Should I call it quits, or hang in there?

M

MPG4Runner

New member
I have a 97 4runner, bought it 4-5 months ago after our 95 was totaled when lady ran red...

well I fixed the over heating issue by replacing everything in the cooling system (everything), and as I was cleaning up, I saw 'leakage' at the rear drive tire, from my experience it's a brake cyl, so I just want it back on road, has appoint next week to fix the roof rust, so I figure dealership will make it right once and for all...

drop it off, and they said it's the axle seal, me not believing show up and smell the brakes, sure enough, that's burnt axle grease, that seal is shot...

they also give me a list of EVERYthing that's wrong mechanicaly, like a good friend that's not afraid to hurt your feelings.

I need the following
TotalPrice/hr's - issue
615/4 - valve cover gasket/tube seals/cam seals
345/2 - spark plug & wires
856/7 - oil pan reseal (16$ gasket)
570/4 - RF wheel bearing has play
720/4.5 - LR wheel cyl bad / axle seal leakage
505/3 - rear brakes (do them both right??)
180/1.5 - bleed brakes for repairs
1345/4 - control arm bushings broken ball joints
1325/3.5 - PS rack has play/bushings dmg'd from oil leaks w/tie rods ends
144/1.2 - alignment for repairs
96/0.8 - power steering flush
190/1 - thermostat housing/lower hose outlet pipe corroded hose 1/2 on
144/1.2 - 4x4 servicing
120/1 - trans flush
"initial reason - RT side wheel cyl"

they quoted $7100 in repairs... lol, I bought the vehicle for 5k... after crude math knowing what I can and can't do, I can probably get it down to 5k maybe... by taking some labor out and doing it myself... I am the type of person to get genuine Toyota parts, except the future mods

it has 195k miles, I just did:
online - radiator
oriley - timing belt tensioner
oriley - clutch fan
toyota - t-stat
toyota - red coolant
toyota - water pump
toyota - timing belt
toyota - upper/lower water hoses

runs strong, has roof rack/running boards/tow hitch/4x4 (non-locking rear)...

the plan was to purchase a 7 seater 4runner for my wife to daily, and this turns into my daily/desert trail rig. I wanted to dirtco my 97 runner with tru-trac rear locker and open front locker (no snow) on 35's and 2 inch lift with bumper ect...

well this event set's it back a ways... the truck needs servicing before any of that... and it still needs

springs (saging)
roof rust repair (roof rack rust)
all suspension bushings/rubber...

so what should I do?

sell it and take a chance on the next 4 runner (maybe find one with e locker) and hope it needs less repair.

repair it and take a chance that it's 'cheaper in the long run'....

hang or sell?
 
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I read this once and again as I was in your shoes. Personally not knowing where you live and whats avialable could change some of these thoughts. I would call my Toyota buddies and pay them a few beers to come crawl around it with me and see if there is anything else hiding. If this is the '200k' service + other's as it seems the previous owner didn't take the best care from what I can see, I would do the service/work. You could find another 4Runner with the very same issues, or better.
When I bought my 97, I had to put 1k into it right off the bat as my water pump went out. So since I did that, I did the timing chain, seals and everything else to be safe. It was frustrating for me, but I knew by doing this I would have a more 'reliable' rig in my mind.

That's really tough choice, but whatever you do decide this forum will be here to help you to the best ability =)
 
A lot of that stuff is really simple to do, and labor is going to be a lot of the cost there, there's also some stuff that can wait, like the diff fluid, since you're planning on re-gearing you can wait to change the fluid when you do that. The list looks pretty intimidating, but I'd say if you can get your hands dirty on it, you could probably get it all done around the 2K mark.

I also know that Toyota parts are quality, but a lot of stuff you can get from the OEM that built it for Toyota, and that usually saves a lot of money vs going to the dealer for it, I.E. Sumitomo spark plug wires and Denso plugs. There's also things like the Radiator hose that there is really no difference between aftermarket and OEM.
 
