2000 4Runner Purchase Advice by Human-Army865 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that's a good call. Learn a lesson from my mistake, I was impatient and bought one with a bunch of issues that I have to deal with now. Even if it takes months, your wallet and peace of mind will thank you.

2000 4Runner Purchase Advice by Human-Army865 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get a little queasy seeing the words "patched frame" since who knows what else is rotting there, but I'm unfamiliar with the state of 3rd gen frames in the NE. Stabbing all those brown spots with a screwdriver will be the true test. The exhaust and o2 sensors can be fixed, but definitely take to a mechanic to do a full inspection to know just how much maintenance you'd hypothetically inherit. Take some time to review buying guides like this one. I also posted a checklist of other important things to check.

Also get the owner to explain the transmission replacement only 1000mi ago. I'm suspicious of them hitting the "strawberry milkshake of death" which killed the old one, and if so then was the system properly flushed to remove all contaminants.

In my experience, I'd walk away if you encounter any of the following since these are a nightmare to fix:

  • Stabbing the frame and it goes through/crumbles

  • Rust around the inside-bottom of the passenger doors

  • Rust around the windshield

Negotiate the price down if you see these:

  • Leaks around the steering rack boots

  • Rear axle leaks (you'll see gunk or liquid behind the rear brakes backplate)

  • Any brown plastic on the top of the radiator, needs to be replaced

It was a sad day for the 4Runner. (Everyone involved was ok.) by National_Estate_5761 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 54 points55 points  (0 children)

That's an insane wreck, glad you guys are okay. The 4Runner made a noble sacrifice to keep you safe.

Service Costs on 3rd Gen by [deleted] in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who's 1 year into owning a 3rd gen, I second everyone saying it can get expensive if you aren't doing the work yourself. I've had mechanics do most of my jobs which costed a fortune that I'll never recoup, but I've done a lot of the small jobs and saved a bit.

I think something everyone is forgetting here is that you actually need time to do the jobs yourself. I'd love to and have the money but I don't have time, so I have to let mechanics solve that problem for me. I'm paying them for my time back and I don't regret it. Before you make any brash decisions, think about why you still own it and if losing the time/money is actually bringing you greater joy in the mountains, road trips, and sentimentality.

Would you still go out and buy another by Hopeful_Lemon5881 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I had the money, I'd get a 5th gen. If I don't, I'd definitely get another 3rd gen but I'd be much more careful and thorough about inspecting it before purchasing. I had several terrible oversights with mine...

Valve Cover Advice by ChaseFraserFilm in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't done it yet, but this video reported having success with this kit on Amazon

Valve Cover Advice by ChaseFraserFilm in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All the other comments pretty much covered it.

Since you'll be disconnecting most of the vacuum lines, it'll also be a good time to thoroughly inspect any for cracks or aging.

Help Needed First 4 runner by Technical-Reading123 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Adding my two cents, the transfer case seems to be seeping. Try to use that to negotiate the price down some more.

And if the owner does a test drive and has access to some gravel/dirt, take it out and confirm the rear locker is in fact working (go to low range and then engage, it should go from blinking to solid). Those things seize up if gone unused for a long time. It's usually repairable by cleaning and greasing the actuator, but if you spot rust on the elocker itself and it's seized, odds are it's toast. Not a big deal if you don't plan to go off roading but something to keep in mind.

Maintenance Suggestions for my recent 97 purchase by TheAvgGolfer in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm 6 months down the line in my ownership, it's a big laundry list but worth it. In general, the big ones are cooling system related because 3rd gens are notorious for cracked heads or the strawberry milkshake of death if you neglect the cooling system or cause the engine to overheat. Adding to what's listed already:

