Hi folks, happy to be here. I recently purchased my dream car (1998 4Runner SR5 4WD w/ 281,000 miles). I purchased it for very cheap and so the main things I was looking out for was: Frame Rust (none), Radiator fluid (no mixing), and an engine that runs (haha). I purchased it in NW Arkansas and drove it back to OKC about 3 hours. A few things noticed on this drive: The suspension is very bouncy and it essentially undrivable above 60mph. The bounce gets too much and you could easily lose control of the vehicle if you're going too fast. One thing I noticed is if you let off the gas while its bouncing, the bouncing subsides. The suspension on this is a set of 3" lift Rough Country springs and shocks in the back (just a few years old I think), and stock struts in the front with a spacer lift on top. I think thats my issue, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. My plan is to essentially rebuild the full front suspension with a 2" strut lift as well as replacing most of the front suspension parts with OEM.
It also has a full-vehicle vibration at 55mph and above. I do believe this is due to unbalanced wheels (my rear drivers side tire is wearing unevenly on the outside of the tire).
I'm also planning on replacing most of the steering components to remove some slop, and a few other things in this order:
1. Lower Ball Joints (still stock)
2. Radiator (still stock)
3. All my drive belts and tensioners (A/C squeel)
4. Front Bumper
5. Whichever engine gasket is causing oil leak (I think its valve cover gaskets)
I am a relative newbie to this, I've never done much work on my own vehicles other than oil changes, tire rotations, replacing a few sensors, etc. Please let me know what advice you might have for me and if I should re-prioritize my list, or if I've violated any forum etiquette that I might be unaware of :tongue1: