What to look for in a new 4Runner

[luckysmack]

I just bought a 95 4Runner v6 4wd and so far runs well. It has a few basic issues but ive had far worse. So far the only major things I need to do is a new starter, and possibly a new distributor. I'm not a mechanic but after looking at my chilton manual and some youtube videos they seem fairly easy to replace myself and save a few benjamins on labor.

I took it in to get a basic inspection and most things came up ok. There was some minor oil blow back on the air filter when I start my engine so I said I may need a tune up or a new distributor (but to start with tune up). So im going to replace the spark plugs and wires.

Having to tap on the starter now and then to start the truck, i know I need to replace that.

For the most part it seems like it runs good. I am coming from a dinky 4cylinder chevy s10 that I hates and was gutless. I love the rumble of the engine on this one. It does seem like it should pick up a little better on acceleration, but I'm not used to driving this car so it may be fine. I think a tune up and maybe some fuel system/oil treatment and cleaner might help. Seafoam worked great in my 73 vw bug so I may try that.

So what other things should I look at and pay attention to? Is there anything that I should check out? The hoses seem to be in good condition from what I can tell. What else should I check?

 

[Footofgod]

My standard reply to this question.

Ok, here's the list:

Check with dealer and see if head gasket recall was ever done. If not, they should still honor that.

Plugs (NGK) and Wires (Denso), brand does matter. Change cap and rotor and check the timing.

Air and fuel filter. You may have issues with the fuel filter. Spray the nuts on each side daily with PB Blaster every day for a week before you try removing it.

O2 sensor and general exhaust inspection.

Drain, flush and fill your coolant and transmission fluid.

Change the oil in your differentials.

Check the boots on you CV axles. If damaged, swap them out for new ones.

Sounds like you're only interested in light wheeling, but a solid set of all terrain tires is never a bad thing. BF Goodrich AT's are great and affordable.

After all that, it should run great. Now, how insane do you want to get? There is a plethora of offroad extras you can add.

 

[luckysmack]

So i could call any local toyota dealer and give them my vin# and they can look it up? I bought it used private party.

I also don't know how to check the timing. So I will have to look that up.

Ill have to add those items to my list of things to fix and take care of. Glad to have a good list of things to do. For tires, I have what I think are stock. Which I believe are 31's right? is it worth it to do a 3" lift to be able to do 33"s ? Even for light wheeling?

As for what I want to do wheeling wise, yea more light wheeling. I couldn't afford bigger cost replacements. When wheeling what are the common things that break?

 

[dorton]

So i could call any local toyota dealer and give them my vin# and they can look it up? I bought it used private party.

You can even go on Toyota's website, and enter your vin #.

 

[luckysmack]

Entered the VIN on toyotas website for recalls and said there were none for my car. so thats a good thing.

Ok so for maintenance on the car, looks like the first thing I need to do is take care of my tranny leak/at oil temp light coming on. Got an oil change the other day and made it full. NExt day AT oil temp light came on. took it back and fluid was slightly lower and looked like it had a visible minor leak at the bottom. Took it to a transmission guy and he said it may be leaking when under pressure while on the freeway which is causing it to overheat. Going to get an inspection wednesday. Hopefully its not too bad.

Once thats done, new spark plugs and tune up.

 

[92-SR5]

For tires, I have what I think are stock. Which I believe are 31's right? is it worth it to do a 3" lift to be able to do 33"s ? Even for light wheeling?

As for what I want to do wheeling wise, yea more light wheeling. I couldn't afford bigger cost replacements. When wheeling what are the common things that break?

I'd say if you don't need the ground clearance, don't bother with a lift. Bigger tires get way more expensive and you will have to consider re-gearing . If you want better off road performance, just throw a cheap locker in the rear such as a lock rite and go have fun.

 

[luckysmack]

So i got the 4runner, and now after having it some, it needs a new distributor, sparkplugs and wires/tune up, new starter, and a new transmission. the guy never told me that the tranny had a leak and was overheating. I brought the car into my transmission guy and he looked at it.

Got it back today and the fix he thought would work to seal the leak, wasn't worth it and it had to be replaced. Too many metal shavings in the tranny. So a new one would cost me up to $3600 or $600 to install a refurb. So I will have to spend at least $2k on the car to be good. And thats only if I can get a tranny for $1k.

I'm not quite sure thats worth it. What do you guys think? So I may just try and sell the car and get something else. I liked it too.

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

Grab a junk yard tranny and swap it out yourself. If you are going to own a 2nd gen 4runner, you are gonna need to start getting familiar with it sooner or later.

