar with this Toyota model, so my key question is what parts should I take with me?

Obviously, a supply of filters, plugs, pads etc. What I'm really looking for is common failure points. I will be able to get parts there (eventually.....), but it would suck to be hung up waiting for something I could have anticipated would fail.

So, any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

if you don't mind me asking, why are you going to Africa? what brings you to choose the 3rd gen 4runner?

 

[az4runner02]

I don't know but if I was going to be driving across remote locations in Africa, I would want my Toyota as well!!:dancin:

 

[97-4xFunner]

I don't know but if I was going to be driving across remote locations in Africa, I would want my Toyota as well!!:dancin:

I will second that ^. Would aslo second the rear axle seal. I have changed mine twice, but I think the second time I changed it was due to a crappy install. Self inflicted. I didn't grease the seal with bearing lube before i slid the axle back in:bash:

 

[JeffJ]

My wife's job is taking us to Ethiopia. I'm going along as her mechanic

In Ethiopia, 70% of the cars on the road are toyotas. A lot of land cruisers, some prados and fortuners (what they call 4runners).

I couldn't quite take the bite for a land cruiser, and besides, you can't find one in the states with a manual trans.

3rd gen fit the bill price wise, and option wise (yeah diff lock!). Also, all my research indicated that they are pretty robust and reliable.

I'll pack in extra axle seals, but my biggest concern is some electronic widget that renders the car non-operational. Timing belt and water pump have been done.

Thanks guys!

 

[Ron Helmuth]

flush and fill

make sure you are all synthetic in your diffs as much as possible. Take some extra fluids as well.


Good time to flush the clutch and power steering. Brakes probably too. Not recommending synthetic brake fluid.

Good time to do the rear diff breather mod. Water crossing probably not likely but high differential temperatures probable. Some suggest that could help relieve pressures on your axle seals.

What a great adventure!!

Hope it all goes well and send us some shots if at all possible.

We are grateful to live vicariously through our foreign correspondents.

 

[JeffJ]

One other random question.

As steel wheels are definitely the preferred option, I'm looking to get a second set of steel wheels/tires.

My first thought is comb the scrapyards for old "spare" steel wheels (the 18 hole ones). My question is, are these a "full strength" wheel, or will I have issues running them as my regular wheels. I know the rim size is the same, but sometimes OEM's cheap out on the spares.

I would assume offset, etc is correct, but you know what happens when you assume.........

Tks,

Jeff