VIN number tag question

[afg10000]

Checked out this '98 Limited yesterday and it seemed pretty decent. One of the things I always check is VIN number stickers on all the body parts. This one has the normal big one on the drivers door frame but not a single one to be found on any other pieces. The body appeared to be immaculate and I had no reason to believe that every piece had been replaced. I just pulled a Carfax (wouldn't come up on the Toyota Owner's site because it's from Canada). It does show an accident (no damage reported 1/14/2001 in Ontario). So I guess I just want to ask if that's normal to not have VIN tags on all the pieces? My other Runners do. Also, anything I should be aware of with Canada Runners?
Thanks,
Andy

 

[afg10000]

Hate to bump a thread but the lady selling it accepted my offer of $5200. I'm picking it up tomorrow morning. It's got 145,000 with service records, TB and WP done at 96k, plugs and wires done last May, etc. It's Got a locker. It's got DRL's and something near the airbox that I didn't recognize. After some research, emissions controls and DRL's are different on Canuck 4Runners. I personally only found a few minor issues. 4WD symbol doesn't light when engaged (I have bulbs), lumbar button doesn't work. Two minor dents in rear steel bumper. Everything else seemed great on initial inspection. Anyone have anything else I should think about with Canadian born 4Runners? Also, if anyone needs some Carfax reports done, I paid for five in case I didn't end up purchasing this truck. Didn't think the lady would like my offer. I have 4 more I can run in the next month that I won't be needing. Let me know if any of y'all wants me to run a VIN.

 

[TheDurk]

Hate to bump a thread but the lady selling it accepted my offer of $5200. I'm picking it up tomorrow morning. It's got 145,000 with service records, TB and WP done at 96k, plugs and wires done last May, etc. It's Got a locker. It's got DRL's and something near the airbox that I didn't recognize. After some research, emissions controls and DRL's are different on Canuck 4Runners. I personally only found a few minor issues. 4WD symbol doesn't light when engaged (I have bulbs), lumbar button doesn't work. Two minor dents in rear steel bumper. Everything else seemed great on initial inspection. Anyone have anything else I should think about with Canadian born 4Runners? Also, if anyone needs some Carfax reports done, I paid for five in case I didn't end up purchasing this truck. Didn't think the lady would like my offer. I have 4 more I can run in the next month that I won't be needing. Let me know if any of y'all wants me to run a VIN.

Are you sure that 4WD is in fact engaging? It's unusual to burn out that bulb as it doesn't get that much use. Can you feel the diffs bind when you turn in 4wd on a hard surface? If not, the ADD system may not be engaging the front diff.

I thought emissions on Canuck and Federal 4Runners were the same? What's the difference? I'm curious.

Enjoy your wiper-fluid level warning light.

DRL's are only different prior to 2000, because US trucks didn't have any, right? After that, I assume they are the same.

I think the VIN on pieces thing is a US law. So they probably don't bother if they don't have to.

 

[audiness]

I would be suspicious if there are no VIN number tags. Every toyota i've owned (and that's been many) has had them on each body panel.

perhaps because it's canadian there are none?

 

[afg10000]

Yeah, I'm thinking it's a Canadian thing on the tags as TheDurk posited. I did run through 4H, 4L and engaged the locker. It all felt to engage just fine. The lady said that the light has never worked she can just feel when it's in 4H due to the steering difference. She's only had the truck for a year. I'm gonna check it out more extensively tomorrow but thanks for input. Maybe some of the Canadian members will chime in on this subject.

 

[Kmvreter]

I know this is a 3rd Gen discussion and mine is a 4th Gen but I've never heard of VIN tags on individual body panels so I've never looked for or noticed them on this or any previous vehicle. I have the narrow VIN plate on the driver's side dash at the lower windshield and the label on the driver's door pillar.

Shoot a pic of a typical panel tag and we'll look for it up here.