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im with fire on this one, alote of the repairs are simple with a simple tool set and a buddy. I keep the truck n make a list of the repairs that are needed and can afford at the time n work my way down the list.
also by the time your done, you will know what all new on these aging trucks.
 
Well I'll call BS on some of the required repairs.
IE
you said you replaced the water pump & hoses, yet they are saying it's requiring to be replaced again.

$144 for 4x4 servicing wtf does that mean? Changing front diff and xfer case fluids?

IMHO, some of those are right away type fixes. All of those you can do yourself if you're a capable person.

Also, they are charging $180 for a brake bleeding???
 
Find an independent dealer.

Some of this stuff is easily tackled by a shade tree mechanic, other, such as pressing out wheel bearings, is not.

$345 to change plugs and wires....equates to "we don't want your business". That alignment must be something darn special as well.

As old as these 3rd gen runners are getting, most repairs should be DIY or repair costs can quickly far exceed the value of it.
 
Where are you? I would do this for a quarter of tgeir price with my buddy. All in one day (plus parts lol) and maybe a beer or two.

Seriously that is easy stuff to do. They word it to sound difficult so people dont slap them with a middle finger.
 
Not all of these sound like imminent death for the truck. You can put some off and drive the truck fine. I imagine if I took my truck to the dealer they'd scare the pants off me too. That alignment and plug/wire pricing is astronomical!

I'm assuming your truck has little rust and regular oil changes?

Valve Cover gaskets, plugs and wires, rear brakes, ball joints, control arm and PS bushings, tie rod ends, and PS flush could probly be done in a couple weekends with a friend? If you're doing it by yourself you could do one per weekend and have it knocked out in a few weekends. It's a big list but can be done with simple tools and a jack.

I've never done a rear axle seal, but this guy has:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxMHNyOPxY

Wheel bearings, alignment and trans flush I'd probly have some local guys do.

Oil pan, thermostat housing and ""4x4 servicing"" I'd either put off or not just do assuming they're not severe.


I'm not an expert, this is just my opinion.
 
I agree with all of you, the truck is 'service-able' and to be honest, not THAT bad. but for money wise, should I commit to this truck or try and find another one to sink money into?

here's how I picture it... I want a daily that can trail ride. I have to opportunity to sell this truck and look for another one to make into my ride.

for the DIY part, I think I'm good at doing it myself until the rear axle/brakes. hence why i took it in. I can/would do the front end, and engine gaskets/plugs&wires.

the whole anti-lock brake system scares me tbh... I'm a 65mustang/75bronco guy.

the wheel alignment I would take to Firestone, they have a lifetime alignment for $180, and I can go back as often as I want, or every tire rotation, for free. over time it pays for itself.

I'm located in gilbert/mesa/chandler AZ, craigslist show's it's a 'sellers' market, all buy's will pay higher than what I think is reasonable.



I guess what I would like to know, because I'm at a cross road, is 'should I keep and modify this truck, or look for a better truck to modify?'

I do wish it had a locking transfer case, and locking rear dif... out of the 4runners which gen/year had the most going for it. IIRC, I think it's the 3rd gen 99-00 4runners that had the best of the best equipment from factory for offroad.
 
I'd sell it and look for another one.

Bleeding these brakes is not hard at all. These drum brakes are not bad, though be forewarned that this 4runner loves its OEM parts or OE maker and that is about it. This goes for rear shoes as well. For the next one no Oreily's (Hayden) fan clutch or tensioner.

Good luck.
 
MPG4Runner said:
I have a 97 4runner, bought it 4-5 months ago after our 95 was totaled when lady ran red...

well I fixed the over heating issue by replacing everything in the cooling system (everything), and as I was cleaning up, I saw 'leakage' at the rear drive tire, from my experience it's a brake cyl, so I just want it back on road, has appoint next week to fix the roof rust, so I figure dealership will make it right once and for all...

drop it off, and they said it's the axle seal, me not believing show up and smell the brakes, sure enough, that's burnt axle grease, that seal is shot...

they also give me a list of EVERYthing that's wrong mechanicaly, like a good friend that's not afraid to hurt your feelings.

