Taking a look at a 2001 SR5 and need some help

[bayarea4x4]

Hi I am taking a look at 2001 SR5 with 95k on it this weekend and need some help at what to look for that could be possible problems. I saw about a month or two ago a list that looked really promising but forgot to bookmark it and cannot find it through searching.

The only main things I know are Timing Belt and Water Pump. Obviously see how the engaged 4x4 does but what else mechanically could be a problem. I thought I remember looking at a 3rd member underneath? What's that?

Thanks for your help!

Josh

 

[theizzardking]

uumm what's what?lol

search it's kinda rad..

Checklist:
Timing belt and water pump change,
Rusty Bumpers
3rd member whining while driving

I second finding an independent to do a once over for you, but being far away you may not know anyone so the dealer may be a good option. I would expect to pay at least an hour labor at the dealer, or maybe they have a flat rate for pre-purchase inspections. The water pump not being changed would not concern me at all, people say to change them as it is easy to do when you are accessing the T-belt, and most, like mine, will be leaking a little bit. But if its not leaking then its not an issue, and at 170k you will be due for your next T-belt at 180k anyway, its a 90k mile item, so thats not too far away. One thing you didn't say, which tranny does it have and what maintenance did they do on that?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=53319&highlight=problem+signs


and there's like a million more, not being a jerk and welcome to the forum,
i hope some of the above provide some sort of answer for you, keep in mind these things dont have very many common problems so the list is short.
search around and see what may apply to you

welcome again buddy! and i hope it works out for you! cheers!

 

[Ohio4R]

When braking, if the steering wheel wobbles the front rotors may be warped.

 

[daugherty83]

Look underneath truck at the rear wheels, see if there is any fluid leaking on the brake backing plate and or wheel. This can be a sign on an internal axle seal leak, and can get expensive if you have to have someone replace these. Parts are cheap but the labor is a pain due to the seals being pressed on. The third member is bolted into the rear axle housing where the rear axle ring and pinion is located. Just give it a look and see if it is leaking. Usually just a bad gasket or needs resealed with rtv gasket sealer.