Trying t ofind a second 4Runner -2001. Questions

[Ghostrider]

I've had a 2001 since new and am looking for a similar one. Thought I found one but I have more questions after seeing it... SR5 but 2WD

1. Engine compartment - the oil dipstick had an amber mark embeded on the dip stick just above the full mark. I have never seen this. Any ideas what it is or is it important. Also the power steering reservoir had a mess of oil on top but now where else. any thoughts on where this could come from. The PCV valve was present

2. Rims look to be factory 16" but the door sticker only shows 15". I know there were upgrades on the 2WD but is there any issue if someone switched from 15 to 16 inch rims? Are brakes the same size and is rear diff the same ratio?

3. Rear hatch - stuck. I searched ans saw items on fixinf this but they also referred to electrical wires... Did a base SR5 have an electrical switch? I always opened mine with handle

4. It has under 100K miles but looks crappy. White paint did not get any love. The clear coat is still there but can some deep cleaning and sealant bring it back?

 

[sportrunner2001]

Its difficult to help without pictures, but anyway..

1. Im not sure about the dipstick but the oil on top of the PS res. is probably because someone overfilled it with a few ounces to many. (happened to me not two months ago at a quicklube that "topped off" my fluids)

2. I believe even my door sticker says 245/??/15 when it came with 265/70/16's off the lot so it is possible they are original. If not then a PO just switched them, nothing to worry about.

2 1/2. I'm not sure what you mean about the brakes and rear diff being the same ratio, compared to what?

3. No electrical switch to latch and unlatch the door, just the power locks. Could be physically jammed or not unlocking

4. Ive seen some ugly paint turn out to be really nice with a good buff/wax

Hope this helps!

 

[csp]

Door sticker on my 2000 says tire pressure with 225/75-15 tires is xx psi. That doesn't mean it ever had 15" wheels/tires on it. Mine left the factory with 265/70-16s.

Gear ratios are vehicle specific with any 4Runner. It has nothing to do with 4WD vs 2WD. Mine has 4.30s while the neighbor's 2000 has 4.10s.

 

[AZ4Running]

1. Yellow staining is from oil vapor and contaminants in the oil, pretty normal so dont worry about it. Check for sludge under the oil cap, a lit is bad.
2. My sr5 4wd has the 15" wheels on the door sticker as well, the 16" was an option that many came with as a dealer installed item so the door sticker did not change.Gearing is pretty gray in a lot of cases for use. 2wd, 4wd, 2.7l, 3.4l. If you have a 3.4l you have 4.10 or 4.30 gears. There is sucb a small difference in the 2 you will not even notice. Mine has 4.10 gears as per counting the drive shaft rotations, 1997 sr5 3.4l 4wd auto no e locker.
3. Either your rear hatch is not unlocking or something is not right like a linkage came off ect.
4. As long as the clear coat is not blistered or peeling off a goid polish and wax works wonders.