The 3rd Gen All Questions Allowed Thread

[Bad Luck]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here but have been a proud owner of a '98 4Runner Limited V6, my first vehicle, for two years. This community seems like a great place to seek guidance, so here's my situation:

My 4Runner's been rolling faithfully with 320,000 miles on the engine. I've managed to keep her running with various repairs and replacements over time. However, I recently embarked on a cross-country journey and ended up extending my usual oil change interval from 3,000 to 6,000 miles. I suspect this might have contributed to my current predicament.

I'm now facing a flashing check engine light and a misfire in cylinder 5. A compression test revealed a worrying ZERO compression in that cylinder. My mechanic's recommendation? A new engine.

I'm at a crossroads with my beloved '98 4Runner. It's more than a car to me — decked out with a roof rack, a custom wood platform for camping, and brand new tires. I'd hate to say goodbye to ol' Betsy, but I'm trying to be realistic about the options:

1. Engine Replacement: Should I go for a used, rebuilt, or remanufactured engine? Any trusted sources or tips?

2. Sell/Scrap: Is it more sensible to let her go, either selling as is or for parts?

3. Another Solution: Any other possibilities I might not have considered?

I deeply appreciate any advice, insights, or experiences you could share. This 4Runner isn't just my ride; it's been a part of many adventures and holds lots of memories.

Thanks in advance!

Did your mechanic do a leak down test to see why there was no/low compression?

Engine replacement can get really expensive if you aren't doing the work yourself. Another option is to buy another 4Runner and transfer everything over, then part out/sell your current 4Runner. Probably not the answer you want to hear, but it's an option.

 

[Aeg4runner99]

Hi everyone, I’m currently in the process of replacing my lower control arms on my 99 sr5 4x4. I have already bought the oem lower control arms. But my question is does anybody know the part numbers for the cam adjusters with sleeves and bolts? I’ve been searching everywhere! Thank you

 

[4RunFishkiller]

My 2002 4Runner has 332,000 miles and has a cracked exhaust valve on cylinder 4.
This vehicle was my moms and I inherited it in 2016 after she passed away...at the time it had 129,000. I've put over 200,000 miles on it and it has been very reliable and is in excellent shape. No rust on the body or frame. I've been driving it with the cracked valve for 6 months! (part of that time unknowingly).
Before the valve breaks and grenades the engine... I want to get a re-manufactured engine and have the old girl revitalized! I live in southern Maryland and need some recommendations on sources for quality engines and parts or even someone to do the whole job.
I don't have a garage and/or tools to do this job myself or I would. Any help would be appreciated... Thanks in advance.

I posted a pic of the cracked valve... the compression on cylinder 4 is 75 psi...and its been running like that for 6 months.

 

[Uncle Ted]

3rd Break Light Issues

Howdy all, looking for some help with my 3rd brake light not working. I've spent a few hours researching the issue, common fixes, reading the manual, etc.

Here are the facts:
- I have replaced the bulb with a 921 (it was the original bulb, burnt out)
- I checked for blown fuses in the interior fuse box and engine compartment
- I have peeled back the wiring sleeve in the trunk and found no bent/broken wires. I completely removed the electrical tape and found no broken wires at either end of the harness.
- I have checked the bulb housing and it isn't even burnt/warped. Removed the brown connector and checked the connections, all is good.
- Taken a DMM to the socket where the bulb goes and found that one side has juice and the other doesn't.

All other components in the vehicle work, like literally all of them. Main brake lights (running and braking), reverse lights, wipers, turn signals, even the stupid wiper fluid to the rear. The only thing I can't figure out is this silly issue and it's driving me insane. Any and all help appreciated. :wacko:

 

[akh23]

want to start a thread, need to reply to posts

First timer here. Sorry for not posting anything of use. I would like to start a thread question but was informed I didn't have enough "replies" to start my own thread. So I am just trying to get some replies in.

 

[akh23]

Howdy all, looking for some help with my 3rd brake light not working. I've spent a few hours researching the issue, common fixes, reading the manual, etc.

Here are the facts:
- I have replaced the bulb with a 921 (it was the original bulb, burnt out)
- I checked for blown fuses in the interior fuse box and engine compartment
- I have peeled back the wiring sleeve in the trunk and found no bent/broken wires. I completely removed the electrical tape and found no broken wires at either end of the harness.
- I have checked the bulb housing and it isn't even burnt/warped. Removed the brown connector and checked the connections, all is good.
- Taken a DMM to the socket where the bulb goes and found that one side has juice and the other doesn't.

All other components in the vehicle work, like literally all of them. Main brake lights (running and braking), reverse lights, wipers, turn signals, even the stupid wiper fluid to the rear. The only thing I can't figure out is this silly issue and it's driving me insane. Any and all help appreciated. :wacko:

In a similar boat. Third tail light and running lights do not work, neither does the dash light. Don't seem to have power to the whole first column of fuses under the hood (DRL, Head, and Tail fuses). Checked the relays, there seems to be power. Struggling to check power on tail light socket. Not sure if I'm doing it correctly or not. In a pickle now and not sure what else I can do on my own.

 

[heat]

At the very least, get the factory service manual and stop making people guess
what year and model truck you have. Wiring changes significantly depending
on that information.

