Spinning Wheels, Mountain Passes - axle lockup a concern?

[mtncrzr]

Howdy
Hello,
...fellow 4runner'rs,

I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2nd gen. and hoping for a little advice.

I'm hearing about broken axles. I drive at speed over white knuckle mountain passes on the Colorado 550 twice per day. If you can see the tippety tops of the 60ft pine trees just off the side of the roadway,we call that a guard rail. When I stop seeing the trees, the seat belt comes off. Problem is, I tend to push it and not concern with the consequences. At 40mph it's breathtaking, at 60, a bit more.

I keep good tires under me. If there is the possibility of losing control due to an axle failure or anything else I'm wondering if I need to rethink my vehicle purchase. Loosing brakes is one thing, but loosing steering control is not an option on these roads. Of course many of you drive these for the reason of living in the mountains, but I'd like to hear if these are real concerns. I guess any 4wd is going to be the same in that regard? One of the ones I'm looking at said "CV boot tore", which got me to here. Axles don't just snap on the highway, they need a reason. So far I've learned to use OEM axles, or Napa as a distant second.

Any advice for a new 4Runner'er welcome as this is all fairly new to me, favorite yrs/models,whatever. I'm a busy guy, will be used mostly for cruising, and just getting around in the woods, with the occasional off-road adventure. Gas mileage over brute force for my purposes.

I know the 22R-E is something to look for. I also noticed that the 2006 got ok mileage with more HP, and other benefits, I guess everyone has their favorites. I've seen a lot listed in the '91-'96 range for not too much. I'm looking to spend $3500 or less for this 3rd vehicle, so I can't be too choosey.

Thanks!

 

[dogojoe96]

Hey fellow Coloradan! Toyotas are built well and my worries would not be in the axles breaking, I would be more concerned about ball joints and tie rods. Mine lasted 267xxx miles and they were factory but there was a lot of slop. Also if you are looking to pull 60 on the passes a 2nd gen may not be for you, either automatic or manual trans behind the 22re or 3vze will be a dog. Before and after my 5speed swap i still struggle to pull 50-55 mph uphill on molas, coal bank, red mountian It is an SUV not a sports car or powerful truck but it sure would be a reliable ride if well maintained.

 

[mtncrzr]

Hey dogojoe, that's good to hear. Those kinds of things give a lot more warning and a chance to save up for repairs, I guess, though it's time more than anything. No joke about uphill power, I test drove a 3.0l yesterday and it was anything but speedy. Didn't realize how strong my Ford E250 4.6L actually is. And I'm still getting 14/16 mpg out of it. Maybe I should convert this thing to 4WD.

That 4runner actually sounded ok for the first 20 minutes then started knocking badly. 'was a shocker to think 5 minutes earlier it sounded like a smooth runner worth buying. I just plan to test them by letting them warm up 30 mins or so, and doing a 3k rev for 60 seconds, then let off and listen.

 

[dogojoe96]

With a knock I'd avoid that one the 3vze's are known for some valve tick but knocking on any motor is bad! The 3vze is a reliable motor from my experience just not a powerhouse. Again any 20+ year old vehicle probably needs some good tlc.

As far as the testing goes it sounds like you have a good plan. Hope to see some pics if you get a 2nd gen!