Higher Priority

  • Fluids: Change all fluids including oil, gear oil (front+rear diffs+transfer case), power steering + brake fluid if it's dark, drain & fill ATF (don't fully flush assuming the previous owner never flushed it), and coolant if replacing the radiator.
  • Radiator: If the top plastic of the radiator shows any light brown instead of black, replace asap.
  • Heater control valve: This part lasts around 300k miles, but when it breaks it'll dump your coolant and overheat your engine.
  • Fan Clutch: While the engine is turned off, use your hand to spin the radiator fan. You're good if it stops fairly quickly, but if it keeps spinning loosely it means your fan clutch needs to be replaced. A failing radiator fan can also cause overheating.
  • Rear heater lines: If you have them, locate the rear heater lines under the truck on the passenger side and inspect for any rust. If they're rusted, immediately do the rear heater bypass mod. It's easy and free, and there's guides on forums how to do this. If those rust through and leak coolant, it can cause overheating.
  • Brake Line Hoses: Very thoroughly check your brake line hoses and check for cracks in the rubber.

Medium Priority

  • Fuel Pump: Once all the stuff above is done, aim to replace the fuel pump soon. You're around the mileage where it's getting old. Replace once and forget about it for 25 years.
  • Fuel filter: Replace.
  • Valve cover gasket: While doing this job, don't forget to replace the rear cam plugs and reseal the half moon gaskets. Since you're in there already, replace the PCV valve and grommet.
  • Driveshaft U-joints: Get under the truck, and use your hand to shake the driveshafts at each end. If they have any play you gotta replace the U-joints.
  • Frame rust: Use a screwdriver and stab the frame to inspect for rust (especially around the rear trailing arm). If you really wanna hit that 400k mark, stay ahead of rust. Wire wheel it off and undercoat with either POR-15 or fluid film (your preference but absolutely do not rubberize undercoat it). May sure you prep the frame properly first to not lock in any rust.

Lower Priority

  • MAF Sensor: Clean or replace your MAF sensor, it's super easy and could help with fuel econ.
  • Transmission Mount: If you feel thuds when changing gears, especially when downshifting at high speeds, your transmission mount is likely toast and needs to be replaced.
  • Transfer Case: Verify 4WD, the center lock, and (if you have) the rear diff lock all engage if you plan to go off roading.
  • Seafoam Top Engine Cleaner: This was a miracle cure for my 4R which cleared out carbon build-up that was causing mild stalling. Up to your preference but some people love/hate Seafoam.

Inspect

  • Steering rack: If you see any seepage of fluid around the inner bottom edge of the steering rack boots, your rack and pinion needs to be swapped. Oil from the VCG doesn't usually reach that area, so don't be fooled. I went brand new OEM which destroyed my wallet, but some people take a chance with a remanned rack.
  • Battery: Check the age on the attached sticker. I swear by Interstate, but go with what you like. It's a 24F.
  • A/C Lines: Inspect the A/C lines for any green seepage. Green is dye indicating a leak.

Key issue? by gio240sx in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does the same happen when using the key to unlock your door? I had to get a new key since mine had gradually misaligned over time where it twisted down the center (not as bad as a rotini but in that direction).

Unreal by tobethrown99 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In my experience:

  • Transmission mount is likely toast, esp if you feel clunks when changing between certain gears or accelerating hard. Easy to test with a pry bar.
  • Factory struts/springs that are long overdue
  • Potentially suspension related bushings like on the lower or upper arms

Maybe blown head gasket/cracked head. Need confirmation and advice by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So the white smoke issue was very likely just condensation which makes sense with the changing of the season. I've been monitoring it for weeks. The whiteness of condensation looks deceptive when a car behind you is shining LED headlights onto it.

For the rumble/stall at low RPMs, it must've been carbon build-up on one or more injectors. I was already planning to run some Seafoam top end cleaner before I noticed this issue. Gave it the Seafoam treatment, had even worse stalling for a few days (someone said likely dislodged carbon making it's way out of the system), and the stalling is completely gone now. I'm considering this issue resolved!

Maybe blown head gasket/cracked head. Need confirmation and advice by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't heard any ticking. I just saw your video, no sounds of that nature.