 

[Footofgod]

Read my signature, then get a junk yard tranny like was mentioned. My 2nd gen has taught me much about working on cars.

 

[luckysmack]

I am a quick learner and am mechanically inclined. I just don't have a lot of experience working on cars. I can do most basic things. Looking at a youtube video on replacing starter and distributor I know I can replace them. I just need to get some tools. I also have a good friend that is a mechanic at a local honda dealership that can help me out.

I talked to a friend today at work and he even said just get a friend and a tranny jack and lift it up there. just a dozen bolts or so. No biggie.

I also found this. My boss said he has bought things like this from the site before. Brand new 95 transmission for $890 shipped to my house in 5 days.

1995 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER - Transmission, Transaxle Automatic Transmission, 4x4, 6 Cylinder - Car Monkeys

there also seems to be some on ebay motors for 400 - 700 minus shipping. rebuilt or new. But many of them dont look like they come with the transfer case. Which if I am down there, I feel like it may be worth it to get an updated on of those as well. But that looks like it would be another good chunk of change. Think I would need to replace that as well for $780?

1995 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER - Transfer Case Assembly Automatic Transmission 6 Cylinder - Car Monkeys

 

[luckysmack]

I also just remembered. When the transmission mechanic looked at it, he said there was a fuel leak somewhere and it smelled like raw fuel. Has anyone had similar issues and know where might be a good place to start looking for a fix?

When I got my oil change/transmission flush they said I needed new spark plugs/wires. Which may be the reason that when the car is starting there is a little back pressure in the intake and some small amounts of fuel is getting onto the air intake filter. They mentioned that if plugs/wires dont fix it might need a distributor.

Could that be related to the fuel smell.

Also I bought a chilton manual and have been looking over it for the things I have been needing to do for the truck. Obviously the guy I bought it from lied to me about its condition. Part of me wants to say 'what else could he have lied about. Should I cut my losses and sell it' but part of me doesnt want to.

I found a local shop here and told them my issues and got really lucky that the mechanic has the same 4runner but a '91. So I may take it to him for a free 'service' and see what else needs attention. I like that idea cause if he has a 4runner and is a mechanic he will hopefully know the issues that 4runners have and could help me out getting started.

It's fun to drive though :biggrin1:

 

[luckysmack]

now that i have the cash ill be heading to a yard tomorrow that another guy recommended that has a 4runner. If he doesnt have one i found one online new for $1k delivered. Then will have a friend help me install it the next weekend after I have it. Kinda stoked. I really do love how this car drives.

Now to fix the automatic windows... i need to make a trip to pick-n-pull

 

[mistersnowman97]

Used OEM Toyota Auto, Truck and Suv Parts Recycling

great yard near you bro! Check it out! great stuff and unbelievable prices

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

It seems that I always read about people who buy these trucks only to find out there is a problem and then give up and sell it at a loss.
I am glad to see that you are going to tackle the tranny yourself! keep us posted. :bravo:

 

[Footofgod]

Now to fix the automatic windows... i need to make a trip to pick-n-pull

Try just changing the switches out first. The issues could possibly be more serious, but the switch failure is common and cheap to investigate without taking the doors apart (PIA).

 

[luckysmack]

Finally after all this time, my truck is drivable. The transmission was so bad it had to be replaces. When I called the shops around me I couldnt not find any. So I went to a site referred by a friend and ordered one with a warranty. delivery was supposed to be 5 days but took almost a month to get it to have it installed. I just got it done last thrusday.

SO far this truck has been a headache. I had the transmission shop (California Transmissions in Rocklin, they did awesome work) also put in the new starter since they would be down there anyways. Also, when I got the transmission, the T.V. cable, one of the hoses, and the oil pan were broken/smashed. So they had to take the one from my original transmission.

It also apparenlty had a gas leak. Did some work at a shop to find the leak (a buddy couldnt find it) and it needed a new fuel pulse regulator. When it was ordered, it was damaged. So had to order one again. Got the rig back together, and they discovered it was also leaking from the top of one of the valves. They said my truck was cursed.

:mmph:

A friend said I should to name it 'cold hard *****' for all the troubles.

But, after spending just as much as I bought it for, totaling about $4200 now with the truck, she runs and purrs nicely. I am stoked I stuck it out rather than getting rid of it. It tracks straight, seems to have pretty decent shocks and in general runs well. Then again I am not really used to driving this kind of truck. Just older cars in general.

Now to find some time and cash to go wheeling. I know next to nothing about it.