Test drove 3rdgen *Noise issue please help- any tech info

[mattleegee]

So i test drove a
1998 4runner 5sp with 180k miles 4wd

The price is perfect because all the 5 speeds i have found start at $8500 and they are asking $3900

Body is perfect, bird droppings on paint that have ruined a few spots

Interior is dirty/broken will need new carpet and replace lots of interior parts or buy a trim kit/paint, a few parts even broken!

When i went for the test drive it seemed when i "turned the wheel" it locked up the rear? almost like peeling out turning it around in parking lot?
Issue? or?

Then when i got on the main road it sounded like "rod knock" it was so sad to hear but i kept the rpms low for awhile but after a few miles the noise kind of went away? maybe lifters? exhaust leak????
I brought it up to 4900rpm and it felt strong without hesitation (when all warmed up)


Think this is a good $3900 project?
need motor? or maybe just change oil and get new headers?
interior will probably be close to $500-$1000 to get back nice depending on interior parts

Has a "Toyota" front brush gaurd which is neat

Any ideas, i just went to my bank and pulled out enough to drive it away..

(this would be a second car but want it to be reliable like a first car)

 

[PitbullRescuer]

How mechanically inclined are you? I like to think I am. I just did a motor swap and I don't want to do another one anytime soon.

It's hard to diagnose a sound on the Internet. But I doubt a rod knock would go away upon warm up and stay away when you rev it to 5000 rpm.

I'd use the noises to you advantage though. Waive $2,500 cash at him and take the gamble. At $3,900, I wouldn't.

 

[mattleegee]

Thanks PBR, you know anything about have the wheel turned locking up the rear? not sure if it was in a certain mode, i had it in 2hi so just the rear was going

Internet sounds are hard!!! I hear some and it sounds like the motor is going to blow but then ends up being a exhaust manifold



Im going back and fourth in my head, i drove a 2005 v8 and a 2004 v6 today also, going to look at a 2005 v6 right now, still stuck going back and forth on the 4thgen and 3rdgen

 

[awpsome]

haha this sounds like my situation i just bought a 98 5spd 4wd as well.
one thing that will make or break the deal sounds like for you would be to make sure the motor is in good shape. rod knock, id stay away especially if you are looking at other running vehicles.. no point to put you in a hole of repairs..

for the rear end locking up, only thing that i can think of right away would be to ask the owner if he has a locker or auto locker of some sort back there?
or maybe you overlooked seeing if it might have an e locker

 

[mattleegee]

here it is
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD

i just drove a 05 v6 and didnt see it at the dealer, im afraid it might be sold :zoom:

 

[deejay35]

I am sorry to report I picked this exact one up late this morning, right before registering here. I am not a professional mechanic, but everything checked out on my end. Motor noises sounded normal for this mileage on a Toyota V6.

So if anyone wants an OEM Toyota brush guard, let me know..

South King County area (seattle).

 

[mattleegee]

Yeah it did sell.... arghhhh

 

[janefennell147]

i know from experience unfortunately