So I just bought a 4Runner....

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The 4Runner looks nice, but the miles would have scared me away. Seems like a pretty good price though. There was a 1997 SR5 with 324,000 miles on it for 4,000 around here at one point.

Anyways, as far as maintenance. Only thing I can tell you is that the timing belt should have been done twice by now, if it hasnt been done around 200,000 then you should budget for that.
 
Definately ask the owner if the timing belt has been done. If he's not sure or doesn't know, get that done.

The best thing to do at this point would be to have a trusted mechanic (who's familiar with Toyota's) look over the vehicle.
 
<-trusted mechanic familiar with toyota's, lol.

Thats why the 200k didnt really scare me off. Thanks for the heads up on the timing belt, I would have completely forgotten. Hopefully she'll treat me well on my drive back to VA, and then I can get down to the nitty gritty.

Are there any bushings or mounts that wear out regularly that might help firm up the ride?
 
I would look into replacing the shocks/struts, maybe the rear spring if it's sagging (my old 98 had a recall on the rear springs from Toyota. Might want to check to see if yours applies), steering rack bushings could probably use replacement, as well as the sway bar bushings.

Check the endlinks, because they tend to break easily (if you need a replacement, get some quick disco's from wabfab.org--awesome products and very stout).

My water pump, which I believe is another weak link in the 4Runners, went out at 71k miles (thankfully covered under warranty), so check that out when you're doing your timing belt. Check all of the seals around the transfer case and rear diff's.

Can't think of much else right now. I'm sure someone will chime in with more "To-Do's."
 
well I made the 800 mile drive back from Wisconsin on wednesday with the new 4Runner :). The car did GREAT and I got 23mpg!! Amazingly I didnt get stopped once for having no tags on the car.

The brakes are the only thing in need of immediate attention and I'm going to pick up the parts right now. I'll take a few pics of my new toy when I'm done :D
 
4x4Runner09 said:
Wow 23 MPG. That is impressive. Why do I only get 17-19!!!
Click to expand...

That 23mpg is all HWY I'm assuming and I'm sure that'll settle in the teens once round the town driving resumes.

I get 17 round town with minimal hwy driving and my D load rated tires aren't helping.
 
ya the 23mpg was with cruise control on at a constant 69mph.

I just did my front rotors and pads, and noticed that both front endlinks were disconnected/broken. That would explain it turning so easily (and the excessive sway lol).

Tomorrow I'm doing the rear drums and shoes. My ebrake is siezed and or the rear shoes are toast...Is this a common thing (like on my mr2)? is it just two lines connecting to one on the lever?
 
I just looked up the Energy Suspension complete bushing kit but it didnt list a model year. Does anyone know if there's a kit that fits the 3rd gen(I was just going to do swaybar and steering rack but I might as well knock them all out)

TIA
 
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