What to do First?

[tacman7]

So If I get this 97 I'm going to look at:

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/6005165174.html

I don't have to worry about the timing belts but they have 70k on them so it's not going to be too long. Does that belt turn the water pump? So one of those...

But I guess the main thing is put a good external cooler for the transmission if that isn't done yet.

What else would be good to do?

Thanks

 

[Road Bull]

So If I get this 97 I'm going to look at:

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/6005165174.html

I don't have to worry about the timing belts but they have 70k on them so it's not going to be too long. Does that belt turn the water pump? So one of those...

But I guess the main thing is put a good external cooler for the transmission if that isn't done yet.

What else would be good to do?

Thanks

Replace lower ball joints with OEM LBJs. That might not seem like an especially exciting issue, but that should be the priority. Everything else is secondary. It can be a huge safety issue with our 3rd gens. Don't try to save a few bucks buying Moog or some other aftermarket. Just do it right. You can find them cheapest at Camelback Toyota.

The transmission cooler and or radiator replacement is also important, maybe not possibly kill you important, but important for the life of your truck.

 

[185Runner]

So If I get this 97 I'm going to look at:



https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/6005165174.html



I don't have to worry about the timing belts but they have 70k on them so it's not going to be too long. Does that belt turn the water pump? So one of those...



But I guess the main thing is put a good external cooler for the transmission if that isn't done yet.



What else would be good to do?



Thanks

Read the 3rd gen buyers guide on here. It has a ton of good info and a good place to get started.

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

 

[jgue467]

Give it a name. :cowboy:

 

[eng208]

Looks like a nice 4Runner at a good price. I just paid that same price for a 98 with 221K and felt OK about it. Check the frame and everything underneath for rust. Also check the rear axle seals.

 

[Three50Bowtie]

Looks like a good price for a nice ride! What will you do about the torn up seats?

 

[tacman7]

I'll get some decent seat covers and get to reading!

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction everyone!

 

[baja1]

for a thousand dollars more you can have her sistership, identical except mine has a 2002 engine (188K original miles when head gasket sidelined her 2 months ago) sonoran steel 1.2 lift (NEVER been offroaded) engine swap NEW timing belt,thermostat,ICM,IAC,TPS,plugs, wires, all just hours old. alloy's with almost new BFG AT KO's along with another set of alloy's with XLNT street tires, very little surface rust from living on the beach, beautiful paint, never in an accident, nice upholstery.....
you're close by, look at em both!
PM for pix

 

[reelamin]

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

Just drive it and enjoy it. Then look at all the possible issue areas and decide if you want to or may not want to change/swap out/update anything. Looks like a good vehicle for a good price.

 

[Unner]

So If I get this 97 I'm going to look at:

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/6005165174.html

I don't have to worry about the timing belts but they have 70k on them so it's not going to be too long. Does that belt turn the water pump? So one of those...

But I guess the main thing is put a good external cooler for the transmission if that isn't done yet.

What else would be good to do?

Thanks

Looks like a nice truck. Lower Ball Joints with only OEM and then transmission cooler to prevent pink milkshake. Those are the two biggest failures. I don't know that I've ever heard of a Timing Belt failure on a 3rd gen. There's people here that went 250k+ on their original, although I would never do that. The 5VZ is a non interference motor so even if it were to break it wouldn't cause massive failure. Usually the timing belt on these trucks goes out because the water pump leaks coolant onto the belt deteriorating the rubber. Other than that start reading up here on maintenance and other things and she should last you a long time!