wanting to get into a t4r. problems to look for?

[fast4e]

Hi new to the forum and i dont currently own a 4runner. A few years ago I had a 97 tacoma, lifted and badass. Now I miss it and I'm selling my car to buy a 4runner. I like the looks and 3.4 motor in the 3rd gens.

I just want to ask all you 4runner experts what are some common issues i should look for in a 4runner with 150k+ miles. esspecially what to look for in an abused one.

and even maybe some minor issues i'll find to help get the price down??

any info helps! thanks

 

[BenK]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

 

[nobb]

It would be pretty similar to your Tacoma. Just to reiterate the 3rd gen buyer guide and to add my own (some little things are commonly forgotten):

1. If auto tranny, check for pink milkshake problem. If manual tranny, inspect/replace shifter seat + bushing.
2. Inspect lower ball joints. Replace with OEM parts as part of periodic maintenance (because failure can be catastrophic).
3. Check rear axle seals for leakage. Check rear differential breather to make sure it is not clogged. Also check the front differential breather, which comes extended from the factory into the engine bay (driver's side).
4. Make sure rear parking brake works. The 3rd gen has a worse/more complex parking brake design than the 2nd gens and they can seize up if not used frequently.
5. If the vehicle comes from an area where road salt is used, check front calliper pins to make sure they are not seized on. This is actually a stupid brake design IMO, because even a little bit of corrosion on the brake pins makes the brake pads almost impossible to get out.
6. Check to see if Toyota Red (or Pink) coolant is used. This is ideal. Other coolants may have incompatibility issues with the radiator material used.
7. Make sure driveshaft joints have been periodically lubricated with moly based grease.
8. Listen for engine valve noise. Also, a vacuum gauge is a good tool to quickly check engine compression.