Picked up a '97

[cek77]

Picked up this '97 SR5 V6 168k, 2 weeks ago. Being a Toyota novice I did a bunch of research on 4runners. Much thanks to this site for providing tons of info. and experiences which helped me make my decision.

Today was the first full day Ive had to work on it. Changed the oil/filter, air filter, lubed the drive axles (even bought both types of grease), changed the rear diff. and transfer case oils. I got the front fill plug off but could not get the front drain plug off. Penetrating oil, 3/4 breaker bar, nothing. What a beast. Put the skid plate back on and decided I'll get it another time.

The car fax had all the records showing that it had oil changes done every 3-5k miles at the dealer for its entire life. I called the dealer with the Vin but they could not see if it had a TB done or not. No sign of a sticker so Im gonna put that on my list. I'll let the shop do that one though. Also have leaking valve covers. Not sure if Im gonna attempt that one on my own or not. Only other bother is broken Cruise. Lights up in dash but will not set speed. I'll have to do some more research.

Anyway, wish I got into 4runners earlier. Great truck.

 

[Jon]

Welcome and nice 4Runner. I got mine stock too, wait for the mod bug to bite you. as far as leaking valve covers go, it seems to be a very common problem. Got a 10mm socket, extension, ratchet? Easy fix, try just tightening them down to "wrist tight" they probably just got looses just like the rest. I saw my valve covers leaking when i first got mine and went out and got gaskets, saw what a pain in the a$$ it would be to change and tried just tightening and magic. Returned the gaskets.

 

[cek77]

I'll give the tightening a shot. Its not bad right now so maybe that'll get me through until I want to break into it or spend the cash. Thanks.

 

[cek77]

Running boards?? What running boards?

Drain and fill on the transmission today. The oil that was in there was very very dark and brownish. I may drain in fill after a few hundred miles or maybe I'll just drop the pan and do the filter as per the DIY in the maint. section.

While I was underneath I saw that both sway bar end links are broken. I found the part number for new ones on Yotatech and picked them up from Advance.

Also on the list is to get a manual antenna, the power one is broken. I saw the part numbers on 4runners.org for the Tacoma whip and no-power holder. It wont even let me pull it up as is.

*Also, forgot that I tightened all the valve cover bolts I could get to with extensions. They where very loose so I tightened them up a little. I'll need to clean the oil off and see if that helps.

 

[NewVillains]

I replaced my Fiance's power antenna as well... it wouldn't let me pull it up either. I had to take it out from under the fender... Took the thing apart.... like 3 screws... put it back together... then put the new antenna in. Actually it was pretty easy job, I think it took about 20 min. Works great now.

 

[LINY4Runner]

congrats on the new Runner...I see you're in southeast PA...not too far from me...if you're in need of parts, or need a hand doing anything, don't hesitate to ask me, dude...I'm right out on the island so it's not too far...a bunch of us drive out to Pine Grove once a month to do some wheeling at Rausch Creek Off Road Park...once you get her lifted, you'll have to come out with us!

 

[cek77]

Thanks LINY. Gonna be some time before I can do a lift/tires. With a new baby on the way this spring Im saving (almost) every penny I can so my wife can take a few months off of work. Next year hopefully!

Decided to take the 4runner to work today and the cruise finally kicked on! My guess is that my Cruise Stalk is just not making a positive connection when I go to set. Just not a positive feel when pulling down. I'll have to get some access to the stalk and see if I can take a look at how it switches.

*Edit* I tried a friends 4runner Cruise to compare, It seems like my cruise stalk itself is broken/cracked and flexing to much before it tries to engage. I'll have to keep an eye out for a used one or see if I can get a steering wheel from a junkyard. For now, if i grab near the base of the cruise it will engage.

 

[cek77]

Just changed the plugs. Not to bad really. Just have to watch what you remove. Make sure you have plenty of extensions. The back drivers side was a pain get the boot off of but other then that you just have to be careful with 13yr old plastic and hoses (broke the front mount on the air cleaner removing the main intake hose). My old plugs must have been replaced in the last few years because they where in OK shape. I ordered the Denso's off of rockauto. Cheapest I could find even with shipping ($13.05 including shipping).

Another thing off the list. Antenna and swaybar end links next.

 

[Hepar]

Nice looking 4Runner! Love the green. Makes me miss my green Tacoma...

 

[cek77]

I keep track of my gas mileage on a Droid App, Respectable gas mileage so far:

1. 16.83
2. 19.77
3. 19.12
4. 19.03
5. 21.39

I fill up around 250 miles just so I dont get to the bottom of the tank and dislodge anything but the gauge still is above or near 1/4 of a tank. The 21 was just this past weekend with about 80% highway, 20% city. The +2mpg can also be attributed to checking the tire pressure. Was 28lbs all around since the gauge at the gas station was off. Used my own gauge and upped it to around 36lbs and made a nice difference. Can definetly feel the difference taking turns and coasting. Not that hard of a ride either.

 

[spongerx]

Welcome to the board. :keyboard: :cheers:

3rd Generation fuel gages are notoriously wrong. It'll drop slow then fast then slow etc. Most stock 4runners should be seeing about 280 miles per tank. Some get more, some get less depending on mods and driving styles. 21mpg's is pretty nice for an SUV I reckon. There is plenty of help on this site. Let the fun begin.

 

[SamSter0077]

Welcome, nice 97 & nice color!