 

[96RedRunner]

Hi everyone, I’m currently in the process of replacing my lower control arms on my 99 sr5 4x4. I have already bought the oem lower control arms. But my question is does anybody know the part numbers for the cam adjusters with sleeves and bolts? I’ve been searching everywhere! Thank you

This place does search by VIN TOYOTA | Japan Parts EU

 

[Bad Luck]

Hi everyone, I’m currently in the process of replacing my lower control arms on my 99 sr5 4x4. I have already bought the oem lower control arms. But my question is does anybody know the part numbers for the cam adjusters with sleeves and bolts? I’ve been searching everywhere! Thank you

This should have the part numbers you need TOYOTA 4RUNNERVZN185L-GKPGKA - POWERTRAIN-CHASSIS - FRONT SPRING SHOCK ABSORBER | Japan Parts EU

 

[Bad Luck]

My 2002 4Runner has 332,000 miles and has a cracked exhaust valve on cylinder 4.
This vehicle was my moms and I inherited it in 2016 after she passed away...at the time it had 129,000. I've put over 200,000 miles on it and it has been very reliable and is in excellent shape. No rust on the body or frame. I've been driving it with the cracked valve for 6 months! (part of that time unknowingly).
Before the valve breaks and grenades the engine... I want to get a re-manufactured engine and have the old girl revitalized! I live in southern Maryland and need some recommendations on sources for quality engines and parts or even someone to do the whole job.
I don't have a garage and/or tools to do this job myself or I would. Any help would be appreciated... Thanks in advance.

I posted a pic of the cracked valve... the compression on cylinder 4 is 75 psi...and its been running like that for 6 months.

This is the only source I'm aware for a rebuilt 5VZ engine: 5VZ 3.4L Rebuilt Toyota Engine (Complete) - Yota1 Performance, Inc.

EDIT: I did not include Jasper or JEGs engines because I do not believe they are of a good quality. I've had to replace a Jasper engine after less than 50 miles.

 

[toverturf]

This is the only source I'm aware for a rebuilt 5VZ engine: 5VZ 3.4L Rebuilt Toyota Engine (Complete) - Yota1 Performance, Inc.

Toyota Engine- Toyota V6 3.4L 5VZ-FE Engine Dressed Long Block 4runner, T100, Tacoma & Tundra (1995-2004) 5VZ-DLB-9504 YotaShop offers a rebuilt engine also but it's quite a bit more expensive.

 

[heat]

This is the only source I'm aware for a rebuilt 5VZ engine: 5VZ 3.4L Rebuilt Toyota Engine (Complete) - Yota1 Performance, Inc.

Jasper Engines, Jegs, there are some other through search.

 

[Bad Luck]

Jasper Engines, Jegs, there are some other through search.

I should have phrased that more clearly. It's the only reputable option I'm aware of. As far as I know JEGS and Jasper engines are the same, and I've had to replace a new Jasper engine after it locked up after less than 50 miles.

 

[Bad Luck]

My 2002 4Runner has 332,000 miles and has a cracked exhaust valve on cylinder 4.
This vehicle was my moms and I inherited it in 2016 after she passed away...at the time it had 129,000. I've put over 200,000 miles on it and it has been very reliable and is in excellent shape. No rust on the body or frame. I've been driving it with the cracked valve for 6 months! (part of that time unknowingly).
Before the valve breaks and grenades the engine... I want to get a re-manufactured engine and have the old girl revitalized! I live in southern Maryland and need some recommendations on sources for quality engines and parts or even someone to do the whole job.
I don't have a garage and/or tools to do this job myself or I would. Any help would be appreciated... Thanks in advance.

I posted a pic of the cracked valve... the compression on cylinder 4 is 75 psi...and its been running like that for 6 months.

Let me marry you and this information together in unholy matrimony. AKA here's another option for you that I don't want you to miss because you weren't quoted in toverturf's response.

Toyota Engine- Toyota V6 3.4L 5VZ-FE Engine Dressed Long Block 4runner, T100, Tacoma & Tundra (1995-2004) 5VZ-DLB-9504 YotaShop offers a rebuilt engine also but it's quite a bit more expensive.

 

[octanejunkie]

Let me marry you and this information together in unholy matrimony. AKA here's another option for you that I don't want you to miss because you weren't quoted in toverturf's response.

Or just swap the heads and new HG?

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[pivotrunner]

engine swap

hey all, i have 2000 limited 4x4 i am considering finding a new engine for due to a cracked head or valve, not sure exactly but pretty sure it's one of those.

how difficult would it be to swap in a 3.4 from a 2002 2WD? at least compared to finding another 2000 4x4?

Thanks

 

[96RedRunner]

how difficult would it be to swap in a 3.4 from a 2002 2WD?

Look at the Throttle Body you'll see the difference use old one from 2k.

 

[Uncle Ted]

At the very least, get the factory service manual and stop making people guess
what year and model truck you have. Wiring changes significantly depending
on that information.

My brain was fried after disassembling the trunk and hunting wires when I posted that. 2000 SR5.

 

[luke98]

Did your mechanic do a leak down test to see why there was no/low compression?

Engine replacement can get really expensive if you aren't doing the work yourself. Another option is to buy another 4Runner and transfer everything over, then part out/sell your current 4Runner. Probably not the answer you want to hear, but it's an option.

No, the mechanic only did a compression test and stopped his work there. I picked it up and he suggested finding a Toyota mechanic and an engine to swap in.

Is the test something I can do myself?

 

[Bad Luck]

No, the mechanic only did a compression test and stopped his work there. I picked it up and he suggested finding a Toyota mechanic and an engine to swap in.

Is the test something I can do myself?

That's difficult to say without knowing your level of mechanical experience. I'm not sure if mtbtim has a video covering leak down testing but he does have one for compression testing on youtube. I would call around and price having someone do a leak down test on cylinder 5. It's possible to do a leak down test wrong and end up going in the wrong direction.