I need the following
TotalPrice/hr's - issue
615/4 - valve cover gasket/tube seals/cam seals
345/2 - spark plug & wires
856/7 - oil pan reseal (16$ gasket)
570/4 - RF wheel bearing has play
720/4.5 - LR wheel cyl bad / axle seal leakage
505/3 - rear brakes (do them both right??)
180/1.5 - bleed brakes for repairs
1345/4 - control arm bushings broken ball joints
1325/3.5 - PS rack has play/bushings dmg'd from oil leaks w/tie rods ends
144/1.2 - alignment for repairs
96/0.8 - power steering flush
190/1 - thermostat housing/lower hose outlet pipe corroded hose 1/2 on
144/1.2 - 4x4 servicing
120/1 - trans flush
"initial reason - RT side wheel cyl"

they quoted $7100 in repairs... lol, I bought the vehicle for 5k... after crude math knowing what I can and can't do, I can probably get it down to 5k maybe... by taking some labor out and doing it myself... I am the type of person to get genuine Toyota parts, except the future mods

it has 195k miles, I just did:
online - radiator
oriley - timing belt tensioner
oriley - clutch fan
toyota - t-stat
toyota - red coolant
toyota - water pump
toyota - timing belt
toyota - upper/lower water hoses

runs strong, has roof rack/running boards/tow hitch/4x4 (non-locking rear)...

the plan was to purchase a 7 seater 4runner for my wife to daily, and this turns into my daily/desert trail rig. I wanted to dirtco my 97 runner with tru-trac rear locker and open front locker (no snow) on 35's and 2 inch lift with bumper ect...

well this event set's it back a ways... the truck needs servicing before any of that... and it still needs

springs (saging)
roof rust repair (roof rack rust)
all suspension bushings/rubber...

so what should I do?

sell it and take a chance on the next 4 runner (maybe find one with e locker) and hope it needs less repair.

repair it and take a chance that it's 'cheaper in the long run'....

hang or sell?
Click to expand...


Working at a Toyota dealership they are doing what you asked them to do. It is a big list but things can get done at different times. One part where they said the spark plugs are seperate from the valve cover, they do that because if you didnt want to do the valve cover gasket that is the appropriate hours for the spark plug job. If you ask them about VC job im sure they will tell you that the spark plug job would be included in it. If they say it is seperate tell them to go pound sand. They are right there at the plugs when they do the job.

The oil pan gasket is a ***** because it is above the front diff they have to take that down to do that.

Factory PS racks are about a 1000 plus or minus a couple hundred bucks

Toyota control arms are crazy expensive

Rear brakes are about 200 for the shoes so that is close to being right.

At the end of the day it is Close to being what our dealership would charge if all this stuff was wrong/needed to be repaired. Ask them for help on labor and parts. I am sure they are running a price matrix to raise the prices of parts a little bit to help profit. Labor does suck
 
MPG4Runner said:
I agree with all of you, the truck is 'service-able' and to be honest, not THAT bad. but for money wise, should I commit to this truck or try and find another one to sink money into?

here's how I picture it... I want a daily that can trail ride. I have to opportunity to sell this truck and look for another one to make into my ride.

for the DIY part, I think I'm good at doing it myself until the rear axle/brakes. hence why i took it in. I can/would do the front end, and engine gaskets/plugs&wires.

the whole anti-lock brake system scares me tbh... I'm a 65mustang/75bronco guy.

the wheel alignment I would take to Firestone, they have a lifetime alignment for $180, and I can go back as often as I want, or every tire rotation, for free. over time it pays for itself.

I'm located in gilbert/mesa/chandler AZ, craigslist show's it's a 'sellers' market, all buy's will pay higher than what I think is reasonable.



I guess what I would like to know, because I'm at a cross road, is 'should I keep and modify this truck, or look for a better truck to modify?'