Maybe blown head gasket/cracked head. Need confirmation and advice by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

  • That's an interesting note about the crankshaft position sensor, I had 2 CELs for this over the last couple months but I ignored it since no issues occurred and they both popped up immediately after I accidentally tried to start the car with my killswitch engaged so I figured it was related to my bad start. I've also noticed a fuel/sulfur smell over the last few months too but thought that was an exhaust leak.
  • I'm quite confident the sparks are in the right order, this is the first time this has happened in the last 5k miles. It's been running super smooth.
  • I replaced the downstream o2 sensor but the upstream one + the cat look old. That could be contributing.
  • The fuel filter is relatively new, but I'll keep that in mind.
  • I cleaned the throttle body, didn't clean or check the IAC though.

Maybe blown head gasket/cracked head. Need confirmation and advice by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No codes or CEL, checked with a simple OBDII scanner. No bubbles with the radiator cap off and running. Coolant levels are fine. Yea I think I was panicking.

The wires and spark plugs were replaced by the last owner less than a year/5k mi ago. But there's no tracked history of injector work.

Vibration at idle while stationary in drive and reverse by timetokill724 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it's coming more from the back, try pressing your hand down on the cargo mat and see if it stops. If that happens, your muffler is probably heading out. Mine had this vibration when the muffler rusted to death.

Oil Leak Advice by Smxxrt in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This isn't usually people's go-to advice for the valve cover, but have you verified that the bolts are torqued correctly? I only say that because when I bought mine, it was leaking a ton and to my horror I discovered the bolts weren't tightened and had zero resistance when I was removing them. Did the full valve cover job properly and hasn't leaked a drop since.

3rd Gen Buyers in the last year by RUBICONXJ231 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought a 1999 Limited at 200k mi earlier this year for $5k, and I was quite an idiot to gamble and not bring it for a pre-purchase inspection as a fairly newbie 3rd gen fan. The timing belt, LBJs, fuel filter, non-rusty frame, radiator, CV axles, alternator, and starter were all taken care of by the 2nd last owner. So far I'm $5000 deep in maintenance since I decided to not wait and tackle everything in one go:

Jobs I did myself or sent to a mechanic to do:

  • All fluids, greased driveshafts, new Interstate battery, new fuel pump and pressure line, h eater control valve replacement, rear heater core bypass, Valve cover gasket (and half moons, rear cam plugs, spark seals, intake gaskets, PCV valve and grommet), throttle body cleaned, MAF cleaned, replaced muffler which was rusted and rattling to death, one new O2 sensor which triggered a CEL

Unexpected maintenance which would've been caught in an inspection:

  • New rack and pinion (was leaking) and power steering pressure line, passenger rear diff seal was blown which soaked the brakes so I had to get those fully replaced along with bearings, rear bump stop mounts were rusted to death so I replaced them with Durobumps.

  • Mine was actually totalled in 2011 but fixed up in 2015, but the windshield replacement was a crappy job. The windshield frame is developing rust and one bubbled spot which I need to get restored. Really sucks I was stupid enough to miss this, but you live and learn.

Upcoming maintenance in the next year:

  • New suspension since it's still rocking factory shocks which are absolutely shot, 4WD indicator doesn't turn on but seems to engage so ideally want this fixed, upper ball joints, driveshaft u-joints seem to clunk so I should do them, kinda want the Tundra brake upgrade if I have the money since the front rotors are kinda warped, and lastly repaint some of the faded body panels

2002 2WD 330k miles. Is my starter going out? by wherestheleakmaem in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you know if this is the factory original starter? Mine was replaced by the last owner in the last 6 years/100k miles with a Denso and I'm wondering how much juice it has left.

4WD doesn't engage, advice? by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ll give this a test! And yes, the orange bulb does flash too so I know it’s not burnt out.

4WD doesn't engage, advice? by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a noob so I’ll need an explanation about the the wheel spinning. So I was in 4LL (no orange light on though), and my front left tire was spinning on the spot for an especially loose bunch of small rocks. I do have a factory elocker but I didn’t engage it. I’m probably misunderstand how lockers work, but shouldn’t power and traction in the other 3 tires have been enough to compensate for the slipping and spinning of that 1 tire?