I do wish it had a locking transfer case, and locking rear dif... out of the 4runners which gen/year had the most going for it. IIRC, I think it's the 3rd gen 99-00 4runners that had the best of the best equipment from factory for offroad.
Click to expand...

What do you expect to sell this one for? How much do truck with locking diffs or locking transfer cases go for?
 
I did a real axle seal not too long ago for the first time. It's really not that hard. Remove wheel, take out 6 nuts/bolts and the axle comes right out. You will need the correct parts and a machine shop to press new bearings on, but that should not cost more than $250.

The rest of those items are cake, except for the oil pan. You can do it! If you need any help on any of them search the forums or hit up this thread again. We are here to save you money!
 
MPG4Runner said:
I guess what I would like to know, because I'm at a cross road, is 'should I keep and modify this truck, or look for a better truck to modify?'

I do wish it had a locking transfer case, and locking rear dif... out of the 4runners which gen/year had the most going for it. IIRC, I think it's the 3rd gen 99-00 4runners that had the best of the best equipment from factory for offroad.
Click to expand...
I am no mechanic but I also avoid Toyota dealerships like the plague. If I feel something is beyond my ability I take it to an independent mechanic shop known for Toyota work (Toyomasters here in ABQ). I suggest you do the same if you don't want to get your hands dirty.

As for keeping this rig or buying another one...that's up to you. That list you posted is just neglected maintenance and once it's done you know you have a solid platform to work with. Buying a another rig means more money, more time, and one more chance to find more stuff you have to repair. Since a lot of this you could have spotted yourself but didn't I suggest a prepurchase inspection if you decide to go shopping. And not at a dealership.

Keep in mind that unless you are buying from a dedicated 3rd gen owner there is almost always going to be maintenance that will need be done. I had a prepurchase inspection done on mine and knew that going into it I would be putting about another $2000 (tires, timing belt, radio, rear seal) into it. I purchased all my parts myself and did what I felt comfortable with and only paid labor with my mechanic for the rest. Now I am replacing struts, and just had a new radiator, trans cooler, Airlift 1000 kit, and tranny drain/fill done. Why? Because I don't want to bother with trying to find another one when this one is so close to being right where I want it. That and I love learning how to work on my rig. In a bit I am off to buy some more tools for the strut swap. :D

It's your money and your call. But before you make up your mind I would source the parts you need first and see what that adds up to and see if any 4Runner fanatics live in your neck of the woods. Best way to make new friends and learn about your truck at the same time. Good luck!
 
That quote is insane and I hope they were wearing masks when they gave you the estimate. They're wanting to change a bunch of stuff that probably doesn't need changing and double or triple charging for the stuff that does. For example, cam seals: You just replaced the TB. If the cam seals were leaking you would have seen it. Another example is the rear brakes. They want an inflated price to replace the shoes then another inflated price to change the axle seals and brake cylinders, then another 180 bucks to bleed the brakes? Last time I checked brake bleeding was part of the job. $856 to put on a new transmission pan gasket, then another $120 for a transmission flush? They definitely want you to go away because you'd have to be crazy to pay these prices.
 
There's nothing to the brakes on these trucks, same basic setup that's been used by everyone since the 60s and 70s, really the 3rd gen is one of the easiest platforms to work on, everything is out there and accessible without being overly complicated. Most 3rd gens out there on the market are going to have a similar list of maintainance items that'll need to be done.
 
2000 4RUNNER "LIMITED" 4 WHEEL DRIVE, LOW MILES

here's an option... sell mine, maybe 4-5k and buy this one.. it's the limited priced at 10k, Im sure to talk them down to 8.5k. but would be a better platform, 138k miles, with all bells and whistles...

I'm up in the air, I want to do a 3rd gen, I still think it' was the best year for 4runners. but which one?

I figure I'm going to be down, I can do it, not afraid of trying...


for the brakes, on some cars there are two reservoir's for fluid, I'm guessing not on this system... ok, sounds like I can do this system too.


I'm leaning towards getting what I want and modify that one. should have done it previously, but couldn't due to lack of funds (got a new job 3 months ago)
 
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